Hunt.trophy

Late 20's around town, and early to mid thirties on a run. This is disappointing really; I don't know where the official figures came from - the sales dept?? However, you have to experience the performance and tranquility afforded by the vehicle - quite extraordinary :) I think I will arrange for a test drive from my local dealer and see what I think. I must say that the fuel economy does not sound great... I thought it'd be near the 70mpg like the prius... :)

I read this when you did it with great interest. I don't know what LPG is or where one would either get the job done in Dublin, or even get LPG fuel... I'm very ignorant.

I thought I would always be driving a LS and was sure my next car would be a 2005 LS430, but it cost me over €100.00 to fill my car today. That is a lot of money for 480 miles! I am just starting to consider a GS450h year 2005 till I can afford the LS600h... What does anyone think of the GS450h? Is it a major step down from the LS430? I love my car.

I usualy hang out in the LS forum, but have recently considered trading to a GS450h as my LS430 is getting a bit too expensive since petrol has jumped so high in price. What is the real fuel economy like on a GS450h? I drive gently with my LS and get about 36mpg on a long run and about 26mpg around town. Any comments welcome, I did try to search this forum, but had no luck, sorry if this subject has been covered before.

Hi Yeah I know what you mean, I looked into the "tyre" thing long and hard and came to the conclusion that the tyres that Dunlop had designed specifically for the 430 would be the way to go, they are quiet, the correct rating, still available and not that expensive. I would still stand by the decisions I made if it wasn't for the fact that these cars seem to "eat" tyres, they scrub the edges off the front and grind down the rears... The Dunlop’s I have on the front are excellent and I'm real pleased with them, they are just what I thought they would be... However with hindsight I may have opted for a cheaper tyre or one that lasted longer and put up with some road noise, I think the Maxxis it had when I bought it were just too cheap and the noise was excessive, but there must be something in between. So I am sorry to have led you down this path, the Dunlop’s are excellent tyres but are they good value? Of course it could be the way I drive, I don't hang around, what’s the point of nearly 300bhp if you are not going to use it, and now its on LPG its cheap enough to play now and again... Pete Hi Pete, I didn't feel led down any path, I was real glad that your good self was so helpful with tyre choice. I had a good look at my tyres today after 4000 miles and they still look new, as I would expect. I also like to use the power of the car and am always amazed that it doesn't lift off the road and fly it goes so fast. A friend of mine says I don't 'drive' I 'fly low'... Anyway, if anyone cares for my opinion, I do indeed recomend the Dunlops, they are perfect. By the way, bought new boot struts off ebay.com for $30 +PP and fitted them today. Perfect. Lexus quoted me €600.00 to do the job.

Hi Haylands, interesting to read your current dilema with tyres. You have been such an advocate of the Dunlops in so many threads in this website that based on your apparent knowledge and great reviews I went and spent silly money getting the Dunlops... This is not a criticism, as I am delighted with the Dunlops, they are silent runners, wearing well and even and in my opinion were worth the money. How come the major change of mind?

Hi Mike, you are indeed right... Of-course my arrogance is inexcusable... Saw another XF today and it was a beige colour, it did not look as well as the black one, and since comparing the XF to the Mondeo earlier, following a suggestion in this thread, I couldn’t help notice the unacceptable likeness… Although that makes less sense seeing as MR. DB9 is behind it!!! Anyway, my brief affair with Jag is over and my Lexus forgives my wondering eye!

I have a very low opinion of Jag's. Anyone I know who has had one has said it spent more time in the garage being repaired than it did on the road. Not to mention the rust and general crappyness of them on all fronts! Anyway, I know some people love them, I sure don't. But man, that XF looked so hot. :(

I am really disappointed to say that you are correct... I looked at the JAG web-site and that is what it is... WOW, it looked super amazing, but so like a Lexus... Perhaps it looked so good as it was an enigma on the forecourt and didn't slow down or stop, it was brand new and all shiny black... Oh well, I learned something today, thanks for the quick response.

Hello all, Today I was in the petrol station paying for the petrol, when what looked like a very new Lexus pulled onto the forecourt, then drove off again. It had no branding on the car, but had a badge of a puma or some similar cat on it. It looked like a cross between an Lexus IS-f and a Lexus LS460. It had a crome grill (bently style) but was so definately a Lexus. It was black with cream leather and looked like the nicest car I have ever seen. Any idea what it was? It was in South County Dublin, Ireland.

Thanks for all the responses. I got a shock when I phoned the dealer to talk money... I was assuming mine was worth about €25,000 and that he'd move to €35,000 for what he was selling. He said it'd cost me €25,000 on top of my own car... Outrageous. That means he's only giving me €15,000 for my own, which is crazy! I'll leave it for a while and get the service done... Think I'll keep the FLSH in-tact and bite the bullet and get it done with the dealer. The dealer selling the car is a different dealer than where I usually go. So no connection! Again thanks for all the comments. Really really want a new one having read the link provided... :( Oh well, maybe next year. My car won't have depreciated much compared to the 2004 / 2005 - they'll lose another 10k mine hasn't got 10k to lose!

I've hit the 92,000 mile mark in my LS430 and am due that big service when the timing belt must be done! My car has FLSH, Sat-Nav, Smart-Key, parking sensors + air purifier. Silver with black leather, it's a good spec car in good condition. (Dublin, Ireland). A thought raced through my mind that instead of spening €2,000 on a service, I could spend some more and upgrade. Any thoughts on the big differences between the 2004 model V the 2001? Would consider this one as a good example of what I am looking for. http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Lexus/LS430/car/947556/ I know it has more wooden trim and different wheels, but what else is there?

On my third LS and my dad is on his 18th (he had a new one every year since 1990). All of them have beeb perfect, mine included which were older and with high miles. I am now on a 2001 LS430 with 90,000 miles and FLSH. It's perfect, every button works and is a HUGE step UP from the LS400 in everyway. I had two LS400's, my last one was a 1998 with a high spec and I loved it. It had 200,000 miles on it when I got rid of it and there was NO issues what so ever. I am sure when you drive a couple of the LS430's you'll quickly tell from one to the other if it's been driven hard or not. Look at the rubber on the pedals, that's a good gauge of some one hitting the brakes hard a lot! Good luck and keep us up to date!

Trying to keep costs down, so will be looking for the IS200's and staying away from the 3l, otherwise I'd be looking at an RX. That car is an import, in the picture it looks like there is no reg on it and it has the extra rain shutters on the windows, aswell as the name of the company is jap-import...

Thanks for the great advice. Thought it was over-priced. Was going to shout 9k + a 1999 Fiat Punto in good knick. We'll see if that car is genuine though. Know a bit about Lexus, am on my third LS now and love them. Am torn between a Turbo Subaru Forester or this Lexus. Both hard to find in an Auto in Ireland.

Hi All, I usually hang-out at the LS430 forum, but need some help from the friends in the IS forum. I am considering buying my wife a Sportscross and need some advice, help and comments. The car needs to have ISOFIX for child seat (hence needing to buy a new car) and enough space for strollers and all the other accories one has to have when a new child comes in to your life. Want an auto with low miles, something like this. Please comment on what you can gleam from this car and offer you opinion. Will view this on Tuesday. http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?f...mp;carID=808436 Looking forward to hearing from you and thanks for your help.

Hi there, we had a thread on this some time ago where we discussed MPG in detail. http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/ind...t=0&start=0 Hope that link works. It has an MPG calculator in there too.

Thanks for the reply. I had heard that there was a local mechanic in Wicklow who did Lexus as a hobby and was fantastic. Maybe it's just a rumour, but if anyone knows who I'm talking about, I'd love his details. Got some business for him. (Very reluctant to let anyone but the dealer I bought that car from do anything to it. It has a full Lexus Service History with this one dealer {worht a lot for resale})

Car or no car, those photo's are amazing. Really love the tone of the scene. PS Car looks great too.

I feel like writing to the Newspapers when I get close to 500 miles out of a tank. It does happen on longer trips, crusing around 80mph. Most I've gotten is 515 miles out of a tank. A gentle foot, cruise control, PWR ETC on and on longer trips I get in and around that regularly. As far as fuel economy goes, I am certain that there is no other car out there that offers the same comfort, acceleration and fuel efficiency. Well done Lexus!

I've reached the landmark 90,000 miles, so now must think about getting the timing belt replaced... I am sure this an expensive service and am now thinking for the first time not to go to Lexus. Does anyone know someone who'll do this job and give the car a good service at the same time, in Ireland? Preferably near Dublin? I am sure Lexus will charge up over €1,000 for the job. Help, advice and comments much appreciated.

Will be getting them next week. They're expected to be in the Fast-Fit on Monday. They are €170.00 each then add on €50.00 per wheel for a reconidition, sandblast and polish. Wheels will look like new again. VERY excited. Thanks to all for comments and advice. Pete - U DA MAN!!!

Like Haylands, I'd love to know what Dunlops you have on? Also why do you have such a strong preference for Muchelin? Haylans thanks for the response, will order my 270's tomorrow and bite the bullet and get the right tyres... It seems to make the most sense...

Sounds like about the same deal then... So I am not coming out too badly. Would you say they're worht it?

You can, but there are major question marks over the noise levels they create... So if owning a LS430 is all about refinment, luxury and silent motoring, why then choose a noisy tyre?