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This might be of help to you http://www.lexus-mapupdates.eu/Shop/Index I didn't realise there were so many variants of the DVD navigation

Powercoating definitely gives a much better finish and is much longer lasting too The refurbisher I use always goes down the powder-coating route - he's had plenty of experience with Lexus Alloys and finds it surprising it's one area where their fit and finish isn't top notch given the rest of the vehicle build

I had a leaking boot and a small swimming pool of water sititng in the spare wheel well and I decided to pay Lexus to replace this rubber seal - problem solved ever since I was very fortunate in that my Lexus dealer cut the cost of their labour by 20% and parts by at least 10% or 20% where possible in order to encourage me to keep using their services. I'm hoping for a similar level of service with my LS430

I still regret selling my 1998 Mk IV LS400 last year but I am hoping my LS430 replacement will serve me as well if not better

I have certainly noticed that the value of not-so-well-looked-after LS430s have dropped to the floor as potential buyers are scared off by the potential costs to rectify. My recent purchase was at close to trade price on 2003 '53' car with only 45k miles. Very few signs of age and even fewer signs of wear & tear. Here's to hoping this is as good an ownership proposition as my previous LS400 which I kept for 13 years and 225,000 miles - the new owner still keeps in touch with me and he's still very pleased with the car.

The only differences I know of between a 98 Mk IV and 2000 Mk IV LS400 are that the 2000 model comes with parking sensors and electrically folding mirrors as standard. It's easy enough to get parking sensors retro-fitted by a number of after-market suppliers. The electrically folding mirrors conversion can be done on a 1998 car but it's expensive (£700 plus). I wanted this on my 1998 Mk IV, but decided it wasn't worth spending the money.

I've recently purchased a 2003 '53' Lexus LS430 and I spoke with 3 Lexus Dealers who quoted me £180 for an updated DVD - they all mentioned that the latest versions are launched around November / December each year Whilst you can buy an aftermarket product like a Tom Tom or a Garmin device, I do like to use the built in screen and functionality plus I am keen to keep the car as factory original but update to as possible.

I live in Northampton, United Kingdom and I have purchased a 2003 '53' Lexus LS430 - this is the facelift version with the 6 speed auto gearbox and other modifications such as the bluetooth. I'm looking for an iPod / MP3 player solution which will work with the factory fitted audio, speakers and existing controls in the car (including the steering wheel). I don't plan to use the CD changer again however it would be nice to retain this as occasionally I do carry passengers who still use CDs. I would also like to be able to play DVDs via the existing screen too. Can anyone suggest any ideas on products and installers ? Is this something which could be done by a Lexus dealer ? Would this kit work : http://www.dension.com/product/iPod-iPhone-car-adapters/gateway-300 Any advice or help on what to get would be most welcome. Thanks in advance.

I sold my old LS400 last year after 13 years and 225k miles - I had been running a newer and lower mileage Audi A8 W12 (6 litre petrol) and thought best to keep running this for longer instead of the Lex. What a mistake ! The Audi is a beautiful, modern and well built car but it has not been a good or cheap ownership proposition - whenever I have had to buy parts for it, it has cost me a small fortune and because it's the W12 version, parts seem to cost even more compared to the lower model versions. Last year alone I spent over £6k on various jobs - thankfully, I have managed to sell this year and I am now back in the Lexus ownership club with an awesome LS430. Best bit is that whilst this car is 11 years old, it has only done 44k miles and I managed to buy it for close to trade price. Good result and I'm looking forward to a few years of painfree luxury motoring

I owned an LS400 for over 13 years and it still is without question, the best vehicle I have ever owned. So reliable, so luxurious and just so easy to own and painless to run. Insurance and servicing costs reasonable and most Lexus dealers happy to give you favourable prices on parts and labour on older vehicles. The LS430 is definitely a big step up in terms of equipment, specification and overall performance. I now own the Mk 2 version of the LS430 which has the 6 speed automatic gearbox with kickdown facility, reversing camera and the 5 spoke alloys - the Mk1 is still an amazing car but the Mk 2 version is the one to go for. Depending on age, mileage, colours and condition I have seen LS430s (Mk1 and Mk 2 versions) selling for between £2k and £8k My one is very unusual as it's only done 45k miles and it's in mint condition.

It all depends on how the alloys are refurbished - some companies will refurbish the face of the wheel only and not do any work on the back of the wheel (most owners don't mind as it's only the visible part that they want looking good) whereas other companies are more thorough and will refurbish the entire wheel but this means more time, effort and usually more cost Cost wise, your quotes of £180 and £216 sound good for a set of 4 wheels. £265 sounds high. I am not familiar with these companies as I use a mobile refurbisher in Northampton where I live. As good as Lexus vehicles are, I do wonder why their alloy wheels corrode so easily