Titch LS

Simon, I take it that you'll refill with coolant via the large hex plug on the top/front of the motor. Some have tried refilling via the coolant tank and wonder why not so much can be put back. That's because you will trap air in the system if you do it that way. Using the hex plug, you won'.t

T, very impressive mpg figures---mine usually reads 23 not 32 though! (But I do like to feel that 'push in the back' acceleration sometimes).

Stuart, sorry to hear that you find your LS uncomfortable as I've never come across anyone saying that about one of these cars before. I've taken mine on the Continent a few times now doing some really long trips and I have been amazed at just how comfy the car was after many hours at the wheel. Perhaps you need to experiment with the seat settings a bit more to alleviate any muscle strain or tension. My lad has driven my car a few times and he's very tall, but to my knowledge hasn't experienced any discomfort with the driver's seat.

Keith as you were not to blame for the collision you can insist that the Peugeot driver's insurance company repairs your car, or, finds another LS of equal value and condition as yours and not simply make yours a 'write off'. You should not have to be financially disadvantaged in any way either. Growl at them a bit.

Simon, It's not ideal but I think you would be ok to leave it. I once stripped a thread on a waterpump on a Honda V6 engine. I left it like that and relied on all the other bolts to do their job when torquing it back up. It never leaked a single drop after that. You could put some gasket sealant in there to help hold things in place. Loctite for instance.

Swop the radiator for a new one. Its an easy DIY job and not too expensive either if you shop around. It's good preventative medicine.

Toyota T-IV transmission fluid is made to the specification JWS 3309. Some people insist on 'Toyota' being on the label but this is unnecessary. As long as the fluid you buy is to JWS 3309 spec, you will be safe. Mobil 3309 is fine to use, as is Comma ASW (3309). Both are the exact same fluid as the Toyota labelled T-IV, but cheaper. You can get both on e-bay or at an accessory shop. Dexron 3 used by some dealerships is NOT exactly the same. The latest Dexron VI spec is probably ok, but personally I would only use a bottle of atf that has JWS 3309 printed on it. Then I know for certain that it is safe for my Aisin -Warner gearbox.

Allen, The LS 400 is the sort of car that you never tire of owning and driving. At it's inception, Toyota wanted to build a car to take on Mercedes Benz, Jaguar and BMW and beat them at their own game. They succeeded with this car. It is extremely well engineered, very smooth, very quiet, very fast (155), very comfortable and very reliable. When converted to multi point LPG, it's also very reasonable to run (at 57p a litre). Road tax is £230 a year (not bad for a V8). So, go for it, you won't regret it. I didn't.

My 2000 mk4 has some seious rust bubbles starting to show on the driver's side rear wheel arch. (None showing up elsewhere, thank goodness). I plan to tackle this in the next few weeks. How though, is the problem. Even though it looks and feels like one thick sheet, it isn't. People don't realise that the painted outer arches are, in fact, fabricated by two sheets coming together i.e. they're double skinned. Over time, moisture gets trapped BETWEEN these two layers, hence, the rust appearing years later. You have to get some rust treatment/preventative in there by drilling into the wheel arch from behind, (about 3" up) and then spray copious amounts of something like Dynax S50 in there, (or similar). It is no good just treating the back of the wheel arch, you have to get rust treatment to seep BETWEEN the metal sheets. Only then will you have a chance of stopping the rot for a considerable time.

Gets the thumbs up from me. I like all the big Jap cars and this one is especially nice, if a little bit pricey. Still, I'm happy enough at the moment with my Mk4 and it's nearly the same car. This one seems to be another sister car to the Celsior. Why do they make so many variants?

The cheap 'Aero' style wiper blades, of which there are a few types around on the market, seem to do a very good job I find, with no judder or noise at all. The only problem I've found is that even though they look 'beefy', on inspection, the rubber that actually sweeps the screen is quite skinny and after about a year or so starts to come away from the backing. Still, as it's possible to buy a pair for silly money, I'm not complaining. Their totally smooth and silent operation is what I like about them.

The 430 has a much nicer cabin aesthetically, has more headroom, is slightly roomier due to a longer wheelbase and handles better than the 400. (It is not bigger than the 400 in overall length though, the length remained the same). Adjustable air suspension has to be superior to springs.(But still something to keep an eye on, I agree). Concerning the exhaust, it's only the back boxes that are not stainless steel, the rest of the exhaust is. (a bit of penny- pinching here?) If I were to buy one, I would do something about the combined radiator/ATF cooler though, just to be on the safe side, i.e. introduce a seperate oil cooler for the gearbox. Also, you get more toys than in a 400. The 430 is a great car,no doubt. (I'm saying this even though I really enjoy driving my Mk4).

Malc, I had my windscreen replaced 3 years ago on my (then) Adrian Flux insurance (roughly £70 excess, I believe). Included in the fitting price was replacement of those black aluminium strips that go down the side of the windscreen. My insurance had no qualms about paying for those, so long as I took it to their recommended place. I insisted on an original screen which they were happy to supply. Some very experienced middle aged bloke did a great job of fitting, (I didn't want a spotty apprentice fitting an expensive Lexus screen), and all has been good since.

That's good service. (They could bring the 'bickies' with them of course). I replaced mine with Mintex and have had no squealing or judder. Last a long time too.

Matthew, I know what you mean as I also have a mk4. I think as the cars suspension has been developed by Lexus over the years, successive models became less forgiving over smaller bumps and ridges in the road in a quest for slightly more responsive handling in the corners. Strangely enough though, I find any large bumps and holes still seem to be soaked up quite nicely. Like you say, it's the small ridges that I can feel. My friends Merc has a similar ride to my LS except that the Lexus is quieter in the cabin with less engine and road noise. In my LS, on a smooth road surface the ride is serene. Of course, tyre pressures that are a bit too high will spoil the ride and exaggerate the problem.

Ambermarine, to stop the crankshaft pulley from turning you can lock the flexplate (lightweight flywheel) that the torque converter is bolted to. You do this by removing the undertray and then removing the flexplate access plate. You can then wedge a large allen key into one of the flexplate (flywheel) holes. You then slowly rotate the 22mm pulley bolt anti-clockwise until you feel resistance on the allen key. Using a long breaker bar the bolt will come free. This is a successful method used by one of our American friends on their forum. Hope this helps. Titch

Putting the car in Park won't stop the crankshaft from turning. If it did you wouldn't ever be able to start the car! Regarding the pulley, I would try jamming the flywheel with a very large allen key. I've heard of this method being used successfully on the LS. Just make sure there is a cord attatched by tape when you use it. You don't want to accidentally let it drop it while it's in there. I have an electric impact wrench but it's too big to squeeze in the gap in front of the crankshaft pulley. A pneumatic one might work if you have the use of a compressor, as they seem to be of a more compact design. I would have to summon all my nerve to use the alternative "jam the pulley and briefly turn the starter " method, although that does work too. All the best with your efforts, whichever way you take.

I would definitely watch Top Gear if Guy Martin was a presenter. Jodie Kidd? No thanks. Vicki B-H every time.

I reckon Vicki Butler-Henderson (of Fifth Gear fame) would be a good replacement for Clarkson. She's a natural in front of the camera (unlike Jodie Kidd) and she can really handle a car too (again, better than Jodie Kidd). Vicki B-H has a fun personality and knows her stuff. I bet May and Hamster would love her.

Bob , glad you got your mk4 almost sorted. How's the transmission? Has the ATF fluid ever been changed? I have a mk4 that's on 137k and have had a few things done to "bring it up to scratch"; changing ATF was the first thing I did. Then replaced discs/pads, front shocks and shock mounts (though probably didn't strictly need them yet), replaced front anti-rollbar bushes (easy and cheap), replaced steering rack bushes (made a big difference), and new engine and transmission mounts, which made everything incredibly smooth once again. It now runs beautifully. No clunks, knocks or vibrations. Amazing in motion.

My 15 year old mk4 LS has been far and away less costly to maintain than any of the Merc's and BMTroubleyou's that my friends own. They have literally spent small fortunes on their cars and not just on routine maintenance stuff either (unlike my LS), but nasty big expensive faults; e.g. timing chain failure, transmission failure, etc. I agree, the LS400 does have potential for faults (as mentioned in an earlier post), BUT, in my experience those raise their ugly heads a darn sight less often in a Lexus than in a german uberwagen.

Hi all, just returned from Dusseldorf in Germany the other day, where I was visiting my eldest lad and whilst there noticed that lpg was being sold for 0.56 cents (in euro's). And that was at more than one petrol station too. That equates at present exchange rates to 40 pence per litre! Here in rip-off Britain I'm paying 63.9 pence per litre at my local garage. So much for the so-called European Economic Union. If the Germans can benefit from cheaper gas, why can't we?

There is a flap on the undertray on the passenger side which comes down to give access to the oil filter. You can also get to the drain plug easily without disturbing the undertray. The tray is there to smooth out the airflow underneath. I suppose you could live without it if the fixings have become too much of a faff, i.e. cable ties/ rusty self tappers.

Saw one in our local Waitrose car park a few months back. Totally silent as it wafted past me and the missus. Great car.

Glad you're o.k. though. I presume the car's a write-off then? It would be a real shame if it is, yet another LS gone for good. Hope the culprit had insurance.You never know these days. Did you manage to get any photographs of the scene by any chance?