The-Acre

I guess it is different now, a shame it was changed really, I don't ever remember reading about an LS400 transmission going kaput due to water contamination.

I've got the Transcend in one car, I've had it for around three years and it's brilliant. I've got a Nextbase in my Celsior which is also very good, even better as I got my 15% off at Halfords with the gold membership card. And having just bought a sat nav at Halfords gold membership is seeming like a good move!

It is on my to do list. The problem isn't on the inside as the cooler is aluminium and stays perfect. The problem begins with the exterior washers rusting causing the O rings to fail and allowing the fluids to mix. If Lexus has used stainless washers I doubt we'd be hearing much on the subject.

We've also been there but its never happened coming from someone who is generally pleasant, its always been new neighbours who kick off from the start. This is really hard, but sometimes making the first move to try to resolve it is the way. Maybe he'll tell you what triggered it, probably something he's going through. Who knows, you might end up helping him through something!

It's all I've ever used in all these years.

Possibly one of the most annoying YouTube people, but very interesting just the same.

You make some fair and good points Martin. I think you know, I also own a very nice Volvo V70 which is supremely comfortable (and contains many Ford parts!) Given the choice of only being able to own one, the Volvo would be it, due to it being so practical. There have been comments on the forum over the years re snobbery, and I understand completely what you're saying. Anyway, I'm glad you've got something that suits you, keep in touch with the forum, you've made some valuable contributions, maybe even saving some 430 owners going through what you experienced with your transmission. And if you find yourself down south at any time it'll be good to see you again. All the best. Phil

It is worth saying this again Martin. I sold you a brilliant LS430, a car with impeccable history, a car that I should never have sold, a car which the current owner tells me is the best one he's ever had. Maybe, just maybe, if you had have kept it for more than just a few weeks, it may be you saying now it's the best car you've had. Just a thought.

I can only say you've been unlucky. I've been driving a Lexus for about 12 years, all of them with some years behind them, and they've all been brilliant. I wouldn't, even if I could afford it, buy a new one, simply because I don't like the look of them.

Well done for doing that, it's always satisfying! I'm not sure what to do with my Celsior because all my history is Japanese so I've no idea if the plugs have been changed. Although its only done 64k so I'm ok for a while. I did them on my LS400 and they were fairly easy.

Could the debris be caused by mice, especially if its been laid up? Mice also love to chew their way through wiring.

Now that I like!

I had the door rust bubble on a previous 430 and it was just surface rust. The paint shop that did it said it was really nothing, it just needs catching early. Sorry Messi, it does start from the outside. You just need to run a finger along where the chrome strip is to feel any high spots. Caught early it can be touched in without the need for a professional job. Also keeping the area clean will help, get a gentle brush and keep dirt out of the gap above the chrome.

Wow, you've dug out an old post! This car is stunningly beautiful, and I'd be a happy man should I be fortunate enough to own it. The only thing for me, and I have said this in the past, the LS400/430 are to me classic limo shapes, which is why I love them so much. From the LS460 onwards I just feel that's gone. For that reason the current Celsior/LS430 will be the last type of LS I'll ever buy. It's got nothing to do with how the others perform and feel, it's simply the exterior that does it for me.

I think it's quite common, its happened on my past LS's. The security system seems to cause a fair drain. A solar charger is a good solution. Surprised the alarm didn't go off.

A sound decision I'm sure.

Keep us posted re the result, it'll be helpful to others in the future. If you'd been closer I could have plugged you in to mine, I'm down on the coast.

So this is a straight 6?

Mine came already done but easy to buy a used unit and reset the mileage.

A diagnostic is the only way to discover the EML problem, even a cheap (£20) one should do it. Many cheap diagnostic devices come with a long list of generic fault codes which will help identify the problem. As far as drain hole unblocking goes, a long length of industrial strimmer line works a treat. Not the stuff you have for a cheap Flymo but the heavy duty stuff 4mm thick. Don't get too despondent, the EML may turn out to be something simple. Where in Sussex are you?

Here's a glimpse of my bottom! As far as good sites go I guess it depends on whether you're looking to do the importing yourself or whether you prefer to have it all done and with the car UK registered.

Good points. And the underseal thing is certainly something I'll be looking at soon. My undercarriage looks no less than 3 years old, not even a rusty nut or washer. I'm sure our salty winters will soon change that!

I really like the wool in mine, much more like the armchairs at home, and not cold or hot like leather. They do come with odd quirks though. Mine has everything you could want in the rear seats, massage, reclining, air con etc, and even your own cassette player, but no heated front seats! Obviously everything is designed around the people being driven and not the driver.

The rust on the doors isn't likely to be there with an import.

Easy enough to swap sat nav for a UK one, fairly easy job and not to costly should you go to Herr Frost. If you've never tried an LS430 why not just take one for a test drive? Why not contact the guy in London who has another coming soon? His prices I have to say really are very good.