The-Acre

My apologies, so it's true what my school reports used to say "must pay more attention"

Rockauto seem to have them, they're very cheap and as they're light shipping shouldn't be too much, just use FedEx economy and all you'll pay extra is Vat.

I also wonder what will happen when EV's get to be 15 years old + and can be bought for very little by those on lower incomes, it's not the same as buying a 15 year old Clio and doing DIY repairs, there could be burnt fingers, literally!

I was talking to a local car dealer that I know and he rightly pointed out that everyone is trying it on with used prices, right down to the cars that are only worth hundreds.

My main reason for letting the Honda go was the shocking amount of chassis rust for a 6 year old, that'll be due to it living in Scotland!

Last Saturday I sold my CR-V to WBAC, and after 10 months and 8k miles I got almost what I paid. I was thinking about replacing it with an XC60 but of course I'm in the position you mention. Then, I'm working for a very wealthy man and I mention wanting a Volvo when he says "why don't you buy mine?" So I now have his XC60 on my drive, 3 years older than the Honda (2012) but with one owner, full history and only 36k on the clock. I've got the last service invoice, I'm glad it wasn't mine at £1,750! It's a fantastic drive and I would say just about Lexus quality, certainly as good as an RX450h that I tried. It's a D5 SE Lux Premium. Sometimes you get lucky!

That's a relief because being a Phil myself I find no love for horses, even though I once owned one!

As is "Phil" but I don't agree with the meaning!

The rear of the LS430 always looks lower. As far as I remember the ground to wheel arch centre is about 27" give or take.

And it can't be that remote if there are dozens of people filing and laughing all the time. It's like medieval times when they all come out to poke fun at the village idiot. Maybe the council should charge for tickets, it clearly is a local attraction, then they could raise money for a bridge!

A sensible plan, even a sticky caliper can cause a wobble. In my experience over the years it has 95% of the time been discs.

Most often it's warped discs, but can also be worn suspension components. Is it ok at low speeds and worse at higher speeds?

Beautiful!

You're spot on with that. My Honda was 6 years old when I bought it last year and I was really disappointed to see how much rust had already taken hold underneath what is an immaculate body. I didn't occur to me at the time but after the event I discovered it had spent its life in Scotland! However, I'm pleased to discover in our very strange times that it's worth more now than I paid for it 8k miles ago!

I understand that fully, and I believe Volvo are now owned by the Chinese? Being a man of meagre means I'll be looking for an 8-9 year old which is more old school Volvo.

It's so disappointing when a car doesn't work out. I posted recently about my change from owning a Lexus LS and a Volvo V70 to a Honda CR-V. Although there's nothing specifically wrong with the superbly practical Honda, I miss the quality of the aforementioned so tomorrow morning I'm off to see a Volvo XC60. It's a shame you don't want a diesel as the XC may just be ideal for you. I know there is a petrol version but not easy to find. Having said all that, if an RX450h came along in my search, and within my semi retired budget....

That's very true. The Honda has something like 35" height at the boot opening whereas the Volvo, and I think the RX, have about 29"

I'm facing a similar issue. Having had my CR-V for nearly a year, and as excellent as it is, especially with a huge boot space, I've been looking at the Volvo XC60. It looks big on the outside, but internally it isn't any bigger than most estates.

While I was working at a customer's house today an AA man was taking princess Diana's L reg Audi convertible away on a trailer (yes, it really was her car) and I asked him which cars were his regulars. He said French cars aren't great, Range Rovers were regulars, BMW X5's were dreadful, and Japanese breakdowns were the rarest, especially Lexus and Toyota. So there you have it!

I would expect the smoke from burning oil to be blue rather than white. Until recently I've owned a Lexus for about 12 years and none have ever needed the oil topped up. Maybe get a compression test?

I've noticed how his recent photos are always produced to make the car super shiny!

Lexuschap, now calling himself funinthesun has a 2014 GS hybrid for sale on eBay, so avoid if you're looking for one!

I know you said it happens when the engine is warm but could it be engine or transmission mounts?

Most insurers won't cover imports but there are specialists, and I found prices weren't that different. For some reason road tax is a bit less, even though the engine is the same! Sat Nav won't work, and the radio will be very limited. Most will have the instrument cluster in kilometres. I would want to see the original, or at least a copy of the Japanese auction sheet (just about all of them come through auction) with the important condition grading figures/letters.

When I first tried an LS430 some years ago I found the low speed ride to be fairly hard, especially coming from an LS400 which was better. I did get used to it but understand your thoughts entirely.