Scribe

I've always found Swinton efficient and helpful when I've called them, but the problem is that they keep ringing me - about any and all sorts of insurance, all year round. If it was a matter of a few pounds more I'd go with someone else just to avoid the calls on my mobile (usually when I'm at work or driving).

I've seen hardly any non-Premium cars for sale. You're lucky to have one.

Thanks for that. I remember a thread about bonnet struts and did try to search the Forum for it but couldn't work out how to do it (senior moment).

Part of me is thinking, 'If the rest of the car is so good (it looks great in the photos) and it could be a simple fix, why is he selling it so cheaply?'

Maybe you could try to find a specialist indie mechanic in the area to have a look? Or even ring one for advice first? Mine offered very helpful advice before I went to look at my car (on the basis that he'd get the work of servicing it if I bought it). I've since trusted him with all my car maintenance.

Re bonnet struts: it's time for me to invest in some new ones. There are some on e-Bay for £54.74 including carriage, sold by mattt7777777. Anyone had experience of these?

Vicar's wife? You and me both - mostly gentle pootling but with the occasional foot down just to see the bonnet lift slightly and feel that push forwards. Good luck with the alloys!

I've just tried to get a quotation from Footman James but they'll only give classic car cover on a Lexus that's twenty years old or more. So I'll try again in three years' time! At the moment I've got a classic car policy with RH Insurance, which was a lot cheaper than a 'normal' one.

Less importantly, I sometimes can't lock or unlock my smart car where I work, though the key works fine inside it. I have to move around the site until the remote will work. I assume it's something to do with interference from a nearby radio mast. (When the car won't unlock I have to use the key to open the boot and then scramble inside and over the seats - in a very undignified way - to reach the internal door handle. I couldn't do this in the Lexus, of course.)

Scary. I'd be nervous turning it on again. Fingers crossed it'll be okay. And I doubt it has damaged the engine.

I've been saving up to replace my 12-year-old smart car with a newer one for commuting to work and running around town, but when its rubber band eventually goes twang I think I might replace it with another old banger and keep the money to spend on my Lexus instead - not that it needs much except for a cambelt change next year. It'll be 17 years old in a couple of weeks but is ageing very well and I doubt I'd ever find another one like it now.

I didn't know that. And of course you can still drive around when the spheres need replacing. You just lose that wafty ride and feel every tiniest bump in the road.

Chris is right. I had two Citroen Xantias (better ride than even the LS, though of course the rest of the car doesn't compare) and had only two suspension issues in ten years: leaking fluid (only when the engine was running, and a cheap fix) and replacement of the spheres at around 75,000 miles (also not that expensive).

I feel the same when I get in mine and do a long journey. There doesn't seem any point driving another type of car, and not even buying a newer LS. What would be the benefit?

Sorry, Nach, they went at the weekend.

I was thinking the same thing about deficiency in some body areas. (1) Brain and (2) something lower down. Oh, and (3) shame.

They obviously don't have speed bumps over there.

Wash your mouth out.

Have just replied to your PM, John.

I imagine they buy German instead.

This time last year the electrics on my car went haywire because of the battery. The car hadn't been used for about 3 weeks, and although it started first time, various things didn't work (one headlamp, remote locking, the alarm went off, door opening warning light on). After disconnecting the battery and putting it on charge everything went back to normal BUT once or twice soon afterwards the revs dropped right down and the car almost stalled. This must have been a glitch because it's been fine ever since.

John, I've got a set of Mk.4 wheels (the originals from my car) doing nothing and starting to go rusty. If they fit your car you're welcome to them, in case you want to refurb all your wheels at the same time.

Sorry to hear your news, and I hope you find good homes for your cars. Just out of interest, what do you think of the Phaeton? I've always thought it a rather smart machine, in an understated (which for me is good!) way, and have wondered how it compares with a 430.

Feel free to ask questions. We're a friendly group who likes talking about our cars - which we love so much. I personally would go for a late LS400 simply because an early 430 will be almost as old and potentially more of a money pit because there are more gizmos to go wrong. I'm so glad I bought mine when I did because there weren't many around then (four years ago) and there are even fewer now. You're right - I think prices are rising, and mine's probably still worth what I paid for it. Which, when you add reasonable fuel consumption (on a long run) and mechanical toughness, makes for quite cheap motoring especially if it's not your main car. Because there aren't many left, you may have to be less choosy than I was. Whatever you buy (at a sensible price) will need work of some kind, but I suppose the issue is what kind of work. It's been said many times before, but maintenance/history is more important than low mileage. Mine has done 150,000 but I can't believe that a 50,0000-miler would run any more smoothly.

Graham, I'm inclined to say 'sell it' because cars like this need to be used. Plus, you're far more likely to be able to get a replacement 600 than we are a replacement 400. But whatever you decide to do, I hope you'll stay in contact with us on here. All the best.