Fred Bassett

Might be useful getting a good source for oem parts overall, as the car and used parts seem quite scarce here. Only seen one other SC430 in the past three months, and that one was parked at a Lexus garage!

Havn't seen any in the UK, and I agree, the chrome look would be best avoided. My centres are looking a bit tired, but may try for a refurb instead of a new set once spring sets in.

For a bit of light reading regarding magnets:- http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2006/08/savegas.shtm

Had a similar problem with my other car. After leaving it into my local mechanic, had the bearings replaced. Noise still persisted!!!! Problem ended up being my tyres! Noise cured once offending tyres replaced! Sometimes It's difficult track down these "noises', but hopefully you get it sorted soon!

Welcome back (from a newby). Personally I would love to own an RX, and perhaps someday I may! Enjoy your new purchase and of course this forum - be happy!

My guilty pleasure would be the simple and humble VW Beetle! I remember these the first rime around, but now they all seem to be driven by girls :-( So what is your guilty pleasure?

Bad reason - maybe It's better not being gold and having to hold on to the LS600H. Did I not tell you I love cars!

In the past I never considered which petrol station I refuelled in - cheapest was best in my view. We also own a Saab 93 Sportswagen (family car and the perfect vehicle to put our dog in), an RX8 (great handling car but ultra cheap now), and a Toyota Aygo (our daughters car who obviously doesn't know where the fuel cap is!). Supermarket fuel may have had a bad press a number of years ago and although they may have now improved and meet the required 'quality standards', I nevertheless try to shop elsewhere. My concern is not just related to motoring, but also trying to support local businesses in our area. If I can support a locally owned business, even a little, then I feel I should my bit and pay a little extra!

Well, never let it be said I didn't try to assist. After all, I would hate to think you were disadvantaged by that annoying sun that gets into your eyes while driving, and that persistent heat during the summer! Must be some reason why I live here .............. give me a minute, I'm still thinking!

I'm a new member (just applied for Gold membership), but finding it difficult to locate smilies, buttons to insert images and facilities for inserting YouTube clips. Perhaps it's just my age!

Thanks for the welcome.

I could offer you a solution! We could of course swap, with you living in Northern Ireland, while I in France. I would be more than willing to forgo my membership discounts if you would be agreeable to a move :-)

Well what can I say. Was tempted, and subsequently paid for two years membership (thanks pay pal). For me, it was not the savings offered, but perhaps just to support a well run and informative club I respect. If you are a member, what was your reason?

Great link - should have asked in this forum in the first case instead of searching for hours on the Internet.

No matter what the figure is, the question is 'are we going to have classic cars in the future'? Consider this. We love our big engined car - the poor mpg is acceptable, the so-called green tax rate of £460 (23 March 2006+) an annoyance, but we pay it as our vehicle is our everyday mainstay that helps maintain our balance and sanity of life! What happens when we move on, purchase a newer vehicle and our previous pride and joy is a second or third car? Do we keep this vehicle on the road, or just trade it in for a bad price and don't care if the vehicle is scrapped! In my opinion vehicles over a certain age should fall into a lower group of tax. Most vehicles such as these are only used on occasional bases which do not significantly contribute to the green house gasses. This is perhaps why certain vehicles are scrapped, as opposed to being kept on the road. The government state they are green, but which is the greener. A vehicle, such as the Prius with low mpg but with high energy costs in sourcing and assembling the vehicle, or an older vehicle which just but takes an occasional trip out on Sunday!

Thanks for the information. Might be interesting to start a thread spotting our cars, in my case SC430. The figure of 621 is disappointing, as this means the vehicle will only become more scarce as the years draw on!

Does anyone know many are registered in the UK? I can find details on USA and Japan registrations, but would be keen to know of our own details. Might explain why I don't see many around!

Just made my first venture into Lexus ownership Had been looking at a certain silver SC430 over the past few months. Decided to call down to the Lexus dealer after the car was discounted by £2000. Funny enough, ended up purchasing a different SC430 to the one advertised. Still getting used to the car, although one aspect I will never get used to is the lovely V8 roar!

Learned to drive in a 1975 Hillman Avenger. First car was a 1975 mini clubman, then:- 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1980 Ford Granada 2.0L 1978 Vauxhall Chevette (swapped it after the second time I crashed Granada - first time with with lamppost, second with a bin lorry ) 1983 Granada 2.8 Ghia, 1986 Rover 213S. 1987 BMW 316i with a VW Derby for new bride 1988 BMW 316i VW Ranger, 1988 Cavalier Commander, BMW 318i, 1973 MGB Roadster (had for over 10 years), 1977 MGB FHC, Mercedes 200 Citroen ZX, 1983 Mercedes 380SE, 1986 Toyota Liteace Mini Mayfair Mitsubishi Gallant, Volvo 240GL, Ford Mondeo 1995 Mercedes 200C (seven years trouble free motoring) Ford Transit (only time I had a vehicle stolen) 2004 Renault Traffic 2007 Saab 93 sportswagen. As car has depreciated £20,000, going to keep it until it draws its last breath! 2006 RX8 - owned it for over three years, and one of the most reliable and enjoyable vehicles I have ever driven. Would have kept it but for the £460 road tax :tsktsk: 2005 SC430 Funny thing about the SC, is that although it is group 19, it is cheaper to insure than the group 15 Saab - figure that