Cotswold Pete

Sounds like my first LS400. Had MOT, then handed onto me. I had it for a week or two and thought I'd check out spare wheel and found 2 inces of water, and nothing above water line wet. But it must have been like that for ages, as the alloy wheels were pitted. It had not rained for about 4 weeks (remember those days), so I assume water had gotten in a while back. Seems to me that the MOT chap looked at the spare, saw tread was fine, and did not notice tideline. I suspect a number of LS owners out there not actually checked to see, and when I did discover the leak it was not as if a huge amount of water was actually coming in at each time. So I now check the spare well every few months (but since sealing, never had a drop coming in). The boot lining will probaly take a week or so to get properly dry, I was lucky it was summer and a warm garden shed did it in a few days.

Nice looking car, sure whoever gets it will be pleased. Also good to see someone else proving that LS400 are cheap to run, why pay 5K for a run of mill second hand saloon (that will run up a few bills), when you can get a cheap luxury barge and spend 4K on petrol, that will get you a few round trips to scotland. I will one day go for a 460, but looking to get 4 or so years out of current 400 before looking around.

Steve, I assume the bueraucrats think damaged boots will cause mechnical failure, which it will if ignored long enough. I assume my lash up as per Self Levelling post http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=80163&st=15#entry800613 should be fine as it is not affecting suspension. So maybe I'll book the 400 in a month early and see what happens, at least then I have chance to scour the forum if the garage fails it on these new 'problems'. I drove an Omega 2.5 for 4 years with boot damage and when I finally decided to get the boot replaced and the mechanics sorted, it made not one difference to handling, so a bit of a waste of cash. Mind you I found boots on the Omega seemed to fail very quickly. Glad to hear your fogs work, maybe they older cars had it right, who knows

Well with computer running so slow this morning, taken longer to get photo loaded, than it did to take wheel off, take photos, put wheel back on and make a cup of tea.Since last posting, have been for a 40 mile tootle around the lanes of Cotswolds (floods + potholes the size of Bernard Manning) and so expecting it to hold for a while. I havbe circled two bits. Bottom circle is where the original arms tend to break (too much rotational torque - as bottom joint always seem to be one to stop rotating). So looking at the top circle this is just waterproof packing tape, this stop too much rotation of the copper tube which may cause more wear on the original arm. So as I said before there is some give in the bodge, so that as suspension moves it should be okay. Because the copper pipe is soft it should wear more than the arm, so trhe pipe will not (or I hope will not) cause the arm to wear any more at the base. If I find too much rotation later on, I will try some dense packing foam around the arm. So total cost (1 hour effort) and most of that was looking for my copper pipe cutter (not done any plumbing in awhile) NB: Have loaded up image, but comes over as too big, so will try and work out how to make it right size, but may take me a while, as first time I have done this

Well finally got the car jacked up, and the link had broken, could not find a decent enough meat skewer, so cut a piece of 15mm copper pipe to length, put it over the broken link, and then bound it up with 2mm thick garden wire (plastic coated), and it works. A bit heath robinson, but I will see how long it lasts. My only concern will be torsion on the bracket attached to the suspension arm, but the copper tube allows a few mil play so should be okay. Should have taken a photo for others to have a laugh. At least I can see the road in front at night, not 100 yards off

Seems like the topic of leaky boots comes up now and again. Had both of mine with leaky boot syndrome. As you say the leaky seal comes out easy. I found using a bluntish flat head screw driver (about 10mm head width) is good for prising open the seal, clean out. I found it easier to and more effective to fill the seal with silicone (less messy when getting the seal back on) and then some pincers to clamp the seal back on. Both cars bone dry after, though I would say to check for rust around the boot lock, which is where it ends up doing any damage to metalwork. Takes about 40 minutes and cost £4.

I discovered this problem with my MK 4. Turns out it was me being a plonker. Wife's Honda (so she could indirectly be blamed!!) has remote that needs more than a few taps at times, and having used her car a few days in row, had got used to hammering away on the remote on the way to get into the car. So back onto driving the Lexus, and found windows open first thing, and on when left at Park and Ride. Read the manual, learnt what was going on, and just tap the Lexus remote once. So no more open windows now that I have learnt to apply the one-off tap to the Lexus, but still need to remember to brute force the Honda. If only I could get the wife to have an LS400, but she likes her Accord

Well had the car for 9 months now, and yesterday was first time driving in fog. Fog lights seem to be about as much use chocolate teapots, no real extra side lighting of the road, and when I drive on sidelights and fog lights, may as well be setting my self up for a crash. I am sure my Mk 2 was better, and it had a misted unit as well Fog lights are not misted, seem all fine, so wondered if I can upgrade fog bulbs, or whether I am stuck with lights fit for illuminating naff all. Previous cars, Vaux Omega, VW Passatt (yuck) have all had fogs I could use with sidelights in thick fog. Any ideas. By the way wife's Honda failed even though I had spent time on it, seems like the new MOT rules are aiming to pick up on things that are not really a problem. It failed because passenger door could not be opened from outside (only inside - kids had bu**ered it up 5 years ago), and all sorts of seals around the suspension were failed, because dust MAY ingress. Garage reckoned it is a trick to get cars over 5 years old failing and scrapped. So that was another £120 spend not expected.

Sounds like the engineers did not remember basic physics, and you get electrolytic flow between different metals which causes a build up of 'crud'. The very reason why Land Rovers get their allloy panels all mucked up as the steel rivets react. But I suppose tensile strength of steel was the important requirment? Would have thought the lexus lads would have used a stainless steel bolt (which will have same problem, but just takes longer), but then a stainless bolt would be be a real drill bit killer to get out when it did corrode As for the peroxide, sounds like a neat trick, and beats using it to turn what little hair one has, to grey.

Never thought about the idea of Lexus spotting, in the small town I love in (Stroud Valleys), a fair few Lexus across the range, at least 4 of the Mk1 LS 400 in town (some in good nick -others a bit tatty). I still say everyone should have LS400 - cheapest car I have ever run, so MPG not much above 26mpg, but service costs as next to nothing, nothing much goes wrong (touch wood), and a great ride. Next door neighbour with a Mazda 5 (90K miles v. my 130K) spent over 2.5K on it 2 years in a row with all ths issues of DPF filters in diesels, and the wear and tear issues you get on non-luxury vehicle. Makes sense to spend £2K on a used LS400 and not worry about cost of filling up. My previous LS400 (MK2) cost £0 for 4 years on maintenance (other than usual tyres and stuff), so hoping this Mk4 (which is superior to MK2) will be the same.

I would have assume even with all this wording, it comes donw to wether the headlights are 'fit for purpose', whether retro or original fit, and blidning on-comers seems to 'not fit for purpose'. Still not has had chance to get under the Mk4, been getting the wifes Honda ready for an MOT. But interested in the other comments on cheap fixes, and last night using good old fashioned meccano came to mind. Also seems as if a good spray of WD40 in the mechanism every now and again ought to be a 'service' job, just to delay siezing up.

Also just found this, if any one is interested. http://evansweb.info/2009/11/23/ls400-ride-height-sensor-repair

Graham, Once it stops raining, I'll get out an have a look. I assume it is easy to see if it is in good shape or not.

I may just be paranoid, but in the last few weeks I have had a number of oncoming motorists flash me. So made me wonder if the self levelling mechanism on the LS400 can go awry or not. Is it an easy tweak if they do need adjusting, or best left to an expert, or is it just other motorists not used to other cars being able to light up the road clearly. Any thoughts or comments appreciated

I had same problem with my 2000 LS400. Happened near a Sainsbury superstore and in lane at back of house. Both times seemed to me sorted by opening sun roof and then closing. Only tried this as having spent 10 minutes annoying people shopping at Sainsbury, I sat in car and it said that moonroof not closed, when given the naff weather it has not been opened for months. As I do not experience high levels of in-car moisture, I assume sunroof drains are fine. I'll keep an eye on the battery, as not sure how old it is, as only had this car for 9 months.

Trapped in Lexus land Yep, once driven - never given up. Sounds like you got a deal there. I just got a W reg (2000) MK4, only 120K for £2300, but not one issue with body work apart from usual chips. I looked for one with good wheels, as this seems to be the bit that spoils the car, and costs a chunk of cash to get looking good. As for fuel, ye[p people seem scared of V8's but mine does about 36 to the gallon on the motorway (at 60mph - just a great cruisng speed), and around the country side about 28 to the gallon, which is only 5 less then my wfie Honda 1.8 litre. Place I bought mine from says he only deals with Toyotas and VW's as he never has any calls on warranty,and likes to have 100% happy customers. By the way mine has full Lexus service, but never spotted the leaky boot problem, which plagues most cars I had looked at. Enjoy driving around in a lounge. Cheers, Pete

Just found out my old LS400 got nicked. It was SORN, and awaiting a mate to lift some bits off for his LS400, and then to be scrapped. It was kept on a farm away from houses, so alarm would not have been noticed (I guess) and could have been nicked anytime in the last 2 weeks Was nicked from near Chippenham Not really bothered, apart from the fact my mate cannot restore his car. But if anyone sees a Grey one, with driver side front headlight/bumper stoved in, and big scrapes by the fuel inlet REG N60 LAM Engine number - 1UFZ0599584 (engine a runner) Have informed police, but not expecting much. At least I have my new MK4 - quite as a sofa on a sunday morning, - in some ways glad to be forced to get rid of the Mk3, but now even better ride. So thanks up fornt if anyone comes across the old one. Cheers, Pete

Having tried a whole bunch of different cassette types, and the modulators in a Lexus and Omega, I would say avoid the modulator types, a bit hissy, and subject to all sorts of interference. The best cassette one have found (and works in Hondas, Vauxhall, Lexus - so probably anything) is the one from Maplin. Try this link http://www.maplin.co.uk/headphone-to-cassette-adaptor-27793 It is quite, does not confuse the auto-reverse, etc. Also the cassette systems give much better bass and top end treble, so for £13 worth a go. Avoid Sony adaptors, always had problems with them.

GS300 - not had too much experience, but I would say with GS300 you get slightly more comfortable seats, not quite as quite as the LS400, but not much in it. Road holding in GS a bit better, though in my experience it is more down to the tyres you use, if you want to push the envelope on the corners. Also found with GS fuel economy a slightly bit worse, but then maybe it just looks like it should be driven a bit harder than the cruise liner LS Also back legroom is not as good, but still reasonable. As for mechanics/repairs no real experience of GS to comment. Any reason for the change?

Reminds me when I saw a Granada and a (old style) Mini meet at a cross-roads, that was the day 25 years ago when I decided big cars were the best place to be. Just t ook me a while to progress from an Escort up to Lexus.

mark - saw your comments on another posting, and seems like the Mk 4 has some of the problemsthe Mk3 had. I have been living with suspension noise for over 4 years, so would be nice to have silence again. Sat Nav and all that stuff is no bother, only got seriously lost once in 30 years of driving and that was in the days before mobile phones, let alone Sat Nav. It seems the Mk4 still has the cassette system, which is a plus for me. By the way, how do I know it has the DHP suspension. I have found one that says it has full service, just had new brakes and new cam belt, so will be calling the chap tomorrow, and maybe go see. Thanks for your comments, Cheers

Well about to overtake a truck last night - it was doing 15mph, I had 300 yards of straight road, pulled out to check, and then foot down, and must have been oil or muck on road and the beast tailspun, touched a wall at rear, and then hit a 3 foot post as I recovered from trying not to go under the trailer of the truck. So it is driveable, but in need of serious repair, so thought time to spend £2K - £3K on a Mk 4. A shame for the Mk3, mainly okay, but getting suspension clunk and the drivers seat heater just stopped working. At least I'm okay, and lot to be said for driving a tank, and 500 yards further on someone had upended a Picasso, so it was not just me and next time we get a smidgeon of rain I am not just gonna chill out of that stretch of road.

Looks like I am going to have to get rid of my Mk3 LS400, and seems like Mk 4 is the choice. Also reading posts, it appears that the 4 has Traction control. Question - Are there any problems with the traction control system, or do I need not worry and just look for what appears to the best of the LS400 range. By the way, not interested in 430, far too many gadgets, I just need a quite well put together Jap Tank so long as it has a radio and a boot big enough for all the holiday suitcases. Is there any thing on the Mk 4 that need to keep an eye an eye out for when buying. Any comments appreciated, and is it my imagination or does ebay seem to have more reasonable deals on LS400 then there was a few years back. Any thoughts on where, other than ebay, there are no Mk4's on this forum that are up for sale PS: Leaky boot syndrome - I just hoiked out the old seal off, widened the channel (its a metal that can be pushed back), cleaned it out good and proper, and then B&Q silicon and then refit - used pincers to gently compress back on, and no more water in boot. Cost about £5 and time about 1 hour.

Just wanted to find out if anyone out there has tried NNL690 lubrication in the engine (or even NNL690G in Transmission). As I am looking at selling Oil Filtration (mainly benefits Diesels - stops them becoming Oil burners) I have found out through various USA sites that using filtration with NNL690 (also know as Power Up) can increase fuel efficiency by up to 11%. So I had a drop of Power Up put in the old 4 litre beast, and the one thing that is for certain is that the engine takes longer to warm up from cold start. That tells me that the head to cylinder friction has dropped becuase less friction mean less heat. I would say that I am getting a bit more MPG, I would guess 5%, and been doing more cold start and short runs than I was doing earlier this year. Anyway wondered if anyone else had tried a 5% mix of this stuff to see what it did. Also having read about Slick 50 made me realise that there are some real dangerous products out there, where as NNL690 has been approved for use by US Military and NATO so that gave me the confidence to try. Not gone as far as trying it transission system(nnl690G), given that I have read you have to be very specific with ATF.

I must say that I always treat Which reports with a pinch (large one) of salt, not that I know anything about tyres, but in areas where I have knowledge I find Which rather at odds with my own experience. So I am going put some Falcon tyres on the good lady's Honda 1.8 Sport Accord, and I'll notice any lack of ggrip comapared to Michelin or Dunlops on there, as it is a car you can chuck about in all sorts of conditions. If they feel good then the LS400 will be getting a set next time. I do feel the Pirelli and Dunlops on LS400 make the handling very odd at times when the road is rutted in a particular way. May be a while b4 I get Lexus done, but will post something when I do.