RgrWynne

Hi John, I feel for you with a record like that, and the way the Police have behaved to catch you. I have had 3 speeding convictions over the years , all clear now, but one was in Scotland on the A74 and two in North Wales. Both these Forces are known to target motorists, I believe as more of a money grab, than anything else. I am these days happy to wallow about in my LS430 at the speed limit and let the world go by🤓. Interestingly, during our recent holiday in Australia, during which I drove about 2000 miles, over an 8 week period, everybody drives at the speed limit. I knew from a previous visit in 1997 just how unforgiving the Police are, but I’m afraid to admit it has affected the way people behave, with no high powered idiots thinking they own the road. However the thought of being caught is at the forefront of your mind when driving, and when approaching roadworks or safety imposed restrictions everybody behaves, which is good. I do remember my first conviction which really p***ed me off for ages afterwards, but “don’t let the bu**ers get you down” and enjoy your enforced stay in the motherland, keep well, Roger

Oh dear John, naughty 🤓 The speeding conviction probably will have a disproportionate financial effect.....could you not go on a speed awareness course or does that not change things ? Roger

I must say Andy you are a revelation, willing to get stuck in to anything, with brilliant reports, which are both entertaining and informative, well done, Rgds, Roger

However I do think it is a competitive market place, so shop around. I noticed a step change with LV at my renewal, who I have been with for 18 years, with a great quote and no bartering...which had become a ritual. On the other hand if you are not loyal to them, what would you do, so a double edged sword. I work on the principle that you can always buy cheaper , but not necessarily better, and I am always extremely careful with these comparison sites to ensure you are comparing like for like. I prefer the peace of mind of knowing I am covered, which you will only know about when you claim, even if it means paying a bit more. The last thing I would want to see is regulation, as from my experience the market works extremely well. There are exceptions as in any walk of life, but I would not vilify all.

Welcome on board Stuart. I am jealous, great car, and I will look out for you when we are allowed, out as I drive through North Wales. Enjoy and I look forward to the piccies, Roger

I don’t think laying up for 6 months will cause harm and if you don’t need a car, or have access to another I would sorn it. If it is parked in a safe environment the risk is probably low regarding fire and theft, so you will have to judge whether it is necessary.

I also connected to the battery terminal points, absolutely no problems

Pretty **** in Spain This is why the Govt are asking people to obey instructions

I have a CTEK, no problems at all. Every review I have ever read is full of praise, and even though it is more expensive it is deemed to be good value. I can only speak as I find 🤗

Hi John, thankfully got back no probs on Tuesday. I had expected the A380 to be part full, but it was full, and as the stewardess told me all sold at full price. So glad to be back, but having said that, if I had to, I would have enjoyed staying in Perth for longer. The Aussies have now clamped down, with 14 day isolation, and on Wed, Emirates are pulling all their flights. My pal is on the last plane in from Melbourne. I think you are correct we will all be at home this year, and when this corona virus eases we must have a coffee, cheers, Roger ps must try Williams 😜

Soberano at about 12 euros per litre doesn’t break the bank John. 🤗 certainly livens up your coffee a la espaniol Are you back in Spain now John?

I actually prefer Spanish Brandy, after a very delicious Rioja Tempranillo, and we now know what Herbie has been thinking about during his absence. 😜

I’m afraid I am not optimistic, we haven’t even seen the start of the potential of this terrible situation, with predictions as already stated, a peak in July/August. The worse is definitely yet to come and people need to change behaviour quickly.

Phil trust your brother recovers ok, Rgds, Roger

So do I win as nearest to 38.4, and what is the prize 🤗🤗🤗

Thanks John, ironically it’s was only because of Herbie explaining how to upload the photos, that I was able to cause an altercation .........soooo maybe we should blame Herbie 😜cheers, Roger

3Not everybody’s cup of tea I know, but having been here in Australia for 8 weeks, travelling extensively, I have only seen RX Lexus’s. However now in Perth and today saw this immaculate little beauty, all blinged up. Fuel here is half price, roads wide and not as busy, but everybody drives strictly at the speed limit. i do not know which model of LS 400 this is but I am sure somebody will inform us, Cheers, Roger.... back to Uk , leaving tomorrow to face whatever at the airports.

38. MPG

Whilst I sympathise with your view I think you are ignoring the legislation regarding safety and emissions, which is driving many of the issues you describe. I don’t think I would want to be a vehicle manufacturer today facing all the international regulations and whilst Toyota may remain profitable there are many who will not, Jaguar / Landrover as an example. The whole market has moved on in this technological age, for good and bad, so I am glad to still own a vehicle on which I can rely for a few more thousand miles, I hope ?

Hi Michael, the part you have quoted above specifically excludes V8 engines, and a different spec product is listed for them. I tend to agree with Malc in that it is an old product , designed to run on a specific product. Not necessarily beneficial to use more advanced formula. That’s my feeling and I use Shell Helix Semi Synthetic engine oil, but likewise I think it more important to change oils regularly whatever is used, Cheers, Roger

Well at last got to drive a Camry, and tbh was very disappointed. It was pretty new 30k miles, and very bland. It is probably typical Toyota in that it will do squillions of trouble free miles, but I was not at all inspired and did not find it very comfortable. Did longish journey of about 300 miles across Aussie outback, got 40 ish to the gallon, but not a particularly pleasant or relaxing car. Because I have been away from my LS430 since mid Jan, I kept comparing, but of course there is no comparison in ride quality, or for that matter build quality. Ironically both myself and wife enjoyed the Holden. Got another car next week for 5 days so will see what that is. Cheers, Roger

TBH I just do not understand the negativity. Years away from all the problems you describe , and charging will almost certainly be In different format . Think of WiFi for example. I am not necessarily for these changes but I am not a luddite and won’t imagine the future. The pace of development going on right now under the radar is frightening, it has to happen. I like you am happy to trundle along in our Luxury LS , looking not be to affected , and it will probably ride over many of us, but that does not mean it will not occur. This is my last response to this as denying it won’t change anything🤗👍 Roger

Honest John today 😜👍 What is better - a hydrogen powered car or an EV? Having bought a new petrol powered car, I was interested to hear the Government bring forward the date for banning the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles. As I live in a block of flats and park in the surrounding roads, I don't see charging an electric vehicle as being practical. Do you think hydrogen-powered cars will become more 'mainstream', as it only takes a couple of minutes to refuel these? Asked on 19 February 2020 by J Gardner Answered by Andrew Brady In some ways, hydrogen cars make a lot of sense. It's a readily available fuel source and refuelling is much quicker than charging an EV. The hydrogen cars already on sale also have longer ranges than electric vehicles. That said, the industry seems to be going more down the electric route. There are lots more electric car chargers than hydrogen filling stations. The cost of hydrogen cars are also very expensive. There'd have to be a huge swing in the industry if hydrogen cars were to become more mainstream than electric vehicles

Currently touring Australia, and tonight used Uber in Melbourne, having recently travelled in a Sydney Camry taxi with 767000km on the clock and still going strong. The latest Uber was a newer Camry hybrid, 220,000km , a very comfortable ride, and was doing 60mpg...or as displayed 4.7 ltrs per 100km, which tbh I think is pretty remarkable.

Just handed back the Holden, did 1650 km and tbh got to like it, it was I think a 2 litre with a 7 or 9 speed auto. Only did mainly long motorway trips, but I loved the apple CarPlay which I doubt is available in the Camry. Averaged 43 mpg which is not bad. If I get a Camry next I’ll be able to compare, but it won’t be a hybrid in any case, they only seem to be available for taxis.