harrylime

went out today in my 400 and seemed to be getting a lot of interference on my radio - on several channels. Before I start delving, does anyone have any ideas please?

is it worth contacting an Irish company or broker to arrange a short term policy that also covers driving in the UK? They would provide cover under the existing reg?

Well, I've just resisted the Silver one on Exchange + Mart, which has just been reduced.

The temptation was strong-and it's local to me, but I might just be 'downsizing'-literally, in getting a smaller car that we both will drive.

trouble is, find a car that has a semblance of the LSs 'ride' in a smaller car? Not since Xantia days anyway?

was in a Mini recently; like a go-kart with zero compliance!

Tempted by this Forfour (Smart) Brabus http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-SMART-FORFOUR-BRABUS-SILVER-/131412604870?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e98cd37c6

that looks lovely. But comments like;

"The steering was heavy, though, likewise the clutch, and boy was the road noise overbearing on motorway journeys,"

"Well, yes… The chief executive of Smart-Brabus, Bodo Buschmann spoke of "an optimal compromise between sporty firmness and a

comfortable ride". Optimal? Hmm… Anything other than totally smooth surfaces

induces violent vertical shocks."

"Body control is good on fast roads, but

the ride, on 17” rims and 40/35 profile tyres (front/rear), is shocking. Loads

of road noise too, and more than its share of torque steer."

"the noise on motorway journeys was unbearable".....

......In reviews, put me off.

The silence and comfortable ride of the LS is pretty nigh unsurpassed.

Am I looking for 'the rainbow' thinking I might find something as comfortable in a smaller car?

Oh, and not at mega £££s of course.

Enjoy the ride, you LS owners!

( If only the Citroen C6 hadn't got so poor a rep.......style AND comfort....)

I wish I was brave enough to buy a Citroen C6. Love the styling and the sheer exuberance of Citroen in producing such a car. And a magic carpet ride I imagine.

Mark Carney warned yesterday about deflation. That'll be it, £1000 off again

Yep. Always liked Top Gear, but they're getting to the age where it's all a bit silly. Hammond is so false and affected it's embarrassing.

They are all intelligent blokes so I'm sure they could produce some decent programmes. Lot of interesting things out there. They just need to stop with the scripted/spontaneous nonsense and be a bit more engaged and serious, but retaining a sense of humour. I feel they have painted themselves into a corner and have to continue in the same vein, perhaps to keep their fan base.

They meed to work out what demographic they want to attract (perhaps they already have and we are not it).

The bit I really can't stand is the obviously scripted, sycophantic interviews with their guest "stars"

the only time I got this was when one of the doors was not fully closed. The other day my Skoda would not lock with the remote, it turned out I had left my spare key in the ignition. Unlikely scenarios, but worth mentioning perhaps

I'd forgotten how irritating Quentin Wilson is. I'm not a fan of his presentation style, a bit too Alan Partridge. It's like watching a caricature of a TV presenter

I had also compared Guy with Fred Dibnah. Sadly, people like Fred and Guy are few and far between. Fred was clever with his hands but was also intelligent and a a gifted artist, whose drawings were incredibly detailed. Both Guy and Fred had no pretensions whatsoever. What you see is what you get. Having worked in the public sector and tolerated all sorts of bullsh*t, with frequent, pointless meetings and inept managers spouting endless corporate speak (e.g. "robust procedures and "park it" ), to hide their inadequacies, people like Guy and Fred are very refreshing.

On this issue, I choose to remain in total denial, and total ignorance. I prefer to enjoy all the positives of driving this terrific car and do not want these to be offset by my sensible head telling me to get rid, as it's too thirsty

Just been to B and Q in my 400. I listened to the theme from Road to perdition by Thomas Newman. Absolutely stunning music that sounds amazing in the 400. I just need a system as good as that in my house now.

At least one of those silly priced imports has cloth seats, which seem well out of place. I would have thought that these would depress the price

I have an LS 400. The V8 is sublime, better than any merc, BMW or Jag I have ever owned (including a brand new XF 3 litre). It is possibly the finest engine ever produced and if you read about its development, it is no surprise. You are probably talking about a quantum leap in terms of performance, refinement and reliability. For a modest sacrifice in economy, it must be worth it, in my view.

If your air con stops working, then clearly it is losing gas. You can also check by buying a UV torch off eBay for a couple of quid. When mine was regassed they also used a dye that fluoresces under UV light. I can see where mine is losing gas (it was regassed twice at Kwikfit)

My independent mechanic is switched on when it comes to car air con systems and he reckons that it can be resolved by changing seals. The O rings deteriorate apparently, it's just an age related thing

Is this the bargain of the year? the price does not seem right?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/57-LEXUS-LS-460-SE-L-A-/271733891294?hash=item3f449a20de

I got the complete kit

Good result, better than the £450 the main stealer would have wanted to do the same job. It is nice to have the faith restored in my car. As I said, I think it was a long term problem on mine that gradually deteriorated to the point where it would not start. I looked at the contacts which had been removed and one was particularly heavily worn.

You will be aware, I'm sure, but I think I'm correct in thinking that you also must insure another car under "normal" insurance, as your main vehicle?

They asked if I had access to another vehicle and I answered yes as I have a company van for commuting/work.

Thought it was wortth mentioning, it does not take much for them to wriggle out of a claim. That is a great deal.

You will be aware, I'm sure, but I think I'm correct in thinking that you also must insure another car under "normal" insurance, as your main vehicle?

If you narrow it down to the radiator, it may well be repairable. I once got a price for an exchange Audi radiator at a motor factors, and as the price seemed high, decided to look for a radiator reconditioning specialist. I found one locally, who reconditioned my radiator for me. They were also the firm that supplied the motor factor. The difference was that it cost me around half.

I've just used a Porsche specialist to change my starter contacts ( 4 hours labour). However, any Lexus dealer should do a timing belt for an Ls for £295, as per their website at http://www.lexus.co.uk/owners/servicing-and-maintenance/index.tmex?ac=C3257&mc=SEM2014AFS&gclid=CIbstILQ8MICFebLtAodkBkAKg&gclsrc=aw.ds#/ServicingYourLexus (bottom of page). Why would you go elsewhere?

Thats for an Ls200/300.

My own exprerience of costs for parts alone is in this thread, so beware as just chaging the belt can easily lead into all other parts.

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/95522-need-help-98-ls-400-parts/#entry893499

ps My very good mechanic friend has yet to bill me for the labour element - thats four months back?? Must be doing well to be able to leave it so long!

That price is for the LS430, I assume the 400 would be the same (and is the price quoted by lexus sheffield for my 400)

Sheffield are still doing it. It is still on Lexus website. If they refuse, I would get in touch with Lexus. It's part of their bid to retain work on older cars, as I understand it

I've just used a Porsche specialist to change my starter contacts ( 4 hours labour). However, any Lexus dealer should do a timing belt for an Ls for £295, as per their website at http://www.lexus.co.uk/owners/servicing-and-maintenance/index.tmex?ac=C3257&mc=SEM2014AFS&gclid=CIbstILQ8MICFebLtAodkBkAKg&gclsrc=aw.ds#/ServicingYourLexus (bottom of page). Why would you go elsewhere?

Mine seems much better since I had the starter contacts replaced. It is possible they were causing a substantial Battery drain when starting the car, even before failing altogether. It is possible to fit a larger Battery but you have to chop the tray a bit. Someone on the forum has done this . I charge mine weekly with my ctek intelligent charger. I also removed the boot light bulb as a precaution

They do look well in black. Lovely

For those who do not get the Frank Costanza reference, it is from Seinfeld, the most successful, and one of the funniest comedy series of all time