Looking To Get Back Into Ls Ownership

c33 · April 23, 2014

Hi folks,

I'm looking to get back into an LS having owned an L-reg LS400 for a while a few years back. My previous LS400 was virtually bought on a whim to scratch an itch I'd had for a long while and despite it being an unloved nail that I bought for pocket money was a fantastic car, hence I'm looking to get back into one. I've been keeping an eye online for a little while and prices seem to be a little of a lottery so I'm really after a bit of advice on what to look for, what to avoid etc. I'm not sure whether to go for a MkIV or an LS430 (I've around £2000 budget, ideally less so that SWMBO doesn't complain to much, but there is a contingency for the right car over and above that).

As far as I can tell from the forum the MkIV is considered the 'pinnacle' but the later car is a more modern look with more bells and whistles, although there is bias in both camps. The only think that puts me off a MkIV (and I know it sounds petty but) the surround to the gear selector looks really cheap and nasty on the early cars as if it is lifted from a Corolla or suchlike, is there anything that can be done to improve that? Also looking at adverts for LPG converted cars many state the engine warning light is on, is this as normal as the sellers would suggest for an LPG conversion?

There seem to be some dodgy individuals out there judging by a couple of threads, interestingly two of the cars I'm potentially interested in have the same feedback rating as "lexuschap". There's a few cars out there at present that have caught my eye, just wondering if anyone knows of them has any thoughts or comments to add to mine?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111329538813

"High" miles, no mention of timing belt but hopefully that's covered in the full service history, looks like its had a proper valet just before the photos were taken again hopefully nothing being hidden by this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131162753500

lower mileage mkIV, seems to have a decent history file not sure about the tinted windows, they'd have to go!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201312170574897

Even lower mileage MkIV again seems to have a history file, looks like a bottle of AFFF has been fired into the bonnet, probably just road salt though???

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201402282137822

later car, priced accordingly, higher miles again, no mention of service history, nasty ditch finder tyres fitted - what else has been skimped on?

There's also this one http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C493580

although somewhat sparse on details.

Anyway if anyone has any thoughts I'm all ears, I'm based in Loughborough so if anyone knows of any cars available locally to me that aren't advertised on any of the above sites please let me know.

Regards
Iain

ambermarine · April 23, 2014

Hi Iain

You have obviously done your homework and with regards the different models that is a matter of choice concerning the individual taste,bearing in mind both models have Pros & Cons.As far as purchasing the best example that is now becoming more difficult as the years pop by.Most Lexus dye in the wood owners have upgraded at sometime in the last three or four years including myself usually because we know exactly what to look for.

The dodgy dealers are picking up mostly auction motors that have been blocked by the main dealer or some other outfit that as taken it in PX and to that end it is a real lottery because if it as been PX'd the previous owner as lost interest in the car some time previous to disposal.

To show an example of this I sold my 1990 mark 1 on eBay to someone who ran it for six months and scrapped it because it needed a new Y pipe the rest of the car was mint and I looked after better than myself for 16 years.

I would try to get a cherished car from a Lexus fan who might be upgrading, thats how I got mine but it is difficult to seek them out.

Failing the foregoing look for private sales and keep away from the already identified suspects they will just blur your vision.

bilmac · April 23, 2014

Hi folks,

I'm looking to get back into an LS having owned an L-reg LS400 for a while a few years back. My previous LS400 was virtually bought on a whim to scratch an itch I'd had for a long while and despite it being an unloved nail that I bought for pocket money was a fantastic car, hence I'm looking to get back into one. I've been keeping an eye online for a little while and prices seem to be a little of a lottery so I'm really after a bit of advice on what to look for, what to avoid etc. I'm not sure whether to go for a MkIV or an LS430 (I've around £2000 budget, ideally less so that SWMBO doesn't complain to much, but there is a contingency for the right car over and above that).

As far as I can tell from the forum the MkIV is considered the 'pinnacle' but the later car is a more modern look with more bells and whistles, although there is bias in both camps. The only think that puts me off a MkIV (and I know it sounds petty but) the surround to the gear selector looks really cheap and nasty on the early cars as if it is lifted from a Corolla or suchlike, is there anything that can be done to improve that? Also looking at adverts for LPG converted cars many state the engine warning light is on, is this as normal as the sellers would suggest for an LPG conversion?

There seem to be some dodgy individuals out there judging by a couple of threads, interestingly two of the cars I'm potentially interested in have the same feedback rating as "lexuschap". There's a few cars out there at present that have caught my eye, just wondering if anyone knows of them has any thoughts or comments to add to mine?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111329538813

"High" miles, no mention of timing belt but hopefully that's covered in the full service history, looks like its had a proper valet just before the photos were taken again hopefully nothing being hidden by this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131162753500

lower mileage mkIV, seems to have a decent history file not sure about the tinted windows, they'd have to go!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201312170574897

Even lower mileage MkIV again seems to have a history file, looks like a bottle of AFFF has been fired into the bonnet, probably just road salt though???

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201402282137822

later car, priced accordingly, higher miles again, no mention of service history, nasty ditch finder tyres fitted - what else has been skimped on?

There's also this one http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C493580

although somewhat sparse on details.

Anyway if anyone has any thoughts I'm all ears, I'm based in Loughborough so if anyone knows of any cars available locally to me that aren't advertised on any of the above sites please let me know.

Regards

Iain

Iain, have a look at the thread started by me NEW TO ME, on this forum, I think you might see something you will like. bilmac

Bluesman · April 23, 2014

Definitely worth looking at Williams car which looks fantastic and of course comes from a Lexus member.

The Gloss Black one looks worth having a look at.

Definitely go for LPG, mine was installed 6 years ago and has never been a problem, no Flash Lube needed.

Mike

c33 · April 23, 2014

William, thanks I'll take a look.

Regards

Iain

bilmac · April 23, 2014

William, thanks I'll take a look.

Regards

Iain

It will be off benefit to read the complete thread. give you a better understanding. also view my ad ONE MUST GO cars for sale. bilmac

Shiner · April 24, 2014

Hi Iain

Take a look at my post ...Is Ls430 good value....as a warning about things that could go wrong with LS 430....but since then nothing has gone wrong...and I love the cabin and the drive and almost no noise....and the sound system is just awesome !

Don't know much about LS400 s...May be they are the best....but if you buy a well looked after 430...you won't regret it.

Shiner