Scribe

Yes, good result Tarun.  Chas - you're dead right!

I still think the Mk.III is the best looking model.  I also like the gunmetal colour (with grey/black leather) that was discontinued when the Mk.IV came in.  I could have bought a late Mk.III but ended up with an early Mk.IV of similar age.

Can't see much point choosing a Mk.III over a Mk.IV, especially as it'll be older.

Or maybe that's why they get neglected?  Owners assume they'll keep running without maintenance - which they do for a while.  Some people just don't look after their cars, period.  I see a lot of nearly new ones that are scratched all over and/or never cleaned.  It seems a shame, but I suppose we all care about different things.  To some people a car is just a means of getting from A to B.

I still can't get over the fact that I drive a car older than many that have been scrapped (especially 430s).  Sometimes this makes me think the car must be into injury time.  But then I suppose you could say this about any car that's ten or more years old.

11 hours ago, The-Acre said:

Most definitely, and you're welcome to drive it, it'll interesting to know your thoughts comparing the two models.

Dangerous - I'll probably want one then!

I agree with Barney - just the sort of owner you want to buy from.  He's not a member of this forum, presumably?

Congratulations.  You must be chuffed.  I look forward to coming over and seeing it some time.

Welcome George.  Any photos of your car that we can see?

Hi Alex and welcome.

Can't answer your first question - maybe the spirit of the donor car is protesting?

As far as I'm aware, a 1994 LS400 would be a late Mk.II and so non-interferance engine.

If you're in limp mode you'll never make a baby.

I've noticed what looks like bad paint match on a number of photos of 430s, and I wonder whether it's to do with the rear wheel arches bulging slightly, and so reflecting light differently from the flatter doors?  It's more noticeable with paler colours.  Just a thought...

Greetings Gunnar.  What a lovely-looking car.  Maybe it's the oldest one owned by a member of this forum?  And maybe in the best condition?

I'm sure you would have bought a Lexus van if you could.

So you wouldn't have a Jag?  What was it like, and how did it compare to an LS?

That's one of the problems of living on the south coast.  There's one direction you simply can't go in!

You can knock £1000 off for the private plate, for a start?

After reading that article I want one, even though it is a bit blobby.

There's an SC in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.

'There is an article about Terminator 3 in Lexus Magazine indicating that the actress Kristanna Loken helped pick out the car at a LA dealership and was sad to see it turned into a ball of flame.'

I've heard that Tesco petrol is the worst (lowest quality) but that Sainsburys's comes from BP.  True?  Now that fuel costs are low I'm using Shell Nitro V more and more.  It's supposed to the best.

My old Honda Accord Coupe (similar colour) is in greater need of a de-scratch and polish, so I think I'll practise on that first.  By the time I do the Lexus I'll know what I'm doing.

I understand it's good to lift the bonnet of a 400 from time to time just to keep the struts working, especially when the weather's cold.

Thanks Steve.  I've got lots to think about now.  And I've got to wait for some warmer, drier weather...

Rayaan - very interesting/useful guide.  Thanks.

Doesn't remove scratches though, like polish does from paint.

When I was young I used to polish my car quite often, but in those days I didn't have much else to think about.  Now that I have four cars (all old) they regularly get cleaned inside and out but that's all.  (One of them is a Smart, and you can't polish that anyway because it's plastic.)

The Lexus only just fits in the garage, so polishing has to be an outdoor job.  Every year I think 'This summer I'll do it', but then when summer comes there are more enjoyable things to do, so that's as far as it gets.  But I'm sure that if I start to see scratches disappearing, and a lovely shine, I'll be glad I made the effort.  That's if the seagulls don't s**t on me and/or the car.

Thanks for all your advice.  Yes Mark, I AM bowing my head in shame, and yes I'll wait till the spring or summer before I start waxing on and off.