The-Acre

Not me sir, but pistols at dawn will suffice, trouble is, with the lockdown, I'm beginning to forget what dawn looks like!

And why would that be young man?

It may also be worth considering the many catalytic converter thefts from these cars, if you're on a tight budget you don't want that extra expense. I've not driven an RX but I'm told they are brilliant and with a great driving position.

Looking at your photos reminds me of our European road trip two years ago in my 2005 GS300. It performed magnificently during 2.5k miles in ten days with amazing fuel economy. Yours looks like a new car, and really light and airy with the upholstery!

I think it's worth remembering that these were cars sold to people who could afford them new and that maintenance costs didn't really concern them. When we buy them several years down the line the cost of just one major repair could easily be far more than the car's value itself. It's that possibility that makes these ageing limos worth so little. Last year I replaced my suspension which cost me nearly half of what I paid for the car. You're right of course, they are a massive amount of car for little money, and if they stay that way, and certain preventative measures make that possible, they are a joy to own! Personally I wouldn't want anything other than an LS430, and I've had the LS400 and a GS, but I know the risk, although the risk is much lower than if I had bought the German alternative. People who condemn the LS430 are often the ones who have never even driven one, they judge by what they read, it's a poor judgement.

To be honest I don't think it's a particular bargain, and as Piers says, I'd really want to know what sort of overhaul the suspension has had. I had one that colour, a 51 plate with 139k and I thought I did ok getting £1,100 for it. And I notice it's got the delamination on at least the drivers window, that would drive me nuts!

I had to have a new height sensor on a previous LS430 and it was simply plug and go. As is often mentioned, the engine should never be run when the car is jacked up as it confuses the system, apart from that it's straightforward. Have you tried Rockauto in the US for new parts? Even with shipping etc it can save lots.

That's some corrosion, although it often looks worse than it is. I can't quite see where the bracket has broken, and it isn't the same problem another member had but the same symptom.

At least not as painful as replacing the struts which I did last year! Have you got a photo of the affected area?

I think with some patience you'll find what you're looking for. Generally it seems that convertibles have lower mileage clocked up. Also the SC isn't a super rare car, they do keep cropping up. Have you considered a Toyota Soarer, it's the same car but an import, it'll be in amazing condition. A few on eBay but in Middlesbrough.

The second one in a week! Could be much worse.

I'm with you on this, in the winter I wouldn't have too much of an issue, but this time of the year? I've sat in my car in the summer with the windows slightly down, it's unbearable, and I'm not wearing a fur coat!

True, they are a tad ugly inside, they remind me of an Amstrad computer!

This may be worth a try. The guy from Brighton who did his conversion is Jon. He runs a car valeting company called Wizard. Assuming he still runs the business I'm sure he'll be happy to answer questions. 01273 677477, he was more than happy to show me his work, you can tell him I gave you his number.

Ah yes, I well remember sticking digital clocks to my ancient dashboards. If I could fit an analogue clock in my dash I would, I just think they look nice. In fact I may have a little play around today to see if it's possible! Oddly, my digital clock gains about 5 minutes a month, and then I have to try to remember the setting sequence in the Japanese menu!

A far as I'm aware the height sensors don't play a part in headlights leveling.

Unfortunately I can't find it, I've never got on with the forum search facility but it's there somewhere!

If you mean the new ones I posted a picture a few days ago.

Do you remember the Century we saw in London that was rolled out in your honour? I saw love in your eyes!!

Whenever I try these companies they always say Celica?!

I can tell you I met him and saw his conversion which was impressive! Also not difficult by all accounts. You should be able to find him in the search, I'll look myself to see if I can find it.

I don't know the camber angle but height sensors just get left but disconnected, along with the compressor. You'll also need to get the right info for disabling the dash warning for the suspension.

Which look sooo much nicer than the naff digital clocks that Lexus seemed to favour on all of their older cars.

To be honest I never really liked the original wheels, the one good thing is there isn't much corrosion/flaking. I've kept the originals in the garage as the Bridgestone tyres are fairly new but I can't see them going back on. The Falken tyres from the "new" wheels are now planters for my tomatoes!

I agree the wheels don't look good on it but if money was no object I think I'd have one!