Spacewagon52

I know very little about the mechanical side of cars and I have to rely and trust garages. I have read all the way through this thread - not fully understanding all the technical jargon - but what a story of persistence and patience. The good news was there was nothing wrong with the car - someone had left a fuel clamp on! Brilliant - you guys on here are amazing - I take my hat off to you all - you show a REAL dedication to the mark!

Welcome!

Anyone here had an LS 400 with very high mileage? Mine only has 72,000 - so I would be near the bottom of the list!

Photographing a car in a good location really enhances the vehicle. That is why Top Gear use stunning locations for their test drives. Somewhere I have read of a list of roads that are the best drives in the country. Someone on here my have that list.

Give an update when you have changed the plugs please.

I would be surprised if the fuel consumption for the 2.5 V6 Galant is much less than the LS 400/430 - 5 mpg?

Inclined to agree about the RX8. If they have not been properly serviced there are potentially big bills ahead! EVEN if the vehicle HAS been service at a Mazda dealer it depends on how it has been driven. Any short journeys seem to knock hell out of the engine and increase bore wear. That is why they are relatively cheap.

Yes! An interesting point! I declared all my Off-Road modifications, there was no increase in premium and you know you are always properly insured.

If you do not tell your insurance company all relevant information (i.e. if they later found out about the condition) it can invalidate your insurance, even if you are well - as you have not informed them of any material change. I understand what you are saying but I was advised by the health practitioner to tell them. It is usually no problem. Sure Thing! are just being painful. There are sympathetic insurance companies recommended by the British Heart Foundation. If I have any grief from them I will change insurance. The main point I am making is that you are not usually penalised for honesty and you run the risk of invalidating your insurance if you don't disclose material information.

I have owned 7 Mitsubishis - 5 of them Galants. If petrol costs are not too much of a concern I think you would be very pleased with an LS 400/430. If you want something a bit smaller then the IS 250 would float my boat! You will not be disappointed with the reliability and there are plenty of super "experts" on here who will guide you to repairing common faults as the car ages. I would be very surprised if you regretted a move to Lexus.

You want to create a noisy LS 400? I am beginning to shudder! LOL!

That would be some funeral Mike!

It is really good to read a "Good News" story! I am really pleased for you.

The word is getting out how good these cars are! If prospective buyers read Colin's post on the press release they will be smitten!

I like this piece:- It is finished with the most luxurious materials, but it is designed to age gracefully – and very, very slowly.

Brilliant Colin!

This one was for sale not long ago for £5000. I believe the selling price was much lower. He is trying to make a good profit here. Might be a dealer masking as a private seller. Interesting! On AutoTrader for £6995. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201508085895551?page=1&search-target=usedcars&channel=cars&radius=1500&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&sort=pricedesc&model=ls_400&postcode=ct146qb&make=lexus&logcode=p

We all have had, at some time, mechanical issues with our cars which really get us down, especially niggling little things that seem to annoy. But what if the “problem” is you? I have very recently been diagnosed with heart disease and would like to share my experience (so far) with you all, so that if the unfortunate happens to moi then this may be of help and reassurance (I hope as well!). I have just got home from a Coronary Artery By-Pass Graft (CABG) in St Thomas’ Hospital, London. My operation is more commonly known as a Triple By-Pass of the coronary arteries. The day after I bought my Lexus (no kidding) I was diagnosed! One of my concerns was how it would affect my ability to drive and whether I would be allowed to drive by the DVLA. So how will this impact on my driving? The short answer is that it depends! Please do not hold what I say as definite but check to make sure. I would be pleased to hear of anyone who has a view to the contrary. Heart Conditions 1) You must inform your insurance company if a medical practitioner says you must. It is also, I believe, safer to inform them anyway. If you do not inform them of any changes then in the event of an accident your policy could be void. 2) For quite a few heart conditions YOU DO NOT need to inform the DVLA This came as quite a surprise to me as this included by-pass surgery! Please see DVLA information sheet INF188/4 entitled “Car or motorcycle drivers with heart conditions: When you need to tell us about your condition” found on their website. This clearly states when you are able to drive with heart problems. My experience:- I was allowed to drive before my operation provided I met the conditions (see INF 188/4) of controlling the symptoms. After the operation I am not allowed to drive for at least 6 weeks and until my consultant says I am fit to drive after my check-up (6 weeks approx.) I informed both of my insurance companies. The “Post Office Car Insurance” said that was not an issue and when your surgeon gives you the go ahead to drive you may do so. No mention of an extra premium. Sure Thing! Insurance asked the same questions, “Do you need to inform the DVLA of your condition?” said the representative. “No but I have been told not to drive for 6 weeks after my operation.” I said. “May I ask what you operation was for?” said the representative. “Coronary Artery By-Pass Graft (CABG), I said. “Just wait a minute, sir,” came the reply. He was very surprised this condition was not notifiable. He checked with the underwriters of the insurance and they have taken me off the insurance until I am able to send them a letter from the surgeon stating that I am fit to drive. It is interesting to note how different insurance companies handle what is regarded as, a serious, yet medically routine operation. I will let you know how I get on after the check-up! So my poor Lexus must sit in the garage for 7 weeks …… unless my wife would like to take me out! Has anyone else had any experience with the DVLA / Insurance companies regarding medical issues?

That was brilliant! To watch that advert and think ......... yes ..............I have one of those! (Same smug voice as the narrator!)

I am inclined to agree! There is much more to car than MPG!

Must have given them food for thought? Who knows? Years ago they would have a public service announcement about driving laws and behaviour - it is about time they brought them back. Do any of you remember Cliff Michelmore and the programmes, "So you think you can drive?"

What happened when the Civic driver came back?

Manners and thoughtfulness are sadly in decline. We are living in a world of the ME culture - people with big elbows seem to get their way! There may be a good explanation (some sort of emergency?) why they parked in a disabled bay. Did the Civic have a disabled badge by any chance?

Love the pic!

I would take it on a motorway run at around 70mph and see what you get. Town driving drinks fuel.