cornershop

Think i need to view the Mica Green car, although not sure the cream interior would be my first choice (although it does work well with Green) I did find the boot a bit on the small side, especially after the S8 which was cavernous - i believe the 430's are similar to the S8/A8 in that respect, whereby the boot area pretty much touches the rear seats. The 400s boot is big enough however. I did however enjoy the drive of the Silver one, which makes me pretty certain a Mk4 would suit me nicely, so keen to test a couple more examples. I need to be clear in my mind whether I want a better starting point than the Silver one in terms of bodywork, or whether it suits my needs better to have a more usable car (with more defects) that i'm not worried about using, or where i park, etc etc

So, back from viewing the Silver car in Twickenham: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201612040338735?sort=sponsored&advertising-location=at_cars&model=LS 400&make=LEXUS&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&page=1&utm_source=LexusOwnersClubUK&utm_medium=ForumLinks?polaAffiliate=isis&utm_source=RoEye&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=HELP&utm_content=Skimbit%2C+Ltd.&utm_term=Performance The car was pretty grubby, so not easy to see paint/panel mismatches, but it looked even to me. It appeared to me the pics in the ad were from when the current owner purchased it himself 6m ago, as the scratch on the OSR rear quarter is now showing signs of rust developing. Good points: Car drove really well, and actually surprised me in terms of performance and handling - i was expecting a boat, but wasn't the case. Interior was in excellent condition, everything works including steering column tilt and retract, rear heated seats, seat movement controls, air con (climate?), temp display strip Stamped history to 110k miles (2012) - last but one owner serviced it himself but no corresponding stamps or invoices for oil filters etc which would have been nice to see. Boot was dry, no dampness visible or smelt. Gearbox oil was dark red - no signs of being burnt, but was relatively clear - shifts were seamless, however, up and down the gears. Started fine from being left overnight and on hot start - no 'click' suggesting imminent starter issue Good Avon tyres on good 17" 430 wheels Bad: Only 2 invoices and didn't total £3k from what I saw, 2k tops - covering parts from Lexus Edgware Road in 2014 for both front upper control arms (£820!), front discs/pads, rear subframe assembly (i think) at £300 and some other items No invoice covering cambelt parts although the seller was adamant the PO did this when he bought the car in 2014 (nothing in Service book either indicating a cambelt change) Scratch on OSR quarter has turned started to rust - unsure if a localized repair could be applied here as its on the vertical edge, rather than spraying the whole quarter and blending to door ? 5p sized area with paint missing on central area of OSR door Exhaust blowing - not a huge amount but won't get any better Front discs had a ~1-2mm lip on them but were solid and no excessive play or sponginess. Only 2 keys (one needing battery) - what is the 3rd for?

Bilt Hamber products come highly regarded too - http://www.bilthamber.com/corrosion-protection-and-rust-treatments/dynax-uc

Have arranged to view the silver car on Autotrader tomorrow morning.

The battery clamps do feel slightly flimsy however this is quite common from what I've seen. I've circumvented this by fitting these 'comfort' connectors which attach to the battery poles semi -permanently, allowing you to connect the starter unit when needed. http://www.antigravitybatteries-uk.co.uk/accessories/AG-MSHK-10.html

This is the one I bought (cheaper elsewhere) https://www.jgs4x4.co.uk/portable-battery-pack-12v-car-jump-starter-multi-function-booster-xs-power-pack/ has started my 560 Merc, Audi S8 x2, 320 Merc x3 and still has 3or4 of 5 capacity lights lit.

Personally, if it's a keeper I would get it rust proofed, but only if it's done professionally. As always, prep is key and allowing any pre-wash/clean process to thoroughly dry before applying rust inhibitor is paramount otherwise you'll exacerbate the problem. Had my 1987 911 done back in 2006 - there were 2 average sized carrier bags of muck/dirt blown off by air hose prior to the treatment being applied.

Personally, I think there are better products than Waxoil, see the rust.co.uk website for a similar service in Spalding, Lincs.

Thanks - my main problem is impatience, ie not being able to hold out for a better car and going with one 'that will do', especially at the relatively low monies they currently go for. If anyone is contemplating selling their well maintained Mk4, please do let me know.

Well the SEC is a bit of a boat too so that doesn't put me off so much! Since the daughter came along 2.5 yrs ago, I've changed my driving style so less emphasis required on sporty characteristics. Plus the Mrs said she'll miss the S8 but only for its refinement.

Thanks all for the feedback and the warm welcome, much appreciated To add some context, since May this year, I've owned a 1989 Mercedes 560 sec; I was hoping this would prove usable as a part time family car however space is just too constrained in the cabin with my 2 yr old in her forward facing seat, resulting in very little space for the Mrs in the front passenger seat. Still hoping I can make it work somehow! Ive also just sold an excellent 2001 Audi S8 D2, mainly as I got a good price for it and although It was a very capable car and ticked all the boxes, I was getting too precious about it, especially with the aluminium bodywork, dents are easily picked up so much to my Mrs despair I started using it selectively which went against the very 'use case' I bought it for. Furthermore, I've come to realise the significant performance the S8 offered was no longer of much relevance, especially with my 2yr old onboard, so another reason to sell whilst still in excellent condition. The Lexus, assuming I go ahead and buy one, will be less considered in terms of when it will be used, however as with all cars I do own or have owned, they are superbly well maintained and generally on a no expense spared basis. Ive not driven one yet, however have always admired the 400 from afar, and I'm looking forward to a more sedate driving experience vs the S8 which with relatively low gearing and super sharp throttle response, was always tugging at the leash. Sorry for the long post, just wanted to add the rationale behind looking more closely at the very cars you love.

Very useful Steve, many thanks.

Reassuring Colin, many thanks - I would most likely stick with genuine parts so glad to hear parts are still available; I would only delve into aftermarket if necessary. I expect to only cover 2-3k miles a year, so guessing a ~20 year old Lexus should be fine with this. In fact I see via the 'check mot history site', many ls400s are covering 2-3x this without issue, another reason to pursue one. I'm planning on viewing these 2 cars in the next week (if still available!): http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201612040338735?sort=sponsored&advertising-location=at_cars&model=LS 400&make=LEXUS&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&page=1 https://www.gumtree.com/p/lexus/lexus-ls-400-low-mileage-with-full-history-px-taken/1204655813 The mica green one reads well however I see its price has pretty much halved between October (on car and classic) and Dec and wondering why The silver one has been diy maintained, with no invoice/stamp for a cambelt change although I'm told a receipt for materials does exist.

Hello all First time poster, and considering a ls400 in the not too distant future. Thanks to this excellent site, I see there are a number of reasons to go ahead and buy one, however wondering if any reasons exist for me not to? It will be a part time car, driven largely on trips circa 150 miles each way. One thing that really puts me off some brands is parts availability and looking to understand what the current situation is with the ls400? Also, Is there an aftermarket presence or are all parts mainly Main Dealer only? many thanks in advance Shirish