Shiner

PEPE WHERE DID YOU HAVE YOUR LS400 brought to showroom standard for £5 grand? I am interested to do the same but can't find a decent place so far. I live in Buckinghamshire. Thanks. Shiner

Hi Steve I am thinking of replacing LS430 with LS460 next year! Can you share your experience so far? I have had many problems with the LS430 and frankly am getting a bit fed up with it. Any warnings or things to look out for. Thanks Shiner

So happy for you. From my experience , here are things to watch out for ,Oxygen sensors, height sensors,keep that air con serviced...very expensive to replace the compressor, ...I have had a few problems with mine over the last six years ..was thinking of replacing it with RX450h until I test drove one...absolutely the worst ride and the noise,yes THE NOISE..was horrific. Was delighted to be back in the LS430...ENJOY

I have a lexus LS430....great car but you may be buying into some expensive repairs....hope my experience is unique. Things to watch out for ...height sensors, air conditioning compressor and pipes, oxygen sensors, reversing camera, and of course the parking sensors! I really hope you enjoy the car....it's fantastic when it's working as it should! Then you'll be able to sit back and wonder what all those LS400 owners are on about! And have you wondered why there's no comment from LS460 owners!....

The point of my post was that I have had to spend a fair amount of money on a car that originally cost in excess of £58k...or there abouts. I didn't mind that ! I actually expected to have to be prepared to fork out for expensive parts for an expensive car! Now, taking the personal emotions out whether it,s 400 or 430...my reason was to warn people of buying a car that could lead them to expensive repairs! I have definitely enjoyed and will continue to enjoy driving the 430 ( not knowing what it's like to drive ls400 ) and am not really that bothered whether it's the best or worst ever made by Toyota. What I am fast becoming aware of is that next time I see a 400 mk 4 I should grab it ...especially if it has no reversing camera and no air suspension!

I don't know about the GS 450H but I test drove an RX450H...and quite frankly it was rubbish compared to the LS.

Oh one more thing...you are not going to like this Mark....every time you turn off the ignition, the car settings revert to the factory default!...so you have to do this each time you start the car as part of your buckling up....Sorry I should have mentioned that in my last post! I think the reason is that the Lexus LS was designed for the American market and Toyota were terrified of being sued for millions if someone got into an accident unless they agreed to that statement which is logged into the ecu each time.

Guys As I have just started to use this forum...excellent is the only word for it...I wish I had started to use it BEFORE I bought my Lexus LS 430 back in Dec 2007. Yes I have had it nearly six years now. I have been intrigued by the debate whether LS400 Mk 4 or LS430 is better. I do not know LS400 as the 430 is my first Lexus ( previously Mercedes only ) My experience so far is that I enjoy the LS430 ( an 04 plate ) and would not change it for any other brand...but here's what it has gone wrong with since 2007 June 2010 AC compressor and the pipes cost to replace £1800 Aug 2010 Driver side mirror replacement cost to replace £380 Aug 2010 Oxygen sensor ..bank1 whatever that is cost £180 Oct 2010 rear height sensors cost to replace £740 Aug 2011 Front inside parking sensor cost to replace £270 Jan 2012 Oxygen sensor ...bank2 cost to replace £265 Now Reversing Camera f.....d This is on top regular servicing and all work done by Lexus dealers....yes yes I should have known better! Still I like the car and keep thinking surely nothing else seriously expensive can go wrong! But one thing is for sure I will be having the car serviced independently in future and still paying for the Lexus prices for the parts! Good luck to those considering LS430

Jim If your Sat Nav screen stays on all the time you could try the following it works on LS but not sure re GS300 Press Option then information then screen setting then set " Automatic transition from Audio to Navigation" to OFF HOPE IT WORKS FOR YOU

Hi Mark I have been searching the forums for any ideas as to replacing my now defunct reversing camera...it packed up about three months ago and came across this topic... Did you get a definite answer to this question? If not here's how to disable the I agree screen Press Option then information then select the park assist button then activate display off by pressing it...it should be highlighted. This worked on my LS 430 also 04 plate. Also how to turn off the screen display Press Options , Information, select the Display button and select Screen Off at top right hand side of the screen. After this , if you have the Audio on you can turn the screen on by pressing the Audio button and off by pressing it again. The same procedures works for Climate.... Unfortunately the screen display comes on after every time you use the Sat Nav...so you have to go through the above procedure again. Hope that helps and apologies if this is redundant post.

Auto adjust alone doesn't do the trick! You still have to select SUMMER TIME TO OFF OR ON.... OBVIOUSLY IT SHOULD BE OFF NOW. Although I have been a member for long time it's only recently I have started to use the forum. So far my experience has been great!

Thanks Mark. I really appreciated you pointing me in the direction feredo premium . I notice your LS430 looks superb. Mine's got a few scuff marks on bumpers on all four corners. Have been thinking of them repaired and bringing the car to show room standard...especially since I have decided to keep it until gives up on me! That's presuming I don't fall of my perch first. I live in Buckinghamshire...are you or anyone out there who can recommend a good bodyshop outfit. Shiner

Thanks everyone. Just to close off , I managed to get a local garage to get ferodo premium pads and fix them on front and rear wheels all for £160 including VAT. Lexus dealer wanted to charge in excess of £300. Shiner

Thanks very much...I shall buy the parts from a lexus dealer and have them fixed from a garage nearby. When it comes to car mechanics, I am pretty useless.

Can anyone advise on the best brake pads for my lexus. My dealer has quoted £273 to change them! Has anyone used a brand called Pagid? Thanks

Hi Light deflectors are a waste of time and just mess your headlights up as Glenn says don't bother. The latest sat nav disc is a duel layer disc with 8.5gb on it, I upgraded mine from a 2001 car and it was much better, take yours out and stick it in your computer and see how big it is.... they are only about £100 anyway and you can get them on line here. http://www.lexus-mapupdates.eu/ They are very quick to send it, came in about 2days from europe It is in the boot on the right hand side under the removable floor section next to the lift up wheel well cover (if that makes sense) You have to remove two 10mm bolts, toolkit helps here, you can then lift it up enough to get the disc out. As for a triangle, you will never need one now, you drive a Lexus, they don't break down....... They are very quick to send it, came in about 2days from europe Glad you like the car, they just seem to keep growing on you.... Pete Thanks Pete and Glenn I'll risk the lights and not bother with the deflectors. and draw comfort from Glenn's experience. I have bought the Triangle in case of an accident ( from bitter previous experience..a big pot hole nearly swallowed my then car ) I am not bothering with spare set of light bulbs either! I'll use your suggested website to get update Satnav. This is a great forum when compared with previous cars and your responses ahve really helped. Appreciate your help! Incidently, I have listened to some really expensive stereo systems but was amazed to find Mark Levinson system in the car outperforming almost all of them..especially the CDs...

I am a new and delighted LS430 (2004 model) owner. I am taking it to France, Normandy, next month. Can anyone share their experience of using Light deflectors on the High Intensity Discharge bulbs on this model. Can the light deflectors do any damage to the light covers? Also am considering updating the 2003 version of the Satnat disc, is it worth it for around £150? I am advise the latest version came out Oct 2007. Incidently,I was amazed to find that there was/is no warning triangle that comes with the car.You name it and it's standard equipment except for this...well never mind there goes a tenner. Thanks