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France before the war the government launcheda campain to reduce drinking of wine. They did this by printing posters with a warning to not drink more than 3 litres of wine. Per Day!. In the fifties this was reduced to 1 litre again per day. Below a pic of a schoollunch before the war where you guessed it red wine was served.

TBH Vlad, a cellar of 250-300 bottles is no big deal in my neck of the woods, which is a wine-growing area. In fact, many houses have proper below-ground cellaring facilities for thousands of bottles. In my own case I am limited to three alcoves of single-bottle depth, each sufficient for approx. 100 bottles, built into the stonework and dating from c. 1500-1550. I attach a photo of one of them, and I think you’ll agree it would be a shame to leave it empty. Yes, sooner or later, all the bottles I lay up will have been consumed at an average minimum rate of one a day. The bottles are usually almost immediately replaced, not out of any urgency on my part but because looking at full shelves gives me a feeling of contentment and, perhaps, of some sort of security.

I picked up my 2020 UX last Wednesday. It's a UX with the Premium Pack. A good price I thought also, from a Lexus dealer. I also got a full service, 4 new tyres and a new windscreen thrown in, all free. Whilst the work was being done, I was loaned a UX F Sport (Takumi). I think I prefer my lesser specced version. The HUD display was good, but I found it distracting. The 'leather' seats were nice, but I miss them less than I thought I would. The sound system was fine, though not sure I can tell the difference. The Lane Assist was ok, but sometimes too clever for its own good. The big screen was very clear, though almost too big? The blind spot warning worked well, but I often thought there was a car indicating in my peripheral vision, when it was simply a car going past me, on the M6. My UX is great. A VERY comfortable ride, very comfy seats, great equipment still. Reversing camera, heated seats and steering wheel. No ventilated seats, but I turned them off. Wasn't keen.The sound system is fine, I can connect my iPhone etc. It's a lovely looking car, feels so solid. And currently 53mpg. The hybrid works seamlessly. It feels nice to be back in the Lexus world!

I afraid, that I'm happy to say a couple of belting Islay Malts serve my palate well. Laphroaig Quarter Cask, or Lagavulin 16 year old. Either 10% room temperature water, or neat. And a favourite wines are a ten year old Barolo, or, maybe Montrachet or a decent Chablis. The real issue is that I have a champagne taste, and a beer pocket! But what little I have, I enjoy.

Everyone, Anyone Am I the only one on this Forum with a Mk1 Ls400 ? J73PBX Other posts advise there's only 40 left on the roads in the UK 😇 Malc

Well... DTC No. Code INF DTC Detection Condition Faulty area P0A90 251 Reduced magnetic field strength of the electric motor or phase short circuit Hybrid transmission assembly That said: DTC No. Relevant diagnostics P0A1A (all INF codes), P0A1B (all INF codes) Malfunction in the MG ECU circuit P0A1D (all INF codes) Malfunction in the hybrid system ECU circuit P0A3F-243, P0A40-500, P0A41-245 Motor resolver circuit P0A4B-253, P0A4C-513, P0A4D-255 Generator resolver circuit P0A51-174 Malfunction in the MG ECU circuit P0A60 (all INF codes), P0A63 (all INF codes) Motor Current Sensor Circuit P0A72 (all INF codes), P0A75 (all INF codes) Generator current sensor circuit P0A78-306, 510, 586, 266, 267, 523 Motor inverter malfunction (n.b. me - motor means MG2) P0A7A-344, 522 Generator inverter fault P0A90-509 Motor system malfunction P0A92-521 Generator system malfunction P0A94-585, 587, 589, 590 Boost Converter Circuit P0AA6 (all INF codes), P3004-132 High voltage system P3233-750 Hybrid system valve lock wiring faulty NOTE: P0A90-251 may be set due to a malfunction that also causes the DTCs listed in the table above to be output. In this case, first troubleshoot the issued DTCs listed in the table above. Then perform a test to try to reproduce the faults and ensure that no DTCs are output. First things first - log the inverter temps. Hybridassistant can log to a csv file, the "inverter temp" is the highest of either the MG1 or MG2 inverter temps. If it spikes wildly - there's a very high likelihood that the inverter has deteriorated to the point of being very noticeable like that - so I'd start with swapping said inverter. I'd too wager on it being at fault given how sudden and intermittent the issue seems to be. It's very likely that you're just a smooth/sensible/mature/whateveryouwannacallit driver - most cases of blown inverters aren't preceded by a p0a78, but then again - it's a sin not to use these cars' acceleration once in awhile... and some people tend to be holier than thou 😄 😄 😄 If you want to go down the rabbit hole - have fun

Now that raises an interesting issue. If you have a good wine cellar you need to keep a close eye on what is ready for drinking or getting past it. A lot of wine made nowadays is not designed to be kept and aged like the older wines were, so one has to be very careful. A friend who was moving house asked us to join him to drink the remains of his cellar before he left. He had some haute cotes de beaune rouge 1976 from a co-op. I told him that it would be past its sell by date as it is not a fine wine destined to be aged . We went round and he opened a few bottles - let's just say sherry/ vinegar/ lost all fruit/ garbage. He was not amused. Moral of the story - you have a good cellar - manage it!

2 x classic scenarios just today. First one - mature male cyclist riding down one way street the wrong way. Standard practice methinks, nothing unusual about that. Second one this evening 5pm. Waiting at red lights on a one way street, no entry to oncoming traffic, cyclist appears coming down the one way street the wrong way. Lights on red and he cuts across in front to go past on the wrong side down the next one way street through the red light. If it wasn't so stupid and dangerous it would be funny. Nothing we can do, just grin and bear it and see the antics as "amusing" or "interesting behaviour" from our barmy friends.

Check you have it the correct way up?

Kevin ..here we are a few days later and I have just spotted an article in Octane magazine where, in the 1980s somebody made a one-off "Helicar".It looks like only the bubble canopy was used with a large V8 inthe back.

Change the battery?

I was with Lancaster for years, around £200, then for a bit of fun, I tried Confused.com - ended up paying £98 for the year with Optima (Ageas), and got 12 car washes at £7 each, and 12 coffees at £3 each as Confused rewards. As they say over the pond - do the math....Of course, I'm not gonna put my LS through a machine car wash but still, someone in the family is using them 😜

Strongly recommend a DeLonghi top-of-the-range Magnifica Plus model, retailing in Italy at around €850 full-price. Mine is now around five years old and is still going strong although I suppose the company would claim to have made improvements since.

A hot 35 degrees down along the Rhône, aircon struggling to cope. Maybe needs a regass. Slightly cooler up here at 1500m.

2009 isn't a facelift... It is sort of "half-lift", some subtle differences, indicators on mirrors, different tail lights, removal of indicators from fenders... things like that. Point is - the bumper between 2005 and 2009 cars are the same, as long as they are same trim - SE-L and few other will have headlight washers, others don't. The new front bumpers only came around 2011 (i.e. the bumper in John's picture). They still fit, but as John said you will need everything then - different grille, different fog lights etc. Also IS220d rear bumper fits IS250, difference is 2 exhaust cut-outs vs 1 cut out. The bumper itself fits, but obviously you either need to modify it for exhaust or it may rub.

Just had my renewal quote from Direct Line it has increased from £788.00 to £1295-00 there have been no changes to the policy only the fact that my wife and I are a year older. Went on to Compare the Market and got it for £711.00 Hastings Direct Premier which I took straight away, how can these companies vary so much. It is highway robbery

That is what I said - it is rng generator... us trying to understand and explain it is equivalent to looking at ants nest and trying to explain what individual ant is doing (arguably it probably would be easier). Sometimes NCD works, sometimes it doesn't, as per example above - Admiral quote actually dropped. Also compare the market is owned by admiral group if I am not mistaken... so who knows how transparent it is. The only thing I care about is to get absolutelly cheapest cover possible, compare the market seems to provide that... and that is all, because I know that I will never benefit from it, it is one way game.

In my recollection the campaign was revived several times until at least the 60s with posters in the trains and stations of the Paris Métro. Many true Parisians were totally against the campaign, arguing (wrongly in my view) that the elimination of cheap red vin ordinaire from its combination with garlic and Gauloises on the breath of your fellow Métro passengers would reduce the city’s traditional charm for visitors.

Water is the real adult drink. Followed by a proper coffee made with proper beans in a proper Barista Coffee machine. If all that fails, a Pinã Colada will suffice for me. 😅🤣

Blimey Rabbers. You have a wine cellar with between 250 and 300 bottles of wine? Where's our invititations to a wine party? You can't drink All those bottles by yourself surely.

My 400H drips bucket fulls of condensation when I park it in the garage on a warm day, less when parked outside (but still quite a wet patch). Aircon is on all the time, no issues.

That is a harmonic vibration balancer thingy. Helps neutralise vibrations.

I really struggle with peated malt, though know those two well, laphroig in particular. Peating is something I’m close to at the moment so the wife doesn’t appreciate the smell I bring home every night!

Unsurprisingly a good single malt is my tipple of choice, neat or with ice. In the winter I may add some Drambuie to make a rusty nail. I’m currently drinking through the Bladnoch Dragon Series and a 12yo Macallan. I’m in the industry so feel I must do my part to support it! Can’t do pints. Even when I was a sailor it was a struggle. If forced to pints I’ll drink cider. Don’t go anywhere near wine which is ironic, the wife can’t survive without it!!

For anyone wanting to go down the all season route this review is an excellent source of info and up to date for 2024. For tyres of all types the channel is the best I've found.

Vines in Salford? Plus beading porn.

If the garage lost it surely they should replace it?

I still think they should give a financial incentive for those with a 4th generation who want to upgrade to the 5th generation. I will ask them when I have a bit of time

Mine has it (2022) I wondered what was going on the first time it happened but I reckon it woke up the van driver rapidly approaching me!

Automatic rear hazard light flashing is a feature on most of the latest models equipped with Blind Spot Monitor/Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function:

I had to read that twice to understand you didn’t necessarily mean with the same meal. On the other hand a cold post-prandial beer can have a quite rapid diuretic effect if so desired.

I never used my dictaphone…. Always used my finger!🤪

I quite like this for a daily tipple. Goes well with chips and beans.

Falken tyres ……. are generally thought to be at the top end of budget tyres pricewise ……. but of good high quality, nigh premium tyres in use and wear ……. I’ve used Falkens for many years and tens of 000’s miles on my cars and have nothing but praise Balancing, tracking and correct tyre pressures are your friend ……. and of course good condition suspension helps hugely …… and sensible thoughtful driving which is beyond many 🤔 Falkens for me 👍 Malc

I see 2 possibilities: 1. they will continue to fall slowly until they reach certain point and then the price will stabilise ~high 20s. Making it sort of IS-F>RC-F>GS-F>LC500 Supply of new cars has no relevance in case of LC500s, nobody bought the new for a while now. It was a trickle, couple of cars a year at best. Majority of LC500s were sold in first few years and that is true for most of such cars. 2. they will drop suddenly and then stabilise at ~high 20s. The reason for that - majority of used LC500s were always sold by Lexus dealers, it seems like Lexus paid special attention and tried to keep most of the cars in the network to sort of "control depreciation" and have monopoly on used LC500 market (I have no evidence but it seemed like Lexus was scooping them all and then fixing the price at high 40s and early 50s for a while). Now that cars are EOL they likely let the cars be traded by independent dealers at whatever market is willing to pay and that should reduce their value quite significantly. I personally don't see LC500 as collectors car, they actually sold quite a few of them and there is plenty of competition in that price point. Also they are not very practical... the fact that can be overlooked by person who buys brand new toy into the collection of multiple cars for £100k, but not the general public that needs to pay £45k for used car, which is potentially single car in household... suddenly practicality becomes a concern. That is why there is no issue selling 10 years old SUV, but selling used coupe which has tiny hatch for a boot barely fitting golf bag is an issue. Or... that is wishful thinking as I would gladly grab one for under £20k whenever that comes to the market.

Yes, that's the thing Don, I've looked everywhere for a proper name for but 'frisby thing' is as good as any. The garage are not admitting liability.

Then they can get off their backsides and fix the older vehicles and reduce insurance premiums