The-Acre

The MK4 doesn't seem to suffer with the same transmission problems, although to be fair, it is rare on the LS430. Suspension components are likely to be the most costly, so no knocks or creaks going over bumps and pot holes. The obvious stuff is cam belt change, and very good history. The steering wheel motors fail on these as well, and water can get in via the door tweeters. Exhaust Y piece nearly always blows, so that's certainly one to check. Bonnet struts also fail but cheap and easy to replace. The one I had earlier this year had an oil leak from both sides of the engine, possibly the cam covers. It also had a puff of blue smoke on start up (one of the reasons it went back) although that's rare. Checking MOT history on line now is a real help, it helps to determine how well a car has been looked after.

It's interesting if you look at the US forum re this problem, lots of posts saying it was just the fuel cap either not screwed down enough or cracked. Some have said a new cap has cancelled the warning light after a few days.

John, I would suggest sending Paul above a pm to see what he suggests, he seems to know his stuff. And isn't it amazing that his car has covered such high miles and still works perfectly. A positive one for those who knock the LS430, especially those who knock it without even having sat in one!

This is going on a bit! I just phoned my local Toyota dealer where I bought my red coolant as I needed to be sure after reading all this. They said the "pre mixed" that I bought from them goes straight in as it is, no need to dilute.

At least (hopefully) it's dead in the closed position!

Well said. And as we know some potential problems can be prevented, others can be lived without if they do go wrong, after all, soft close doors are not essential!

LS430 for me. We all know how reliable the LS400 is, but I actually think the two are worlds apart. As I've said before, they're both great cars, so it's all down to personal choice, but you need to try both before making that choice, and not just going by what others say.

And mine! One of the best colours in my opinion.

Don't try ironing it, that may be pushing your luck.

I think what you've done is brilliant, totally unique. One of the reasons I love owning an LS is that they're so rare, I maybe see 2 LS430's in a year. You'll never see one exactly like yours, like I say, totally unique, well done, you must be very proud of it!

It is surprising that no facility was ever given for disabling the alarm. Keep us posted on whether removing the metal from the car makes a difference, after all, that is quite a collection you found there!

And just out of interest, your car has covered an amazing 341k, does it use any oil, and is the transmission etc still smooth and quiet?

Nothing quite like the good old fashioned recipes!

Interesting, do you know what caused the warnings to show in the first place?

Interestingly I see more of them here than any other Lexus, apart from the IS that is.

You see, now you've made me want one even more! So does it also have the same transmission cooling system that us LS430 owners are all too aware of, and were they all auto? And if the LS430 is capable of 0-60 in 6.7, what's the official figure for these?

I've never been what you might call a "sports car" enthusiast but that would certainly change if I was offered an SC430. There are a couple in my area and I always admire them, so much nicer than those German things in my opinion. And presumably it has the same marvelous engine as the LS430?

Good news!

Because the LS430 has the plastic smart key you definitely don't want to spray anything on it. The keyless start, as stated, can be turned off by pressing a button, but I'm not sure that will solve, or is your problem. Is it OK know? It could also be that the gear shift isn't seated properly in park. If it happens again, try putting some pressure on the shift while turning the key, it's not uncommon.

Welcome to the LOC, and it seems like the initiation ceremony is to post a photo or two of your prized possession, so best get the camera out!

I suppose its the same with any car, you can always get a duffer that puts you off for life. I've had 240's 740's and 940's and all have been faultless. I paid a lot for my current one to get very low mileage and full main dealer history, I know its no guarantee but a good starting point. The good thing is that after driving the Lexus the Volvo doesn't feel like the second pressing of the grape, in fact in many ways its equal, and dare I say it, better, but different. Even though the Lexus is 15 years old, driving it makes you feel like you should own half of Knightsbridge, driving the Volvo makes you feel like you should own what you have, a 1930's semi and a Labrador, except mine is a greyhound!

Let's not forget "show dogs on board" eh? What's that all about? Now if it said dynamite on board I may just drive differently!

Already done!

It always amuses me when they say "owned by a doctor" Does that mean doctors extend their caring attitude to their cars? Clearly not if you see our doctors car.

I know this sounds a bit amateurish but the last time I put a very small blob of clear silicone on the base. It didn't do any damage to the surface and was easily removable. I must say I can't fault the quality of the images and performance. The next challenge is to find a place to hardwire a dash cam.