Mike246

Wills, Was that at Lexus Hatfield?

Sounds to me like a low voltage at the battery - I have had the same noise when my (old) battery discharged. I don't think the GS tends to have starter problems. Suggesy you check the battery voltage before you do anything else. 10 volts or under means that is where your problem is. Disconnection of the battery will cause the stereo to lock out - if you have the code set. If you don't know the code, it's a dealer job to reset.

Zee is right. I had the same problem with my missus and the GS. Got rid of the missus and the issue has never come back. On reflection, it would have been cheaper to have swopped the car in ...........

I've got Julian Clary on my TomTom

Yeah. Something about constructing a bridge over a river ............

Bretster, Just renewed mine at £434 (incl NCD Protection and Legal protection). Full business use included. Privilege Insurance. Sister company to Direct Line and been with them for years on all the cars. Good thing is that in the event of a claim, the Direct Line machine kicks in and everything happens with minimal hassle.

I've tried the patches but I can't get them to stay alight

Tony, From what you say and my experience, it is a front wheel bearing. It make the noise even though there is no detectable play. Trust me - I've had it and had to pay - warranty expired. To prove this, you will need to whack the steering wheel from side to side at 20 - 30 mph. You will here the pitch change. Wheel bearing and oil cover about £120 plus 1 hour per side. This is slightly less than for a 737-400. They will need to remove the hub so insist on a reallignment afterwards - that's another hour.

itjoe, I live/work in Elstree. PM me if you want to come over and try mine.

My central locking is up the creek as well. The fault is different to yours and requires a new computer module. If your case, I think there is a loose wire from the loom to the electronics in the door. There is a lot more in the door than you would think!

Colin's right. Buy the TomTom Go or as I have, an iPAQ and TomTom Bluetooth unit. Either are really great.

Done over 350k with seven Hondas. Nothing ever broke.

Stating the obvious, after having mine for five years - The GS is a totally different drive. Softer suspension than the IS and loads of interior space. Fuel consumption is wicked around town and 30 if you are careful on the motorway. It's not a sports car but at 8.6 to 60 it does not hang about and the brakes and handling more than match up. Very smooth and quiet but not quite as much as an LS. Mine's the SE model with sun roof, leather and satnav. The leather which they use is absolute top notch, far better than Jag or Mercedes but the non-SE model has Alcantara - an Italian man-made suede which is really nice. Sound system, heating and aircon are all first-rate. Engine and gearbox problems would be very unusual. Satnav models will always command a higher price but I use a portable TomTom in other cars and despite what everybody says, is every bit as good as the early Lexus CD-based system. Don't kid yourself that GS's never go wrong. Ball joints, front bearings, central locking all fail and reckon on a set of front disks for every two sets of pads. Bearings are serious money when you include fitting and realignment after the hubs are refitted. But then if you want total reliability, you would be looking for a Honda. Never buy a GS without all the stamps in the book. They are at bargain prices outside the Lexus network but if you are looking to buy from a dealer, negotiate the longest warranty you can.

:P

I think it means that it is blown up out of all proportion

£2,300 for the little box in the boot. Gulp! It's times like this I am reminded that I have no warranty on my GS ..........

Was it his brother who met with a nasty accident? I gather he bought a christmas pudding from Tescos and the instructions said 'remove lid and stand in boiling water for 20 minutes'.

antione, Rodders is probably right, however what the GS is heavily computerised to provide a smooth and responsive power curve. If it doesn't there may be something wrong, probably minor. I have a suspicion. What fuel are you using?

I'd really like one of those screwdrivers.

The choice of voices sounds good. Do they do a Julian Clary?

Recommend Privilege Insurance. Have been with them for years on all the family's cars. Sister company to Direct Line, part of RBS so no hassle when it comes to claims. Check out their web site - extra 10% off for on-line sign-up.

One essential for the iPAQ and TomTom unit is an in-car power lead as each will only last about 3 hours or so. The HP one is expensive at £24 or so but comes with an iPAQ adaptor to charge both, although not at the same time. TomTom do have cradle kits but didn't fancy a rubber sucker mount.

Probably more convenient, but can you add a speed camera overlay on the GO?

I'm just the chap to help you. I have Lexus CD-based satnav in my GS. It's very good but downsides are 1) update disks are £150 and 2) You can't do much with it unless you are stationary which may be sensible except it prevents the passenger from doing so. As I drive other cars, I bought a PDA (HP iPAQ) and TomTom Navigator. Result -brilliant. The two units converse using Bluetooth. The navigation is as good as the Lexus system and the 3D display ever better, it can be operated on the move and most importantly it is portable between family drivers and vehicles. I've also put a speed camera database on which is a great benefit. The Lexus system originally added £2400 to the price of the car and comparable OEM systems are now down to £1200 - £1800. TomTom also do a self-contained version which would cost a bit less. The TomTom system added £175 to the cost of the iPAQ which was £300. I rest my case.

Thanks Steve. In the interests of mutual appreciation, the new livery looks mega. If Jasper wants to send me a pm, I will of course give him a very special deal.