Scribe

It would be a good getaway car, I suppose. I'm assuming the marks highlighted are body damage (they include bumper corners), but it's not an old car, so I wonder what mechanical damage would prevent it from being put back on the road. Maybe someone on here will ring the breakers and ask

True. I'm always window shopping on Autotrader and the Bay of E, and late 400s seem much better value than early 430s. I guess it will be a few years before that changes, but as I expect my 400 to be running for a long while, I'm not too bothered.

This is encouraging to those of us who don't want to get rid of our 400s but discouraging too, because what else except a 430 could we possibly replace them with? And will we be a bit disappointed when we do?

Please do. We can swap notes and tips! The SatNav is an old system but as I'd never had one before I'm used to looking at maps before a journey instead. You can't enter a postcode like on newer systems, just street names, and my address doesn't work - it says I've reached my destination when I'm still on the seafront about half a mile from home. But most other times it's been fine.

Ah, that could be the reason. I've always moved the switch back to the centre after adjusting the mirrors. After 2 years I still haven't worked out all the gizmos.

My passenger door mirror doesn't tilt when reversing. Was this an option, or is mine just broken? I've already had my Lexus for two years and have no plans to change it for anything else. Well, okay, maybe a 430 one day, but for now there's no point. Maybe see you around the Sussex coast!

Glad you're pleased with it. What for you are the obvious improvements over the Mk.2?

And the car never missed a beat, I presume? Fantastic.

Quietly brilliant - I like that.

Yes, it's the opposite of 'If you've got it, flaunt it.' A kind of not needing to prove yourself (or your car). Or, dare I say it, internal laughter at Mr Little Willy in his Saxo... I suppose it's got something to do with the fact that the LS400 is understated in style - it's not pretentious or sporty-looking like the latest Lexuses or Jags.

Mike (Bluesman) is right. I read somewhere that manufacturing a car leaves a bigger carbon footprint than it will ever leave by being driven for 15 years - or something like that. Just as the manufacture of solar panels (which save the planet by generating your own electricity etc. etc.) leaves a massive carbon footprint, so the net result is questionable. If you're going to run a car, it's more environmentally friendly to maintain an old, thirsty one like the LS400 than to buy a new, more fuel-efficient one. Plus it supports local garages/mechanics rather than giving all the business to main dealers (because of warranty terms). Plus there's the fact that, at 6 foot 2, I can't actually see out of modern cars - the windows are so small - and they're impossible to park because you can't see the bonnet or boot. But that's another topic.

If you ever need a mechanic, I can recommend mine - Lexus trained, reasonable charges and in Hove. He's done all the work on my car since I've had it, including the dreaded starter motor job.

I rarely put my foot down hard because of the cost of fuel, but I've found that simply KNOWING I could burn off any kid in his bodykitted Saxo if I wanted to makes me not want to, if you know what I mean. There's something about the power of the LS400 that makes you want to drive it gently. Weird.

P.S. I live in Brighton so I'll look out for you. And if I see you I'll probably wave (see recent thread)!

I'm sure we're all relieved that although you're selling a Lexus you're buying another one. Good luck with it.

Precisely! I say to people: running costs are about more than fuel. When you factor in low/minimal depreciation and easy MOT passes on a teenaged car, you get a more accurate picture. That doesn't even take into account the luxury we enjoy, which is well worth paying for IMHO. Anyway Steve, you must be well chuffed - I know I was when my 14-yr old Lex passed its second MOT with no advisories.

My thoughts exactly! They're new wheels too (not refurbished) and I must remember to wash them regularly to stop the dreaded build-up of brake dust.

Cheers Steve. People said the old wheels let the car down a bit, but I was still surprised what a difference the new ones have made. The only trouble is that the centre caps now look a bit manky in comparison. I'll have to get some.

Got them fitted last week - result! (Car wash and sunshine also helps, but it really doesn't look (or feel) its age.)

You must be the youngest - or at least the youngest to have insurance! Nice to know the next generation are already into LS400s. No swapping back to a different car now - you have to get a Mk.3 or 4 next.

I've driven from Brighton to Norwich and back and not seen another one, either. When I got my smart car seven years ago, most other smart drivers would wave when we passed, but they don't do that any more because there are so many of them on the road now. As there are so few LS400s I usually wave when I see one - on the basis that it could well be another club member. Wasn't there a thread a while back about 'to wave or not to wave'?

I know what you mean, Brendan. After 14.5 years my Lex is coming up to 146,000 miles but I know it really well. Anything else affordable (not that I want to replace it) would still be several years old and have a high mileage - so what would be the point?

It's a pre-facelift car (you can tell by the headlights) so must be pre-2004. But the price seems reasonable even for a 2002/3 car if it's in really good nick.

Doesn't sound like the starter motor failing. When mine started to go, I got either the clicking or the engine fired up without spluttering, and when it was running it never misfired or cut out. And if the starter's had it, jump leads wouldn't help you get started. Good luck with it anyway - let us know what the problem is/was.

Mine will need replacing at some point but the car's gone through two MOTs with no advisories. It might be my imagination, but the faint clonk seems less audible when the car's been running for a few miles. Anyone else find the same?