steve2006

Not sure if there are any aftermarket replacements made, you could try a local motor factors, order from a US lexus dealer (Sewell Lexus for example) or look for a breaker, there are some parts on ebay so may be worth enquiring if they have the part you need. http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Car-Parts-/14239/i.html?rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=3000&_nkw=lexus%20sc430&_catref=1&_dmpt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&_fln=1&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m1539

Ride height will only be available I think in the official workshop manual, do you have a specific problem with the suspension? The mirrors from a 2004 model are the same as a 2001 model.

It's more purple than my "Lexus Dark Silver" under strange lighting conditions.

From what I read the AS was an option rather than the norm for the LS430 so there should be conventional suspension set ups out there. "Additional options included rear-window and rear-door sunshades, parking assist, rear seat heaters and power door closers. The Lexus LS 430 was also available with adaptive cruise control, a smoother-riding air suspension, power-adjustable rear seats and a separate rear air-conditioning system." Looked on toyodiy and this shows both AS and spring setups on the 2001 LS430. There are conversion kits around for the earlier LS400 models and I would think similar kits for the 430 are available. From what I have read the air suspension is generally reliable but expensive IF it goes wrong with replaceemnt air struts around 1K each, I cannot find any regular maintainance to prolong their life. There have been problems with water ingress into the suspension height sensors.

Hello and welcome to the LOC. There is a good choice of cosmetic parts and mods around some subtle and some outlandish.

Hello and welcome to the LOC.

Quesrion is although you were losing coolant due to the leaking radiator was the heater working OK before you replaced it? If it was I would suspect an air lock in the cooling system. Apparently to bleed the air out you need to remove the filler plug,put the heater setting to max hot and rev the engine to around 2000 rpm for a short while then top up the coolant. The fact the heater does get hot albeit intermittently would suggest the water pump is OK as coolant is circulating, a defect WP normally causes overheating.

Welcome to the LOC. Congratulations on your RX purchase, as you say it will take a bit of getting used to but you'll be looking down on most other cars so have a good view of the road ahead.

All the symptoms you describe are classic for a failed/failing DMF (dual mass flywheel) these were introduced to make gearchanges smoother but have proved unreliable when compared to a standard solid flywheel, the internal springs apparently fail. If your warrany is comprehensive and covers the repair that's good news because you would be lucky to get it replaced along with the full clutch kit for under a grand but does the warranty cover items for "wear and tear"? Just make sure that the parts fittted are genuine Lexus/Toyota and the flywheel is not repaired/bodged by welding it up or replaced with a solid flywheel, get everything agreed in writing if possible. If the dealer refuses to unhold your warranty you still have rights under the sales of goods act as it was a recent purchase from a trader so lemons can be returned for a refund. If it comes to that make sure you document everything, the good news at the moment is the dealer has offered to repair the car so admitting the defect is present. Please keep us up to date on how things go. If you or other members want to see what's involved the short video below explains the construction and operation of the DMF.

Hello and welcome to the LOC. The brake caliper slider pins are a common cause for your problem, they seize in the caliper mount and cause the caliper to knock when cornering with the brakes applied gently. Try taking the same corner without the brakes applied to see if the noise goes to confirm. Depending on the state of the caliper pins they can either be freed off,regreased and refitted or replaced at around £10.00 each. There are of course other possible causes such as top and bottom ball joints, suspension bushes or even a wheel bearing. It may also be worth checking the wheel nuts are all tight and correctly torqued.

Hello and welcome to the LOC. I would think the biggest difference will be fuel consumption given you are moving from petrol to hybrid and the "official" figures for the latest GS petrol and hybrid models is around 20 MPG so if this is the case in reality you should be saving from the start with fuel costs plus I think reduced road tax. The 450H also has the CVT gearbox as opposed to the 6 speed auto in the 300, having driven one I quite like the system once you get used to pulling out at junctions with no engine noise,but it is personal preference in the end. You also have the remainder of the warranty with the option to extend this coupled with I assume a FLSH. Dealer prices are always at the top end but if you feel happy with the deal go ahead.

Well Steve they did not have a draw with a code, but they did ask you to fill out a entry form for a draw, first prize was a bottle of Dom Ruinart 2002 mit Champaign in a box by Maarten Baas. And your never guess who won it. Lol, I couldn’t believe it That's amazing, I pass on a tip and in a round about way you won, not bad considering it is the 13th today and I was born on Friday the 13th!!! spooky. BTW please sent the cork to............... Finally pushing it here but which horse do I put my tenner on in the national then?

There was one for the brakes for models 2004-2005 check on the VOSA website, Lexus is not listed as a brand so select Toyota. http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/default.asp

Hi, Sorry missed your post but I hope you managed to get the clutch sorted at a reasonable price.

The one on display I think is the Sonic Silver the Mercury grey is a lot darker. Black must be the in colour with a choice of 3 types of "black" Which model are you buying the 250 or 450H? The LCD screen is impressive it feels you are in an imax cinema looking from the passenger side! Sound system is excellent,there is a Mark Levinson option available also. They went on about the clock with the mount being made from a billet but it sticks out like a sore thumb to me with the impression of an aircraft altimeter! The top model has LED headlights also. I prefer the look of the sports model front end. The display model had no sunroof but I don't know if UK spec models have this feature. The boot is certainly bigger they got 4 sets of golf clubs in there! Enjoy tonight and don't forget to try that code.

I've not seen the OBD charger you mention but the only down side is connecting it and disconnecting it from under the dash. I know Bentley cars have the option of a solar panel charger but there again you name it as an option and for a price Bentley will fit it. You would have thought given the known problem that Lexus would by now have taken action to overcome this problem with an approved retrofit package, have there been similar problems across the hybrid range or is it limited to the RX? I went to the GS launch last night I should have asked if a solar charger is fitted to the new GS450H.

That's what we were told last night, no RHD models available until June 2012 but didn't mention if all the range was available at this time. They were taking bookings on test drives but no dates were given. BTW Lexus Derby had a "Crack the Code" competition for a £350.00 bottle of bubbly, I doubt the code will be the same (3936) but if they have the same at your dealer may be worth a try!!!!.

Present scrap values vary between £200-300, you would get more if you break it yourself but then it's storage, time and some parts are different then getting rid of the shell which is now not just a case of weighing it in, it has to be 'processed" correctly ( read this will cost you money to do so) I already have a Celsior and could be interested in it as a project car if it is driveable and the right price.

Just returned from the new GS launch and below are the exclusive pictures taken by my good self. Drank the champayne,ate the food but didn't buy one! There are only 6 examples in the UK all of which are for some strange reason LHD bearing in mind the Japanese drive on the same side of the road as the UK and the model was the standard GS250. Finally the cover is removed Plenty of interest. LCD display apparently over 12"! Usual engine cover

Would anyone be interested in making a visit to the RR Heritage Centre at Hucknall near Nottingham and perhaps having a club meet at a nearby venue afterwards? The RR Heritage centre can be booked for visits and they have on display most of their engines from the early piston engines including the famous Merlin fitted to the Spitfire,Hurricane and other aircraft up to the present Trent series gas turbine jet engines. I have not made direct enquiries yet so merely enquiring members interest.

Bonjour, nice to see you back, your car is on a recall at the moment,apparently the steering wheel has been fitted on the wrong side :D

My partner has just five premium bonds since she was a child and has won one £50.00 prize in around 50 years still a better return on the "investment" than a bank account though.

Perhaps a local motor factor could supply one the correct lenght and with the correct connections or a local breakers yard. Most HT leads are sold as a set. Have a look at these to see if it is the same as yours. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEXUS-GS300-3-0-24V-DOHC-97-05-2JZGE-ENGINE-SPARK-PLUG-IGNITION-HT-LEADS-WIRES-/170718914305?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27bfa3e701#ht_1841wt_1189

Welcome to the LOC. As you say once you have driven a Lexus the only way up is to buy a newer model!

It will certainly increase noise levels but by how much I'm not sure. Have a browse on Youtube for "Lexus LS400 Exhaust" which may give you an idea of what to expect, another question is will it still be road legal and pass an MOT with sections removed and bypassed?