Spacewagon52

I did!

A very sobering story. I concur with John, take your time and recover to full health. Simple jobs can turn into a nightmare.

A man after my own heart! When the washing machine broke - I went to the beach and gave my wife two large pebbles and a bucket of water. The hospital consultant said I would recover within a year.

The main point is you get what you pay for. If a car is cheap then there is usually a good reason. Walk away, as Moleman says, if it was an easy fix they would have done it.

The temperature seems to be a big factor. I presume your summer journey was also in the NX?

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/big-reads/inside-factory-only-builds-white-toyotas?cm_mmc=ExactTarget-_-email-_-Top_Gear_07122022-_-email&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=Top_Gear_07122022

Marmite is how I would describe England. Yes, the handbrake must be off. We could even win this cup ..... really!

brake fluid, gearbox fluid, coolant, having been changed, should I get these done ? If you intend keeping the car I would get these done. Radiator might also be worth considering if the SC430 has the same issues as the LS 430.

I would be worried about putting a roof rack on a car with a pan roof. Others on here have done it without incident but I am not sure if you could claim under warranty if things go wrong - others with more knowledge might be able to help. I need to use a roof boot so would not consider buying a car with a pan roof. Just my thoughts.

My bus pass is becoming even more appealing!

Interesting car the MG4. I have been following the MGEV Owners site. There are issues with these cars. Fine if they can be fixed (good 7 year warranty) but if not ............... Lead times for parts is also an issue. Their reliability would be my main concern along with longevity. I read about a design error on the MG5, where mud accumulates on top of the spring/shock absorber. Owners are making their own covers to prevent future rust issues. I am sure these issues will be addressed by MG (China). It reminds me of early Toyota cars. "Don';t buy one! Parts are extortionate!" What people did not work out was that if things don't go wrong .... you don't need parets! I can see the MG brand improving over time.

I was somewhat surprised that the bonnet did not have gas struts - old fashioned metal arm! Though is it a prototype?

I too have had that experience! While I was waiting, the guy next to me said he had had a cystoscope many times. “They tell you it is painless, but it ain’t,” I needed him like a hole in the head! Then an older chap came in with his son and asked what the procedure entailed (obviously had not read the leaflet). When the nurse explained he said, “Bugger that! I’m off!” Never saw him again.

I understand the different opinions espoused on the EV / ICE debate. My concern is that it is becoming very partisan and fractious. I have no issues with someone wanting to buy an EV if they can afford it. The wealth issue is spurious to say the least - as some ICE models are far too expensive to purchase for many of us. There are many reasons to be wary of purchasing an EV car right now, but VED in 2025, is not one of them. Royoftherovers made an interesting political point regarding China, as did Colin Barber in reply. Purchasing a £40 grand + car is very heavy on road tax. But if you have the money and that is your choice, then it is a free (not from tax!) country! If I had around £70,000 spare to buy a new car, then I would probably go for the electric RX. There are other reasons, apart from initial cost why I would be wary about buying an EV vehicle. 1) Reliability 2) Model choice I will stick with my 4 litre V8 and 3.3 litre V6 for the time being - when they become too expensive ............... I will use my bus pass! I feel there is unjustified criticism of EV's

These cars do repair themselves Howard!

There seems to be a trend, particularly in the USA, where conspiracy theories are believed by an increasing number of people. Opinions and rumour become fact in people's minds. We are slipping into an era of extreme distrust in elected governments - I worry that a saviour will come along and promise to put things right. Parallels with the 1930's are ringing alarm bells in my ears. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

Very interesting discussion but at the end of the day it will be down to cost. Electric cars will be developed and become cheaper. It will be down to personal economics - if you can afford and wish to run a V8 petrol in the future that is fine. If you have a choice and the electric option is cheaper to run, then some people will go with that. I have never driven an electric car but I have no bias towards petrol. If I can get a car that fulfils my needs, then it will probably down to running costs. If you have £X to spend on owning a car and you have a straight choice between Car A and Car B then if A is cheaper to run you will buy that one. There is a certain amount of dogmatism regarding bashing electric cars - everyone has their opinion. I try and be open minded. Yes, owning an electric car takes more journey planning. If you can’t live with that inconvenience, then fair enough. I will probably stick with my petrol cars but I do understand the basic economics of people wanting to own an electric vehicle at this time - provided they can afford it.

The only car I can remember being a ride as comfortable as my LS was a friends Citroen DS Safari estate. not only impressed with the comfort but the swivelling headlights as you negotiated a bend. My friend was a Citroen nut - being a mechanic helped!

No..................................... time seems to pass so quickly! More jobs than Elon Musk!

Have a rest for a few days - take her out for a spin, then you will get back your mojo!

You should be very proud of the work you have done Paul! Congratulations, she looks a gem!

Interesting thread. If I can find the time, I will try to compile a personal review of my LS 400. It is interesting to note that gadgets and gizmos are never mentioned by owners - just the sublime quiet ride, wafting along at a steady pace. What would I replace it with? I really have no idea. Second hand car prices are stupid at present, so I feel sorry for anyone wishing to buy a car now. If you are going to dip your toe (again) into owning an older luxury car then it would have to be a Lexus for me. However, I would probably go for a sensible option - Auris Estate. RAV4 ............ NX300h? Oh dear!

What year and mileage do you have on your 400h?

1.8 or 2.0 litre?

A friend had his Honda CR-V (2007 2,0 litre) cat stolen. They were gone in under 4 minutes. A neighbour saw them - a big guy with a crow bar threatened the neighbour, sadly he was unable to get the reg plate. This took place in the middle of nowhere completely off the beaten track! at 3 am. Older cars seem to be more susceptible.