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A couple of things to consider. The LS430 has much more to go wrong due to it being overloaded with gadgets. A good MK4 LS 400 (if you can find one) is probably the most reliable car you could ever own, absolutely bullet proof. The main thing is good history for either car. Good luck with your search, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

The report has come in a it's very positive so I'll be pulling the trigger tomorrow if the price is right. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve!

Having owned 2 RX8's one 192 and my last 231. The 231 is much better to the 192. Oil consumption is a myth.... use good quality mineral oil in the engine and some good quality 2 stroke in your fuel every now and then.., I had mine for almost 2 yrs and I did not use more than 1lt of oil for 12.000miles But again the oil use is purely down to how heavy right foot you have, the more abuse the engine gets the more oil the pump will use to lubricate the rotors. With regards to the fuel consumpsion it is one of these strange cars... lol regardless how you drive it, it will burn a lot of fuel. I used to do 290miles from one fuel tank on mine. Now the performance is another thing, it does not read fast on paper, but it is a light car. It is a front mid engined car, and handles really well. Engine sound is brilliant and the more you floor it... the better it gets. While the others cars are looking to change the gear... the RX8 has much more RPM to go just before 10k.

That looks really nice. The pick-up in the showroom is a normal Lexus treat and some have a special room with lights for the pick up.

Very nice, shines very well I think!

Click the yellow "insert other media" and then "insert image from URL" It should work that way. Make sure you copied the direct link as well, not the other ones

And switching your rear fog lights too. There are a few endless threads discussing reversing lights on the RX... do a search and sit comfortably...

Hi Sathax - not had chance yet but will be calling him! thanks again for the help.

Could be the alternator loading up, have you tried removing the serpentine belt and running the engine without it to see if the noise has gone, you will obviously get the alternator charge light coming on during this.

Here we are Lexus RX Series III.pdf

I don't know about an IR camera but I find it helps a lot to turn off the auto-dimming mirrors when reversing - mine dim so much they're almost black in the dark!

My car is an se also with halogen bulbs. I have fitted loads of hid kits and none have failed an mot. Never been flashed by other drivers either. Could try these . http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Repalce-Halogen-Hid-80W-6000K-CREE-Led-Headlight-Kit-H1-H3-H4-H7-H11-9005-9006-/182223689879?var=&hash=item2a6d60d897:m:mdqPuix5crNfDkptFHn2Vnw There are loads on the net mate. As i already said ballast i use, headlight bulbs are h11 i believe its in the hand book. The ballast are not cheap but are fitted with a chip 3year guarantee, instant fire up no flickering and bright as you like. I fit 5000k bulbs hate the blue tint.

The "manual gear selection" is really just a gear limiter. If for example you select 4th then the car will never select 5th or 6th - but it won't go into 4th until it's good and ready to. Basically, the feature allows you to hold onto lower gears for longer during acceleration or get some gearbox braking when slowing down. Personally I never use it and I suspect most owners don't either.

Lexus are known for their reliability. A colleague of mine recently clocked 275,000 miles in his 16 year old GS300. Costs to date have been limited to regular maintenance at his local dealer. No major fault to report and everything is working fine. Admittedly it is not a RX or indeed a hybrid, but it reflects well on the Lexus brand. I would, however, get the car from a dealer to benefit from the warranty, and consider investing in an extended warranty as you suggest. I would also consider a service plan which will guarantee fixed monthly costs and a (approx.) 10% discount AND joining this forum to secure a further 15% discount on parts and labour... all this assuming that you will be getting your car serviced at your local dealer. Dealers may not normally have high mileage cars on their forecourts, but may be willing to source one for you.. Have you checked the Lexus website? - There are currently 2 high milers in pretty good condition at the Southampton dealership. One is slightly above your budget, but I am sure you could talk them down...