bilmac

The photos do not do it justice, a hundred times better that black and much better than I expected, we will have to wait and see how it stands the test of time, but for now I am very happy indeed.

I have a confession, I am a car slut. I have been unfaithful to my Phaeton with the Lexus and now I have acquired a Jaguar XJ 4.2 I really am a very bad man. anyone want to see photos of the Phaeton ore the Jag?

and even this

And this

And this

You aint seen anything yet.

Success at last Thanks to Eff for the guide it is very clear and simple even I could follow it.however it will not work for me maybe because I am using a mac. Mark had advised photo bucket which is what is working. Thanks Mark now all I have to do is find my photos where the hell did I put them.

thats not working anyone like to help me with uploading photos?

This is test photo upload

Well I got my car back today, unfortunately the weather is horrible, so cannot go round it in minute detail. However I am very pleased with the color. a bit like cadburys chocolate blue, but nicer the parts I can see appear to be well finished with no visible joins creases or bubbles, I am sure time will tell, for now I am well pleased. I am still trying to figure out how to post photos bilmac

I must confess to some mixed emotions when I left my car today for wrapping. I read a lot of posts and it seems that wrapping divides opinions. Nevertheless I have committed now, I do have the before photos and will keep a record of the process and the finished car to upload. bilmac

l am considering this let us know how you get on, I think it will be worth it just for the aux connection.bilmac

Thanks for that Mike I enjoyed, recently my son bought a nearly new mercedes E250 for quite a lot of money. I told him I could have 5 cars with better spec for less than he had spent on the one. After he challenged me to prove it I got my LS 430 next I intend to acquire a S500 or 600 old model of course and then a seven series. The value in big engined cars in Ireland at the moment is amazing. Hopefully my fleet will teach him that newer is not always better. The problem will be in choosing which one to drive on a given day.

I will keep a photo record and upload as soon as I learn how to.bilmac

I would like to hear about the Phaeton. Mike

Phil, I have looked at a number of wrapped cars including Beemers and have not seen what you describe. I do hope it is just that guy doing something wrong as I have committed today by paying deposit.bilmacl

First I want to thank you for your reply,s. I have now done more than 200 miles and can say the difference is amazing, I got 4 new Michelin Primacy 3 at a great price 179 per corner paid 40 for fitting and now the car is as it should be noise wise, As I said in my first post I had changed my GS 450 for a VW Phaeton last year. the Phaeton is a great car, yet now, when I have to go somewhere I am finding myself heading for the LS. Again as I said in my first post black would not be my first color choice, and now I am thinking I will have the car wrapped Dark Blue or Grey. I know this will bring the total cost to over 8000. but I think worth it to have the color I want. Anyone have experience of wrapping a Lexus? bilmac

Update. today I got the car back from indy, He has done oil and filters, parking brake shoes, wiper blades, a couple of bulbs and (wait for it) a f/o/s wheel bearing , total cost 795 euros, he also advised I change the back brake pads in order to save the sensors. He would have done but was stuck for time today. This guy has been servicing this car for the last 6 years and told me the last owner was very diligent about servicing. I will go for a long drive later hopefully the car will be sounding better.

Symon, please forgive me I forgot to mention your recommendation for Bridgestone I am indeed considering them. I would like more options but may well go for the Bridgestone. bilmac

Well fellows, I have been driving it all over the place, and I can find nothing wrong with this car, aside from the noise. Having checked the posts on here and other sites, it seems the 430 is fussy as to what tyres we use. Anyway, it is booked into the specialist who has been maintaining it the five years the seller (a Limo operator) has had the car. This specialist also works on many other Limo operators 430s and 460s, so I am happy he knows what he's about. I have asked he check the wheel bearings and to do whatever other work he may think fit to make the car perfect. he reckons only oil change and wiper refills. I hope this is the case but am quite happy to get whatever done. which brings me back to the tyres. I have searched and Michelin Primacy seem to be the choice of the American owners with the UK owners going for Falkens. My wheels are 18s and present tyres are 245/45/18. I really want to be able to enjoy the quietness of this car so will pay the premium to ensure that I do. Please guys recommend a tyre, is anyone running Hancocks? I had them on a Touareg and found them great. but different cars need different tyres. I had Michelin Pilot on a Saab and again found them great. Thanks bilmac

Hi Guys, Last year I changed my Gs 450h to a Volkswagen Phaeton, this is a great car but I did miss my Lexus. So today I bought a 2005 Model Ls430 108000 miles. Black with grey leather. Black was not my first choice, I think dark blues or grey looks better.However I got a deal so Black is beautiful The Ls 430 is a great bargain in Ireland, at the moment as the motor tax is 1800 per annum The chap who sold had been trying to sell for 6 months and reduced the price from 11500 every month until I got it for 5000 euro which is less than I would have had to pay in the UK. I do have 1 complaint the car whines like a banshee. The guy said it is because the tires are cheap chinese rubbish he put on just to pass the NCT (MoT) test. I got it cheap enough so I am going to get the right ones. suggestions please. The noise is really bad, is it possible to be caused by wheel bearings or similar ? Knowing the reputation for reliablity I was not worried and accepted his explanation re the cause I hope he was telling the truth, Any thoughts on what else might be to blame. I am rambling on a bit now thanks for reading. bilmac

From where? OEM Lexus? Might need this info in a few weeks I to, am eager to know where to get them.