430 dreamer
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Posts posted by 430 dreamer
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Hi guys im new here and would love some advice from you Lexus lovers. Im a private hire taxi driver and for years have always wanted an LS. love the 400's but they are a bit old now for a taxi so been looking at the Ls430 04-06 model. Ive never even been in one let alone driven one yet i know they are amazing cars, comfortable, reliable, great engine and auto box. I guess my concerns are the size of the car, fuel economy (even with LPG), and general running costs. The air suspension is a worry. I currently run a 2008 toyota avensis 2.0 diesel which is a great car with no problems. Everybody is telling me its a crazy idea to get a V8 Lexus as a taxi and their too big etc yet i cant stop looking at them online and telling myself, one day i will have one.
Is it such a crazy idea??
Thanks guys
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Hi, check this for alternative tyre sizes. I was advised not to change the total diameter of your wheel + tyre by greater or less than 2%.
http://www.tyresave.co.uk/tyre-size-calculator/
I currently have a toyota avensis (saving up for a ls430).
My tyres are 215/50/17. I got 4 part worns recently and the garage fitted 205/50/17. The car drove horrible. Crashing over bumps and sidewalls stretched to fit the rims as 205 are not wide enough. The wheel + tyre diameter diff in this case was only minus 1.5% yet it was so noticable to me when driving.
Also note a 235/50 on your car will have a smaller diameter than a 245/50 as the sidewall height of 50 is a percentage of the width 235 or 245 so although they both say 50 the height is actually not the same.
There are other tyre size calculators online worth checking a few as some sugest the best alternative size.
For me i got fed up and took my tyres back and had them replaced with the correct size.
This was just my experience, hope that helps
LS430 for taxi ?
in LS 400 / Lexus LS 430 / Lexus LS 460 / Lexus 600h / Lexus 500h Club
Posted
Hi Nick, thats such a kind offer mate, im quite tempted to drive upto Sheffield just for a quick spin in your lovely motor!. 8yrs is a long time and im glad you took the plunge. Deffered enjoyment haha what a great comment and so true.
Hi ambermarine, personally i dont think the LS400 is too old at all and i would love to own one, its just as a taxi it is difficult to obtain taxi insurance on vehicles of a certain age thats why im leaning towards the 430 maybe 2006 reg. I fully understand the mpg issue is a problem therefore i would have to go LPG. I do see a silver 430 55 reg taxi on lpg wafting around liverpool but i havnt yet had opportunity to talk with the lady driver. I must say the passengers in the back always have a big smile on their face!!
Thanks for your comments guys, if anyone could tell me more about mpg on lpg and rough cost of conversion that would be great.
Graham