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The-Acre

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Everything posted by The-Acre

  1. The-Acre
    I realise this has been discussed before but I do struggle to understand just why we pay so much for main dealer parts. In an idle moment I've been looking at some common parts that fail on the LS range. Take for instance a front upper control arm. Main dealer about £500. ACdelco, generally high quality parts, £64 from the US with lifetime warranty. VAT paid upfront, plus fast delivery (5days) £120 tops. This is of course from Rockauto/FedEx and this is their most expensive UCA called "professional" with grease nipple on the ball joint. Edit on that. Lexus parts direct sale price £562 for one UCA.
  2. The-Acre
    Welcome to the LOC, and what a rare car. I remember when top gear were reviewing it, even Clarkson loved it! How about some photos?
  3. The-Acre
    Welcome to the "sensible" owners club! Enjoy.
  4. The-Acre
    Well Dan, your post has taken people down memory lane, and it's not such a bad place to go!
  5. The-Acre
    You realise you'll see each other everywhere now! I used to live in Munderfield near Bromyard.
  6. The-Acre
    Do you know what the final cost will be? When I bought my suspension I chose FedEx and paid the VAT up front. Apparently if it's post, ie Parcelforce, they usually slap another charge on although it shouldn't be much for a cheap part.
  7. The-Acre
    As usual, plenty available from Rockauto, various makes at various prices. They do a Gates one for £29. They deliver very quickly! Not much available here sadly, although worth contacting Lexus Spares Direct?
  8. The-Acre
    I think most people that have owned an LS400 or 430 have experienced the steering wheel shaking when braking at some point. Several things can cause it. Possibly the most common is a warped/worn disc. If you had cheap ones fitted they can warp very quickly. Rust between the back of the disc and hub can also cause it, as can a worn/cracked rubber bush or other steering/suspension part. I'd certainly be checking the brake discs as my first job. You'd be surprised at how many mechanics replace the discs without cleaning the hub surface with a wire brush.
  9. The-Acre
    Welcome to the LOC Dan, and what would be the issue? I lived in Herefordshire for six years, a beautiful county! Little edit, I see you've already mentioned your issue!
  10. The-Acre
    And it really wouldn't put me off buying a car if it was "categorised" as long as I had decent info regarding the original damage.
  11. The-Acre
    If the mileage is reasonable and if you know the car well and you've looked after it then get it repaired if it's cosmetic damage. You can sometimes end up with a few quid in your pocket! Where in Surrey are you?
  12. The-Acre
    Welcome to the LOC Marco, some photos of the car would be nice!
  13. The-Acre
    This is for the cup holder replacement but the first process is the same. The only thing I would suggest is remove the small seat heater control panel by prying gently out from each end rather than from the top as shown in the video, it comes out easily enough.
  14. The-Acre
    And when you consider a main dealer one is around £350 for one!
  15. The-Acre
    One of the main telltale signs of a bearing on its way out is a rumble on turning, and the LS430 is prone to it after so many miles. We were discussing this a few weeks ago. The bearings are very expensive from a main dealer, but there are loads on eBay for a ridiculous £70 a pair new, I'd certainly risk it.
  16. The-Acre
    Not familiar with that problem but it does sound like something became unstuck. Glad it's sorted anyway.
  17. The-Acre
    Amazing! I clay bared mine this year, the first car I've ever done it to. Now every time I wash it the sponge feels completely different as it slides over the paintwork. One day next year (if it ever stops raining) I hope to spend a whole day at least giving it the works. Good job, well done.
  18. The-Acre
    So you've got your own fleet now, that's a lot of road tax between the three, or is there a fourth lurking somewhere!
  19. The-Acre
    Well said! And I agree, cheap ones are so often cheap for a reason.
  20. The-Acre
    And I'm sure you'll agree with me that despite the fairly regular negative comments the LS430 is a superb car, certainly the best I've ever driven, and I've had LS400's, but for me the 430 trumps the 400.
  21. The-Acre
    A really difficult one to comment on but again, if I remember correctly, the diff oil should be changed every 20k and at 160k and a seized plug is it possible its never been done?
  22. The-Acre
    A PCV valve is a simple job but with a rattle it does sound like top end wear. It's vital that these engines have their regular 6k oil change so if that's not been done over the years you may be in trouble. I once had an LS 400 that puffed blue smoke on startup then I discovered the oil hadn't been changed in 4 years so it went back for a refund.
  23. The-Acre
    I've not done it (yet) but if there's an online form that may be best I would think. Just don't let them get away with it!
  24. The-Acre
    I would lodge my complaint to your local council ASAP, explain that your going away but will come back to the issue on your return. Can you get a friend to take some photos? With the amount councils are paying out you'd think it would be cheaper to repair the holes!
  25. The-Acre
    Remember we're talking here about the possibility of getting it for peanuts. I'd risk it.
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