Baba O Reilly

Hello again chaps I have spoken to some very nice and competent sounding chaps at 'Gas and Go' in Swindon, who seem to know and rate LS400s. They have quoted me £240 for the cam belt job + £128 for the water pump as well if I want it (though they don't seem to think it is necessary, nor do they think the pulleys will need doing @ 130,000 miles) and £120 for a service. They also fit LPG systems so may service that also if needed. I'm going to go with them and will keep you all updated about how it turns out, so anyone in spitting distance of Swindon watch this space! Another question though - does anyone know if a towbar from a Mk4 1997 (apparantly offical lex towbar costing £800 new!) would fit my 1996 Mk3? If not does anyone out there want to sell one that would fit? Cheers Jonathan

Does anyone know anything about this outfit in Swindon? GAS and GO http://www.lexusandtoyotaservicing.co.uk/Colorus/colorus/aboutus.html

Well I guess that means 'MrClutch' is probably not a good bet! I am not at all keen on big nationals, but my local independents don't seem at all keen to do the Lex's cam belt..

Thanks Chris The car has done 130,000 miles. There is a sticker on the engine stating belt changed @ 59,000 in 1999. Someone has hand written in the service book a cam belt change in Aug 2009 (between 110-120K) but no stamp or sticker - even the guy who sold me the car said don't trust it! I am reluctant just to wait for it to go and change the engine as I think this will be the end of a £1500 car, lovely though she is! Googling gives me 'mr clutch' who seems to say he will do it for £374. Any other thoughts? Jonathan

Thanks for the warm welcome Guru! I'll wait and see what local lex lads come up with...

Good evening Gents and Ladies I am a new convert to the magic carpetland of LS 400s. I thought my Toyota Crowns and Camrys were smooth and refined but I have never known anything like this (needen't even mention my abortive attempt at sensible motoring with a diesel rover 75!). My new (1996) mk3 LS400 with LPG just pushes all the right buttons.... The only problem is that I hardly dare drive it as it is due a cam belt change and I gather that it does have an 'interference' cam engine. I have approached the independent mechanics who have worked on my previous Toyotas (including cam belts) and they seem scared by the prospect of tackling the job on one of these beasts. Even the local toyota specialist said 'no can do... special tools needed' etc Does anyone know of an honest/reliable independent (ideally lex trained or used to working on these cars) anywhere near the Gloucestershire area? I don't see many LS400s around this manor and I gather the Lex dealership in Cheltenham has a few questionmarks surrounding a certain autobox problem (!) I'd prefer to avoid Lex dealerships anyway for the obvious reason of cost. Any tips or thoughts? Cheers everyone... Jonathan