sparkyhx

It might be even but mine are rubbish - would a dealer service mean changing brake fluid - what intyerval - maybe mine needs at at 100k. Pipe and slippers is a bit of a 'in' Nissan 200sx joke - the image of the 200sx is very pipe and slippers especially the S14 variant - but they are sleepers! They will surprise many a BMW M3, Scooby etc. Mine is full stage 1 about 280bhp ish thru the rear wheels and 1260kg. I think the Lexus also has a "pipe and slippers" image as well in comparison with their BMW/Jag/Merc counterparts - Image has never been top of my list - but quality is.

I'd really love to go down the VIP look but for obvious reasons (like the law) I will have to do 1/2 VIP; sort of 'b list' look Anyway I got to thinking and was wondering what level of tint is already on the standard glass. there is not much point of tinting the front windows if the change is going to be minimal. Has onyone had tints done on theirs and got some pics. Thinking of going down the very dark grey route rathger than black. P.S. the car is Silver.

Hello matey, thought I recognised the name from SXOC Yep its me - I think we need to set up a Lexus sub section, there seems to be a few of us dipping our toes in the wonderful world of V8ness, to go along with a MX5 subsection. Pipe and slippers and hairdressers sections FTW

I can't say I am particularly impressed by the brakes on my LS430. They just feel......... er .....................crap. The car has full dealer service history so I can assume they have 'standard' brakes and not cheapo motor factors ones. I know its a heavy car and to be fair I haven't done a hard brake to see how they perform when they have to, but the general bringing down from 70 ish I feel is poor resulting in a - "ooh dear I'm not stopping as fast as I thought ,last minute pedal press" kind of thing. is there any way of beefing them up without going silly money. Other drives are my traded in 2.2 Primera Diesel estate - brakes nothing special, but felt more effective Nissan 200sx with upgraded 315 disks and Ferodo DS2500 upgraded pads upfront, and EBC Yellow on the back, but that would be a little unfair to compare against this. wifeys Renault 1.5dci Clio (fantastic brakes despite only being 'motor factor pads' )

Decided to go out this afternoon in my new (to me) LS430 for a run with the family just to see how she goes. The keyless entry worked a treat. however when I came to turn the 'ignition switch' (no key) it wouldn't budge. So I tried it with the key in - still wouldn't budge Locked and unlocked the car a few times - still wouldn't budge. got everyone out of the car and locked it and unlocked it - still wouldn't budge. Got the spare master key - still wouldn't budge locked unlocked with other master key - still wouldn't budge So I decided to go back to the manual that I was reading last night - no clues as to why it wouldn't work. I tried a few things mentioned in the manual and it was obvious the key was doing everything it should except allow me to turn the 'ignition switch'. In desparation I eventually rang the Lexus dealer and explained my predicament. the woman on the other end (yes woman) told me it was probably the steering lock Sheepishly I returned to the car, moved the steering slightly and heard a click and the switch would then move. - needless to say my wife has not stopped telling people about the most complicated car in the world defeated me in a battle of intellectual wills. so much for a pretty good understanding of cars and a Mensa level IQ. ho hum

Cheers I only run V-power in my 200sx, but thats cos its power has been upped to approx 280bhp and its also now mapped for that fuel. Just wanted to make sure

what fuel does the LS430 use - does it need super unleaded or just ordinary stuff

yeh but I've been lurking a while

Hi There. In terms of keys, make sure you have at least one master key. If you don't, then you will have to replace the ECU to accept new master keys and this was over £3,000 if I remember rightly. So you should have two master keys and a valet key. The valet key will not work the smart locking and also won't open the boot. As far as I am aware there is no radio code for the LS430. I do have the newer version though so it might be worth checking for the older version. You should have a locking wheel nut with the car. I belive these were a standard fot from Lexus. Mine came with a black box which had four regular wheel nuts and a locking key. The locking bolts had already been fitted to the wheels. It should come with a service book and a full service history. If it doesn't have a full service history then walk away. These may be reliable but I'd hate to think of the size of the bill if a new engine was required due to lack of maintenance. Also, press every single button and make sure it all works. The drivers handbook is very comprehensive and covers everything. There should also be a second book for the navigation and stereo, aircon etc. It is worth having this because some of the things, like setting up the bluetooth are not that easy sometimes. The SatNav is DVD based and is all on one disc. The DVD drive is located in the boot on the drivers side. The likelyhood is it will have the same disc from new and will need updating. You can do this through Lexus Map Updates website and I believe is preety reasonable. So long as you have a full service history, that is traceable and checkable with the dealers that have done the work, and everything works, then you should be onto a good one. It is also worth remembering that cambelts need changing after 10 years or 100,000 miles. Hope this helps, Jim. Cheers Well I've taken the leap of faith and ignored my common sence filter for once - i.e. the one that was sat on my shoulder saying "are you mad - 5 years older and 60k more miles than your currently perfectly good car". I have just put a deposit down on a 430 - so now its technically mine. ah cambelt evry 100k - that explains why it was changed at 99k and not 125ish as I originally thought - cool - already had that done, don't need to worry about that one. "are" for "is" ? and I thought SXOC was P*ss take bunch.

Hi again I have found an LS430 that I am interested in and was wondering what 'bits n bobs' I need to make sure I have - here is my starter for 10 Keys - what and how many should I have? radio code - is there one? wheel locking nut? is there one? service book 'instruction manual' Sat Nav software and map cd's - is there 2 or are they permanently loaded in the 'dvd' machine anything else I should be aware of?

one of these new inflateable universal roof racks ( came on the market last year ) hmm not heard of those - can you fit a roof box to them? - I shall investigate further

Hi guys - I think I have just found a show stopper - well for this year anyway - There doesn't appear to be a thule roofrack system for the LS400 - I will need it this year for France! any ideas on an alternative

thanks for the info - 30mpg is more than acceptable and with LPG that would be far better than my Primera Just reading some of the other posts it would appear that getting a tow bar for a Mk4 might be a bit of a problem (we have a trailer tent currently in storage in the Dordogne and we are bringing it back this year). Is there giude to tell the difference between the Mks?

Hi guys I thought I would introduce myself. I'm 44 live in Halifax W Yorks and currently own a Nissan Primera Estate 2.2 diesel (daily drive) and a modified Nissan 200sx (weekend and track car). Owning both those, both come with complementary pipe and slippers so I am prepared for the 'lexus image'. I have long had a hankering after an 'LS' and in the last few weeks I have been seriously considering buying one as a replacement to the Primera. In the price bracket I am looking I find myself looking at late 400's with low milage or highish mileage early 430's. what would you guys recommend? Are there any some 'common faults' to be looking for? Secondly I do 2 types of driving, 2 miles to work, and longer distance motorways, now I know the MPG will crucify me on the short journeys (<20) and I am prepared for that, but out of interest, longer journeys on motorways, what can I get mpg wise - I do actually drive very conservatively (except in the 200sx when I am hooning). A 3000mile trip to France is planned this year so your response might influence when I buy. I look forward to your reply(s). (p.s. I have had some online quotes for insurance that are cheaper than the Primera????)