mike213735

Hi all, Just thought I would post this as I found it really cheap. Or is it me being easily pleased? Lexus Reading supplied me with an oil filter and sump plug washer for my '98 MKIV LS400 for £10.15. This included my LOC member discount. I thought it was really cheap as a local motor factor quoted me £8+ for an aftermarket one. So, this week, I have been surprised by the price of a battery and now the oil filter. Good going Lexux dealers! Mike

Hi, After getting my car through the MOT, I've decided to keep it, and gone Gold. One thing though. Since I bought it in March, I have had a "Brake Wear" warning. I have checked the pad sensors and the front one was ok. I even pulled it out to look at the end. However, I did notice that the sensor was missing from the back wheel. So I bought another sensor and fitted that. Still "Brake Wear" shows. I reckon there must be a break (no pun) further back in the wiring, but I couldn't see anything. My question is, could I take the car to Lexus and have this warning disabled as I am fed up with seeing it for no reason now. Thanks Mike

Hi, First of all, welcome to the forum. You should be able to pick up a (relatively) low mileage MKIII for £1200. As you have said, the cambelt is an important factor to take into consideration, but I would also throw front top wishbones into that. Having said that, you can ge these for about £60 on Ebay and, if you can fit yourself, they are not too much to worry about. Check also for PS fluid leaking onto the alternator as this will cause premature alternator failure and they can be expensive. One other thing is dash needles not lighting up properly and the LCD display for aircon going black. I have owned my MKIV since March and other than that, they seem to be pretty bullet proof. Mine also has 213,000 miles on it and failed a recent MOT on, a balljoint. I am sure that an owner with a few years experience will be along soon with a more comprehensive list of what to look out for. Oh, BTW, I see you are not too far from me so if you need someone to come and have a look with you, just shout!

Again, not sure about Lexus, but on the Vauxhall Omega this would definately be the Crankshaft Sensor. Thanks Mike

Well done on the pass mate :)

Wouldn't that be Automatic Transmission Fluid leaking from the oil cooler?

Shock horror.... The listing has ended, and with no bids :)

I think UK Mail specialise in awkward shaped consignments. Most just want small box parcels. Stack 'em high and keep 'em cheap type thing. Thanks Mike

I was watching this on Ebay and the price was £1895, which I thought was reasonable. In fact, I had it lined up for my dad. Then between Saturday and Sunday, the price changed from £1895 to £9895. I even messaged the bloke to say what's happened to the price, is something wrong? He said no, the price is £9895. I was going to go on and say that'll never sale, but I thought, good luck mate, if you can get it, why not? Mike

It's on tonight....Don't forget!

OK, I'm sure you are all fed up with reading about this now, but my car passed the MOT today... What a relief! Mike

OK, today I collected the upper arm from Lexus Reading, dropped the car at the garage to fit the arm and re do the MOT. When I called him at 4pm (after work) he said "sorry, I've not had time to get to it today, bring it down tomorrow and I'll do it then. So now we have another day before I can hopefully get my MOT. I have never known so much hassle getting an MOT on a car. It's just one thing after another. It's not even like I'm trying to do it on the cheap. I'll update you tomorrow (again) when hopefully I'll have my ticket. Mike

It looks like you can't buy the balljoint alone, the garage turned up with a lower balljoint. I have now been left with the task of getting a rear upper arm for my car. "Cheaptoyotaparts" quoted me £173.99 delivered and Lexus Reading quoted me £185.46inc vat. I went with Lexus purely because they said it would be here for 9am, and ctp said it would be 11am. Good service from both though I think. Tomorrow, once Lexus call me (at 9am, hopefully) I will pop out of work, collect the arm and take it and the car to the garage for fitting and then the MOT..again. The saga continues. I'll update you tomorrow night when hopefully I will have 12 1/2 months MOT. Mike

Yep, Credit to you mate, that really is a clean example! Mike

Ok, it's back in on Monday. Mechanic said it's £90 for the balljoint. I didn't think you could buy the balljoint indepenently of the upper arm? (rear) If not, I see that "cheaptoyotaparts" do the upper arm for £165, so I'll go down that route. Hopefully we'll get a pass this time :) Mike

Not sure about yours, but my '98 LS400 beeps when I lock it if one of the doors is not closed properly or if hold the button to wind the windows up. It also beeps when I unlock if I hold the button to wind down the windows. Thanks Mike

On a recent trip to Gatwick airport and back to collect the inlaws, I averaged 35.2mpg. I reset the computer as I left to see what I'd get on a run. I set the cruise to 70mph on the motorway. I thought that was brilliant out of a 4.0 V8. Running around town to work and back, I get nearer 18-20mpg. Mike

Have a good trip mate.....enjoy it!!!

Steve, I know what you mean, it did cross my mind to take it elsewhere, but now it's computerised, this is not an option. The garage I use for servicing etc, did a check over first and said that to make the car pass, would cost me another £150. I don't think that's too bad for a 213k car, to pass the MOT for £200. I'm going to book it in Monday to have the work done so let's hope all goes well. Mike

I think it's the same as most jobs, people get a bee in their bonnet about something and that's what they look for. I think this guy had a thing about suspension stuff. The handbrake repair last year was new shoes, handbrake cable and MOT for £404. The car has done 213,000 miles but drives like a car with 20k on it, that's why I love it so much. I think I'm gonna get an MOT on it and then chip away at the advisories to make it, almost, perfect. Mike

OK, the car failed on: Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits Advisories were Offside front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint Nearside (inner) suspension has slight movement at a wishbone pin or bush Offside inner) suspension has slight movement at a wishbone pin or bush Parking brake has just met efficiency required (the previous owner spent £404 on handbrake last year, so I'm sure that's just out of adjustment) How do you all think that was? Mike

Only a day to go :) This time tomorrow, I will be on a high, or on a low. It's my birthday too, so if it passes, it'll make my day..... The clocks ticking......... Mike

I don't think that will work because I think I have a break in the wire further up the loom. Need to find that and join the wires together before that. Damn!!! Mike