maneesh

My bonnet supports are losing pressure and as such the bonnet doesn't stay up very easily, particularly when it's cold weather. I have got a quote from a Lexus dealer outside London of around £140, which I don't think I can get cheaper than that in the UK. Anybody ever got these from USA or Japan? I've seen original supports on a US Lexus site at around £72 for both, but the part numbers are slightly different. It's got good stuff on there actually, www.irontoad.com Cheers

Dude, Your numbers are strange! Based upon 76.9p a litre for UL, you are getting 28mpg in the LS400 and 17.5mpg in the GS300. From what I have read the GS300 normally uses a little less fuel than the LS400. It sounds to me like your LS400 gives that level of economy on a long cruise, and the GS300 figure is when you are driving in urban areas. I have a 92 LS400 (UK spec), and since day 1, it has given between 15 and 30 mpg. 15-18 around town, and 28-32 on long cruise at 70mph.

I think 19" or 20" would be better upgrade than to 16" or 17". I considered upgrading from my 15" wheels to 17", but it's not really worth it for me, as I'd rather spend the cash on the engine etc. If you have the money to spare, and want the new alloys to look nice, then LS400s really look the part with really big wheels. I did see a LS400 once with 17" Supra alloys and it looks awful. The original lexus alloys actually look a lot better than lots of the aftermarket alloys out there. Also, if you do decide to replace them, get something like open design 5 spokes (which look better on a big car), rather than something really intricate, as you will spend all of Sunday cleaning them!

I tried the new technique and it made a BIG difference. Now, I slip it into R for 1 or 2 seconds, then put into D. You get a very subdued jerk at R, and another at D, but so much better than a massive jerk when going straight into D. The only thing is that because reverse lights come on for 1 or 2 seconds, the driver behind might think I'm going to reverse into him! Hope this helps other owners who have the same problem.

no difference between warm and cold. tickover is 600rpm - no fluctuations. when this happens, I try and press brake harder to combat the jerk. perhaps I should try releasing some pressure from the brake when going into d. 92 model doesn't have shiftlock - quite dangerous really! will let you know what happens. Also, notice it more on level road, when on hills, you don't find any jerk, so perhaps creep related. Is there something relating to creep I should ask Lexus dealer to check?

can anyone tell me why going from P to D in 92 LS400 makes the car jerk so hard? The back passengers feel it really bad, as if somebody has shunted the back bumper at low spped. Lexus dealer had a look and said nothing wrong with transmission. Any special technique for doing it smoothly? Have heard should leave it in R for 5 seconds then move down to D. Other autos I have driven, have the same jerk but much less noticeable.

I'm obsessed with quiet cars now that I have the 400, but this is a definite new noise which my passengers have noticed as well. It also coincides with a lack of power at very low speeds (as if the roughness is not preventing the air/fuel mixture through properly). The car is up for a B service in the next 1000 miles, but if I ask Lexus what's wrong, they might come back with a four figure price tag!!! I know it's an old car (10.5 years old now), but this doesn't sound right. I do remember the car sounded rough after I bought it, and the EGR pipe was replaced under warranty, and the engine has been super smooth since then. EGR pipes don't need to be changed that often do they? The noise doesn't seem to interfere with fuel flow (in terms of the gas pedal feels normal), but perhaps I should buy one of those fuel injector cleaner things you add to the petrol tank? I wonder if it's got anything to do with the fact that I took the car 2 months ago to Kwik Fit and had an oil and filter change using Mobil semi synthetic. I have always used Lexus before that. However, this roughness was there prior to Kwik Fit visit. By the way, where can I find out details about Gold benefits? I would like to join up providing I can get servicing discounts at a London dealer. Cheers

92 Ls 400 with 156k up. Full LSH. It's been a year since A service, and engine is starting to sound a bit gruff. Very noticeable at lowish speed, have normal silky engine note, but now additional rough noise (sounds as if something is going round and round in the engine). Noise isn't always there, changes acoustics along with engine speed. Also, have noticed it's worse at startup from cold (engine idling higher for longer), but still returns when warm. Has anyone experienced the same? I have had EGR pipe done 4 years ago, water pump 4 years ago, power steering pump 1 year ago, steering rack 2 years ago, front springs 2 years ago. I am not sure what it could be related to.

hmmm, i believe that might not be true. Allegedly, the original engine in LS400 is classified as a non interference engine. That means the serpentine belt snapping won't cause major problems, but don't know about the cambelt.

I had one put in when I bought my 92 LS400 in 1996 from a Lexus dealer. It was £300 for the work. That was using a labour rate of £75 an hour plus VAT. Hope that helps.

it was for a ls400

HI guys, I got my brake pads changed last year at Kwik Fit for £160 (front and rear and labour). The pads were Mintex brand, and have been great so far. I will never change pads again at Lexus who were asking £400 for the same job (and probably parts no different from Mintex???). Has anyone ever got pads done outside the Lexus network? What was your experience?

I was quoted £110 to get my oil and filter changed on my 92 LS400 from Lexus. I went to my nearest Kwik Fit who did it while I waited for £26 all in. This was with semi-synthetic Mobil oil and a new filter by Cooper. I would like to use them again. Any experience on taking Lexus to Kwik-Fit garages?

Well, the tyre pressures are at the level suggested on the inside of the glovebox. Tyres used to be dunlop d8z but cannot find in london easily now, so have got dunlop sp sport 3000a instead. Bargain price of £52 a tyre as well! I do drive over speed bumps every week (at least 15-20 a week), at a lowish speed (10-15 mph). However, rather than spend money on fixing the problem any more, it's much cheaper to change the front tyres at £100 a pair once a year. I've been advised that 400s at high mileage usually require lots and lots of suspension work. I've already replaced the front springs at Lexus, but the shocks have not been replaced yet (bought car at 110k, still got it at 156k). Anyone got any experience of maintaining a high mileage 400?

cheers for the info. This site is really useful so far. I've also been advised to replace the rear differential bushes. Is the dealer trying to con me? And, my front tyres keep wearing out on the edges, despite 4 wheel alignment and a brand new front strut bar for £850! Anyone else have issues with bushes or alignment? Ta

I have a 92 LS400, damn fine car, but the Lexus brake pads wear out every 6,000 miles. I do a lot of stop start driving in London, but this is madness. Any ideas on decent pads for this car? I hear Greenstuff would be worth trying. Also, anyone know of any good independent mechanics in South East of England? Now that the car is 10 years old, I don't want to pay £500 for a C service. Cheers