Swindon Andy

I've been doing some long runs up and down a motorway over the last couple of weeks and i've noticed that my LS430 steering wheel has to be held slightly to the right to keep the car in a straight line. With the steering level the car goes to the left quite a bit.

I have the same experience with my 430. I have had it for 3 years now and have mentioned it a number of times: when being serviced, when paying to have the tracking and alignment checked, and have even been WIM'd (wheels in motion).

No one has ever been able to identify the source of the problem or cure it and it still does it. On a long motorway run I can tell I am having to exert some pressure to keep the wheel slightly pointing right in order to have the car go straight!

Same here.

Some major tyre shops will regrind the discs on the car. Might be worth a go if it's just lipped. The minimum thickness is usually stamped on the discs themselves. The tyre shop should have this info too.

SC400 / Soarer does it for me. Starting to look dated now, but in its day was THE one.

eBay 380277393785 for example. Just make sure it's the right size for your (Toyota/Lexus) filter. Pattern filters might be different size. One of the best tools I ever bought.

Just get a recording box, pick what you want, start when you want.

Unless she has the remote.

I believe good used auto boxes are usually a better bet than recons, which are quite often problematic.

I have only ever owned RWD cars and much prefer them, but I drive my partner's FWD very often. There's no doubt about it, FWD is far easier and safer than RWD in slippery conditions. This only makes them 'better' if that's your main concern.

Big cars like ours need a fair amount of skill in the snow. It isn't easy, but I wouldn't change to FWD.

One oil change I did, I fitted a pattern oil filter (not to this car) and the tapping on startup was worse and lasted longer. I changed the filter immediately for a Toyota filter - same oil - and the tapping reduced back to 'normal'.

I don't say this is your problem but some referrals above allude to oil changes and this might help there.

Ipods have some hidden reboot /restart controls. Worth googling for details and try to resurrect yours.

Same here, tape adaptor from Comet. I would recommend to get you going. Good sound quality (limited by mp3 coding of course) and no interference like the fm transmitters.

I have it on the GS and really don't like it at all, I always switch out the radar option.

Good idea for fog though, I hadn't thought of that.

I have one of the round electric Michelin tyre pumps and it works fine, better than a foot pump.

If it just needs a dent repairer, why rip him off for insurance job? I understand your frustration, but he could have been more awkward and still might be if you get heavy handed. IMHO.

I usually cruise at the max speed limits, where conditions permit. So now I will cruise at 83, which is the 'allowed' 77 real.

I've been told by a cop if you get done for anything under 85 on a clear motoway they are having a bad day, so this should leave a fair margin.

Don't know if the GS430 mk 3 has the same brakes as the 300? Anyway my stock brakes are superb. Except for dusting the front wheels in a couple of days.

I assumed the odo and speedo are both derived from the same input, that's why I wonder about it.

Thanks, yes got pretty consistent results over long distances.

Can anything be done to recalibrate the speedo other than larger dia tyres?

I don't want to have to do maths every time.

Would the odometer also be optimistic, I wonder? If so, would be 8% shorter service intervals and guarantee periods - all to the dealer's advantage.

I've been suspicious for some time that my speedo is reading faster than real. We cross-checked it on cruise with my partner's portable satnav. With the cruise set to 77, the satnav was reading 71. I make that about 8% optimistic at motorway speeds.

My questions are these, hope this isn't repeating previous thread:

1. Will the satnav reading be pretty accurate?
   
2. Is 8% optimistic fairly normal for these cars and other current makes? My previous car was pretty much was dead on.
   
3. Is the GS3 speedo able to be recalibrated?
   

Hope you guys can advise on this.

Mirrors dipping when reversing - only if either side adjuster is on - the green lamp on the adjuster switch. If you press again so the light goes out, they don't dip.

I read that some people had trouble with the mirror motors, so I switched my dip off to save any aggro.

It's not the tyres, worn tyres on a dry road grip very well. Still glad you're not keeping them worn!

There are quite a few full geo centres around now, but they are only as good as the technician. Best to go to recommended places.

One I can put forward is Budget Motorist Centre in London, a very careful and exact setup whenever I've been.

However if there are better settings than stock, you'd better take the details with you wherever you go.

Remember it's old now, so having been in good hands and looked after counts for a lot.

Drive it over some deep drains and potholes, if the suspension bangs it may need shocks and bushes. If it's air suspension (UZZ31) the shocks are roughly £400 each. Or convert to coilovers.

If it's an active suspension (UZZ32) needing work it will need expert treatment at the Soarer Sanctuary.

The simple coil sprung ones (UZZ30) are the simplest and at this age maybe the best to have.

Other than that the usual warnings about rattles and whines and steering and braking straight and smooth.

It's well worth paying more for a good one as a bad one will be a money pit. Also search for enthusiasts selling privately.

Wheels - not too expensive to get a new set (not OEM). One more thing.. if you want it and it is good, move fast to avoid disappointment.

How can I tell if a car is 'tired' or 'young'? Would be good to get someone experienced to go with you. Look for worn out pedal rubbers, worn drivers seat, worn steering wheel, that sort of thing tells you if a car is heavily used. It should drive almost like a new one, smoothly over deep drains without banging, stay straight and true cruising and braking. No wheel shakes. Quiet. You get the picture. Try and see more than one before deciding. Good luck.

Sky were my choice for a few years but they have crept above some others now. Companies do vary from year to year. A Plan did a good deal for me this year. Try their Thatcham branch, they specialise in imports, not that yours is, and seem to be Japanese friendly.