Tinonline

Well, it's not my LS but S type jag. Small car drove into it rippling dent to front wing and a scape to reflector. Inspected this morning...first words out well it'll be a right off... Oh no it won't. Non fault so it will be repaired to as was - in perfect condition. Small dent but it'll need blending and panel gap will need sorting which will cost more than the car. "yes most people who own old cars don't understand the work and costs involved..." So said the engineer. Wife on the same page so she won't let anyone take it until the repair details are discussed. Insurance duly told- you don't write this off...or else.

More like 125k or 250k miles then...

At 25k it won't have any problems surely. What advisories are listed?

I think it's a decent motor and you want it...then it's a great bargaining point as replacing these items correctly is not cheap etc etc.. Requisite huffing and puffing and a reluctant purchase you go home with said car smiling. Of course check for cambelt change etc. You can do pita route or other! Just remember - only one Lexus per household...they are in very short supply.

Yes but all in all if it's straight with a few quid off it's still a lot of car for the money. Looks better than mine but my interior, so to speak, is better and a new battery and belts are a project if you diy it. All negotiation points as long as the mileage and MOT history are straight.

Well it's a shame to take another wagon off the trail. It'll make them more rare in the UK and one day they will be imported from the US to satisfy the classic market. on the other hand...provides quality, genuine well priced parts. Depends upon your time an effort in shifting parts or that quick sale.

Yes they look like the parts. Do shop around as you can do quite well. It's an opportunity to learn...you need to give yourself time and there's plenty of help via the forum. Difficulty is relative as some simple jobs can be fiddly. You do need the right tools though...including a torque wrench. I've spent too long improvising because of tool kit limitations. That impacts costs too. anyway... your call.

Well if you can do the belt...I'm sure you can do the bearing or pulley stuff.

Must be an internal practice and policy in place. Any with twitter accounts can comment hashtagging Admiral. We are permitted to level allegations. I'll post it as a warning.

Lexus 400's are rarer than an iceberg lettuce. Should be restricted to one per household.

Shirash I agree Looks like minimum of an hour's labour they are quoting, but should be free if part of a cambelt job as it comes off anyway... What happened to goodwill or a nominal tenner if has to be recorded...? Takes a pro a few minutes. Takes me ages as the belt is actually a wriggly snake that slides off a pulley just as you get it over the tricky bit...

I've had Pagid on Renault and Porsche and suffered, Mintex on Jag after initial noise have settled and are fine. Brembo discs on XKR with Jag pads stop so fast you have to check vehicles behind you. (As spec). lexus pads are ceramic. Why? They are soft and shed heat to lower brake fade. I'm wary of the "banking" factor where rubbish is passed off as OE and who is to say? Greed...££££ Bit like rubbish food full of fillers, sugar salt. That never happens. Misselling, fibbing politicians, cons. Life is perfect. So how can we tell?

Yes. Peter that's my point too. I got an article on the issue of spare parts from Car Mechanic now posted under resources on this forum... It does not matter who makes what, if the integrity and quality are spot on, but who's to know? At least if it has Lexus/Toyota numbers and source I have a higher level of confidence. My non Jag water pump and the replacement thermostat tower for example are both cheaper and are upgraded replacements over the real deal. Why, are MB brake pads perfect and those available cheaper from motor factors from the same manufacturer not: they squeal so badly an MB non franchise dealer had to give up and get them from MB? The MB spec was different clearly. They should be graded and specified but that's more regulation, tape, admin, policing. As you know...because I keep on banging on about it...I fitted a Gates kit when it came to a cambelt change plus non Lexus pulleys and waterpump, I have a Blueprint air filter and cabin filter. Thermostat from can't remember whom. Put original Denso plugs in and always use a Lexus oil filter. My hobby is shopping round for discounted prices so generally there is nil to not too bad a difference from original to replacement. If it's too cheap then what do we expect? When the prices of our cars starts to rise and we are driving classics, then I will ensure all parts are "genuine". Always a great talking point is this subject!

Great news! Congrats

I'm on the U turn over parts - these will be fine btw. I want guaranteed quality now so I've used Gates and Blueprint but for brakes I'll stick with Lexus. Particularly as I now own up to loving the car and it's a long-term thing. I'd bite the bullet and source genuine kit - use your gold card or haggle as applicable. The original pads are very high quality with ceramic and have a good life span and performance. You might want to replace the hand brake shoes whilst you are there... Pays your money...takes your choice. Simon

I pulled NGK's out of my 400 so they must have been changed (originals being Denso) and the mileage was supported at 75k but they were well trollied. They were nowhere near the changeable mileage. I understand NGK's are recommended a change at 40k - so if they were were removed after the car came out of the original owner at 30k miles or so that makes some sense. First paperwork I have is 36176 miles in August 2005. Hasn't been out of Lexus dealerships. The NGK's still performed well and I wouldn't have known. Short mileage probably put a greater wear rate on them and don't think a combustion chamber is devoid of moisture if the motor is left. I'd say 15 years is a good run. By all means leave them, but if you enjoy a fiddle and can get them for a good price - why not. I've attached some pics for your wonder and amazement... Simon

Yes this is where I am on this. however...can you explain/direct us on gap cover: where and how can we find this and what would we expect to pay?

Oh air pump...didn't factor that as I'd forgotten some 400's have air suspension...

The extra legal cover is worth having under the fully comp. If you are injured or have to take time off work or worse. If another vehicle is not involved or other circumstances the step is to consider the cost, obligations first. You don't have to make a claim against your policy. You have to notify them according to the t's and c's and even the other party may have the claim. I've had that. It was fine. If inspected and repaired how that look?

Nice. Less scrapes and bangs as mine. I'm not sure about the wheels 'though.

Were the police involved? Hunt Master is liable here. It's not his call. You could take him to small claims for example.

feel free to name the company.

The aim is to avoid the write off tag and suspension of cover. You are free to take private action to recover the damages. It's not ideal. In your case it all sounds too late for this. If it's a minor accident then this is very easy and whilst, again you would notify your insurance company, you do not have to claim against your policy. But a caveat, of course this depends upon so many factors and your own legal protection too. We are talking about legitimate action and one's rights. It does make you wonder who the customer is...we are part of a compulsory sausage machine of mandatory insurance so a free market of real competition is relative. In fact it is an oligopoly rather like the energy industry. If your insurance company have inspected the vehicle (which they have) it will be more complicated a process and you will have a Cat c or d which will be a pain to insure and sell the vehicle in the future. I'm with Steve though but if you keep the car for a number of years I would accept this as a buyer for example but the insurance needs a good look into. With any light incident - have a think first.

It is still your property...until the matter is settled. One is steered through their process. You do have to fight.

Every old car classic nightmare this. its a shame there isn't a way of repairing via second hand parts through the insurance company. I would go as far to say whilst every accident and circumstance is different. Where one can initiate a repair to keep the car it is worth doing so under an unexpected maintenance cost. Avoiding the insurance company where possible: legal, moral, whilst advising them you have had to make a repair would avoid the ridiculous write off. Something to start a lobby on I think.