McLean

Looking back, I've been getting through a set every ~20,000. After Gold discount, Lexus parts are Front @ £45, Rear @ £27, and the Labour @ £75. Personally, to be absolutely sure either way, I prefer to inspect the pad wear myself and it's easily done with the wheel off. And while you're at it, this gives you the chance to clean off the brake dust from the inaccessible areas behind the spokes.

If 20s are out of the question - go for the 2005 style. As well as looking the part, they offer two less obvious advantages over the original (which I still happen to like btw!) - 1. the gap between trim and inside edge of the alloy it's fitted to is now big enough to get a hand in to clean that part of the alloy (including behind the spokes), and 2. the new trim doesn't seem to channel road grit on to the leading inside edge of each spoke and result in the same chipping and corrosion that you can get with the older one.

And the low beam ones move like that EVERY time they're switched on?

Thanks Paul, checked it out and found they still align OK when I start the engine with the 'lights' switch in the 'auto' position. But when I switch from 'lights off' through 'side lights' to 'dipped', they don't. Thing is, I think they used to. (No system fail indication on dash.) I that how yours behave?

Not sure if the self-levelling mechanism on my SC's headlights is still functioning - how can I check it out? Thanks!

Sounds like you might have an "AF" option selected on the radio - to keep the stations tuned as you move out of range of one transmitter and into the next. Just clear it down by pressing AF button and you'll find the other ICE items then operate with the aerial down.

I just use regular Halfords rubber/nylon lub - comes in a yellow aerosol can at ~£4. It does mist well so best trap it by spraying on a lint free cloth first and then wipe the seals - don't want to get it on that nice leather :-).

Looking back at my invoices the 20k service at Reading was: labour ~£180, parts ~£170 (after Gold disc.) incl VAT.

Churchill £322 5+ yrs no-claims, over 50 :-)

Ahhh yes - keeping the carpets clean! I finally gave in and bought a couple of Halford's clear mats to protect the driver and front passenger areas. The 'rear' size is big enough and each one has a 1/2 inch lip all round to stop the rain and muck running all over those lovely Lexus mats. Certainly saves a lot of valeting time each week :-)

One easy thing to eliminate before you go delving too deeply into removing trim is to wipe over the rubber seals all round the roof panels etc with rubber/nylon lub. Easiest to do this while the roof is hanging in the half-open 'L' position - same position as you use to get at the rear window to clean it. I do this a few times a year and it keeps the body flexing squeaks subdued. Hopefully that'll cure it for you too.

Yeah, it's all a bit more complex than it used to be Paul :-). I'm reckoning there's a relay or other electronics in there somewhere 'cos the driver and passenger overhead lights, footwell lights and courtesy lights are all supposed to come on when you unlock with the remote - before either door gets opened. They all come on apart from the driver's side which only comes on now and then. The other reason for thinking there's some electronics in there is that the lights take about half a second or so to fully light up - so I don't think it's just a closing contact. Anyone know how to get the cover off the roof mounted light housing?

Been getting an intermittent problem with the driver's-side overhead interior light . Sometimes it comes on when its pushswitch is operated - and sometimes it doesn't! Ditto when either the driver's or passenger's door is opened. At first I wondered if it could be low battery volts after standing overnight but I get the same problem when the engine's running. Could it be a sticky relay somewhere? Anyone know what the circuit is for these lights - any suggestions appreciated. Thx.

Hi interested in what you say about regassing the boot structs, did not know that you could do this. Where and at what cost, can you get this done (ideally national company) Cheers Ian Just follow the re-gas link at:http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts/automotive.php

Got my SC new in 2002 and would rather give up my right testicle than part with it and I'd echo the same comments as the other guys. Had the suspension upgrade done early on - just couldn't stand it on our wonderful Berkshire roads any longer . A Lexus dealer should be able to tell you from the car's service history whether that upgrade has been carried out on the car you're interested in. I went to Tony Bones (Wheels In Motion) at Watford to get the alignment sorted afterwards and he put me on to Eagle F1s - amazing transformation in handling and comfort. Touch wood - haven't had a prob with the battery yet. I give it an overnight boost charge going into winter each year - been doing the same with my wife's 2000 IS from new too - and both still have the original batteries fitted. The unit fitted in mine is rated at 380AH - don't know if this is standard. You'd have the manufacturer's warranty for corrosion - the roof's aluminium (I think) so any bubbling is not likely to damage the underlying metal - just needs making good paint-wise. A Lexus dealer ought to stand by that warranty and have it put right under before you collect. If needed, there are a number of places where you can have the boot struts re-gassed at reasonable cost. Only other item I've had dealt with outside regular service has been a replacement Lambda sensor high up in one exhaust branch - too hard to get to so I had the dealer fix it. They're fine machines, built to be enjoyed. Buy one and you'll have a permanent honeymooner's grin on your face.

Saw this on a US newsfeed I get. I've highlighted the UK models we know & love: Owners say Toyota tops in reliability Land Rover, Saab bring up rear in J.D. Power survey By Sarah Karush The Associated Press Published on: 08/09/06 Detroit — Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. won top honors in eight categories of a closely watched vehicle dependability study, more than any other company, while mainstream brands closed in on luxury nameplates, J.D. Power and Associates said Wednesday. Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand, was the top-ranked nameplate for the 12th consecutive year. It was followed by Ford Motor Co.'s Mercury and General Motors Corp.'s Buick and Cadillac. Last-place Land Rover, which is owned by Ford, lagged far behind the second-to-last brand, Saab, which is owned by GM. Land Rover owners reported 438 problems per 100 vehicles, while Saab owners reported 326. For the study, Westlake Village, Calif.-based J.D. Power questions owners of three-year-old vehicles about problems they are experiencing. This year's survey questioned 47,620 original owners of 2003 model-year cars and trucks. On average, vehicle owners reported 227 problems per 100 vehicles this year, 10 fewer than last year. The study gives all problems equal weight; the most common ones reported were wind noise and loud brakes. "The voice of the customer is actually getting heard by the manufacturers," said Neal Oddes, director of product research and analysis for J.D. Power. "They are understanding what's getting replaced, what's going wrong, and then they're taking that information and designing better products." Oddes said the gap between luxury and nonluxury brands was narrowing. This year, owners reported an average 213 problems per 100 vehicles for premium brands, 15 fewer than for mainstream brands. Last year, the gap was 20, while in 2003, it was 31. The improvement in dependability is good news both for consumers shopping for used vehicles and — since the vehicles retain more of their value — for owners planning to trade in their cars and trucks, Oddes said. Toyota had winners this year in eight of 19 vehicle categories, while Honda and GM each took four segments. Ford had two winners, and Mazda Motor Corp. had one. J.D. Power's initial quality study, which measures problems in the first 90 days of ownership, typically gets more attention. But Oddes said the dependability study is important for automakers because how owners feel about their vehicles three years on can have a big impact on their decision to buy another vehicle of that brand or look elsewhere. Oddes said automakers made their biggest improvements in two areas — riding, handling and braking and engine and transmission. "That's significant because those two categories ... have the greatest impact when it comes to customer satisfaction and repurchase intent," he said. TOP PERFORMERS The list includes the top performers and runners-up in each category. An MAV, or multi-activity vehicle, refers to sport utility vehicles and crossovers. Sub-compact car —Winner: Toyota Echo —Runners-up: Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio Compact car —Winner: Honda Civic —Runners-up: Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius Compact Sporty Car —Winner: Mazda Miata —Runners-up: Toyota MR2 Spyder, Toyota Celica Midsize Sporty Car —Winner: Chevrolet Monte Carlo —Runners-up: Toyota Solara, Ford Mustang Midsize Car —Winner: Buick Century —Runners-up: Buick Regal, Mercury Sable Large Car —Winner: Mercury Grand Marquis —Runners-up: Ford Crown Victoria, Buick Park Avenue Compact Premium Sporty Car: —Winner: Honda S2000 —Runners-up: BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Entry Premium Car —Winner: Acura CL —Runners-up: Infiniti I35, Lexus IS 300 (tie) Midsize Premium Car —Winner: Lexus GS 300/GS 430 —Runners-up: Acura RL, Lexus ES 300 Large Premium Car: —Winner: Lexus LS 430 —Runners-up: Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Town Car Premium Sporty Car —Winner: Lexus SC 430 —Runners-up: Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Thunderbird Compact MAV —Winner: Toyota RAV4 —Runners-up: Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V Midsize MAV —Winner: Toyota Highlander —Runners-up: Honda Pilot, Buick Rendezvous Large MAV —Winner: GMC Yukon —Runners-up: Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Sequoia Large Pickup —Winner: Toyota Tundra —Runners-up: Ford F-150, Ford F-250/F-350 Midsize Pickup —Winner: Ford Ranger —Runners-up: Subaru Baja, Toyota Tacoma Van —Winner: Honda Odyssey —Runners-up: Oldsmobile Silhouette; Chevrolet Express, Pontiac Montana (tie) Midsize Premium MAV —Winner: Lexus GX 470 —Runners-up: Lexus RX 300, Infiniti FX-Series Large Premium MAV —Winner: Cadillac Escalade EXT —Runners-up: Lexus LX 470, Cadillac Escalade

Please do - I spent ages locked in the boot of my wife's IS (X-Reg) with a torch while she played a hose on various areas - round sunroof, along roof rail, round rear window seal, round boot lid sill - AND NOT A DROP of water made it into the rear offside boot well. If you're think of trying this take your spare key just in case

Well no surprise really. The good doctor was right on all counts. :D And interesting how the SC's handling has improved too - wonder why Eagle F1s aren't the OEM fit?

Anyone oblige with an up to date contact number for Mark Sipe at Orbital? Cheers!

Is it just me, or is the world going mad? Why is my local water company banning me from using a hosepipe to wash my car but allowing me use the local auto car wash instead? I'd guess my quick hosedown beforehand, followed by washing it from a bucket of warm water, plus a rinsedown afterwards would take maybe 10 gals? Compare that to a car wash using maybe 50 gals and the hosepipe ban has got to be a nonsense. If the idea is to cut water consumption, auto car washes should be suspended too surely? Or maybe I should just sign up as the latest member of Wogan's TOGs

Top tip Steve, I'd forgotten about the extended warranty on corrosion. She's in for regular service next week so I'll bring it to their attention and report back. Thanks!

No sign of any chipping - surface is raised but fairly smooth - like a worm tunneling under it. Regret out of warranty but could always appeal to their mercy I suppose

Noticed a little bubbling up of the paint (10mm x 3mm) on the front nearside corner of the main roof panel on the SC yesterday. Swear it wasn't there last week Haven't removed the offending paint yet, but looks like some underlying corrosion may be there. Question is how should I best deal with it? I think the panel is aluminium so does it need special prep before applying the regular touch up colour? Cheers!

Anyone out there fitted a set of Tein CS adjustable ride height and damping units to their SC430 yet? http://www.tein.co.uk/products/cs.html Be very interested to hear how the handling etc. has improved. Cheers. :)

When you do get it installed, can you let us know how you did it? Cheers!