The-Acre

Having had 5 previous LS's and now a Celsior I can honestly say I wouldn't have anything else. Apart from the amazing condition (including the underside) I love having some quirky features that the UK version wouldn't have. I also really like how it's a good conversation starter as many people know nothing of such a "Toyota"

The thing is that the engine block will still be full of water but if that leaked out (which would mean a serious problem) them you would have alarm bell warnings. My Volvo doesn't have a temperature gauge but should the engine overheat there will be a visible and audio warning, I'm assuming it's the same with lexus. Although you have a leak from a plastic tank you will still have several litres of coolant in the rest of the system.

I don't remember that on mine but the previous owner had installed a GROM enabling music from another device. Another thing with the GS300 compared to the GS430 or GS450h, the suspension units are much cheaper to buy if needed. The exhaust can also rust badly so that would be another thing to check. Still a great looking car in my opinion, as good looking as anything made today.

Having owned a 2005 GS300 I found the screen to be very bright so there may be a problem there. The nav system is well outdated and although you can get a later disc it still won't accept postcodes and is no substitute for a Tomtom or similar. They music system still took tapes until around 2012! I found the suspension ok but slightly hard. There are reports of carbon build-up but nothing an occasional Italian tune-up wouldn't take care of. Mine ran beautifully but was only on 72k. Dashboard creaks and rattles are one of the biggest complaints but they can be sorted with some simple DIY. I drove mine across Europe last year for 2.5k miles and it was brilliant. I only parted with it because the LS gets deep under your skin and the GS just didn't fill the void!

Is it the expansion tank that's cracked? If it is then that doesn't mean the main block and radiator would loose coolant so it would still register the temperature and have enough to cool the engine. Also the correct colour coolant should be used.

Unless you've got a bad airlock I would be pointing the guilty finger at the thermostat. Does (assuming you can get to it) the thermostat housing get hot? If it isn't opening correctly then you'll have a pressure build up which will have to release itself somewhere.

I must say the Japanese made Bridgestone tyres that my Celsior came with are excellent. Thankfully they were new when I bought it 5k miles ago so should be good for a while. After driving in Europe in May in constant heavy rain for 9 hours they really proved themselves in the wet as well. Also very quiet.

At least leaving a spanner somewhere is a far less concerning affair than having a nut and washer left over!🤪

A few years ago I had my LS AC checked at Halfords, which they apparently re-gassed. Three weeks or so later I needed a new compressor. Coincidence? If they just use a can does that mean they don't do a drain and vacuum test, and all they put in is gas mixed with oil from the cans they sell in their shops, which apparently also contains a leak sealant?

Welcome to the LOC Ian, good luck with your search. We'll be looking forward to some photos in due course.

I think any talk of a refurb or repair on an air strut is a non starter, I'd be looking at finding a used part if a new one was out of the question.

Wow, expensive taste!

Personally I prefer gingham.

That looks superb! If I didn't have one I'd be very envious!

I do like the idea of the ferry, and I would enjoy it with a smooth crossing, it's just that the image from years ago of other people's vomit overflowing from the sinks with every wave has never left me! 🤭😨🤪

It looks like driving is the winner then. Being able to stop wherever you want, or whenever you see something interesting, slightly more difficult when flying! On our trip in May it was just so nice to turn off the motorway, drive for 20 mins and have lunch in a French village. I must say I do like the Eurotunnel, I doze for 35 minutes then I'm driving in France. I can see the attraction of the ferry but unfortunately I would also see my breakfast again as I really don't have sea legs!

When I checked with strutmaster they said their struts would make the car sit at factory level so I'm assuming both air and coils would both sit the same from the factory.

The most like scenario is both motors are shot. You can adjust the wheel manually with spanners but replacing the motors would be the best option. They are stupidly expensive but recently someone was managing to rebuild them and selling on eBay. My theory has always been that people grab hold of the wheel to help them out of the car while it's still retracting, this would put massive pressure on the motors. I've not tried replacing them but I believe if you don't have fingers like sausages and your neck and back are supple it can be a DIY job, others have done it.

Looks fantastic, I love the colour. I would say you're about right with the MPG, mine has the same engine and I can manage 31-34 easily enough.

I've considered this in the past but I came to the conclusion I would probably stick with air if a problem should arise. The normal position is actually the opposite to what you remember with the front always looking a lot higher than the rear. On mine the height at normal setting is 28" from the ground at the centre of the wheel to the wheel arch and 28.5" at the front. If I should ever decide that a conventional setup is the way to go I would, after much research, buy from Strutmaster in the US as they make them specifically for each car. With delivery and prepaid taxes it still works out at only about £1,100 for the set including delivery and taxes. It's a personal thing of course but I prefer the LS to sit at the original height.

That's amazing, and a brilliant view I'm guessing. We'll see how Brexit works out but next year I think Austria again and then on to the Czech Republic and maybe Poland.

It's actually really easy. In fact I found it easier in my own car than in the left hand drive rental. We found a satnav essential, apart from anything else it helps to understand the various speed limits in kilometres to miles.

Having done a road trip last year to Austria, and another one last month, we decided to go back for a few days to do the things we didn't manage before. This time we flew from Gatwick (one hour forty to Salzburg) and rent a car. Being there only four days was one reason to fly and rent. Having weighed up the pros and cons of flying or driving I can honestly say driving from home wins easily. A much more relaxed affair, much more independent, the ability to take as much luggage as we want and much more comfortable driving than the VW rental with its vast amount of plastic. No waiting at airports, no noise (plus a Calais wine stop!) Just my thoughts but next trip, definitely in my own car. Anyway, nice to be home with lower temperatures!

You should try the car park spiral road going to different levels at Gatwick airport! The one advantage of course is the amazing turning circle, far better even than most small cars.

Thanks Steve, I'm guessing I may need to fish around in the boot then as there definitely isn't a socket on the main unit. Do these things actually work? Not much point if I can't access Classic FM! I'm also a bit confused about the roof aerial. Some say it's not for the radio but for Bluetooth, but my last two didn't have Bluetooth but still had the roof aerial! And George in his post above says the antenna is built into the rear screen.