Spacewagon52

RX is the still the best option for practicality - but you are thinking of getting an estate - so the GS450H would tempt me.

Your new car is the 300h?

Let us know how you get on with it.

Older people have one advantage ........................ the big E

That was my experience when I sold my MkIII LS400. Never really thought I would get another one - hey ho! Actually owning one is the only way to fully appreciate how good they are. They compare very favourably with most modern cars. If you compare them with other cars of the same age, they are just incredible. The ride is my favourite quality along with smooth gear changes and ample acceleration. Economy is more than acceptable for a 4.0 litre V8 - much better than you would get from a Jaguar of similar vintage. Buy as new as you can afford with a service history and you will not regret it. I drove mine yesterday and thought, this car cost £48,000 in 1998 and I am the owner! Would you consider a Rolls Royce of this vintage? I certainly would not because of the £££££££ signs you would see coming out of your pocket. If you do pick a Lemon you will be VERY unlucky. So many people on this forum have sold their cars with regret and bought another one. They are also very reluctant to sell to upgrade. Good luck with your search and keep us all posted.

If I did that, I can just imagine all the squeaks and rattles that would result - not to mention many parts left over.

That photo fills me with horror! You are a clever (and brave) chap! I would not dare do anything like that!

There are some photos that have not come out. Your cars are the silver 430LS and the red GS450h ? - I do like BOTH! That red sets off the GS well. I would never buy a flat red car again, as the paint fades to pink but metallics don't seem to suffer with the same problem..

Sorry Paul, I think I have been looking at a different car. I was looking at the American ones. What does yours look like?

I am just too old for this ...... what a waste of money.

I do not wish to go off topic but purchasing a car and then finding it does not suit you is a worry for all of us when we change vehicles. Chris, have you had an XM before or had an extended test drive before you bought this one? Can you put your finger on why you don't like it?

Not wafted ........ cosseted ....... in fact it might not be a good idea, as I would loath to be responsible for you guys being dissatisfied with you ISF's!

Wonderful! But NOT as historic as the LS 400!

Off to purchase a lottery ticket - then to please the salesman at Lexus Croydon with a BIG tip! http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201701191449539?model=IS F&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&radius=1500&sort=price-desc&postcode=ct149te&make=LEXUS&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

Fuelling could be an issue after 4.00 pm for the ISF group. The Ls's will be fine as we can carry more fuel - AND do a bit better on mpg. I would be very disappointed to get anything less than 30mpg.

Looks good vALUE!

I had a MkI Grand for off-roading. Very impressed with it considering the hammering it took. You did not consider an RX then? Surprising. Hope it goes well and suits you.

Do let us know Peter, what you get to replace it. It has been a very interesting and informative thread - many thanks.

That is very interesting but also it must be disappointing for you, especially as you have put so much work, energy and enthusiasm into bringing it up to par. It is a cautionary tale for all of us. I find my Mk IV LS400 throttle response much more sensitive than the Mk III I had. An extended test drive does not always do a car justice. I have found that many cars seem to be better than you expected after running them for a while. I have been put off the 460 by negative comments on thge forum. Really not sure what I would choose to replace my 400 - another Lexus but not sure which model. The LS430 sounds like the best option when the time comes. Will you go back to a 430 then?

Also depends on space you have in the garage/shed/workshop/drive. Not forgetting the wife, who might not be well pleased with a half-broken car on the drive/garage!

Have bought a set for my Grandis People carrier a while ago - price depends on the quality you choose. I was pleased with my set.

The dash camera has been speeded up to approximately the speed your ISF's will be doing I expect.

Not wishing to spoil the trip but this clip has quite a bit of dashcam footage to give you an idea of what to expect. It did whet my appetite!

You would probably fall asleep, as I rarely go over 50 mph.

You might be able to find one of these secondhand - I had one and it was excellent. https://www.lintran.co.uk/downloads/Main-Brochure-2013.pdf