just rolling

Thanks for your views. I think I will wait for the prices to come down a bit more. I will arrange some test drives next week for comparison. The later 430 I think has got the nod purely on the basis that it has the latest features: bluetooth, reverse camera, more airbags and looks better etc. I am driving around an old Toyota corolla in the meantime, which is far from satisfying, reliable though!

I recently sold my LS400 Mk 3 (on Ebay) and looking to upgrade. I had a look at a LS430 6 spd in Croydon today £24k 53 plate with 45k miles. Alutian Grey with Beige lthr, awaiting preparation. Lexus were going to replace the alloys (with new ones!) repair all the scuff marks etc. The salesman said that the facelift 430 was more of a drivers car and that the early 430's were rather too floaty to drive that was the main reason the model was changed so quickly. I know he was trying to sell the car to me, but I said I would give it some thought. He phoned me within 30 mins to say the car had been sold. My question is this, are the later spec 430's in demand and holding a reasonable price, despite the introduction of the new model? Plus has anyone seen a later spec 430 for under £20K?

I managed 31-33mpg with cruise control set at 73mph and the odd bursts of speed for overtaking etc. So 36mpg@60 sounds possible. On the subject of fuel consumption, are the figures from lexus correct? I have a series 3 and Lexus says it does 21mpg around town, which I think mine is not too far off. The series 4 and LS430 manage 16mpg around town, which is a big drop. I was considering upgrading, may just buy a cleaner series 3 instead!

I know it's been said not to worry about mpg and according to the Lexus website the Mk1V and the LS430 average about the same 16mpg around town. I'm sticking with my Mk3 for the time being 20mpg around town, admittedly at a squeeze. When I see a LS430 for £10k I might consider one. 6months from now?

Those wheels are optional extras on the Mk4, linked to the DHP package, 17 inch 245/50/17 tyres. Got a quote from Lexus, £252 each! I was considering buying them but that required new tyres (I thought they were 16 inches). Decided to buy 2 rear D8Z's instead £104 each.

Thanks, Since my post the creaking noise has stopped. It passed it's MOT 2 months ago and was serviced by (Jemca Bromley) last month. I mentioned that it could have been the weather that day. I believe was one of the hottest day for many years, so your comments about dry joints tie in with my thoughts. The only thing is, do I just live with it in extreme weather conditions?

I am a recent proud owner of a 96 MK111. It has done 90K and a very nice ride indeed. It has been serviced by Lexus dealers from new(with their dealer inconsistentcies, but that is another story). Well anyway, today I noticed a creaking noise from the front suspension, driving over bumps.However, after parking the car for say 20 mins and start driving again it disappeared, but reappeared after a about another 20 mins. It seems to creak once the car is warmed up. I hope to put it down to the very hot weather today, but will check the position tomorrow. Any ideas?