The-Acre

Thanks for the info. I'll be picking it up later this week so I'll go through that before I part with any money. The dealer has the best feedback I've ever seen and they import huge amounts of cars from Japan and seem very picky about what they buy. Forewarned is forearmed and all that. It was only registered in this country at the beginning of this month.

I'll be looking with interest for that! Maybe you can answer my other question, where's the coolant reservoir,?

I did but as I didn't get a call back I've gone elsewhere!

What on earth is a flare tube for? I found a couple of things surprising, no parking sensors, just that strange wand that comes out of the front bumper (that still lights up) and as far as I'm aware no heated front seats, maybe the wool upholstery is warm enough. Also I notice the wheels are a cross between the facelift and pre-facelift.

It's a Celsior. I'm told it's preferred in Japan due to the hot climate!

Apparently not!

And they smell nice! Now that my GS with cream seats is going and the replacement has wool I guess it's this from now on!

It is, it's an exceptional GS condition wise, but when you've had LS's, and many of us have, nothing else seems to do it!

What year?

Sooo, there's no point in calling in on Monday when I'm in Brighton? I was supposed to be there last Thursday but things changed. So how was the ride, did it feel harsh over Brighton's badly kept roads?

I'll keep the Toyota badge I think, it makes it an even rarer car that way! I've had leather in my 5 Lexus's and the wool makes a nice change, it's like an old aunties armchair. Malc, I got it for £293, fully comp protected and only £250 excess and £50 windscreen. A little higher than my last LS but not by much so I'm happy with that. I did, and guess what, I lost a fair amount of money. I just can't be doing with selling privately, it's just so easy to PX it. I'll post some decent photos when I pick it up, but not before I dispose of that disgusting steering wheel cover!

Rightly or wrongly I paid a deposit on the very dark blue, almost black Celsior today. Bodywork is what you'd expect on a 3 year old (I don't know how the Japanese manage it) and it drives well. Back windows are very dark tinted, as most Japanese imports are, which makes it look a bit like it should have a case in the boot which used to house a musical instrument. Thankfully it has the Pioneer system rather than the ML system with its cheap and nasty speakers which always go south. 61k on the clock and all history, albeit in Japanese, cam belt done as well. Oil nice and clear. So time will tell. Just getting my own reg plate put on so hopefully late next week.

When we did our road trip this year Lexus told me I had a flat beam so I was OK, but just to be sure I put eurolite stickers on as well, as suggested above.

I would. I think there's far too much stigma about cat d cars, of course I'd want evidence of previous damage.

I didn't have a clue what that was until I went to see it, just as well I've still got some tapes! I have to agree, the LS430 leather does tend to stretch and look a bit baggy. I'll know by lunch time tomorrow if we have a deal or not. Iv'e yet to drive it owning to it being boxed in on the first floor.

Welcome to the LOC! I've not driven the hybrid but if I've read it can give a Porsche Cayenne a run for its Money! We did a 2.5k road trip in the GS this year, supremely comfortable.

I'll check all the info on Saturday. Another question you may be able to answer. The coolant reservoir wasn't where it usually is, any idea?

Interestingly the JDM one doesn't have headlamp wash which is what I thought it was. The other reservoir is at the front where some people fit a transmission cooler, it just has a pull off cap like the other one. A very impressive set up though at the dealer, cars on two floors and most looking like they just came out of a showroom even though many are 10 years old+ Lots of Nissan Skylines which I like. It just makes you realise how our climate plays havoc with our cars.

It wasn't actually for anything in particular, just something for the future should the need arise.

I'm glad you've got somewhere with this. I've got Techstream but so far I haven't managed to get it to work! I really don't know re your question but my immediate thought would be don't put it in H!

I went to see this today and as you say Steve, it's looks new underneath and has no sunroof which is fine as I never use one, exhaust is still shiny! Body is superb and the wheels are excellent. Overall a far, far better car than you would find here. Tyres are all new Bridgestone and cambelt has been done. I was, as expected, offered a poor amount for my GS but I may still go for it. The upholstery felt really good, like a top quality armchair! I couldn't work out why it had two reservoirs for screen wash though? The main problem now is finding insurance at a sensible price, easier than it sounds! An update on the insurance. I've found a company that will cover it for a good price, plus the dealer is willing to negotiate re the price so the plan is to have a really good test drive on Saturday morning and if all is well we'll have a deal!

Yes you do!

I haven't tried the ones they've suggested yet so I'll try tomorrow. I've only managed to get one quote so far even though I've tried several.

No, I don't understand it either. And does anyone know what the little aerial type thing that comes out of the corner of the front bumper is? Maybe it's some sort of trophy won for having the worst steering wheel cover ever!

I thought it might be a tad higher, the best insurance quote I've had is three times what I'd pay for a UK model, plus a big excess. I think I'll drive over to Essex tomorrow for a look anyway.