ChrisW

Thank you! I finally got round to using that "Rear Extra Flow" button! I hadn't realised the LS was such a popular wedding car! If I sorted out my paint it could be a new sideline for me...

I got married on the 18th of August and my trusty LS400 did a great job as the wedding car. It felt strange to be sitting in the back but very comfortable and the air con was very effective on the hottest day of the year! The car will probably be for sale soon. It's mechanically sound but the paintwork is suffering and I can't justify the cost of having it resprayed. I'll miss it though and I wouldn't be surprised if I end up buying another LS in future, maybe a Mk4. There's something special about these cars - I was only intending to keep mine for a few months but I've had it for over 4 years now!

Direct Line had always been the cheapest for me but Chaucer beat them by £100 so I've switched! Nice to hear that they've got a good reputation.

I always use the pre-mixed red coolant from Toyota. It's about £18 for 5 litres and you'll probably want 3 bottles.

I think we have a winner! Sorry there's no prize. :P

Aha, mystery solved! Thanks Dave!

Any idea what this yellow thing is? It's behind a removable panel under the right hand side rear seat.

No-one has got close to Direct Line for me. I paid £263 last year.

OK in January 2009 I paid £56.71 and that was with a 5% discount, so that £65 quote is probably correct. The part number is 88880-50020.

I'm fairly sure the two filters came together in one box when I got mine, so you should only need to order one of whatever part number it is. Maybe £65 would get you four filters! I'll try to find the invoice this evening to confirm.

My UK Mk2 has got one (actually it's a pair) but I don't think it's mentioned in the handbook. Replacing them isn't too hard - you pull off the trim under the glovebox and then remove a plastic cover on the bottom of the heater/blower unit. The filters have a folding joint to help get them in and out. Luckily my hayfever isn't too bad these days as long as I take the tablets, so I can't really say how much difference the filter makes.

You haven't changed the thermostat yet? That must be worth a go. Is the coolant still leaking after a run?

Yes the friction material on the new shoes was a lot thinner than on the pads, probably only 2 or 3mm. I guess if you never accidentally drive with the parking brake on then they'll last forever, or until the rust gets to them.

The shoes probably didn't need changing to be honest. I just thought I might as well do them while I was doing the discs and pads, and I had no idea if/when they'd been changed before. You can check the shoes when you take your discs off. If there's still a decent layer of friction material on them then I'd leave them alone!

Yes, except the LS has a foot operated "handbrake" that you release by pulling a handle on the dash. :)