Spacewagon52

How are you chaps getting on with the book? I am on page 189 and finding it a fascinating read. I particularly liked this quote on page 123 from Car and Driver on Mercedes Benz (October 2000) (http://www.caranddriver.com/) "Before Lexus came along, the Germans were riding a reputation of design and engineering infallibility stretching back to the 60's, a myth they lveraged into a monopoly of the luxury car trade. But as happens with monopolists, they become arrogant and complacent, raisingprices to nose-bleed altitudes with impunity and getting by with incremental upgrades of their carsfrom year to year rather than keeping them up to date with timely redesigns."

It is a good feeling to get problems sorted without too many ££££££££££££££!

I have just done a stint of town driving, approx 2-3 mile journeys. 18.2 mpg and I am VERY light on the throttle.

It might be a cracker Colin, but my initial reaction is, that is a lot of money for an eleven year old car. I would always go with a good car, even if it was over the odds - but not sure about the price they are asking, to be honest. Will be interesting to hear other members views.

Out of interest Mark, what mileage do you do a year? Not sure what mine will be, but possibly around 6000 miles.

My neighbour owns a 2007 Passat Estate 2.0 petrol. Leather, the works. He took me out in yesterday and I could not believe how rough it felt compared to my LS 400. He has it regularly serviced at VW and bought it new. He drives sedately and garages it every night but I would not do him a straight swap.

It just shows you need to be patient and a genuine one will come up. AS LONG AS IT IS NOT IN THE WEST MIDLANDS! That looks immaculate and well worth the money. Keep us all posted on your ownership. Congratulations on finding a good LS!

A rare find - well done - more pics please.

Let us all know how reliable it is please.

Excellent news Michael! Going to rust treat mine when the weather improves, I am a wimp when it comes to cold these days.

The article says is it. Motoring Journalists like to compare chalk and cheese.

Any Lexus turned into a ball of flame is sad in my eyes. The Yanks have money to burn.

The Soarer is a lovely looking car, better looking than the SC I will agree. Quite rare now I would think.

Very under-rated coupe I believe.

Tyres have a BIG effect on mpg, 13 mpg sounds about right!

Superb! The engine sounds fantastic. Interior is better than I expected after installation, I know you have not yet finished it. I wanted the L200 for off-roading a few years back but the insurance was a bit steep compared to a Jeep. I only have 101 questions! Have you been doing off-roading for long? What vehicle did you have before the L200 for off-road fun? Do you intend to use the "Raptor" for off-road trials, Green Laning or as an advertisement? Would love to see the beast in the flesh. You must be very pleased with the result. I admire your patience and determination - well done.

Seems to tick all the right boxes and at a very reasonable price IMHO. If I was looking for an LS 400 that would be one worth travelling to see.

My father and I were always Ford men until my Dad starting transporting Toyota imports from Dover. The worry used to be about the cost of insurance and parts - but when you find you do not need them then they work out quite cheap! Japanese engineering and component quality, in the past at least, has been superb. If I were looking to replace either of my Jap cars then I would consider these makes in order:- Lexus Toyota Mitsubishi Nissan Honda I have tried the rest (German) and now I go for the best. We are inclined to forget the many visits we had to make between services in the 1960's - 70's. People MAY be tempted by TOP GEAR reviews (German / Italian) and the like .......... but as far as I am concerned, first-hand experience comes first. Possibly I have been lucky, but I have never bought a Japanese Lemon, regarding reliability - rust was another matter in the 1970's!

I had a similar itch ............. was soon cured owning a 4.0 litre Jeep Grand Cherokee! Off-Road Mud tyres gave me 13.5 mpg! And that was on a run!

Thanks Brian! I will look into that!

I know how you must be feeling Mike! A great relief and no REAL advisories. Out of interest do you garage your Lexus?

Horray! Just got through the MOT - no problems to remedy! Some advisories:- Did mention corrosion on suspension parts - one rear spring quite corroded. Considering treating underboidy, particularly steering and suspension parts with a rust inhibitor (Kurust?) and the copious covering with waxoyl. To try and slow down the inevitable! Would appreciate any comments on the efficacy of the above.

That sounds sweet! Can't wait to see it off-road! Very well done!

Very very important!