Spacewagon52

The ones with full Lexus service history would be my choice - depending on condition.

Enjoy! Interested to know what you think of this model after you have had it a few weeks. I would be surprised if you are disappointed.

The fun is in the chase!

Buying a reliable car, is for me one of the main priorities. It is not always about cost but the inconvenience of having to take it back to the garage, especially when they don't fix the problem the first time. A "good" car gives you a "feeling" which is hard to describe - it has nothing to do with the age of the vehicle. Thinking back to my purchasing experiences (only ever bought one new car) the two (old) LS400's I have owned have given me the biggest grin on my face. I try to work on a depreciation of £1,000 to £1500 a year. If I can keep within this band then I think I am doing well. What has been your most enjoyable car to own? What has been your "best" and "worse" depreciation experience? This will probably need a new thread?

You are correct, it is not illegal but if your action causes an accident you have the possibility of being prosecuted.

You cut me deep Shrek! You cut me deep!

That is also my worry!

I find the chase more exciting than owning the car!

Trying to keep it as "young" as possible is my excuse for limiting the mileage, but also it helps you forget how good it is when you get back in! I do use it for longer journeys but I am a bit paranoid where I park it. I do agree with the above comments but I find it hard. If I could guarantee being able to get another one in such condition, I would not hesitate. I know this is not logical....... but.........

"the problem with most Lexus is you grow fonder of them the more you drive them, a test drive, even for 24hours just doesn't cut it " I could not agree more. The longer you own a Lexus the more you appreciate how good they are.

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2016/11/08/extended-range-electric-vehicles-coming-to-lexus/ Possible change of direction?

They have taken over from the BMW drivers. I think that advert with the young Yuppy changed a few minds.

Leave the handbrake off and leave it in park - only if you are not on a steep hill!

My family tree is full of nuts!

Check that fluid and get the radiator changed if the transmission is fine.

People spend a great deal of time and money keeping classic cars going. It is as Royoftherovers says The value perspective is the main issue. You know in your heart when a car has "had its day" with you. I just can't imagine this happening with the LS400. Our problems come when we HAVE to replace it - accident damage beyond repair for example. What would I get? LS430 probably - 460? NO! I want to keep the 400 for as long as I can afford to run it! You are right (???) there is something very special about these cars which you just can't put your finger on ........ and other people say that they have no soul ...... humbug!

I thought the above discussion was one of the best I have read in a while, where people disagree. It is a shame when people take it personally. We need more polite discussions - well done chaps! The diesel/petrol debate is a very interesting one. I have my feet in both camps. I have the LS400 and a Mitsubishi Grandis diesel (VW 2.0 TDI engine). Working out economy (££££££) overall is very subjective rather than objective for most people. The figures (total £) do not always seem to add up to me. People will spend £20,000 plus on a car but choose a diesel to save £500 a year on fuel. The total cost of ownership is the bottom line but few people (including me) work that one out. When you go the pumps and it costs £85 to fill up – that is immediate and makes people wince. I have just come back from a trip to Bristol in the LS 400 (approx. 400 mile round trip). In the Lexus I get 30 mpg, in the Grandis 42 mpg. I would rather pay the extra for such a wonderful journey! Obviously if you are doing 15,000 miles plus each year, then diesel is a better option – but work out exactly how much extra it will cost in fuel. Car expenditure is not always worked out with spreadsheets but how we “feel” at the time. MPG is just one factor (though major) to be taken into consideration. I am not sure many new cars would give me such a superb ride to Bristol and back as the LS 400 – and at a fraction of the purchase price. A major mechanical breakdown can wipe out that economy at a stroke. Diesel/Petrol – horses for courses. Just my thoughts

Transmission fluid check was my immediate thought. Have you had a new radiator put on since you have owned it?

An excellent discussion, where everyone was polite! I real pleasure to read.

Never put my car in the garage wet - leave it outside or, as Verbout suggests, leave the door/windows of the garage open.

A fire-proof job! Retired / retarded!

It is a work in progress, so don't be disappointed!

Collecting seems to be a very male thing. Do any of your spouses (female) collect things? I have collected Lego, deactivated historic firearms, WW1 genuine and replica items. I am now on to OO Gauge railway modelling - though I have zero skills in this area. It is interesting to note how people who really like one thing (Lexus LS 400's) also have similar interests. Call me a nerd? I couldn't care less at my age!

It will make people look twice as they try to work out what make it is. I have seen some debadged Astras and really had to think carefully before fully realising what car they were. Astras are very common so that observation surprised me.

Pinking in the 1980's was the bain of my life. I had a Mitsubishi Galant 2.0 litre (1982) and I think around 1985 they reduced the lead content of petrol - it would always "pink" to some extent, even with the ignition retarded. I believe that cars that ran on leaded petrol had to have their valve seats hardened to take unleaded when leaded fuel was eventally withdrawn. I really hated the pinking sound and got rid of the car because it annoyed me so much. I bought a Volvo - an even BIGGER mistake! LOL!