rich1068

Does the key not work wherever you are? Reason I ask is that Lexus of this era seem susceptible to interference with the remote locking/unlocking. (If that is what you're describing, I'm not familiar with the LS430) I've had 2 Lexus that were prone to this and the subject has popped up on here before. Try your "faulty" key when you've driven somewhere else.

I had them on the last new car I had. Luckily I never had to claim but they were very pleasant and priced competitively. They're definitely one of the more well known GAP providers. Not sure I'd bother with the key thing but for £21 it's not breaking the bank.

Can anyone confirm the correct high and low beam bulbs for my LS? Save me taking off the battery cover/air duct in the rain for a look. Handbook (probably correct) says H4 for low beam... ...and HB3 for high beam Can anyone confirm? The reason I'm questioning the handbook is because every online bulb place lists H4 for both and one or two even suggesting the H1 for high beam Sidelights aren't a problem. I've changed those before. And fog lights (HB4? Very similar to the HB3?) I was going to leave as is. Confused of Sheffield.

No complaints about the Dunlop Sport BluResponse 225/60 R16s I've just put on my '97 LS400. Low rolling resistance, good wet grip and most importantly, quiet. But with a budget of £15k I would imagine you're after something a little newer.

I find the mute function works well Vince. Lovely looking thing. As you say, a real head turner

Congratulations! And by now you'll know why I suggested a nappy bin too

I've driven one. Not for long, a run round town and a few miles on the dual carriageway. I thought it was great.

Very naughty!

It's still behaving. Very welcome but most odd. And coincidentally the inventor of the compact cassette, Lou Ottens, passed away yesterday. Would anyone happen to know how much of an electrical draw a cassette player is? This may be nonsense but the only reason I can think of is that since replacing the alternator the car electrics are in a better state than they were. I'm sure someone who know more about these things will be along...

Yep. Because it's all about the handling on an IS250 SE-L.

No stupid about it. As a couple of others have suggested I'd definitely be looking at fitting the same size 17s all round. 18s and staggered 18s at that, are all about looks. I value comfort more.

Pretty sure his is Cashmere Beige too.

This is the site I mentioned the other day http://ls400data.com/1998.html

For future reference, an addition. The remote has worked flawlessly but I still have only one key. I'm not too concerned about losing it but at some point I probably will lock it in the boot. So for now I just want a key that will open the doors but not necessarily start the car. Just picked it up from Lexus (£32 plus VAT) and yes it does open the doors but it also activates/deactivates the alarm. I assumed if the car had been locked with the fob, using the spare key would sound the alarm. It appears not. Well I found it interesting...

That pretty much sums it up.

Had a conversation today (in real life!) with another LS owner about just this. My MK3 power steering was a little hit and miss (occasionally very heavy at low speeds, only 60k miles) and I sourced a replacement pump from eBay as the genuine one is eye wateringly expensive. It solved the problem but shortly after the alternator gave up too. Though everything was clean we surmised that the engine bay had been given a good clean prior to my purchase and evidence of a leak was washed away. The alternator was an exchange part from ECP which I think I mentioned in your other thread. Both items are still performing well but I've only had the car 6 months. A seal kit is available from Lexus at about 40 quid iirc but unless you fancy having a go yourself I'd guess there would be some labour involved and no guarantee it will fix any problem you may have. A leak should be pretty easy to spot with a combination of monitoring the fluid level and having a poke around with your hand and a torch from above. There's a bit of room there.

Doesn't sulphur smell of bad eggs? If it's an occasional whiff from the exhaust this is normal with modern petrols isn't it?

Actually the Mini experience wasn't all bad. I was paying for a BMW but driving a Mini so there was that but I did have quite a healthy respect for the car by the time I gave it back. It really was like a go cart around town and because it was a One it didn't have the daft wheels and suspension. This was the second gen one. What are we on now? Three? Four? If While I was negotiating with Sytner it was a Mini. As soon as BMW took over I was back in a 3 series until my new car arrived. It was actually the F30 330d M Sport that I thought was going to be the be all and end all of car ownership that started my drift towards the jalopies I drive now. The car, while technically brilliant, was dull as dishwater and too clever by half. I was forever turning things off and wondering when Google in your car became a thing. Anyhoo, off topic...

Hey Chan. Can you get to a dealer to at least sit in any GS? I assume that would give you an idea at least. I think we're allowed to do that... I'd go for a GS250 all day long. Just like I would go for the facelift IS250, another rare one. Nothing wrong with the hybrids, they're marvellous. But I'm not interested in speed, just comfort. And I like the idea of a more modern Lexus but with a more traditional 6 cylinder.

Hi John. They are lovely. My dad is still driving round in mine and knows I'm keeping a close eye on him As to why so few on the road, I don't think they ever sold in huge numbers and though prices for the remaining ones are steadying and even rising they did go through a bargain basement phase like the IS200. Many unfortunately ended up badly modified or slammed into a wall by someone who'd watched too much Fast & Furious. Keep an eye on those rear cills and keep driving it!

Where is she living now?

Ask at you shall receive...

More likely for PH it ended up entirely off topic and descended into the usual driving god, ***** swinging that the site is known for.

A friend of mine has this one.

Ha! I certainly wouldn't tackle a job like that so I tip my hat to you.