mikeyv

On the for sale thread, here http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/84337-2000-ls400-for-sale-regretfully/

I can see them fine Keith.

These cars wear their mileage incredibly well, so I personally wouldn't pay such a premium for a 48k over, say, a 100k car. I reckon you'd be hard pushed to tell the difference, assuming both cars had been well maintained of course.

Couple of old threads that will help fill you in. http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/83804-huzzy-sal-and-adamprogny/?hl=%2Bhuzzy+%2Bsal#entry833851 http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/83526-warning-on-adamprogany/?hl=adamsprogeny#entry831564

I seem to see far more 400 than 430 though? Not that I see many of either of course. Maybe there were more 400s sold, anybody know?

I used to enjoy Doc Martin, but thought the last series was running out of steam by the half way mark, and agree that this series is one too many.

I seem to recall that the 70s Ford Pinto engines were interference on 1600cc, but non interference on 2000cc. That said, the belts tended to outlast the cams anyway, particularly on the early cars, which often clattered before 10K.

What a nasty little thread this has turned in to. Can't help feeling there are a few who should maybe take a breath and think before typing.

I'm familiar with the name, as a member of the lpg forum. He certainly seems to get a good rep on there. The LPG trade has been a bit of a mystery to me ever since the early eighties, when I first had dealings with this "cinderella" industry. As somebody else asked on another thread, you do wonder why nobody has ever taken it by the scruff of the neck, and made a proper go of it.

Damn, now you tell me!! I feel shortchanged. Best of luck with your op.

Quicker? Does it have more power?

The advert states one owner from new. That doesn't tie in with him buying it to replace another 430?

Some good points to the car for sure, service history and recent belt change for example. But he's asking top dollar, and for that price, the car should not have any obvious faults, particularly cloudy windows. I wouldn't knock yourself out about missing the other car either, as it could have been a right nail for all you know. I've lost count of the number of cars I've gone to see that were nowhere near as described.

Could be starter motor, if you mean the car didn't turn over when you turned the key, or as you say, poor connection somewhere. Hopefully it's the latter, or even a duff battery, as I believe the starter motor is a bit of a pig to get to.

Converted to LPG only two months ago, and now for sale. That would make me very cautious.

There's peanuts, and then there's 6 grand for a steering rack on a LS460, apparently not an unusual requirement according to this thread. http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/80623-ls460-steering-rack/?hl=%20ls460%20%20steering%20%20rack I don't see the problem, i buy a luxury car and i expect to pay luxury money if it fails. Break it down to cars needing repair to cars manufactured, how many fords require major repairs to the amount made, thousands i would imagine, i bet the ratio of Lexus needing major repair would be far less, the amount of money required to fix them however would be the opposite way around i fear. Mate has a Ford Focus, 2011, less than 15k on it, condensation in both front lights, gearbox oil leak, power sags to idle, scary when doing more than 50, these are all common faults and more that ford know about. I know he will get it sorted on warranty, but that amount of common faults is unacceptable on a new car. How many out of warranty cars suffer major faults, i would not dare guess. My car is 10yo now and i bet it will outlast his ford. All cars like i said have faults, luxury cars cost more to fix. Thats the down side to owning a Lexus. If you don't see a problem, that's fine. I'd have a massive problem spending six grand on a single repair on any car, unless it still had a value much higher, especially when you can still buy a very nice LS for a third of that.

There's peanuts, and then there's 6 grand for a steering rack on a LS460, apparently not an unusual requirement according to this thread. http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/80623-ls460-steering-rack/?hl=%20ls460%20%20steering%20%20rack

I think I'd only consider a later LS on two conditions. Either if it was cheap enough to scrap if something expensive needed doing, or if covered by a cast iron warranty while in my ownership. Can't see either happening any time soon to be honest.

Or..........maybe it's for switching the lights on automatically? Along with rain sensitive wipers, one of the most pointless gadgets imo. Some things are best left to the driver.

Thanks for the link Steve, always nice to read LS400 stuff. There's more on his site too, tips and tricks, model history etc,etc.

You have to have a cut piece, as the boot hinges get in the way and you have to thread the seal round. I bought 4 metres just the other day, as advised on here, and it isn't long enough you need 5 metres. If you can buy it uncut, you can certainly fit it, as I took mine off in one piece to apply mastic, then refitted it, still in one piece. I've now fitted a new seal however, and found 4 metres to be slightly short, but by giving a gentle pull, after demounting a couple of feet of trim, was able to stretch to the extra inch or so required.

That's the thing. Jon has just spent 2K on an old car, madness some would say, I'm sure. But he now has a luxury car in excellent nick. Alternatively, he could have sold his LS for peanuts and spent his 2K on a ten year old blandmobile that MIGHT get you from A to B if you're lucky, and bore you to tears in the process. You're only here once people, might as well enjoy it while you can.

I've owned a lot of Hondas, mostly Accords, and can only agree with the positive comments above. Always fancied a Legend, but, mainly due to their comparative rarity, never quite got round to it.

Much cheaper discs here, I'd go for Ferodo pads, as often recommended on the forum. http://www.buypartsby.co.uk/details/LEXUS/LS400/4.0/1999/__/13/ADT34388/front-brake-disc/

Sadly the UKDM Lexi have the indicators on the left so you can't drive them one handed Of course, I hadn't thought of that. I did try using the indicators on my parked up van tonight, using my right hand. Awkward for sure, but I think I'd give it a go rather than sell my 400.