Time For Change?

[silver50]

Having had a string of 7 Series BMW's, because i've seen them as excellent value, now may be time to try a Lexus. I was ready for the very latest model 7 Series but they're prohibitively expensive...and not good value!

I've just been to see a 2003 LS430 at a local car dealer. I didn't drive it today because the Battery was flat. I'd quite like to have felt a little more knowledgeable first too. So, can I ask a couple of questions please (some general some specific). I have done a fair bit reading and searching but some clarification would be helpful.

I originally thought UK LS430's needed to be a "premium" or suchlike to have the Mark Levinson sound system, however am I right that this system is actually standard on UK cars, with other things remaining options or part of an upgrade package?

The car I looked at did have the Levinson system. By sheer coincidence when I arrived a car valeter moved this LS to get at a dustbin. It sounded like the Battery wasnt A1 which was confirmed 5 mins later. I asked to sit in the car and wanted to have a quick play with some gismos. The radio was on however when I went to change channel the sound seemed to cut. I couldnt get the sound to return. I then tried to start the car again and the starter just clicked because the Battery was half dead. Is it quite possible the audio amplifier cut off because of a lack of current, making me wonder what was wrong? Another thing I think was happening was the screen display(nav) seemed to change from the radio stations to navigation without prompting. Could this be normal, even although it seemed odd?

On a more general basis, I can presumably rest assured in the knowledge these cars are actually very reliable but the complexity worrries me when no warranty is withstanding. Is there anything specific to try and watch for when looking at a used car? Any pointers on this forum i've missed regarding this?

One last question, the car I saw today had a setting for sports or normal suspension. Do all UK cars have air suspension? I was reading last night on a US forum not all do, and I think there was possibly a different switch on the console for this?

A great many thanks. I think even if I don't buy this car I might be tempted by another.

[Chris Skelton]

I switched from an 850!

My 2 Lexuses have been exemplary!

(Unlike the Beemer!)

I chose a Ser 4 LS400 as, supposedly, the best edition. Some folk don't like the air suspension idea I hear.

reports suggest that the development of the Series 4 had unlimited budget!

[Scribe]

I spent so long dithering about whether or not to get an LS400 that I haven't started thinking about a 430 yet, though it's the obvious next step. My understanding is that the Premium Pack includes the air suspension, which can cost a fortune to repair, and so I personally would look for a 'standard' model. Unfortunately most of the cars I've seen advertised have the Pack.

[Chris Skelton]

I spent so long dithering about whether or not to get an LS400 that I haven't started thinking about a 430 yet, though it's the obvious next step. My understanding is that the Premium Pack includes the air suspension, which can cost a fortune to repair, and so I personally would look for a 'standard' model. Unfortunately most of the cars I've seen advertised have the Pack.

Next step?

Not necessarily.

You could 'stick'! (as you already have a Ser 4?)

The 4 is pretty fine already. Some feel the 430 is a bit beemer-ish!

As long as your 4 is good, why change. It'd be £££s for little -if any -improvement.

Sure, you could go 1/2 a second faster (but where?) etc, but the existing car is great already.

I know we get acclimatised to our cars, but we get addicted to 'getting something new" often!

It's the engine that drives capitalism! But look at the mess we're in!

A good Lexus will last aeons! (There's a Ser 2 92 near me, always parked outdoors, that STILL goes well and looks good!)

The only car that would tempt me on a par with a Lex would be a classic/hobby car.

There's not much to compare otherwise.

Maintain it and enjoy it!

(I'm a bit of a hypocrite here as I'm selling mine. But for other reasons!)