Lexmanic

How long had the seller owned it? I suspect not long probably bought it only to discover he couldn't afford to run it PS you have HPI'd it and it ain't nicked

500 quid!!! Next question how did you find out about it, was it advertized and if so where ?

Hi Bob Your right to be careful when buying off the web but as a member who has bought here I think you'll find your safe

SEE i was right the owner might have been nice but he WAS a bleeding idiot AND put us out of our misery, how much was it????

127K! its barely run in. I am soooooo jealious I might come and steal it

Lovely motor You jammy sod. Where's it been hiding? £750 is my guess only because whoever sold it must either be about to die or they're an idiot and don't realize its true value which is on the up

I suspect your insurer will treat it as a grey import (anything to stitch the consumer up whilst ignoring the fact that ALL Lexus's are in fact 'grey imports') so I suggest that you check with them to see how they will treat it

Sounds as if you found your Lexus

I'm also concerned about the engine oil as what you describe has all the hallmarks of a failed cylinder head. AND now that there's a knocking sound admitted by the seller I'm even more convinced about the head gasket. Knocking sounds on any engine neary always spell trouble & cost lots of money to rectify My advice walk away there'll be others

Pity the blessed Kenny Everett isn't around RIP. HE would have made a great presenter of TG and what a show that would have been Having mentioned him now going to watch him on u-tube

By refering to those who support CE as 'Sycophants' is wrong. I dislike the guy also but I would never refer to his supporters in such terms

I would suggest making regassing by the seller to be a part of the sale. Make it a deal breaker & see how they react. If they refuse walk away as there's more to it than just regassing

I couldn't disagree more Iv'e known Chris Evans since his Piccadilly Radio, Manchester days. You know when he abandoned his wife & child to seek fame down south. Frankly he is & has always been an irritating sod. ALL of his progammes are about him & not anything else. His guests will be lucky if they get a look in. TG was & will only ever be any good with Clarkson, May & Hammond. Anything else will be 3rd or even 4th rate so its sad to have to say TG is dead. As for the producer he didn't want anything to happen & is was Clarkson he reported himself AND May Hammond & Clarkson have been motoring correspondents for a very long time whereas Evans is just another hobbyist

1st don't buy it when you first see it give yourself time to consider what it will mean should you decide to own it. Engine inspect it thoroughly check for leaks present or signs of past leaks. Its very important that not only the cam belt has been changed but also the water pump (it save on the cost of labour) Take it for a drive & find the road with a good few potholes & listen for bangs rattles etc (if there are any it means bushes and joints, track arms may need replacing) You must also take on an unrestricted 70mph road & then gun it. Even a 99 400 Lexus the engine & gearbox should be faultless. It should waft you along as if on air Also check that ALL of the brake calipers to ensure none are sticking (a common fault but easy to rectify) AND before you commit to buy come back here for further advice Almost forgot find out which tyers have been fitted The wrong ones can make for lousy handling + excessive road noise

Thanks chaps I'm such a plonker as apparently when I got out of my Lexus I as usual used the steering wheel to brace myself and I must have engaged the steering lock. As the engine wasn't running (no power steering) it loaded the steering to the extent that the key alone would not release it. After realizing my stupidity the wheel was waggled & hey presto! the key functioned as normal

Hi 98 LS400 Drove it about a mile stopped for shopping on return to car neither of the 2 ignition keys wil turn on Tried locking & unlocking, taking it out of park then back in nothing! Central locking/unlocking works fine. Bonnet boot, filler cap lock/unlock OK Steering tilts when key removed or when put back into ignition. Anyone any ideas what might be the cause please????????? Car now stranded 1 mile from home :megaangry: Thanks in anticipation

Hold the key fob against your skull & try again see what happens

I don't expect you'll find a one owner, low mileage FSH being auctioned

Looks great & good history I would expect I to sell at a premium, but I see he's open to offers. I would suggest making a sensible 1st offer of say £2,750 to £3,250 & see what happens. However I would certainly be prepared to pay just under his asking price or evne his full asking price for a ONE owner, low mileage, well maintained LS400

As you describe it it may be that a dealer is selling because they neither have the ability to fix the problems on what may be a too sophisticated motor for them or they've made their profit on the motor it was used to purchase and just want rid

Forgot to say as you car has only done 45K its possible that one or more are original and if so you must get them changed

I don't think you should rely on the manual. You should remember that NOT being driven on a regular basis can have a serious adverse effect on ALL of the rubber including all belts & even tyres. As your has only done 45k in eight years (5,625 pa) I would suggest getting them changed now (not your tyres that is (unless they are old) but all of your belts)

Too pricey as a starting figure IMHO should have been £1750 staring with bids to follow

MX-5 Based on the great Lotus Elan hence the ride road-holding quality

BUT a 430 ain't a 400 which IS the PREMIER Lexus to own