The-Acre

I tend to use mine most days, my excuse being that it puts less miles on the Volvo estate which cost me a lot more money and will therefore make it last longer! Talking of motorway driving, I brought three people and luggage back from Gatwick last weekend and there was no need for anyone to raise there voice at 75mph, in fact, it actually seemed even quieter and smoother fully loaded, and 30mpg average. Just a bit tight going round getting up to the roof car park!

Of course if you're going to get on your back and adjust it etc, would it be worth getting a used motor? I know it's not necessary but it is nice to have it working.

How is yours going, happy with it?

A new motor is about £300 so I would live with it. I believe you can adjust it manually, I seem to remember it was posted here fairly recently. Take the plastic housing off and disconnect the motor anyway, it's easy to do.

I've commented on this recently. A friend has a very successful Jaguar business where he repairs and services both older and very recent cars. When he drove mine after replacing the front discs three weeks ago he was so impressed he referred to the Jags as ++++ by comparison.

interestingly there are a couple of videos on YouTube with Richard Hammond in an SC430, and he reacts differently in both. In one he scoffs at the interior, in the other he nods his head in agreement with the drivers comments about the nice interior! Still, at least he admits it's got a good engine! In the early days the Top Gear team couldn't praise Lexus enough, with Herr Clarkson raving over the Soarer, and Quentin Wilson doing the same with the LS400 and GS300. I suppose that was in the days when the programme wasn't tipping it's hat towards Germany!

Presumably voted worst car ever by people who have never owned one. I think they look fab, and they certainly stand out from the German crowd!

A genuine car full of history and in immaculate condition isn't always easy to come by. If I were looking and my budget covered it I'd probably go for it, but I would try to get it for 7k and want evidence of a cam belt change. Although mine is older it's absolutely genuine and has full Lexus history and has been looked after and garaged, and that's evident in the driving. I think you should spoil yourself!

You may have seen this, if not it's brilliant!

I remember it well, the three day weeks and blackouts, and almost worse than that....Leyland cars, and the Leyland Sherpa van!

Last year we were working in Croydon doing a house refurb, we lived at the house for 5 weeks. Two things we noticed were the pot holes and the massive amount of litter. Walking along Portland Rd we saw people just throwing takeaway boxes and wrappers on the pavement, just as though is was second nature. One of the local shopkeepers said the council clear the litter twice daily, and because they spend so much on litter clearing there's no money left to repair the roads! I grew up and worked in London and I know it was never as bad as it is now, people generally just don't seem to care. I sometimes think the councils should just leave it to build up, maybe people would think differently if they were ankle deep in stinking rubbish....but probably they wouldn't care.

Last year we were working in Croydon doing a house refurb, we lived at the house for 5 weeks. Two things we noticed were the pot holes and the massive amount of litter. Walking along Portland Rd we saw people just throwing takeaway boxes and wrappers on the pavement, just as though is was second nature. One of the local shopkeepers said the council clear the litter twice daily, and because they spend so much on litter clearing there's no money left to repair the roads! I grew up and worked in London and I know it was never as bad as it is now, people generally just don't seem to care. I sometimes think the councils should just leave it to build up, maybe people would think differently if they were ankle deep in stinking rubbish....but probably they wouldn't care.

We hired a Camry about 20 years ago in Canada and drove from Vancouver to Calgary through the mountains, fantastic!

That's the worst part, getting out!

Me too, 33 degrees, cool as a cucumber and cool air through the seats as well, shame that didn't extend to our bedroom last night, 28 degrees at midnight! And for any of you West Sussex people, Elite Garage in East Worthing for an air con re-gas, a good price and they know what they're doing.

What I meant was I didn't know, that's what happens when you use your phone instead of a home computer!!

Me too, the black and white one is fantastic!

Me too, the black and white one is fantastic!

I did know you can have air at one end and coilovers at the other.

It could be various things causing the problem, unfortunately it's unlikely any of them will cost little to fix. I would say the first thing to have checked are the height sensors, just one failing can affect the whole car. It's also possible that a strut has failed, again, it affects the whole system. There are also various valves that control the system, plus the pump. You really need to get it checked by a competent mechanic who's familiar with air suspension, and it needs to be raised on a lift. And to answer another question, I've had three LS400's and two LS430's and I really don't think air makes any difference over springs, except for the cost of repairs!

I haven't looked but I remember a few years ago there was a company in the States selling them on eBay claiming them to be top quality. On the other hand some might say "badges, we don't need no steenking badges"

I would do it if mine needed a new one, the bolts may not even break. If you sell it on and get another you may end up with bigger problems.

You and me both. The idea of not having air con is unthinkable now that I've been spoiled for many years. I've been looking after someone's car while they're away for several weeks and today I took it for a run to keep it charged...no air con, certainly made me appreciate having it!

Excellent, well done, and good info for anyone else with hot starting problems.

The man with the Micky Mouse voice added oil because he was doing the re-gassing himself, but you'll have it done when you take it for gassing. Just make sure you mention it to them though.