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My 2005 Sportcross paint work was in a sorry state, swirls, scratches and cloudy paint were all there. I got here last Autumn, don't think any of the previous owners had bothered with the polish & wax. I found out about the detaiing world and booked a one day paint correction detail. If you're thinking about it, the transformation is fantastic! Snowfoam, clay bar, paint thickness test, wheel arches & alloys cleaned, rotary cutting polish & concourse wax - she had it all. 4th photo is a before & after 50/50 showing polished on the left & masked unpolished on the right, quite a difference. The paint work is now glass smooth and mirror like. Hope you liked the photos!

Hi Eric, I think you have the mm system on your car but the removal of the map dvd should be the same regardless , because I have ordered a update I wanted to remove the old disc for reference.... I also had the removal tools missing from the toolkit, well I had all the toolkit missing !!!!! I used some very small brass rod approx. 1mm thickness by 50to 60mm long one piece for each side. slide the rods into the small holes each side of the clock panel, when I did mine there was quite a lot of resistance ...the pins/rods or what ever you use need to go into the panel about 30-40mm ...(.there are sprung clips each side of the panel which the release pins push on ) if you ease on the release pins the clock panel should come away from the main panel, don't use a screw driver to ease the panel out or you will mark the dash !! the thing is Eric if your display screen is not functional you will not be able to get the dvd out , you need the screen to do everything .ive put some photos that might explain better. good luck, Allan

It has been said that all good things must come to an end. I have once again witnessed this recently since departing with the good old Mk4 LS400 a few weeks ago. Although the car was used on a day to day basis, I enjoyed maintaining and detailing it over the years to a showroom like condition. Even after almost 10 years of ownership I still found it unbelievable how quiet, refined, comfortable and powerful these cars are even when compared to more modern cars. The time had come to move on which would conclude a great automotive experience. And so the old LS was washed, clay-bared and polished to its usual gleaming dark blue finish for the last time, sitting majestically in the drive awaiting its new owner. Photo1 Photo2 Photo3 Its been a few years since I've posted on here but from what I can see, this remains a great forum !

Sound advice

Hello Jonny and welcome to the LOC :) Whether you are looking to buy private or from a dealer the main consideration is a Full (preferably) Lexus Service History. At 30,000 miles ideally just one previous owner. During any test drive check everything works,try all the switches and use all the toys. Make sure you see the HPI paperwork to check for any accident damage ( also check visually yourself). We recently had a member buy an SC430 and although it was immaculate topside it was badly rusted and corroded underneath so check very carefully especially if based in a coastal area or if you don't mind the outlay have an RAC check done on it before purchase, costs a few hundred pounds but when you are spending thousands gives peace of mind, if it is a dealer car you should have a warranty. Engines and transmissions are generally regarded as being "Bullet Proof" providing the servicing is full and complete. These are heavy cars so check for front end knocks indicating possible suspension wear. Check tyres,ideally they should be all the same make and type with adequate even tread wear. Finally take your time,go and see a few to get a feel of the car don't buy the 1st one you see,you can always come back later. If you do see one or 2 that take your interest feel free to post up the links and we will provide input and further advice.

Not sure will do a check the next time they come on but you could be right it could be a good call that ollie101258

I haven't had the need to update mine although its the 2007 edition - it has got me to where I have wanted to go with no problems. Updated discs come up on ebay regularly there are a few on there at the moment between £30 and £50 for 2007 up to 2010 versions. I have never taken the disc out of mine ... to be honest I would not know how so would be interested to hear from someone who has done this - there is a small hole on the clock panel that I think may have something to do with removing the disc. Mine is working fine so I am leaving well alone but would be handy to know how to open this for future reference. If I was you I would do a check on the caliper slide pins before looking to update the sat nav as you could prevent the calipers from seizing and at approx £350 per corner for a new caliper you could prevent this cost and have peace of mind they are clean and greased up - they are notorious for seizing and its a handy thing to do just for an understanding on how they work. Takes 15 mins per side. Its a good idea to do this anyway so you can check the locking wheel nuts also haven't seized and you get caught out when you have a flat...

stunning mate and love the colour

Depending on what is happening work wise and home wise, i will try to get down there, not to far in a big old bruiser Ls430. They eat motorways for breakfast, and the morons in the jammed out clio rent-a-skips that always seem to want to race anything from an invalid carriage to a bus..