steve-bedford

It sounds as though you made the right choice. I've heard that the exhaust system can be mega-bucks. Out of interest, what was the mileage?

Thanks very much Chris. Yes, I should look through the archives before posting. It can be a bit of a minefield! Yes, nice car otherwise thanks. The throttle takes a lot of getting used to and I'm still not driving it as smoothly as I'd like to!

I detect from a previous post that this is a common problem on the Series IV? Can anyone give any advice on this please?

Alan - Top man - Many thanks! (I feel really stupid now - How do I delete my original post? lol) :shutit:

Hi All, I can't find any reference to the above button in the manual. The switch doesn't "feel" as though it does anything and no lights come on or anything like that. I'm assuming it's not used for the UK market? Can anyone clarify please? Cheers, Steve

Hi, I have used Lexus MK. They seem fine and serve the most fantastic coffee but.............you pay for it all. If you want to half (probably more) the labour then I know of a specialist who "knows LS400s well". Mine's been to him once and he did an outstanding job. He's in central Bedford, PM me if this is near enough. Steve

My Range Rover has just failed its MOT for having blue LED sidelights. So yes. Not legal.

Hi All, Me again! The auto tilt is playing up on my LS. When I take the key out it will either: a behave perfectly b retract inwards but not tilt up c tilt up but not retract inwards When I put the key in it will either: a behave perfectly b not come out of it's "home" position at all. The way to fix it seems to be having a good wiggle of the key in the igntion lock and / or taking the key in and out which points to either being worn or a bad connection. Has anyone come across this before? All suggestions gratefully received!

A couple of questions please......................... 1) In the Series IV, when did the satnav go from CD to DVD? 2) I think I have the CD version. How can I tell / get the latest version? Thanks in advance.

Hi All, Looking in the manual, this should be a simple job, but had one of those pub conversations where a guy reckoned the whole headlamp unit needed to come out to get to the bulb. Does anyone have any experience of this please? Thanks in advance.

Hi Barney, I've worked in the automotive sector for almost 20 years. Working for a vehicle manufacturer generally means that your new car arrvies every 6 months which, of course, is wonderful but it does mean that cars (when you're working with them day in, day out) turn into just another commodity like your washing machine or microwave. I had a career change recently and whilst still in automotive, had the chance to opt out and take the cash option. As I have the "really nice" car thing well out of my system I'm now well into the "bangernomics" theory which is incredibly cheap fun. I don't know your circumstances but if it were me I'd be tempted to go for a Nissan QX which you can buy for literally peanuts (bank the change) and will probably see us all out!!! A Mazda 626 V6? Or how about it's sister - a Mondeo V6? More bullet proof than you think. The V6 is thirsty but reliable and sounds very very good. How about an Omega 2.5V6 Elite? No street cred, fairly reliable and oh so cheap now. Finally, I'd take a very close look at a Saab 9-5 2.0 Turbo. They have lots of class and will go to the moon and back without a hitch. Good luck in your search - There are bargains to be had out there, especially in the days leading up to Xmas! Cheers, Steve

I've worked for a warranty company in a previous life. I have some real horror stories that I won't bore you with but my advice is this..............Forget the warranty, they charge you the earth and then will come up with every excuse in the book not to pay your claim. As you say, they pay very low labour charges so many garages are reluctant to deal with them. At best, when a garage does take the work on, the job will be given to the trainee / junior whilst the experienced technicians can get on with the profitable work. Put aside say £50 - £100 into a separate account and draw on this when you need servicing and repairs done. You are, after all, driving one of the most reliable cars money can buy!

Hi Alan, Thanks ever so much for your reply. I joined the forum over 12 months ago and have only read glowing reports about the LS being silky smooth and whisper quiet. Your comments around approaching the roundabout are spot on and at least make me feel better for not having bought a dud! Overall, yes the car is whisper quiet, it's well built, it's quick.........This isn't just about the throttle, but I just can't put my finger on it. I guess there's just something about the whole package that leaves me feeling a little underwhelmed.....I do hope it grows on me otherwise you can expect to see it in Autotrader in the New Year - lol

I drove the Range Rover this morning for the first time since buying the LS. I have to say, I do prefer the "heavier" settings. Maybe it's just my big size 12 hooves just aren't built for something that requires such delicacy! In my view, a throttle with a "proper" cable gives much more "feel" and control over unwanted kickdowns. The LS seems to kickdown by just breathing on the throttle when all I wanted to do was go just a bit faster. Jumping from one to the other on a regular basis isn't going to be easy. The Range Rover is slow, heavy and ponderous (but not as bad as you'd think for a big old bus) and the LS is way too light and over sensitive in my opinion. I think I'll have to see how it all goes. One thing is for sure, my original plan of selling the RR straight after buying the LS is very much on hold!!

I also have a Range Rover 4.6 HSE (what carbon footprint?) with a 100 litre fuel tank so you just move the decimal places two digits to the right to know how much it is to fill from empty. Given that 15MPG only gives you a 330 mile range you are on first name terms with the forecourt cashier quicker than you know it!

Many thanks for all the advice. I've ordered some and look forward to being able to see again!

Hi All, Does anyone know where I can buy decent quality windscreen wipers from? Or is this yet another "Lexus Dealer only" part that's going to cost me dearly?! All advice is welcome. Thanks,

I've had the vehicle almost a week now and I'm still struggling to get used to how feather light you have to be with the throttle to give a smooth ride, especially when the vehicle is cold. In all honesty, I hate fly by wire. Give me a proper throttle with a cable any day of the week! Does anyone know if there is any sort of adjustment or do I just have to live with it and try and temper by big size 12s? Thanks in advance.

Hi All, Many thanks for your responses. I'm going to take the unit out and have a look for myself. Is the stereo easy to get out? Thanks in advance. Steve

Hi All, I've just purchased a 99 S LS400. The green backlight that shows the passseger air con temp is not working (the LCD is fine it's just the green backlight). Does anyone know how easy this is to fix? Or should I just live with it? Thanks in advance. Steve

That's what makes me kick myself even more...............I work for a sat-nav / tracking company so not an issue. I note that they've both given each other glowing feedback so clearly a good car........ Ah well!

I just want someone to come on here and tell me why it was a good idea not to bid on it hoping that it will make me feel better - lol

What a total, utter bargain.....Unless I'm missing anything? Just gutted I missed it............... LS400

Great advice Guys - Thanks very much and really appreciated. Contacting the dealer (thanks Mark) is a great idea that I hadn't thought of. I'll keep you posted. Steve

There's one on Autotrader at just over £4k. Has anyone been to look at it? It looks so tempting at this money. Any comments will be gratefully received. Do feel free to PM me if you'd rather not put public comments up about it.