aviator888

Well said, that often goes on other Lexus models too (unless you are unlucky and get a "Friday afternoon job"). Boxter is an underpowered slug Should not even be mentioned in this thread alongside IS-F, M3 and GT-R

You need a better understanding of Torque and Horse power before you can discuss this further, as it doesnt really sound like you understand correctly. An engine makes torque, and depending on how many rpms it is doing while making this torque it produces horsepower. Horsepower is important figure, because we use gearboxes to transmit this power to make torque at the wheels. Thats why a 200bhp 200nm civic is faster than a 150bhp 300nm turbo diesel for example :) The reason TDIs make more torque than power is because they cant rev high enough for the high torque figure to turn into huge power. In this case (on paper) C63 engine is not only producing more torque, but more importantly is capable of transmitting more torque into horsepower. Between 2 cars torque advantage alone does not mean anything if You know how to use the gearox properly.

Agree. I personally would prefer IS-F or GT-R over same class Audi, Merc, BMW and Jaguar any day. And in real life, everyday motoring it makes no difference if the "official" figures for 0-60 is 4.0 or 5.0 seconds. Same goes for cornering, because by the end of the day it will all come down to skill, tyres etc. Back in a day when Toyota entered the Luxury market, many journalists always found "something" to slate the Lexus models: they moaned about the styling, design, refinement etc. Looking at IS-F revies it still goes on today.. Most of these BMW/Merc paid car journalist are complaning on subjective matters and if everything else fails, they simply come up with conclusion Lexus xxx is a good car, but BORING It always makes me laugh, because like many of us, i have owned my fare share of "German marvels" and they are indeed not boring at all- there's always something waiting to be fixed.

Just enlighten us, how did You manage to pull away? The driver in the Merc must of taken his foot off the accelerator pedal.. C63 has got a few more horsepower and a lot more torque @ about the same weight.

Let us know how You get on..

Pass the angle grinder :D

This boyracer's dream deserves it's own topic :) Ebay item number: 251810455389 This is what "the green inferno" looks like: PS. Good motor ruined imo, but i would love to pick up my mother-in-law from airport in this :D

Plus it looks plain boring (Just like Auris/Prius etc..) No offence to anyone, but it should of been badged Toyota.

Also let us not forget the fact, that most cars are actually sold at lower prices than advertised. There's always room for good old haggling :) However there's no question, IS-F holds value very well. I am russian by nationality, and i remember back in the Soviet Union days, brand new cars were lot CHEAPER than used ones :D The reason being- you had to apply for special licence to buy a brand new car and not many people got accepted. So buying a used car was the only option lol.

Agree with Steve here- order from Lexus USA and have them fitted by some half-decent garage. Result will be the same just a lot cheaper..

Hello all :) I am in the market for RX300. Been looking around interenet forums and there seems to be very little information regarding the differences between MK1 and MK2. My budget will allow me to buy a very nice example MK1 or higher mileage MK2. 1. How much difference between the two in terms of performance, comfort? MK2 seems more modern on the inside and out. It also has lot more gadgets to play with.. 2. I understand MK1 1998-2003 has 5 speed auto gearbox while MK2 was fitted 6 speed? 3. How the 2 compare in reliability department? Are they easy to work on? My only experience with 4x4 so far has been MItsubishi Pajero Exceed but this is completely different purpose veichle compared to RX300. 4. Some MK2 models were fitted air suspension. Are they haunted with the same problems as LS430 air suspension? 5. I am very impressed with whisper quiet ride of my LS430, will i miss out on RX? 6. What sound/stanav systems fitted on both? MK2 has the same ML as 430? Im looking forward test driving both models over next week or so.. any advice what to look for would be much appreciated. Mel

Many tyre shops offer free wheel alignment and fitting if You buy tyres from them.

Im with You on this one :) I don't get tailgated often but whenever i do, i make sure the nit will enjoy every second of it by reducing speed sometimes as low as 15mph if i have to.

On cheap rads the overflow outlet is located next to the filler cap so the hose going into coolant tank has to be replaced with longer one. OEM ones do not have filler cap and are by far, better quality parts. Still there's no reason why cheap replacement would not fit Your car other than peace of mind maybe. My old LSis happy with it, but i would not even consider fitting these parts if it had LS460 or 600h badge on the boot :)

Could not agree more- no cutting corners here. Maybe on a cheap fiesta yes, but not on the 4+ litre rwd beasts we all love so much Just passed the MOT this morning with one silly advisory!

I would never fit cheap chinese tyres on my cars. They may look pretty good on labels but steer clear! Also Halfords is the last place on earth to shop for tyres :) Go for part worn or new set of Falkens.

So this is what the £100 radiator looks like :) Fitting was pretty straightforward, only the coolant overflow hose had to be extended. While the radiator was off, i also fitted new drive belt, because old one got probably soaked in coolant. Next job on my list is to sort out the alloy wheels (refurbishment) and a little bit noisy power steering pump.

I would be put off by LPG (but that's just me). Also whenever i see 16-17 year old car with LPG fitted i start to look carefully for signs of odometer clocking. These systems are fitted for a reason- to save money and obviously it will only pay for itself after so many miles.. Also there is not a single fault mentioned in veichle description?!

The sound system in LS400 is brilliant. 430 ML is close but not quite as good in my opinion.

1) Buy oem replacement from Lexus (also you can get them much cheaper from Lexus USA) 2) There are several subwoofer models that should fit with very minor work (JL Audio 8W0-4, but you will need to connect it in series to get 8ohm load) good tutorial on ML http://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls430/511807-how-to-ls430-mark-levinson-everything-w-pics-and-part-s.html 3) Buy the repair kit for £20 and DIY

While im still waiting for new radiator to be delivered, i tried to change HID bulbs on both sides. Drivers side is pretty straightforward with the air intake box out of the way. But there is simply no room on the passenger side to access the bulb. I wasted the whole afternoon, got nowhere. Changing the bulbs on LS400 was easy as pie but i haven't been able to find a good tutorial for facelift LS430. Has anyone got any experience and advice on this? The fuse boxes are on the way and there seems to be no way taking them off. I managed to find 2 bolts holding the headlight in place, but there seems to be more bolts somewhere behind the front wing or possibly the bumper..

I will go back to LS400 as soon as i find a good one with the right price. Tried to change the passenger side HID bulb on LS430 it's a complete nightmare.. all these gadgets and extras are very nice, but i want MK4 LS400 back :)

I am keeping an eye on the Ebay auction (item number 121539176329). My head tells my to stop even thinking about it- the car is too damn far for viewing and it looks a bit tired, but my heart melts when i see one with black leather..

Cold weather (engine takes longer to warm to working temperature) sticking brakes, incorrect tyre pressure. Check if any of the alloy wheels get hot after driving for 20 minutes or so.

Neil Your SC430 goes faster than a speeding bullet. Feeding the beast with 600hp may take away some of it's character and appeal. Looks like 1UR-FSE engine off LS/GS 460 would hit the spot (extra 100+ hp and a lot more torque) shame Lexus never considered fitting this marvel to SC.. The more time i spend in this SC part of the forum, the more i want one