Alan Tann

11 hours ago, mrdoofa said:

The power of that V8 with the gearbox kick down sure is addictive!!! You also get a nice distant V8 roar which I love.

I do still like the Rover 75 and many other rovers but just had too many issues, Fuel pumps, failed cooling fan, leaky boot, IPK display problems, bits of trim falling off, rear subframe starting to rot and various other minor niggles.

The only jag I've had is an X-type diesel before the Rover 75. Nice enough car but the mondeo jokes soon got old and it wasn't the roomiest of cars.

One more thing, when checking a car it's always worth doing an online MOT history check to see what failures and advisories it has had in the past. All you need is the reg and make of car.

I only found out about that service after my car failed its MOT. It is a great service for perspective buyers. The only issue I've found with it, is if the car has been on a private plate, there doesn't seem to be any information. 

4 minutes ago, mrdoofa said:

I also think the facelift model has Bluetooth and on some cars you may find adaptive radar cruise control. I also believe they added cornering headlights. The 6 speed box increased the torque so the 0-60 time went from 6.7secs to 6.3secs. Fuel economy was also slightly improved.

Pre facelift cars are obviously going to be cheaper than facelifted ones. I don't think either disappoints though, to me condition and service history will always win out. In other words if there was a good facelift car and a REALLY good pre facelift, I'd take the pre facelift. 

Also, when checking the bonnet struts, check the boot ones too. I had to replace mine but they only cost £25 on eBay and an easy 5 minute DIY job to fit. As others have said go over the car carefully and don't rush, check all the gadgets and electrics (there's lots on these cars!!!). I too had many problems with my Rover 75 which is a shame because they are nice cars. You really can't beat the quality, fit and finish and refinement of the Lexus LS though in my opinion. I also love the attention to detail these cars have such as lights under the mirrors that automatically illuminate the pavement as you approach the car, illuminated interior door handles, even the storage box under the armrest is illuminated. There is a tiny 3rd sun visor above the interior mirror, they have soft closing doors and much more. One thing I would suggest is look at a couple because even ones that are a bit rough can still easily seduce you, they are that good. The engines and gearboxes on these things are pretty much bombproof and will run forever with regular servicing. These cars are over engineered but there are some weaknesses as pointed out in posts above, I don't think the problems with these cars is that anything is unreliable as such it's just if things like the air suspension, steering column motors etc do go wrong they are very expensive to fix. I've decided to enjoy my car as it is and not worry about something that may never go wrong, I'll cross that bridge if and when I may come to it. Good luck with the search, just don't rush and remember to check everything.

Thanks for that informative guide. I will just enjoy it regardless. After my 6 years of Rover ownership, I cannot wait to return to the Lexus fold of power, equipment and reliability. 

1 hour ago, mrdoofa said:

I also went from a diesel Rover 75 to a GS430 and now an LS430.

I think the newest sat nav disc you can get is 2012 from these people:

http://www.satnavdiscsale.com/lexus-2012-sat-nav-update-disc-for-all-generation-1-navigation-122-p.asp

I think it is a very usable system, the only bind is lack of postcode input.

The facelift models offer the 6 speed box with tiptronic control, slightly revised front styling, fold down vanity mirrors for rear passengers, reversing camera, I've heard they improved the heated and cooled seats for the facelift but I don't know for certain, the pointers in the instrument panel changed from red to white and all text displays became matching amber, the gearstick surround is wood on facelift models, it is brushed aluminium on pre facelift (I prefer the aluminium). They also added voice activation. (I wouldn't use that because I'd feel stupid talking to my car but others probably like it!!!). That's all I can think of for the facelift.

My LS430 wasn't quite perfect, almost but not quite. I have a blown subwoofer which I'm going to attempt repairing with some silicone sealant after reading many success stories online which doesn't even include removing the speaker as you need to take back seats out to do that. My power fold mirrors only close about 1\3 of the way but some WD40 might cure that. The up down adjustment on my drivers door mirror doesn't work so I moved it in place by hand (left and right adjustment is fine). If anyone knows how to fix this please let me know!!!

I think when you are looking at cars this old with possibly quite high mileages you can't really expect absolute perfection, there maybe a few niggles here and there. One thing I will say is that mine has done 200k with a full 20 stamp Lexus service history with 2 cambelt changes and really does drive like a dream!!! It is by far the best car I've ever had and I've had plenty!!! I don't think I could go back to a lesser car now, although there are certain things that can go wrong and things to check for I believe these really are amongst the finest and best engineered cars on the road bar none.

My fuel economy averages 23-24mpg on my 10 mile trip to work and 10 miles back. Last time I went on the motorway I was getting about 32-33mpg. Not bad for a 2 ton V8 luxury barge. It's bloody quick when you want it to be too, easily capable of smoking most other cars on the road or you can just sit back and relax and enjoy the near silent ride this car offers. As I said, the best car I've had. 

 

Thanks for the info, can't wait to test one. it will be so nice to get back to the refinement of a v8 and Lexus quality. Diesel is fine, but there is nothing like that lovely refinement. I do enjoy the rarity of these cars too. I've own 5 Jaguar XJ6's in the past and though they feel more sporty, they are just not as reliable as a Lexus. Especially after the unreliability of my Rover 75. 

6 hours ago, cruisermark said:

hi

These cars have alot of gadgets and some weak points aswell so aslong as you take your time and check everything you should be fine - infact the more you ask over the phone the better.

the cambelt should be changed every 100k miles or 10 years - whichever is earlier

No it doesnt have postcode destination.

i do mostly local runs and get 20 - the VVti is better but marginal - im not sure whether you will notice an actual difference in real life - if your budget allow try to go for a facelift one.

its funny how i have LS owners like the same cars - Rover 75 - Mazda Mx5 and Toyota camry to name a few.

Apart from the 6 speed box, what advantages does the facelift have? 

35 minutes ago, cruisermark said:

hi

These cars have alot of gadgets and some weak points aswell so aslong as you take your time and check everything you should be fine - infact the more you ask over the phone the better.

the cambelt should be changed every 100k miles or 10 years - whichever is earlier

No it doesnt have postcode destination.

i do mostly local runs and get 20 - the VVti is better but marginal - im not sure whether you will notice an actual difference in real life - if your budget allow try to go for a facelift one.

its funny how i have LS owners like the same cars - Rover 75 - Mazda Mx5 and Toyota camry to name a few.

Do you know what the last dvd was for the satnav? Is it usable, say to get from Brighton to Birmingham for example. The Rover was a nice car, no Lexus but great fuel economy 52mpg on a run with auto. But the CDTI wasn't built for the car and it was a nightmare to have any work done, due to the lack of space. 

I've seen a couple on eBay in Birmingham. That is a lot of things to check! The cam belt service, is that the very 90'000 miles? The same as the mk4? It will be nice to get one after 7 years without an LS. Was running at Rover 75 CDTI Auto for that time, but has just failed massively on the Mot and not worth repairing. The satnav is it usable? Does it have postcode destination? Regarding mpg, I rarely got low 20's on my mk2. I've read the vvti is more frugal. Possible mid 30's on a run?

Looking to purchase a 2000/01 with premium pack. Had a mkii a number of years ago. I'm sure the 430 is a massive improvement on that? What to check for/ask about. Looking at the distance from me in Kent, the main ones seem to be in Birmingham. I might have to make a deal over the phone. 

I have a 2000 with the DHP.

If I had my chance again then I would rather not have the DHP. It makes for a choppy ride on B roads and the handling isn't that much better. These cars just don't want to be thrown into corners, they are cruisers.

The tyres for the 17" wheels are ridiculously expensive. :o

The Sat Nav is awkward to use and the directions it gives are quite often very suspect. It can't be programmed while the car is in Drive so your passenger can't even use it while you are driving.

The fuel enonomy is about the same as my 95 LS was, I average about 25 MPG.

Having said all that, it might only have 20 BHP more but you can tell the difference when you stamp on the loud pedal.

Personally, if my 95 LS had not lurched every time the AC compressor kicked in then I would have had another MKIII, that was the thing that annoyed me most about my 95. The MKIV is silky smooth AC on or off.

Just my view.

Redsteve.

This always happened to me in my MKII, I am thinking about getting another LS probiably a MKIII. But I hated the lurching with the A/C on, does this affect all MKIIprobably and III?

Thanks Steve, my LS400 is 94 MKII.

Both mirrors did adjust when I bought the car in December 2006.

Any other ideas apart from replacing the ECU?

The electric mirror operation does not seem to be working on either mirror.

Any idea's?

Thanks for you help, took of the fuse cover under the steering wheel and made sure that all the fuses were secure.

Bingo! Memory functions now work!

Thanks Alan.

Only Gold Members are entiltled to offer goods for sale.

Vauxhall Vectra 2.5 V6 SRI first car. Very heavy clutch put me off manuals.

Vauxhall Carlton GSI auto 3.0 12v

Daimler 4.0 Straight six a real dog!

Vauxhall Senator 3.0 24v very quick and comfortable

Ford Granada Scorpio 2.0 auto so slow!!!!!

Jaguar Sovereign 4.0 best car I have owned pure luxury, somebody went in the back off it written off.

Lexus LS400 MK2 Nice car more power and toys than my jag but not as exiting.

Next car in April BMW 740I

No beeps but the seat belt height control works.

Hope this might give you some more ideas.

The memory seat option has never worked since I bought my MK2 LS. I have a Lexus technical CD this point to a problem with the steering column. Any ideas, the seat belt button works so I'm guessing it's not the control panel it's self? Thanks Alan.

Speaking of the Bosh wipers, do not buy the ones with the air blade on top. I have one on my Lexus drivers side and it goes to far to the right and hits the side of the windscreen.

This has taken the lacker off over time.

I need some new wipers and will be buying the standard Bosh wipers next time.

Mine has done 100500, MK2 1994.

Oracle, I bought that gearknob for my MK2 from here:

http://www.piaa.com.au/prod522.htm

It was here in two weeks, use the tutorial posted earlier to fit it, looks nice and you don't lose the overdrive function.

Hope this helps Alan.

O'dear the car has lost the gas again.

At least it lasted ten days this time.

My mechanic thinks the leak is begind the dash, as there is a strong smell of gas after using the aircon and turning it off.

Does anybody have any idea where to look behind the dash and how to remove it?

Thanks Alan.

Car went in today to see if they could find the leak.

My mehnic thinks that is the rubber seal on the pipe that connects to the front of the condensor.

He ran the dye test and you can see it all over that join.

It is going in next Thursday to replace this.

Hopefully this will fix the problem, exspecialy with the weather we have been having this week.

One question, my car only has one electric cooling fan, on the lefthand side of the engine.

But a digaram I have of a 94 MK2 Lexus shows two cooling fans?

Do your Lexus's only have one cooling fan?

Thanks Alan.

It has been over a week now and the aircon is still working!

That must of been where the leak was.

It is too cold now though, I have to keep puting it on auto 16 or low 0.5.

Thanks for all the advice.

When I have a bit of time and the money I will give it ago.

Want to give my Lexus a good clean, I used Autoglm wax but it did not get rid of all the little scratches.

Can anybody recommend a tin wax that will also cut the paint slightly.

Thanks Alan.

They need to learn to drive.

Lorry drivers think they own the road.

What a waste of a great car.

Hope you get a good payout from the insurance company and get another one.

Alan.

My Lexus is from September 94 MK2, it only has one electric air con fan on the left of the engine.

I have seen a diagram if the engine, are they not meant to have two fans?

Thanks Alan.