Scribe

I once got 40 mpg between Brighton and the Dartford Tunnel, but that was driving gently, just to see if it was possible. I didn't do more than 60 mph, not that that was always possible on the M25 anyway. Normally on a long run I get about 34 mpg.

Thanks Jon. My driver's side temperature light stopped working ages ago but now I know how it can be fixed.

When I do a long journey in mine, I think to myself: why would I get rid of this car and drive anything else?

Hi Qamar. Glad you're keeping the Lex. Mine isn't a daily driver but I try to use it once a week. It's my long-distance drive and I took it to Bournemouth (100 miles, mostly dual carriageway, each way) last weekend. It didn't miss a beat. I can recommend a Yaris as a cheapish runaround.

Has anyone else noticed that AC gas needs replacing more often these days? It doesn't seem to last more than a year or two, whereas older cars I had carried on for years without needing regassing. I have a friend abroad with a 1997 Toyota Carina E that still has ice-cold AC which hasn't been regassed in ten years or more.

My indy mechanic (Toyota/Lexus trained) has never seen an LS400 cambelt with any wear on it after 10 or more years. Mine was replaced nine years ago but I've only done 12,000 since then. What price peace of mind, I suppose. Mine (registered Jan 1998) has a retracting power aerial and I wish it had powerfold mirrors. They would help coming in and out of the garage - it's a tight squeeze. Fortunately the shape of the car means you can see the bonnet, and the sides are flat. Modern cars are different in both these respects!

I'd add that, given the age that all Mk.4 LS400s now are, go on condition rather than spec. The cars are tougher mechanically than bodily, and rust is likely to be a problem after 25 or so years. I've just had mine Lanoguarded, because the only MOT advisory was corrosion to the rear subframe. The Mk.4 featured changes to the engine and transmission that made it slightly more economical, but this wouldn't be a factor if I were looking for one. Good luck with your search!

I agree with all of the above!

Qamar, you've got a lot to deal with at the moment - that long drive to Scotland and leaving your daughter there, and of course your diagnosis. This must be colouring your feeling about life in general, so even your LS doesn't bring you pleasure like it usually does. I think Malc's right: the issue isn't your car, it's everything else that's going on. When we get low, even slightly, we can find it difficult to take pleasure in anything. I think the medical term for this is anhedonia. And I'm not surprised you're feeling low. The good thing is that you've admitted it - to yourself and to us. You're not broken, you only feel broken. I wish you well. Send me a private message if you want to. Happy to chat off here if you need to unload. All the best. Andrew

'And those early engines having an after-life' When two guys came to repair my garage door last week, they admired my LS400 but talked mostly about a friend who put an LS400 engine into his much smaller Lexus (an IS, I think). I gather they're also popular engines with stock car racers. They won't be getting mine anytime soon (I hope).

Your Camry is back on sale for £4,950. The ad doesn't say anything about corrosion or work to remedy it.

'There seems to be no middle ground between absolute pigs that no one wants, to a stunning overpriced minter.' The same with LS400s, I'd suggest.

I think you're right, Jack. Maybe my bushes dry out in hot weather because there's not enough cool air passing underneath the car. I'll get them sprayed at some point.

How long has the creak/squeak been going on? If I get stuck in traffic for a long time in warm weather, I get the same creak. But it disappears when the car has cooled down. I've never bothered to have it investigated.

Mine keeps discharging, sometimes more quickly than others. I'm getting a replacement, and will keep the new one on trickle charge regularly.