Spacewagon52

A little off topic but I really like this advertising image. That is REAL class.

No problem! Can I bring my ram? We can have a foursome!

Not on my Nokia 3310? Don't worry about me, I will bring up the rear. Nothing to do with sheep!

I thought you could have picked an attractive one? Did the good looking ones run a bit fast?

Those that have silver ones are very lucky then! I read that on the back of a matchbox - or in a Lucky Bag (youngsters will not have a clue!)

Consensus of opinion is no - build quality of the LS 400 is the best of all the Lexus models. They were over engineered to compete directly with Mercedes S Class. A Good Read: Lexus - The Relentless Pursuit by Chester Dawson.

I am led to believe that silver cars are not affected.

If you do get one please keep us updated on how you find the car.

If I am able to make it, would you like me to bring a tow rope? Just in case...........?

One wonders what is going on there? Hope you get some satisfaction.

I would want a second opinion.

Take plenty of photos so we can all drool!

£20K - £25K budget. My advice would be to buy a cheaper RX for around 10K. You can buy a lot of fuel and services/repairs for £10K - £15K you save! Just my thoughts.

There is no photo of the driver's seat - very little information in the advert.

Last year my car had corrosion advisories, I had the corrosion treated and waxoyled. Same garage did the MOT this year - no advisories. You may look at the MOT record of my car and think - smells a rat (Sorry Big Rat!). I am trying to look after my LS 400. If ever I sold it I would explain warts and all - that is my nature. I think I have a very good LS for the year, but as people realise, it is nearly 20 years old! I agree with Bluesman, buyer beware but lets get real regarding faults - these are getting old girls and will not be perfect. If you want a perfect car (if there is such a thing) buy new. You pays your money you take a chance. In my opinion we must begin to view these cars as classics. Think how much work and money is spent on classics of a similar age. Lexus LS 400 still work out remarkably cheap to run in comparison to something like a Jaguar XJ. Just my opinion I would still have a look at this one but judge the owner when you meet them - someone on here said, "Judge the car by the owner."

Never managed that but I did get 32mpg once. But I had to take my shoes and socks off to control the pedal!

Must be an honest seller! 100% feedback!

That sounds a very good car at a reasonable price. You will be extremely lucky to find a "perfect" LS 400 but that one ticks quite a few boxes. I would be very surprised if it does not have a service history - if not beware. It is the same colour as mine, one of the BEST colour combinations IMHO. The gold colour (champagne) never shows the dirt and can hide the odd blemish. If I was looking for a MkIV LS 400 that would be worth a journey.

RX is the still the best option for practicality - but you are thinking of getting an estate - so the GS450H would tempt me.

Your new car is the 300h?

Let us know how you get on with it.

Older people have one advantage ........................ the big E

That was my experience when I sold my MkIII LS400. Never really thought I would get another one - hey ho! Actually owning one is the only way to fully appreciate how good they are. They compare very favourably with most modern cars. If you compare them with other cars of the same age, they are just incredible. The ride is my favourite quality along with smooth gear changes and ample acceleration. Economy is more than acceptable for a 4.0 litre V8 - much better than you would get from a Jaguar of similar vintage. Buy as new as you can afford with a service history and you will not regret it. I drove mine yesterday and thought, this car cost £48,000 in 1998 and I am the owner! Would you consider a Rolls Royce of this vintage? I certainly would not because of the £££££££ signs you would see coming out of your pocket. If you do pick a Lemon you will be VERY unlucky. So many people on this forum have sold their cars with regret and bought another one. They are also very reluctant to sell to upgrade. Good luck with your search and keep us all posted.

If I did that, I can just imagine all the squeaks and rattles that would result - not to mention many parts left over.

That photo fills me with horror! You are a clever (and brave) chap! I would not dare do anything like that!