The-Acre

Top right.

I somehow don't think you're alone!

Just reading this again, mine was a 2002 and that had a transmission dip stick, it's a lot further down than the oil stick though so easily missed.

A further dangling carrot on this! The net curtains look like grannies lounge!

That ticks all my boxes! If I had money to waste on toys, that would be in my toy box. I see there's another white convertible one on eBay.

Apparently the info is correct and the head can't be skimmed. I'm also told it's the same engine Toyota put in the Avensis. I would try to get your money refunded and get a petrol version as suggested.

I wouldn't be too concerned. I seem to remember the same post last year from someone. Exhaust systems can do strange things when there's cold and damp around. And don't drink the cherryade!

I can understand it with an old Ford or a Cadillac, I'd be surprised if was was the head gasket on an LS. What's your coolant level like, any overheating, or other symptoms?

Did you get the £168 price or did that change once you got through to them on the phone? That's a good point, they do say it may be less via phone, I suppose you get a chance to negotiate. I'll try it tomorrow. I bet it costs more. Please prove me wrong. Mike. I'll let you know.

Did you get the £168 price or did that change once you got through to them on the phone? That's a good point, they do say it may be less via phone, I suppose you get a chance to negotiate. I'll try it tomorrow.

I've insured with Privilege a couple of times with a Lexus, they do seem like a decent outfit. Interestingly, the insurance for the LS430 when I had it was cheaper than the LS400, when I asked why they said it's because it has more safety features. Anyway, £168 seems OK to me. I've contacted Adrian Flux but I can't imagine they'll improve on that.

Going on a comparison sites for new insurance, these are the first and last quotes for an LS400 from Money Supermarket.com The first is with Privilege @ £168 fully comp with NCBP The last is with Model Driver @ £99,987.65 And apparently, I get this "bonzer price" by having a Model Driver black box fitted! A though decision which will need some serious thought.

Maybe, just maybe, he's such a benevolent gentleman that he'll not even want the deposit back!!! Mike. I'll put some photos up when I get it back. They have to give it a new MOT as it only had 4 months, and the aircon needs something doing to it, not sure what at this stage. So if it's not ready next Saturday I'll have to leave it until Feb 6.

I want to say a big, big thank you to Steve the moderator who very kindly went to Pontefract to look at an LS400 for me. He even paid a deposit! It saved me travelling 270 miles to see a car that may have been no good. All I've got to do now is get up there to pick it up! Thanks again Steve, you're an absolute credit to the LOC, not everyone would have gone out of their way like that! Phil

Good points! For my last LS400 I drove up to Birmingham, it took 5 hours due to the M25, but at least it was a good car. Travelling back up on the train to collect it was nice, it was a great drive back. I still kick myself for parting with it. In fact I still kick myself for parting with the 430, although the Volvo is a great car with a very high spec.

It's worth posting this just because it's so bad! I went to Horsham in Sussex today to view a green 1999 LS 400 V203 ELL If it appears again, and I'm sure it will, don't bother if you're looking for one. The eBay listing said "In great condition, inside and out" They also said it has full service history, and a cam belt change. I went out the back where it was parked, the first thing I saw was a fair sized dent in the drivers door, with a smaller one behind. a piece of chrome trim hanging off, a broken rear light, tyres with shiny edges, a rust bubble on the rear wing, and a mouldy boot interior. The aerial didn't work (although he had a spare) and the bonnet wouldn't stay up (but I suppose that's expected) The wheels were very bad. I popped the bonnet, and held it up with a stick, the transmission oil was brown, and the engine oil was dark and only came halfway up the dipstick. There was a VSC check message displayed on the dash. The interior was so filthy that even a professional valeting company may have declined to do it. I tried to start the engine but it was completely out of fuel. Then came the service record. The last stamp was in 2007 which meant there was 90K and nearly 9 years of non history. Still, on the positive side, it had 3 keys and the steering column motor worked, but that was it. And I nearly forgot, there was some damage to the internals of a headlight and a chip on the windscreen. Sad really to see such a car totally neglected, and it's only had two owners from new!

Well I've just got back from seeing it. To call it junk would be too kind. If anyone else is considering this, don't!

I may give him a call in the morning, although I'm still very interested in the one we spoke about.

...and should I be put off by the mileage? I quite like the colour and it's 20 miles away from me. What do you think? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-LS400-/262230381873?hash=item3d0e261531:g:zYEAAOSwwPhWj51V

In an idle moment I did an MOT check on my ex 93 MK2 LS400 which I sold for £350 about 4 years ago with a leaky exhaust and a rust hole on the front wing. It was tested last December with 140k on the clock, and without an advisory! That says much about them doesn't it?

All the best John And IF you decide to go for an S Type, there's a specialist who runs a business where my workshop is in West Sussex. So if you decide to go down that route let me know and I'll put you in touch with him. Phil

Phil, I bought my last LS430 from a member. It was only after I had had it for a week or so that I discovered he had been economical with the truth, costing me money to put it right. I'm sure though, that it's the exception rather than the rule. What happened anyway?

As it turns out that this car is still for sale, is anyone living in the Pontefract able to take a look for me?

Being one of those who fitted a cooler, I realised afterwards that it would have been so much easier to just fit a new radiator, so that's what I did in the end. The new rad is about £90 and is a doddle to fit. It also means you can refill with new Toyota coolant at the same time. The transmission cooler inside the radiator was in perfect condition being aluminium swimming in coolant. The problem as Mark says is the unions where the transmission fluid pipes join the radiator, they corrode and allow water into the transmission causing it to become kaput. Mine were OK-ish but were certainly going very rusty. If I eventually find another LS430 it's one of the first jobs I'll do. The whole job done for about £115 and an hours work=piece of mind.

Ah well, at least it'll go to a good home, and save me a very long trip! I'm keeping my eyes open for an LS430 but if a dark blue 400 comes along I'll be interested. Who bought it anyway, be nice to see some pics.