Avantime

It’s happening, I feel like a 24 year old again……. Part of the plan was we sell our old VW Shaz and get a very sensible car, so we’ve picked up a 2018 Honda Jazz EX (and my wife is a Jazz singer) spec with 33k for £8995, which if one cared to look you’d see is bit of a bargain. I’ve just driven back from Leeds to Sheffield in it, a bit slow maybe but a very well put together small big car. My MX5 is being collected on Thursday and I’ve just booked my train ticket to Motherwell Friday morning. Looking forward to going through the Hope Valley and coming out Manchester side, as I’ve never done that.

Ah ok, coolio! I’m all a bit nervous about it, it’s almost like I’m buying a super car.

That’s a great list you have complied and I think I’ve probably bought the one in Hamilton. I note though you have put lightly modified, I wonder why that is as I did ask the dealer and he says not. I was aware it had been on sale since the end of July and I think I have achieved a decent enough price, however I’ll know that when I see the car next week. Thanks Nick

Just booked my train ticket to potentially buy the car. I’ll be stuck if it’s a wrong un as I’ve bought a single ticket. I think it will be ok, however I wonder if some dealers are desperate are to shift them? Today I’ve bought my wife a really nice 18 plate Honda Jazz and I’m looking forward to having two NA cars in the family. Nick

Yes it’s currently £735…….. however my MX5 is currently £335 and the Sharan £210 (crazy the MX is more than the Shaz) so my man brain economics kind of make it acceptable as the Honda Jazz we’re buying for city duties is only £35 per year. Also I’ve been paying a Mazda Service plan of £24 a month so I’m kind of in the same figure. Also the MX only does a combined of less than 32 MPG so if i get 22 out of the ISF I’ll be happy for a few years yet. I’m aware these cars days are possibly numbered but I’ve been drawn in by the fabulous engine, reliability and the rarity of the car. It also helps I have Dave at Lextek nearby. I’ve mentioned this before but I live on a street with a few Teslas, Kia’s, lots of little runabouts and unfortunately I care what people think about buying big V8 cars, at least the Jazz has a tiny wheezy 1.3 engine. That said if I have my figures right the petrol Euro 4 standards make my Euro 5 Shaz dirtier than the ISF, plus I dont do more than 5000 miles a year. Like many on here I’m an enthusiast and as you can see I’m trying to justify as I type! All the best Nick

To conclude this thread it appears I maybe be buying an ISF, I’m going to look at one next week and have put a small deposit down to hold the car. Nick

Thanks Frank and a PM sent.

Thanks, I’m going to see the car on Friday. If interested I’ll keep you posted.

Hi all, I’ve been looking at various options about getting a new Lexus and saying goodbye to my trusty MX5 NC BBR. I went to look at a LS430 (i use to have one) and in the end I deemed it just a bit big for my needs. While I know the F is a very different car it’s a V8 I’m after. Not many for sale at the mo but this seems in the right area re mileage and age, though perhaps a little above my budget. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407312355367?sort=relevance&advertising-location=at_cars&make=Lexus&model=IS F&page=1&postcode=S118sa&fromsra I’m yet to ring the dealer but may well do and I think it’s been on since the 31st of July. So of course I’m wondering if anyone has ever owned the car or any thoughts on that car welcome. Thanks Nick

Yes I noticed that… I really should go and look. There’s also the silver one at Individual Cars. 60k. Looks nice, however I get the impression the forum may think I’m nuts shelling out this much for an LS? BRM just enquired if I was still interested about the black one so I asked re cam belt and pump. Will check other stuff if I go back. If I don't do this I keep the MX which is really rather nice and we get a CRV, I’d rather avoid that. Nick

It’s been round the world 3 more times than the black one, looks ok though and at that price I can perhaps forgive the rims.

Yes I’ll check those things and go through all the invoices as it has quite a big history file. Perhaps I should see this one too. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/375706535539?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=dklqoa8dtkc&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=PUcFiN8iTGW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=EMAIL £4350. MOT history looks to be ok and only in Manchester.

I can Malc it’s M88 WHK History shows a crack in the screen, the pads and tyres, of which they have been replaced. The crack I’ll use to negotiate a movement in price. Other than that it seems pretty good? The service history is Lexus till 2019, then three independents and nothing for 23, though they have serviced it. It appears to be a good car, with interior a 7 out of 10 and everything that I could test works. I’ll be taking it for a test drive on Thursday. I’m tempted to put down a returnable deposit. I’m aware it’s a high price and I’m surprised that I’m happy to pay it considering what I sold my last one for, it does show though that the market appreciates these cars. I’d forgotten just how nice it was inside and makes my MX feel very low rent indeed. I think I’ll take better care of this one. I didn’t remember to check the tyre brand and radiator so I’ll do this in the week.

Here I am again. Well as above I’ve been round more houses…… Decided to sell my beauty of an MX5, get my wife a Honda Jazz and myself, well I’ve decided upon a LS430. I went to see one in Scunthorpe today and yes I’m happy to wave goodbye to my brilliant little Mazda and buy a car with a cassette player! If you want a look: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405179806012?utm_source=product-service&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=at_braze_cars_ios_email_action_manual_alerts_email-a-friend Now I’m going to call that Gothic black, as I’m a closet goth (I also have a business in Whitby) I don’t think I’ve ever seen a black LS430 and it looks great when you see it, plus I like the bit naff gold badges and the wheels have been refurbed in grey to a good standard. Four new tyres and for an 19 year old car its in good condition. It all works, no lamination on the windows, door mirrors fold and all the seat motors, cd, radio are all operative. I think I’m going to put a deposit down and full test drive on Thursday. I’m aware it’s a high price but i think that’s the way low mileage cars are going now and I’m happy to pay it. I note there a 90 black 430’s knocking around. Thoughts anybody? Cheers NIck PS I paid £8500 8 years ago for my one owner 80,000 mile LS430. I kept it for 3 years and sold for 5k!

So in my search for a LS, well I have been round the houses of my mind so to speak. I widened my search and started to look at RX450’s, but then inevitably my cost of car purchase rises and I really don't want to do that. Also I have decided I probably do need a ULEX compliant car so I’m looking at 430’s. As mentioned I had one 5 years ago so that’s what I’m doing now. I had also started to look at Jag XFs and BMW 535s but I had a word with myself and all the while my wife was reminding me of Japanese reliability!