Titch LS

The LS400 exhaust is fully stainless steel. The LS430 does not have stainless steel back boxes for some reason, so will need replacing. The car in question seems well looked after, but as a Cat D write-off it is well overpriced.

In my experience all dealerships tend to offer poor value for money regardless of car brand. That's why we hunt around for a good independent garage. For example, I remember once at a local Honda dealers paying £28 for some ATF. The next time I re-ordered the same (not too long after), it had gone up to £42! Their lame excuse was that "the price of oil has gone up". Yes,it had gone up some, but nowhere near as much as to make that price difference. I think the words 'rip-off' describes this scenario pretty well actually.

After looking at this, my mk4 has just gone up in value by at least six grand overnight.

Matthew, unlike you, I had the headlight wash pump fail on my Mk4 once. Like Ambermarine says, you access the two separate pumps and resovoir via the wheel-well liner. No need to take off the undertray. I replaced mine with a used pump off a scrapper (on-line breakers) for £7 three years ago, it still works fine. It's not too hard to get at or fit.

Hugh, glad you got it sorted. Hopefully, you shouldn't have any more starting problems for a good long time. A good independant is a real bonus when owning an LS. I have an independant garage I use; the owners are ex-Lexus trained and charge reasonble rates, unlike rip-off Lexus dealerships. Well done, enjoy your LS ownership.

Mark, it could be quite a number of things so you'll need to get the car jacked up and pry around. Checking for ball joint wear; with the wheel off the ground you will have to lever up the front wheel with a pry bar and look/ feel for any movement. There should be none at all. Checking for track rod wear; hold the wheel at 9 and 3 and try to turn inward and outward. Again you shouldn't feel any play. Top wishbone balljoint; this can be checked by clamping a pair of those adjustable wide-jawed plumbers pliers around it (with the wheel off the ground) and squeezing. You should not be able to feel/see any movement. Could be a coil spring not seating right ect... You'll have to experiment. Unfortunately, it's the wrong time of year to do comfortable DIY unless you have access to a nice heated double garage!

Hugh, sorry to hear of your plight. I hope your Porche specialist chap knows what's involved when replacing the 'hidden' starter on an LS. If he does, hold him to that labour quote,- it's a bargain price.

Another very low mileage example commanding a very high price tag. Seems to be the trend at the moment. People know these cars are desirable and also becoming rarer by the month. The price will reflect market forces.

Jay, £350+vat is a bargain for a brand new Lexus screen. Lexus would charge you £800 minimum.

Hugh, once or twice I've experienced the exact same symptoms as yours on my mk4. It has always been due to low battery voltage. I know your battery is only 10 months old but if it has ever been substantially discharged (for any reason) in that time, it will affect its ability to hold a charge well in the future due to sulphation in the cells. These cars call for a very healthy battery as they are very sensitive to voltage drops. It will need a good charge and at least a 10 mile run. It might even sort your starter problem as it could be related. Low voltage brings on weird electrical gremlins. I had a load of electrical problems on a Rover Sterling once and all was cured with a new battery.

Rodt, alloy wheels lose air pressure quicker than steel rims do. What state are yours in? If they are a bit tatty you could well need them refurbishing. I had mine done a while ago and my tyres lost very little air afterwards. I think the going rate nowadays is about £65-70 per wheel. Refurbished wheels really make your LS look great. I got my fronts done first followed by the rears a few months later.

Hugh, I've had this panel off and it comes away fairly easily if you (carefully) prise at the bottom or side edge with a thin knife or screwdriver to start things off. It's held (this is from memory), by 3 push-fit clips; 2 at the top and one at the bottom, if I remember correctly. It's been a while since I removed it. Firstly though, remove the plastic circular 'surround' before prising the panel off. Comes off easy, goes back easy. Hope this helps.

Sounds like the dreaded starter problem to me. The solenoid is sticking and the contacts need replacing. There is a kit you can buy on line for around £13 or £14, or, you could go the whole hog and go for a complete reconditioned starter. Hope you get it sorted soon. A good 'indie' will be much cheaper than the dealership. 61,000 miles does seem low mileage for this problem. Perhaps your car has done a lot of short journeys in it's time with more than the average number of 'start ups'. Anyway, keep that 10mm spanner handy to quickly disconnect the battery if the key 'wiggle' method doesn't work!

Amazing condition for nigh on 900,000 miles. I also wondered if the driver's seat is original. Could be though, the colour of the leather matches exactly. What an incredible example of Lexus engineering.

I drove my brother's (low mileage) Morris Marina HL to Germany and back once. It didn't let me down so long as I stopped and added half an oil well every hour or so. Strangely though, I never once saw any blue smoke from the exhaust. British engineering at it's finest. No wonder people swapped to Jap cars in those days.

I like the "forget S class" bit.

Wow indeed. An LS460 is an awesome car but I don't like the reports of it having a firmer ride than my 400. Seems that Lexus have gone slightly Germanic with their ride/ suspension set up. That does not appeal to me at all. I don't care if it 'handles' better than my 400. Give me smooooooth every time.

I know what you mean. My 15 year old mk4 needs a replacement numberplate bulb. Thinking of trading it in for a Renault...

If I ever traded up my mk4 (and that's a big 'if'), for another Lexus, it would be for a 430. I really like the look of the cabin on those, but I am also aware of the niggles that crop up on that model. So, for now, I'll stick with my trusty old LS400. It's still a delight to drive every day even if it is 15 years old and is just as reliable as some 5 year old cars, I'll wager.

I find Mr. Sheen furniture polish works great on the polished wood. The waterless stuff is mainly for paintwork, but, you could try it on a very small area first to see if it works. The car's paintwork is laquered and so is the wood, so you should be o.k. I reckon.