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I took her down a lane where they had just walked 200 cows down for milking and she now looks as though I have been rallying. I have hidden her until I can get her nicely washed. She hates looking as though shes been dragged through a hedge backwards.

Hi I had same problem last year with my 13 plate rx luxury which has only done 19000 miles.Spoke my local Lexus dealer at Chester.Took car in and they had a look. I do have the extended warranty they took photos and it took a couple of months but it was changed under warranty. Hope this helps. Jeff

Turned out to be the sunroof drainage hoses as you guy suggested. Had it repaired at New Again in chelmsford UK, along with a cheeky detail while it was there. Not bad for a 2008 model me thinks..

She's in the garage getting new front disks and pads, new track-rod gaiters and a service. Not cheap at £800 but that's what you get with old luxury cars.

update on this, just had a full new exhaust from Tony Banks in Leeds - £650 fitted, 2 week waiting list. very happy with it 🙂

Hello Ian and welcome to the LOC. That’s a very kind offer to make to our members, had it not been for the distance between us and the fact my life would be at risk bringing yet another LS home I would have gladly accepted your offer.

Ive never had an LS600h (hopefully will be the next one) but have had an LS400, 2 LS430s and and 2 LS460s. Although the LS460 is technologically still more advanced than some very new cars, it was the LS430 that still felt the most solid car to me. In terms of build it felt absolutely like a tank. I am on a Lexus hiatus at the moment with a Jaguar XJ8 2005 model and there is just no comparison with the luxury feel of the LS430. Also the features in the LS430 are more than enough for somebody who loves their technology (massaging seats in the back...that's just the cherry on top) I loved the LS460 but there was perhaps just a perceived 5% drop in build quality (still pretty awesome). All very subjective I know

Welcome Kat. I think there's quite a lot of crossover between Lexus and Volvo ownership - Both are marques that appeal to those who want something well built, not german, comfortable, not german, with a different style and not german. Like Lexus, Volvo's supposed reliability and longevity have been elevated to mythical levels by fans when the reality doesn't match. Our V70 was mostly reliable over the 46k miles we had it, but the gearbox wasn't totally happy (shunt into drive, caused by sticking solenoids in valve block) and we felt that it was time to move it on before anything expensive happened (just shy of 9 years old). The S40 is question is one of the most "Ford-ish" Volvos, and i think as it's a 2.0D (Ford TDCI engine) that means that the "auto" is actually the Ford Power$hit gearbox which was a disaster... For all their failings, the Aisin-Warner (aka Toyota) gearboxes fitted to the Volvo engines were better than that. Like The-Acre I think that Volvo's current range has brilliant styling (standouts for me are the V60 (better proportioned and more wagon-y than the slopebacked V90) and S90 (has the length required, the S60 looks like it got rear-ended and squashed the rear passenger door) and the XC60 (easily better looking and nicer inside than the X3 and GLC. I'd have to drive both to choose between it and an NX in that class). I hope that the SPA platform offers significantly improved driving characteristics over the P3 V70 that we had. My main bugbear with the current volvo lineup is actually drivetrains... They don't offer any drivetrains that appeal to me. I'm not one that's chest-beating about "it's absurd that they don't have a 5 or 6 cylinder engine blah blah blah" - the 4 cylinder provides plenty of output (320bhp in the T6) and Volvo isn't and shouldn't try to be BMW. The 4 cylinders are fine.... it's just that I don't want to buy an ICE car. I generally dislike PHEVs (not very good as ICE cars, not very good as EVs) and no one else integrates the hybrids in the way that Toyota/Lexus do. The XC40 isn't my kind of car, but I'm glad to see that they're coming out with an EV version. The Polestar 2, however, is disappointing - it's a £50k+ car that is built on the lower-end Volvo CMA platform (mac strut/ control blade) which for me echos our P3 V70 too much (built on the mondeo mac strut/control blade setup and badly compromised because of it. Our GS450h is the same weight as the V70 but drives so much better through having a far more sophisticated platform under it). Once Volvo get some EVs with proper platforms underneath then I'll get interested again - same goes for Lexus!

Welcome kat. I have the best of both worlds. Last month I purchased my RCF. This month my wife took delivery of her new Volvo XC40. The Volvo seems to be well scrwed together as does my Lexus. Love my Lexus and time will tell with the Volvo.

I own a Volvo estate for practical reasons and it is a brilliant car, solid and safe, and enjoyable to drive, only let down by electrical problems due to some of these parts being Chinese. As for the very latest models, I'd probably choose one over Lexus because I prefer the styling.

In the event that I was ever to change from my Ls400 what do you think it should be ? We read issues surrounding the foibles with the Ls430 and I'm thinking many of these transpose to the Ls460 too Thinking especially of the radiator / gearbox issues ingress of water and also air suspension troubles the Ls600 seems to be totally bombed out on price and there are lots available at the moment with what might seem to be high miles BUT we know these Ls cars generally seem to thrive on hard work is the Ls600 hybrid ever an issue ? does the Ls600 have similar gearbox/radiator problems or air suspension issues too we don't read very much about Ls600 issues at all .......... wonder if it's because Members here don't have these cars too much Your ( kind ) thoughts please Malc

Hey guys just dropping this in here before I go to the next step. I have a 2003 LS 430 off the road just now in need of some tlc it can start I just haven't got the time or the space to do the work myself, and to be honest it needs looking after. If anyone wants it you are more than welcome to come pick it up you would need a trailer as the suspension is down on one side. txt for further info 07808816888 ask for Ian.

Hi my name is Kat and am about to buy my second is250. We owned the first one for 4 years but unfortunately someone may have used it as a battering ram and the body work ended up a major mess, it wasn’t serviced properly and then the dreaded check vsc came on- so she is sat on the drive. She was replaced with a Volvo s40 2.0D auto. what a pile of absolute rubbish. After 6 weeks we cannot survive without a working Lexus in the household. Have sourced a 2007 one with 115k in mint condition, that just needs the seats swapped out from the old one (leather heated and dvd screens) with the basic cloth. so that is what brought me to you. So thank you for all the help you have provided so far. happy driving kat

Congratulations on your new motor you’ve made a great choice..you won’t have any regrets....we’ll unless you want to take more than one person out 😉

you've done a good job, I have just rescued a 2004 sport with rotten sills, it appears they rust because when they inject waxoyl or what ever they use it never gets to the rear part of the sill so they eventually rust from inside , first sign is bubbles on the sill trying to get through the stoneguard….

Fabricating a 'special order' from Japan story is well beyond any normal BS I would say is acceptable from a dealer...

Hi Herbie, I called in at the electrical place where the sounders were fitted yesterday and was told the ones they had fitted to my car they had found in a draw. They said they come with tow bar kits (it being a legal requirement that either a warning indicator by a light or by sound is installed for towing.) They showed me a sample but when I popped the small panel that caps the end of the dash on the drivers side, I found they had fitted a slightly different type. The two sounders don't incorporate any fixings (as some do) but have been coupled together by a tie looped round the Lexus fabrication. They are black without any markings each with 2 black wires coming out of a common cable or sleeve for the 4 wires. I made the diameter 11.5mm and the length 9.5mm of each sounder. I will try to upload pic and video with sound in due course but nearest I can find to mine https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Miniature-Electronic-Buzzer-Sounder-5v-or-12v-Subminiature/113895625290?hash=item1a84b5524a:m:mvAUe7q7vXMNrwO6cCNQUNQare these. They are of course 12v and there are a number of variations on ebay.

noise level is fine, i've been driving round for a month with a missing silencer, so i can't really compare it to stock. but it's not intrusive. warranty info attached

Picked up the car today after 3pm, they had it since 9am yesterday. Looking great, seem all ok dash no marks and everything working. Two other SC430 in having the their airbags changed at the same time. Good work Lexus Cardiff ! Jack

Hi Steve, it is an electrical fault in the compressor and no the clutch is not engaging at all. I did ask if the part that's failed (I assume a solenoid) could be replaced but was told it's an integral part of the compressor. It could even be a wiring fault somewhere so when I get the car back I'm gonna check over the wiring myself.

Ok thanks. I think you're very lucky if your insurer doesn't up the price for these mods, in my experience most do.

So, its getting there Slowly and my god body filler stinks and is hard to work with … Done plenty of filling walls plastering ceilings walls etc but body filler … different kettle of fish 😂 Still need to give it another layer and then a fine sand with 180 then a wee coat of paint … nothing special just black maybe, just to see how it is. So for the first time doing welding and some body work etc … What do you guys think ? Im a little :s about the rear arch bit besides that im really happy with it so far ...

not bored, just wondering if and when I should ever " jump " into a different sort of car thinking it would possibly be a Ls600 maybe BUT I don't want this sort of think happening when I know my old Ls400 wouldn't perform like this, being Old School technology our 2006 Honda Legend SH-AWD is a good enough and quite luxurious car but just had a new alternator at 125k miles and it caused some issues tbh got her home but couldn't finish the parking (left awkwardly in the road blocking all bar small cars ) coz the battery was drained, couldn't put it into gear, nor use the steering coz they are both electronically controlled and no battery therefore meant zero movement too RAC shifted her, eventually when they arrived and then off to my indy ( £ 450 all up ) for a replacement alternator, some £500 less than the Honda Main Dealer who could actually source one, likewise my guy did, from Scunthorpe, yes there was one in the country for this ridiculously rare car ah, yes, btw, being rare doesn't mean lots of value to be sure ! sorry i digress a little Malc

Lexus Chester have not let me down yet and I see that the top man Mark Mitchell has just won the award of Cheshire Business Person of 2019. Well earned too.

Sorry to hear of the troubles. When I was tackling a rear cabin leak on my RX I struggled to access the rear drains at the roof area (they seemed to be buried right at the back corners). By removing the sidetrims in the boot I could find the other ends though. Figured that would just have to do and cut them open to run the wire up the way instead and taped them back up securely afterwards. Not exactly ideal but at least I could make sure they were clear. As a sidenote, my leaks were the result of poorly constructed seams. Well worth checking if you are experiencing any rear pillar ingress.

I guess it's all subjective (whatever that means exactly). I was introduced to a brilliant mechanic with great Lexus knowledge by another member who tells me the LS430 is the best of them all, others will say different. For me I love the 430 inspite of the possible issues but the later LS's would worry me with even more equipment. Have you driven a 430? Worth a try maybe.

Clearly we need to resurrect this little gadget.

Where is the water making an appearance? I recall being a bit stumped by the rear drain holes on my 400h but it turned out to be the front ones that needed attention anyway. Have you tried anything yet? You need a thin but sturdy piece of wire. Wire coat hanger or somesuch. I used a length of solder wire. Just have a gentle wiggle down the front drains. If you do unblock something you'll suddenly see it drain onto the garage floor. Then just pour a bit of water in each front corner of the sunroof to check.

Yes. I think it will be a good seller for Volvo.

The Volvo XC40 looks nice!

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I’ve water ingress and eliminating the ‘easier’ options. Chestermans comment: I’ve checked a schematic for the sunroof, found the front drain holes but not sure how I find the rear drain holes... sunroof in ‘tilt’? and can someone explain the ‘gently, gently’ comment... what must I not do! Thanks for any advice.

Takes away the 'floating roof ' effect which not every body likes but only you can decide if you like this better. Why not do a poll on it if you want the views of others to help you come to a decision. My opinion for the little that it is worth, is that the car as shown in the pictures looks rather 'funerial' at the rear end, and is not to my taste but undeniably it does stand out!

Seems Toyotec favourably reported on here https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/search/?q=Toyotec Found using the Search facility

Trust me, they're not. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the Volvos I had but Lexus are in a different league. In fact I'd say that about any of the European marques I've owned. Lexus are streets ahead.

I came across a few pictures. Photoshop not my forte. this one has been de-chromed too!! I think the issue is where do you stop!!?

Welcome Kat! They say Volvos are almost as good built as Lexus! Apart from diesel in your Vovlo, what else you don't like, if I may ask. Vlad.

I am interesting in buying another LS430 (another story). I am a little picky, but saw more or less exactly what I was looking for on ebay so gave the guy a call a week ago, - expecting a friendly chat with a fellow LS enthusiast (as he's owned the car over a decade!), - I wasn't overly impressed with his knowledge of the car considering it's a bit of a specialist ownership and, the long time he's owned it. I was polite when I spoke to him, but I did ask a number of questions about the condition and history, - of which I found his response a little defensive.. at the time I wondered whether he had recieved a lot of calls and timewasters, so put it down to that. Anyway, I said I will contact him this weekend to come and view the car. True to my word, I have rang his phone (no answer) and left a message (no response). A day later, and out of pure curiosity I called his number from a different phone and hey presto, he answered straight away. At this point I concluded that he's not someone I want to deal with, perhaps he's a car dealer (he claims the reason for selling is that he's brought another Lexus, yet he's offering to part exchange your car (??)) It's frustrating as it looked like the car for me, - I am a genuine buyer with cash on the hip. Do you think trusting your gut in situations like these is the right thing to do?

Personally, having done it, I would seriously consider a recent import Celsior, you'll get low mileage and no rust, plus some unusual extras!

Welcome Kat!

Phil, just when you don’t think you will find what you want, one will pop up. My attitude is, if necessary, pay a little bit more for a really good one, but don’t compromise and buy a something that needs big bucks, to bring up to scratch. Good luck, Roger

You are not displaying a gut instinct Phil, you are displaying common sense. Walk away and find the car you are looking for.

I did the replacement on my previous 400h myself after looking into the workshop manual and finding that Lexus say remove the engine and transmission as the very first step. It was not easy and required the engine jacking up once the mounting was loosened and also the subframe dropping to the last few threads on the bolts to get enough clearance to remove the engine mount. Not an easy job.

Yikes that doesn't look good at all. Does your car have a sun roof? - they have drain holes that can clog or the pipe work can come adrift...

Nothing, but somebody else scraped the rear bumper. Presumably all four corner having been scraped we now have to have the flatter bits damaged. Always happens when parked and we take trouble not to park where we might get scraped. John