model x

I'm not really familiar with the 3rd gen but here are my thoughts.

The service history wouldn't worry me that much. Also if its all Lexus service and the seller knows which dealer you should be able to call and get the history.

Regarding the timing belt major service it varies. Others can correct me if I'm wrong but at a dealer it'd be £500 anyway depending on what's included with the service.

Also the tire light being on shouldn't have anything to do with tires but would be on if one or more of the tire pressure sensors have failed. That'd be my guess.

Welcome!

Your soo right, a lot of car for not much money.

Don't bother with the flip key.

The one I bought off eBay lasted two months then broke off in the ignition and was very difficult to turn. Almost couldn't restart the car and get home. Not to mention a lot of places didn't want to cut it. I then bought a regular style key off eBay from a guy that could cut it from a picture of my old one. Works perfect.

I can't imagine the reliability is much different either way.

I think the air suspension on the LS can have issues and the power steering maybe as well.

Nice color and awfully low mileage, almost too low. Sitting a lot can be bad for a car. Seals and gaskets can get brittle and components get stiff, like headlight adjusters.

And its short a couple cylinders ;)

From what I've read the huge performance difference far outweighs the slight MPG difference.

The 430 is a seriously quick car.

There must be buyer protection for this type of situation; that's a lot of money!

Give that car back to them and buy mine ;)

Seriously though I hope you can at least get the dealer to cover the repairs to make the car right.

Swinton were actually half what everyone else was quoting me.

Wow that's low. The lowest I could get was £800 but I was only in the country for 3 months at the time.

I haven't been in an LS but my GS430 is sooo lovely on the motorway and retains composure on the windy stuff. Its the most comfortable and quiet car I've owned. Its most likely a bit better on fuel and quicker than the LS as well.

Happy to help.

Ya sounds like a recon for sure.

I wouldn't wait to long on a sticking caliper, it could ruin your rear brakes as well; they'll constantly drag, generating a lot of heat and will wear out the pads quickly.

After a bit of a run put your hand near or on the rim to see if its hotter than the other side or even a front wheel. Could give you some indication if they're dragging badly.

I'm in a similar situation. I'll really miss the V8 shove. Hopefully my next car will be as reliable.

Are you sure they replaced your calipers?

The changer will play CD-Rs as well.

Thanks Pepe.

I've been checking Marshall group but nothing applicable yet. But I hadn't heard of Ricardo Engineering, they sound very interesting. Nothing applicable there yet though.

I’ve recently moved to the Cambridgeshire area from Canada so I’m in search of work. My last position was a manufacturing engineer with Lafarge Cement coordinating maintenance at one of there plants. My education is in mechanical engineering, which also included 2D and 3D design. Previous to this I was an automotive technician for about 8 years.

I’ve been working with recruiters but haven’t had any luck yet, just a few phone interviews and one face to face interview.

Does anyone have other recommendations where to look?

Thanks

Had success with The Halls of Cambridge lock specialists. £18 but its done and works perfect.

I also had to turn the spring tension back to normal, the key was opening on its own.

I ended up going with German Tech Cars Cambridge for the cam belt. I spoke with them on the phone and liked what I heard. I've been working on Hondas and Acuras for 10 years, half of which was at dealerships and we never replaced a timing belt idler pulley or tensioner pulley. Also some of the most experienced technicians I've worked with wouldn't suggest the waterpump unless it was leaking. As this was the first timing belt for my car I was only going to replace the pump if it was leaking; it wasn't. The guys at GTCC agreed and were more than ok with me having a look at the parts and they checked over the front and rear suspension free of charge. Came to a little under £300.

I've only contact the lexus dealer and they told me £80 to cut the key! no programming

I'll continue to look around.

Or does anyone know of a facility you can rent a bay and tools?

They had one where I lived in Canada for Military etc. It was awesome.

So I bought an 01 GS430 and its due for a timing belt.

Can anyone recommend a shop or person that does work on their spare time, I'd be more than willing to help?

perfect thanks

One of the keys I got with my 02 GS is missing the screw and it looks nasty. So I was thinking of trying one of these replacement cases that uses a flip key style.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEXUS-IS200-GS300-LS400-RX300-3-BUTTON-NEW-REMOTE-KEY-FOB-FLIP-CONVERSION-CASE-3-/390502466051?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Safety_Security&hash=item5aebc2c203

yeah sorry, actually forgot the one i link (you bought) was blue lol. very nice. hope you find someone to do you T belt at a reasonable price. I know a few good garages round here that would do it for about £150 but in London its a different world

I'm actually in Cambridge but looks like your still a few hours away. I'd love to find someone that works on cars on the side that I could work with. I was a technician in Canada for 7 years.