The-Acre

Unless a plug is duff I can't see how it would affect your emissions. Obviously using VPower the issue isn't the same, but when my first LS failed on emissions the tester asked if I'd been using supermarket fuel, which I had. I went and refilled with Shell and he told me to give it a hard drive and bring it straight back, it then passed. He also recommended booking an MOT slot every time and giving the car a fairly hard drive just before, had no problems so far. I guess changing the plugs ans then doing the same would maybe answer your question. .....and I know just what you mean about not getting your questions answered unless it's an LS!

I bought the Drivepro 3 months or so ago and it's brilliant. The only thing I would recommend is paying £6.99 for the suction holder rather than the self adhesive one that comes with it. It also makes it easy if you want to put it in another car. It's also HD and wifi. Nice to see I bought the one that came out on top, it's often the other way round!

Thanks Brendan, I'll print that off and see how it goes. I'm sure it must be similar at least.

Hi Arie, welcome to the LOC. Beautiful Lexus (unlike the yellow Volvo!!)

This car was bought by someone who became a LOC member around October 2013, now being sold it seems by the same person/member. No reason really to think it's not all genuine.

Interestingly, the guy selling this current one is called Richard, so seems to be the same seller. I was also possibly interested in this, but something doesn't seem right, maybe I'm wrong. Actually, I think you're right Mark, it's the same car.

According to the description they are 430 wheels. Definitely not 430 wheels. It seems to have Lexus history up to 2004 only which seems a bit odd. Unless Old Market Garage in Beccles is a main dealer?

I've just asked the seller some questions re the service history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-LEXUS-LS400-Mark-4-/191498962916?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c963a47e4 Try this

Thanks Steve, do you know the procedure for removing the air bag? And to the other Steve, I've asked my doctor and he said it's just an age thing!

Bearing in mind that we're all adults, and this is not the script form a Carry On film! Some days my horn works fine, some days nothing at all. I've checked under the bonnet and all is secure. Any ideas? MOT is due soon so I need to get this sorted. Any advice appreciated.

When the cluster is removed it makes sense to replace all 3 capacitors, as a fuel gauge that's slow to show its true reading means another is failing. You certainly don't want to remove it twice! Apparently,Toyota used poor quality caps when they built these, which is slightly surprising. Keep us posted.

Hi Derek, this is the tutorial for removing the cluster, quite easy really, I did mine without any problems. http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/electrical/instrumentcluster.html The only image I have of the inside is a bit crumpled but it does show it clearly enough I think. It's the small board (C212) and you can get the capacitor at Maplins for a few pence. The one I replaced wasn't metal like the original, but as long as it's 10uf/16v that's fine. Just try to avoid static and dust. Disconnect the battery and wait two minutes before dismantling. Unless you have a very fine soldering iron, and a very steady hand, it may be best to just get someone else to do the work, it'll only take them a few minutes.

I agree, I took mine to Halfords for an air con re gas, two weeks later I was replacing the compressor. Coincidence?

I think that's a separate issue, not sure what but I'm sure someone will know.

It's a tiny capacitor that needs replacing, sometimes the fuel gauge is slow to work so that capacitor can be replaced at the same time if faulty. I've got all the info somewhere. If no one else has it I'll find it tomorrow and forward it to you. Not a big issue though, so don't let it spoil your enjoyment of a fine car!

It'll happen less when the weather warms up, but in really cold weather you can end up with a completely black dash for 5 minutes. A friend did mine for 20p, the cost of the part.

Just be careful, Halfords won't be familiar with these cars. Still, it'll be amusing watching as they scratch their heads! It takes about 20 mins or so to do the whole job (when you know what you're doing)

Glad you're pleased with it. I got my bulbs from Eurocarparts but Halfords sell them for a bit less, about £59 each I think. I wouldn't risk cheap ebay ones that cost £18 for two! Fiddly to fit because you can't see where they go. There are some pictures somewhere that I posted, or I can send them to you if you need them. I slid my smart phone down to take pictures so I knew what I was "feeling" for. Remember the high voltage involved, so maybe best to disconnect the battery, just to be sure. And I'm sure you know anyway, but don't touch the glass on the new bulbs, They are actually quite delicate, as you'll see when you buy them, so a steady hand when replacing is needed.

If you get an 04 you'll be getting the face lift model which looks even more up to date. Buying any luxury car that's as old as these always has a risk element.

The LS400 is without a doubt one of the best cars available for little money, I've had two so I can speak from experience. The LS430 is in my opinion a much better looking car. When scrubbed up they really look the business. The cabin is superb, the gadgets will keep you amused in traffic jams, and the wood veneer is like being in an antique shop! As I've said before, we tend only to hear about the ones with problems, not the ones that go on for 200K without issues. However, If I was to do a very long drive, like across Europe for instance, and I had the choice, I would probably do it in an LS400. Seven years of ownership and I spent less in those years than I've spent on the LS430 in 6 months.......but I still think it's a fab car that's ridiculously cheap for what you get.

As said, the main beams aren't HID's. I replaced one of my HID low beam bulbs, and the difference in brightness was so noticeable I had to change the other one. Welcome to the LOC BTW!

Hi Rich, welcome to the LOC. Always a good feeling when you manage to do your own repairs....and save a small fortune!

I think the price is much to high for a car with 300K. I sold my 99 last July with 107K for £1,100 and it was in excellent condition.

Thanks John, I really appreciate it. If I decide to go ahead it will be sometime in early summer. I may not be in a hurry to sell the LS but the two together will take some parking space!