RgrWynne

Normally it is the Japanese who do “ Europe in a week “

The only speeding tickets I got were 2 in North Wales and 1 in Scotland, but thankfully have been clean now for 15 years, and try to drive carefully. I certainly make full use of my cruise control, set at the speed limit.

Yup I use it , brilliant

Actually I travel at 80 on speedo , which in reality is 72 mph, still over I know . The parked vehicle was quite a way in the distance and could quite clearly see me coming, you don’t expect somebody to pull out in front of you, actually. However I do get your point and it is all chastening, but I am a pretty cautious driver, cheers, Roger

I drive my wife’s 1.5 Honda Jazz Sport, cvt, and to be honest I just use the accelerator pedal as required, and let the electronics take care of everything else. It is a different drive, but honestly does not concern me that the engine is high revving or not, at some point it will adjust.

The one thing I could not believe was just how many Motor Homes there were, being confirmed on Harris by the owner of the guest house we stayed at, that this year they have taken over. Of course they are all big on small roads, but we nearly had a head on smash, when I was doing about 80mph on our way back on a clear long stretch of open road, when a motor home coming in the opposite direction pulled out into our path to overtake a stopped vehicle. I know my LS braking ability , which is excellent and I have newish Michelin’s, and I was literally standing on the brake pedal, and I said to my wife , we are going to hit him. Just at the very last minute he moved out of my path. Believe me I was shaking and nearest miss I have had ever...... but my beloved LS430 lives to see another day. What I also should have said , as Malc has mentioned many times, I did not see another LS at all, and very very few Lexus’s, except on Barra, which is incredibly remote. My planned potential next car is an LC500, ( if I can fit in), when the prices have come down, and I feel the time is right, although not yet driven one. On Barra in front of me is a 68 plate white LC, thought I was seeing things. I have put a notification on the LC forum to see if they are a member but no response yet. My LS430, and all LS’s are truly wonderfully comfortable and perfect cruising cars and I plan to make use of mine and do more, cheers, Roger

Well just completed the above in my LS430. As expected a perfect trip, with no probs. Did 1150 miles overall, with quite a lot of driving on single track roads, so stop start. Got 27mpg overall and on the 360 mile trip from Fort William mostly at 80 on the motorway, achieved 32mpg, which is brilliant. Now gone over 99k miles and MOT due soon, so keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully will get a French trip in this year, Cheers , Roger

Adam what is the mileage of your 2003 LS 430, mine is 2002 and just approaching 100k. Had fluid changed, pan dropped at 60k, and touch wood, no problems. Rgds, Roger

Whilst I understand what you are meaning, having gone through all the emotions of trying to find faults before they occur, and asking my Indie what will require future work, I came to the conclusion to just “ enjoy” Each time I asked the question I was told nothing needed doing. They are complex beasts, but also extremely well constructed and reliable, so I do not think any check on a Lexus is invaluable, because if you just service them properly any fault will become obvious. When a fault does occur there are generally signs to then have them fixed. I am still coming to terms like us all probably that theses vehicles just go on and on. The only thing they must have is regular servicing , and as I read recently the LS was built to achieve 250,000 miles. So..........Enjoy

I am travelling on Barra, one of the most remote and least populated parts of the UK, and what do I see, a White 68 plate LC, not sure which model. I have an LS, and in time intend to upgrade to an LC500, and on my journey up here from Cheshire have not seen any Ls, Gs, or LC, so to see one here was unusual. Are you a member on here ?

Mine runs on 17 inch wheels so probably accounts for the difference. I follow the instructions in the manual . When I lost pressure because of leaking alloy wheels the handling was noticeably awful, more than in any other car I have driven in similar circumstances over the years. I do think it is important to follow the tyre or car manufacturers guide, as there could be legal and insurance consequences.

Handbook is quite specific, depending upon tyre size and loading. Normal is 35 all round. I am now on hols and loaded up, so front 35, rear 41. I have noticed incorrect tyre pressure have a real impact on handling, of course as well as being dangerous.

Bear in mind that fuel cost is a small part of the overall cost of running a car. Unless you are doing a high mileage, lpg conversion is a big risk, involving a not unsubstantial cost, and not everybody wishes to go travelling to Poland to prove a point.There are hidden costs and risks that are well published. Good luck with your decision, but running a very reliable car until it expires is your cheapest option.

I am not against LPG conversion, but recently reading about this on an honestjohn forum, and you also need to factor in extra mileage to get to somewhere that sells lpg. I looked into this but don’t do enough miles to warrant, plus something extra to go wrong, and extra service cost. I also am conscious that any minor accident and the insurance company will write the car off, at its market value. There are many on here delighted to have converted, and saved a lot of money, so you pays your money and takes your choice. Good luck whatever you decide, Roger

I and trust this time you have remembered to activate your solar charger on the Lexus before you left this time John 😜, Cheers, Roger

Whilst I agree with you and understand the sentiment you make, these engines are incredibly robust, capable of 500,000 miles. There may well be wear because of lack of oil changes, but realistically it will outlast any new owner, probably without problem. I think I would be more concerned about changes to anti freeze and brake fluid, where any damage can’t really be measured.

Try Paul Frost, Lexussparesdirect,has an Ebay site, cheers, Roger

Off to Arran myself early next month and just read your blog.....wish me well 😂😂😂

Hi, we go from Ardrossan to Brodick Lochranza to Claonaig, Oban to Castlebay, Ardmhor ( Barra) to Eriskay, Berneray to Leverburgh, Tarbet to Uig, and finally Armadale to Mallaig, then drive back to Cheshire. Accomadation and ferries all booked 8-20 th May and looking forward to it. Decided LS best car for journey and trust all goes well, cheers, Roger

And I am taking the LS to the Outer Hebrides in 3 weeks time for a 2 week holiday

I totally agree, been in exactly the same situation, thinking about what might need doing, to find all ok. Take Phil’s advice and just enjoy. Mine is now on 97500, mot coming up in June, I will just take it all as it comes, and if a problem, hello Paul Frost. Happy motoring 😜

Never heard that before. There is a school of thought that you do it periodically, probably beginning of season, to clear out bacteria, but also never done that in any cars, without any problems.

I always leave my aircon switched on all the time, winter and summer for that very reason. I don’t know of a reason for doing otherwise, there is minimal cost involved.

That is amazing, does not really owe you much, and I bet not cost you much, and possibly in the hands of an able self mechanic type will go on 👍

Also sorry to hear of your predicament, and trust your wife makes a full recovery. Love the boat and your photos and reports ,Rgds,Roger