ScousePaul

Certainly looks like it's been nicely looked after from the pictures and history. Why not give it a spin?

Thanks John. It's a very well-upholstered flight deck . I found a post of yours mentioning "Glyn Jones of Heswall on theWirral is a ToyotaIndie." I presume you mean that one?

Yes I know what you mean about the black leather and wood, though I've found it's not as imposing or dark as I thought it would be. It actually feels quite classy and the tall windows and sunroof on these cars let in a lot of light. My GS450h has beige leather which looks great - when clean! I was looking out for was a black bodied 430 originally, but this tempted me.

I've posted some pics in the LS section

After introducing myself a couple of weeks ago I've got round to taking some pictures. It's just a stock 430 so nothing we've not seen before, but I like to look at member's pics and I'm sure I'm not alone . It's a 2005 with 83K on the clock. It's in really nice condition for its age. Almost looks like new from certain angles, and certainly handles and drives like one. Lexus knew how to make a solid long lasting luxury car. This is my third Lexus - follows a LS400 MKIV (sold a while ago) and a GS450h (which I still have but now fully under control of my other half). Have a few things lined up to get it fully sorted. It is due the timing belt change, which I'll probably get done via local Lexus dealer (unless anyone can recommend a good indy in Merseyside/Lancashire area). Missing a door handle cover on driver side passenger door, which seems fairly common on these. Looking at installing a Vaistech to hook up some storage for my music collection. Am also still waiting for DVLA to return the V5C so I can register my private plate. Typical DVLA turnaround time on these... Off to Scotland in it this weekend for a bit of a mini road trip and its first proper run. Boys looking forward to stretching out in the back and dad looking forward to stretching out in the front .

I thought as much :-). Really enjoying this thread btw.

Yes I agree. I drive older Lexuses for the long haul so don't mind paying for the maintenance. All being well it won't be any more expensive than running a much newer econobox (I also work from home so mpg isn't a big driver for me).

Personally I'd take a deep breath and go with the Lexus option, but that's just because I don't have your mechanical skills and would hope they'd do a good warrantied job of it. It's the age-old problem with running a luxury car though. We can pick them up cheap s/h but shouldn't expect future parts and labour to match :).

Found an old pic from my LS400 when I was selling it on ebay (about 10 years ago, wish I'd kept it...) and a recent pic from my LS430. It's the quality of the wood and leather that I think is the most improved. From an exterior perspective I still think the LS400 has the best lines. Ageless.

As someone who recently picked up a later model LS430 after having an LS400 (mk IV) for a while I agree - the biggest difference for me was the improved interior.

"Warp speed Mr. Sulu"

Looks to be from this site http://www.justanswer.com/lexus/4rcsd-lexus-wires-going-front-oxygen-sensor.html

Thanks for the welcome guys. Will get some pics up at some point! DJDON - yeah I think Lexus peaked on the interior for the facelift 430. Some will say it looks old fashioned but I think it just looks understated and classy :).

Hi all, been a lurker for a while but just recently bought back into the Lexus experience. Got myself a lovely LS430 (2005) and couldn't be happier. Had an LS400 Mark IV a while ago (stunning car) and also still running a GS450h (now wife's car...). Will post some pics later, though it'll all look pretty standard as I like my Lexuses stock. Appreciate having a UK forum for our obsessions!