Spacewagon52

235,000 miles - external condition looks amazing considering the mileage.

I had jogging bottoms, cheap sand shoes and an older T-shirt - so no, I did not look posh Malc! The ride in the GS was smoother than I expected but my main impressions were it was very quiet and felt quite luxurious - though it was new. It was the GS300h - 2.5 litre engine. I thought it would be much more expensive than £33500 to be honest but I did not know what level of trim it had as they go up to £43,000. The display screen was very large and clear. Of course way out of my price bracket. Getting back into my LS - I thought, is that GS worth £30,000 more than my LS? The answer is NO! Even the receptionist said, the old LS was her favourite Lexus! I do believe Canterbury Lexus do discounts on servicing for older cars.

Booked my LS 400 in for a new battery - £88 fitted with 3 year warranty. Offered a lift into the centre of the city and was picked-up at a friend's house in a new GS 2.5 litre hybrid. My car was washed and hoovered. Free health check - ALL A1! Very polite and efficient service. Contact Anna, Service Manager, for first class customer service. Very satisfied customer.

I would replace both - not worth the hassle if the second one goes.

This is the nightmare we all fear with a problem that is very difficult to diagnose. Spending money on a cure is one thing but replacing expensive parts and then possibly finding that was not the problem is very frustrating. I had a problem with my catalyst on my Space Wagon - it would have been cheaper to buy the original part (we live and learn) - never did get it sorted so sold it very cheap. Really hope they can solve the problem Mike. My gut feeling would be to replace the cheapest parts in order and see if it solves the problem. Good luck.

That does look a good one. No car that old will be perfect. Personally I would not bother with the heated seats but would want to get the ariel sorted. Seems a genuine advert. If I was still looking I would be paying a visit. I would imagine it will sell quickly if it is as good as the advert says. Keep us posted if anyone on here ends up buying it.

Thanks Pete will try and get one.

Seems I may have to get another battery. Pulling her out of the garage and putting her back without a run, puts quite a strain on the battery. Had to jump start her after playing with the radio. When I put the battery on charge it never gets fully charged, so I suspect the battery is on its way out. Just a quick question: Have tuned in my ipod using a wireless transmitter to the radio but it keeps going into search and losing the signal. How do I stop it searching? Will look out for improvement in performance with the new battery.

Horses for courses - I would go for the RX if she does not mind driving something large.

Yes, I thought the same. Waiting to see the full bill. Might suggest he sends it to VW head office for them to comment. My comment would be I will never be buying another one! AND we all thought Lexus was expensive!

Just over £2000 - and they immediately knocked off £100 through embarrassment I feel - so about £1,900 - I will look at the bill and give you a proper breakdown - after all it is ONLY a VW Passat!

That Cortina was my dream car in 1974! Never did own another Ford after my MkII Cortina. How we have all matured!

Reliability has usually been my first priority. If things go wrong it costs. This may not be a fair comparison but my neighbour for 36 years bought new a 2007 Passat 2.0 litre petrol estate. Apparently they need the cambelt changing every 30,000 miles. He has just come up to 60,000 and has had to have the belt done again with new water pump, plus a full service, MOT, two shock absorbers, rear brakes (?), new battery. He is going to show me the bill so I can see exactly what has been done (at VW main dealer) Would anyone like to guess the approximate cost of his bill?

I think I will pass on this one thanks!

Do NOT give it away with the car! That will be VERY rare one day! Grandchildren's inheritance!

Thanks, I will take a look.

I could not agree more. Brand Image means nothing to me. I run my LS 400 because, quite a few years ago, I read how under rated the mark was. I took the plunge on a MkIII and what a car! I always said I would have another one, but did not quite believe myself. If you read the Relentless Pusuit, you can begin to understand how good these cars actually are. Has the quality been maintained over the years? That is for others to comment upon. I can only speak of my own experience (of the LS 400) so far. I am not particularly interested in toys and gizmos (age I think), I just love the smooth, effortless overall performance and relative economy from a wonderful V8 engine. Yes, I would agree these cars are becoming dinosaurs in this modern age - so grab yourself a bit of history before they become extinct!

What is the problem with your RC200T?

I had a Volvo 240 - so many issues, would never have another one I am afraid. Once bitten as they say.

Why not another big engined car Chris? Is your annual mileage high?

Has anyone mentioned this car? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603272371800?postcode=ct149te&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&make=lexus&radius=1500&page=1&model=ls_400&sort=pricedesc&search-target=usedcars&logcode=p

Good luck Mike, I hope you manage to find the problem.

Start it again and make sure the air-con is ON. I was wondering if it could be a dirty throttle body as I had this on my previous MkIII LS400. The aircon on gives it more reves after it has warmed up. Just a thought.

I wish I could pack a boot like that! Well done!

Love these stories. We must remember not to get too complacent chaps (and chapesses) with our wonderful LS 400's. Other makes DO NOT come anywhere near the quality we come to accept. Can you think of other makes with high mileages, that come close? Waiting for the tirade! ??????????????????????????????????