harrylime

I would have thought that with servicing charges as they are, and independent lexus trained technician would do very nicely.I have found garages claiming to be specialists, but they are also specialists in a dozen other makes, which is an oxymoron. I still like the look of the 7 series, but having read many posts on Bimmerforum, they most definitely have their problems.

perhaps everyone's too dismayed to respond, at the thought of sticking a bodykit on a Lexus

But was that a Lexus sales guy who said that? I'm still pondering on what I'd replace mine with if the time ever comes. In a weak moment I've been looking at the 7 series. One big advantage the BMW has over Lexus is that there are independent specialists in this area, and at least one very good one. With my 400 my choice is main dealer, DIY or local garages, who seem not to be very knowledgeable about Lexuses. The 730D will do 30 - 40 mpg and can be bought for very little more than the equivalent 3 series, which is madness.

no. 3 - very good. I'm sure my sat nav once suggested a short cut via the Appian Way, turning left after the third crucifixion. When I go on holiday, I may take my little Garmin just in case (and no that's not a euphemism)

Well put Scribe. Funnily enough Malc, I keep looking at 600s, as I don't know where I'll go after the 400, if maintenance costs or cosmetic upkeep become a problem due to age (the car not me). They do seem incredible value, but at the moment I'm just an old fart in a quaint old barge. The 600 is a lot more ostentatious, with a completely different image, and obviously more complex. I would baulk at the idea of paying ridiculous amounts in road tax as well.

The hybrids are a possibility and I quite like the look of the GS 450h. However, the idea that Lexus built a 2 tonne car that is not designed to take a towbar limits its appeal though, crazy if only for garden trailers/bike racks etc.

It occurred to me that if Lexus could make the LS V8 in a smaller format - say 2.5 - 3.0 litres and retain the refinement, that would take some beating in a smaller model

I agree with Chris. it is pointless to debate which is better. It is horses for courses and personal choice. The really important point to note is that I would probably have either over a BMW or Mercedes, having experienced mine, for fear of horrendous repair bills.

couple of little anomalies that affect me:

my ls400 has 17" wheels (dynamic handling pack)

My ls400 does let me down if I leave it for a while - new Battery fitted, still an issue.

Love my ls400 and did not buy a 430, partly because a lexus service manager advised me, on no account, to buy a 430 withoud a good, long warranty. I would consider a 430 though, I'm sure they are lovely cars, sharing the same DNA

Norman

That does not sound right, as I said, mine is as quiet as a hybrid. It did occur to me a while ago that if they could make a smaller version of our V8, say 2.5 litre, and retain the refinement, they would have a cracking engine for smaller models like the IS, and hybrids might be unnecessary

I don't know why they do that. I never bought a car from a pushy salesman in my life, and I've had 70 +

Depends whether you are an Alan Partridge fan. I am, so I'll go with Lexi, just in case I can ever afford to own two

At least the windows and moonroof can be opened remotely. That helps quite a bit, I think

On my LS 400, the external mirror adjustment is a bit of a reach. Errr, that's about it

could it be related to the immobiliser?

no rear aircon or fridge

Thanks Steve

The oil was not discussed but is included with ATS. There was some doubt about whether rear aircon was fitted, so I think you're right about that. Going for a run tomorrow, will check vent temp. How long should it take to start blowing cold, any idea anyone?

I have a mk 4 and had it regassed a week or so ago. It's not as cold as I would like. Can anyone tell me how much refrigerant the system should hold. The guy at ATS seemed unsure between around 750ml and 1000 ml. He went for the lower amount, being afraid to put too much pressure into the system. Can anyone clarify how much should go in there?

Is your air con button flashing? I think my book says that if the compressor is not working the button flashes (LS400)

With the power to weight ration on that thing it must fly

Forgot the link http://www.leefordmotorco.co.uk/lexusspecialist.html

I did a search for a Lexus specialist and this company came up in Leeds. Seems they are a lexus specialist and also specialise in 10 other makes including Jag, BMW, Mercedes, Alfa, Audi etc etc. Not really a Lexus specialist then are they?

Does anyone know of a good indy in Yorkshire or North Midlands?

And a slower speed one of an ls430

One here at 70 mph

My daughter wanted a classic, original shaped mini. I love them to bits and they are great fun, but I'm an ex fireman and have dealt with the results of accidents too many times, so no, no and thrice no. I've seen a crash test on a Smart and it came off quite well, so I'm a bit surprised at that photo

While I was waiting I noticed how ridiculously quiet the car is. I don't normally stand about when it's idling, but there was no disturbance or vapour from the exhaust and I could genuinely hear nothing at all. I had to check the rev counter to see if it was running. What a piece of kit this is, it grows on me every time I drive it.

Had mine done at ATS, £33 all in including antibac , UV dye etc with a special offer through amazon local, some charge extra for the antibac, so I thought that was a good deal. It is down to 6 degrees C according to their temperature probe. They were unsure how much refrigerant to put in, their system showed 700 cl or 1000 cl I think depending on whether the car has rear air con. I don't think mine has, so they put 700 cl in.

I think 6 degrees is cold enough, I like it really cold, my wife does not. It is not particularly warm this morning , so hard to tell whether it will do. ATS have a decent waiting room with free coffee etc and magazines, so I saw little point in paying £60 plus at a main dealer and travelling further. Only caveat, take your own seat cover for your car,as they do not seem to bother with them.