plastic orange

Yes, that's correct. They have a hydro formed chassis which is apparently 5 times stiffer than the C4. I've really had no complaints or issues with it despite it being a lot different to the LS 400. As I don't really need a 4 seater car I just fancied a change and the C5 came along, but I really did like my LS as I had it for almost 13years with very little trouble. I wouldn't hesitate getting another if a totally mint one dropped in my lap. Another car I'd like to revisit is a P6b Rover - I had a lovely one for a similar length of ownership as the LS.

I'd no complaints about either performance or handling on my lexus, just that the Corvette has more. It is a surprisingly comfy ride too, obviously not like the Lexus, but for a sports car, pretty good.

I replaced my Ls400 dhp with a C5 Corvette 3 years ago and it's been great - no rot to watch out for and similar mpg, but with more grunt and great handling.

In my case it dripped onto my monoblock and it seemed to seep into the block surface and I couldn't wash it off. Eventually I took a brass wire brush to buff off the stain, but this didn't really get it all off. Prior to this I used brake cleaner, thinners, power washing, jizer etc, in fact anything I could think of. I wasn't really impressed with it, so have never used it again. It may not affect granite cobbles though, but not worth the risk, put down a sheet before working I'd suggest. Pete

Do not let ACF50 drop onto your driveway if you have monoblock. I've mentioned this before, but worth repeating. Pete

I used Classicline when I had my LS. Pete

The Chevy weighs the same as a base mondeo and a lot less than an LS400 - that may surprise folks. It also may surprise folk that the 375hp fuel injected V8 makes it go rather nicely,combined with decent handling with TCI mustang 2 front suspension and Ford Explorer rear end, with discs all round, power steering etc. A popular misconception is that American cars don't handle, but they'd get a real surprise with a C5 Corvette. Most disappointed i've been with a car was when we test drove a new MX5 for my wife. I thought the handbrake was on. The Honda was really a bit too revvy for me with no decent torque and would have become a bit tiresome, but a nice package. I've never tried an Elise, so can't comment, but got put of Lotus cars in the 70's. Pete

I replaced my LS400 18 months ago with a lovely C5 Corvette. Drives as nice as my LS did, but with a bit more go, zero rust, and not far off the same mpg, plus spares are easily sourced at sensible prices.

Hot tip, don't let ACF drip onto monoblock paving on your drive. Don't ask how I know, but it doesn't come off easily. Pete

We bought an RX 300 at 10 years old and rust was similar to what is pictured. Once i bought it I rubbed down as much as I could and painted rust converter on the steel and then primer and finished with Bilt Hamber wax. The wax had to be applied every year otherwise it washed off, particularly on the exposed parts. Sadly, every year, the appearance got worse - and I wasn't doing a huge mileage. At 5 years ownership the rust looked to be becoming a problem, coupled with water leaks into the interior and I decided to move it on - for a Seat Ateca 190 tdi (wife's car). I do the same routine with it, and it's so much better protected from rust than the Lexus (it is a lot newer to be fair). I've checked on the continued MOT history of the RX - and my daughter in law's one of the same age - traded in at the same time and for similar reasons. They both have had sills welded and reports of the structure surrounding the subframe compromised - i doubt they'll last much longer. To cut a long story short, try and buy the best condition one you can and look at numerous examples, especially if you hope to keep it for some time. Perhaps get a proper underbody condition survey and work out if rust being sorted long term is viable prospect. Cars in Scotland do get a hard time though, especially by the sea. As far a engine noise goes I can't really comment, but our previous models were very quiet, and i'd expect nothing less from a lexus. I do wish they'd properly seal the body and underneath though - it's not rocket science. Good luck. Pete

When any car i own leaks, it's time to go. If an RX is pristine underneath then possibly worthwhile to spend time sorting it, but if not - goodbye. My solution was to drill a few holes in the boot and problem mitigated, not solved. Pretty poor that cars of this quality leak and are poorly rustproofed underneath. Pete

Be careful using Captain Tolley as it can damage paintwork if spilled and not cleaned off. Pete

Most insurances offer free chip repairs to windscreens. Pete

Most insurance policies are around £100 excess for windscreen damage, and with the state of our roads it's not wonder screens get damaged. Pete

Well, I sold our RX because of water and rust issues. Drilling holes seemed to work for me and making a 'dam' between boot and interior. When I said it was soaked, it was similar to throwing a bath mat in a bath full of water, and took weeks to dry out even with carpets lifted and me using a heat gun. When a car leaks with me, I move it on as it always brings other issues. I'll never buy another RX. Pete