rich1068

That's rather nice. So that's effectively a late MK2 LS? Any real difference in terms of spec?

Not wanting to get ahead of myself but I'd be quite interested in what you decide to do with the car you're bored of... And actually I can't say I've seen pictures of your Celsior.

I was talking to a furloughed employee the other day. He's a bit of a motoring enthusiast as we all are but currently bored out of his mind. The conversation turned to machine polishing, I haven't got the patience but he's and avid detailer. He offered to do the GS and after a bit of arm twisting on me came up to work yesterday. I left him to it for about 4 hours and I have to say the finish is absolutely outstanding. The metallic flake is a revelation. Unfortunately I don't think the pictures do it justice but the car looks superb!

I'll bet the coppers love those headlights. And the window tints.

Back to the original question, timing belt and spark plugs. I'd also have a look under the cubby in the boot floor (remove it) and check if everything is nice and dry. If it's not just dry it (paper towels) and keep an eye on it. Lots of terrifying chat on here but if it's not getting any worse then don't worry. Just to get in there before forum paranoia sets in.

Cheers all.

Like this one? https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1201529 Have to say I have a soft spot for the 1st generation too.

Yep. Known problem. I'm guessing either error 1 or error 3. Same happened to my IS300 a few weeks ago. Replacement time I'm afraid. Sometimes you can get them going again with a bit of button pressing and maybe a lens cleaner disc but it appears to be temporary.

Have to say I'm not averse to using non-manufacturer branded fluids.

I'm wanting to get some coolant to replace what's in my '02 GS. This is the correct Lexus stuff but my local dealer is still shut and Lexus Parts Direct have a bit of a delay on deliveries. However, Halfords have this that I can pick up almost immediately. A suitable substitute? (The image on LPD is incorrect. The link is for ready mixed.) Many thanks!

I'm the same. Axle stands to back up a trolley/trolley to back up axle stands. I'm never particularly happy under the car. I also make sure there's someone within screaming distance I've got a fairly sturdy pair of ramps that were always great for the FWD Saabs but the rear wheel drive GS is a nightmare to get on. Try to drive on and invariably one of them moves.

Have to say I'm a little confused by Jack's post too.

Agreed. And no offence to those who have chosen the new ES, I'm sure they're lovely cars but a little bit of sparkle is gone. Again, no offence intended but my wife is reading The Rabbit Factory by Marshall Karp. In it one of the characters has an ES but gets his legged pulled for driving a posh Camry.

For me it's just a shame another RWD car has gone to be replaced by FWD.

It was inevitable but Volvo made the decision that they had to survive and with their new Chinese owners they're doing exactly that using a combination of heritage and sharp styling. The cars will last no longer than the equivalent German models, a bit longer than other European offerings but certainly not as long as (Japanese built) Japanese cars and I assume Korean. The days when Volvo dealers proudly mentioned how many Volvos were still on the road are long gone. Makes no financial sense if nothing else. Everyone moans about when the accountants took over at MB but the company is in rude health because of it. Cars are a bit **** though.

Something about them though. Fingers burned but I'd have another.

I seem to have disappeared down a bit of a Flock of Seagulls rabbit hole.

That's superb.

I had a couple of V70s amongst others. A bog standard '03 and a facelift bells and whistles '05. The '03 was definitely the better car.

Talking of Jag V12s. From today...

I've owned one or two post-2000 ones and though I like them I didn't find them to be any more reliable than any other car.

And I think I'd give the hosepipe a miss.

Must keep this updated. I know you all wait with bated breath to see what I've been up to. Never got the bumpers done because of you-know-what. Never got the touch up stick from Toyota and had to order non-OEM from Amazon because of you-know-what. I'm trying that today to see if it's any good. Even though I'm using it every day the car is staying spotless because of the glorious weather. A quick vac of the driver's footwell and job done. You may have seen I did get round to doing the engine bay which took all of 10 minutes More importantly I did the first partial (2.25 litres) drain of the ATF after waiting a fortnight for the delivery from ECP. I know I said I probably never would but the boredom gets to you in the end. And like most jobs on this car an absolute doddle. While I was under there I investigated draining the coolant and spotted the little valve/tap, hose and cut out in the undertray. Could they make working on this car any easier? Note: I had a little nosy at a CT200h and noticed that even though the cars are ten years apart and the hybrids are like spaceships next to my old GS, it still had the same coolant drain set up. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Very nice. Straying dangerously close to Jenson territory...