Avantime

Hi and thanks for the replies. Pete, I wasn’t aware of these. Four bikes on a sucker, think I’d be a nervous driver, however I will look in to it. I know these cars aren’t designed as lifestyle utility vehicles so maybe I should look elsewhere, say RX450, but I have an itch to scratch. Malc, I’m glad you still drive the 400. They have to my eye aged extremely well and could possibly be all the car I need……. But I just can’t help wanting a 600L and for not a lot of money at the mo. Obviously a lot more to go wrong. I’ve been looking at a BMW 5 GT530, but really I want a NA engine so of course back to a Lexus. Nick

Evening, So here I am up on the Isle of Skye on a peninsula called Waternish, the village is called Stein. Do you know it? It truly is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been too. Five years ago this week I came up here in my 06 plate LS430 and it was the best drive I’ve ever had. My boy and I still talk about it to this day….. cruising up the M6, through Glasgow, past Loch Lomond, the Cairngorms, Fort William and beyond to Skye, crossing over on the small ferry at Glenelg. What a drive, despite having three bikes on the rear and one stuffed in the boot. We stayed at a house called Loch Bay boathouse, once owned by the folk singer Donovan. George Harrison once stayed at the house, adding to the magical aura. On the stereo all we seemed to play was the album Revolver. Such a happy holiday, the kids young enough to still think I’m the king of all. 3 years later I was back, this time dutifully in a VW Sharan and I’m here now again in the Shaz, my shed on wheels. Stuffed with bikes, walking kit, stuff and more stuff. As we all know nostalgia can have a hold and the past is another country….. but gosh I want another LS. I wonder how can I make it work? As far as I know you can’t fit a tow bar or a roof rack to a LS600. Will the battery be tired on a 08/9 plate, in fact is the car just to old now as a daily? finally my wife likes the Shaz, coming from a Jazz my lady thought it was massive and took a while to adjust. I can’t recall her driving the LS. Like many on here I’m a car enthusiast, my other being a MX5 NC BBR 200. I miss the V8, the comfort, ease of power, the reliability, the toys and much more. Any thoughts or comments on Skye and car appreciated. Nick in Sheffield. PS once in Sennen Cove (other end of UK) I saw a LS400 with a roof rack and when in Skye that first time with my LS I was followed by a LS400 near to Dunvegan, the car was aloof and didn’t even flash.

Thanks for all your helpful reply's, I really appreciate it. My business partner (and good friend) noted the age and the price, I didn't want to listen and felt compelled to have a look. A 430 seems to be wrought out of rock, it was sat next to a new shape XJ and the interior in terms of build quality didn't compare. The leather to my eye seemed of a lesser grain and I noted the inside door handles creaked a little when i pulled it shut. Also when those TFT screens fail, how much will they cost to replace?! Of course a much more modern affair inside but then I really like the 430 interior, despite it's age. I have seen the 05 with radar, looks good also. I think about now is the last time I'll get the chance to buy a decent low mileage LS. Re insurance, yes it's an issue isn't it. I also own a Renault Avantime, dare hardly drive it as I think the windscreen and some of the panels are probably getting irreplaceable and it can't yet I believe be put onto a classic insurance. To me it seems a worth it and as we all know it's worth what someone will pay for it. I feel I'm right in buying a top end 430 rather than a very used 460 and I just like the shape of the 430. A bit old school but a little fresher than the 400. However I've seen a couple of nice 400s in Sheffield and often see one on my commute between Matlock and Sheffield that has aged very well. It really is good fun looking and I really want to spoil myself I really do. I'll keep you posted.

Yes it is top dollar but I think it will sell. One owner from Montys and as I said it is in very good condition. I rather liked the black leather and perhaps easier to keep clean with my young kids. A low mileage 460 would be considerably more? I see that a 460 with similar mileage is over 16K, bar the one at 10K, I didn't check everything but if i go back i certainly will. I think now I will need to see a higher mileage car to compare. It's been a while since I've been in an LS but the build quality is as I'm sure many of you agree is superb. I drove back home in my Grand Espace and realised the interior is mainly made of cardboard. I am now imagining trips to Cornwall in a LS.

Hi all, Have always kept an eye on the forum over the years and once owned an is sport cross which i liked a great deal. I've always wanted a 430 and feel that i may soon get one. Today, after enjoying the delight that was Brodsworth Hall, I went to have a look at this: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201607165898299?search-target=usedcars&make=lexus&model=ls_430&radius=1500&postcode=s118sa&sort=pricedesc&page=1&onesearchad=new%2Cnearlynew%2Cused&logcode=p&adPos=2 It really is in stunning condition inside and out. I didn't think i was sat in a 12 year old car, it felt almost unused. However is it worth it? Compared to any other 8K car of its ilk I'd say it is, but what does anyone on here think? I'd be very grateful for your opinions. All the best Nick