Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: bigegg on 30 May 2013, 21:07:16

Title: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 30 May 2013, 21:07:16
Been trawling round the local car dealers today and mrs Egg has fallen in love with a 2001 plate Lexus LS400

4.0! V8, creme leather interior. HUGE boot.
Double glazed rear windows, seperate AC system in back. Seperate sound system for rear seats!
Fridge built into rear arm rests.

I've got to admit it's F88king *gorgeous*.

It's got MOT til Xmas, a month's tax, full service history (120K miles), and everything I've read says they are indestructable.

I'm guessing fuel usage will be hugeish (but probably less than a 3.0 shogun!), and parts seem expensive - but it's only 2k


what should I do???
The alternative is hoping and waiting for a v6 MV6/elite auto estate.
I've just had to walk away from a 2.6 2001 CDX estate with leather interior + 3 months MOT for 600 quid, because it was manual  :'(

Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: CG2 on 30 May 2013, 21:09:39
Why do you need anything bigger than a 2.0ltr? Going by previous posts.  :)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: tunnie on 30 May 2013, 21:10:55
Think you are one of few if you find that age LS400 gorgeous!

Heavily loaded with kit though, silky smooth V8 as well, lacking a bit of soul though.  :-\

If its right price, go for it  :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: albitz on 30 May 2013, 21:12:34
A superb car.In a different league to any Omega.If mpg isn't a big worry,go for it. :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 30 May 2013, 21:14:08
Why do you need anything bigger than a 2.0ltr? Going by previous posts.  :)
lol.

Just because I can empathise with someone driving a small engined car, doesn't mean I want to.
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 30 May 2013, 21:17:00
Think you are one of few if you find that age LS400 gorgeous!


Inside is gorgeous.
Don't care about outside. Can't see it from where I'm sat!  ;D
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: albitz on 30 May 2013, 21:18:21
I liked the outside of the earlier ones,but when they changed the headlights etc. (was that the LS430 ?) it got really ugly.
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: tunnie on 30 May 2013, 21:19:28
Think you are one of few if you find that age LS400 gorgeous!


Inside is gorgeous.
Don't care about outside. Can't see it from where I'm sat!  ;D

Valid point  ;D
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Iain on 30 May 2013, 21:29:18
Mate, if it floats your boat then why the hell not  :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 30 May 2013, 21:33:00
Can I stay on the forum tho, if I don't own a mig?

In my defence -
I'm not Scouse.
I don't own a zafira.
I don't live in Wakefield

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 30 May 2013, 21:36:52
(http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/front_website/octane_interact/modelpicture.php?id=9949)
(http://ls400.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/img_2555.jpg)
is it just me who can see the similarity?
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Iain on 30 May 2013, 21:42:44
Yeah
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Iain on 30 May 2013, 21:43:46
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: omegod on 30 May 2013, 21:44:32
I have wanted one in the past and kept an eye out for the newer type on LPG for a while without any luck, they are rather huge though!!

I believe the rear suspension can be costly though!
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Webby the Bear on 30 May 2013, 21:49:56
Got to say.....and don't hate me..... they're hideous!!! lol but as said whatever floats your boat  :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: dbug on 30 May 2013, 22:09:15
Test drive it mate - it should be almost silent running, instant power with silky smooth gear changes - any clonks or nasty noises, or issues with engine/box, walk away ;)

One of the best "put together " cars you can buy.

However, unless you have loads of money "why buy a roller to go shopping" ::)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 30 May 2013, 22:17:10
Been in a 2001 LS430 recently (as a passenger) and its jam packed with gadgets makes the Elite look like a GLS and their comfy, Silent engine very smooth, Bit on the big side and not exactly good looking but not bad either. Depends what you want from a car really..

Had this strange method of opening the doors, Car locked walk up to the door (any door they all have it) put your finger over it door opens even has keyless start which for a 2001 is pretty good  :o :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Del Boy on 30 May 2013, 23:17:07
Technically a good car, however they're just so dull. If you like it though, why not?
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: omega3000 on 30 May 2013, 23:29:48
Almost bought one of these before the omega , was outbid on a car that needed work body wise but the toys in it  :o and armchair seats were great . Seen one in the scrap yard a few months back , virtually a complete car inc V8 engine  :'(
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: ffcgary1 on 31 May 2013, 16:26:16
I had a series 2 93 plate ls400 and it was superb, drove like a dream and awsome power and silky smooth autobox, it was very good on fuel to be fair and about the same as my old mans 3.2 elite.
Boot is huge and will take a 100 ltr lpg tank easy, and will still be huge.
If you need spares buy the parts from the usa as they are cheaper and more readily availible than here, suspension parts here can only be bought compleat ie lower arms but in the states you an buy the bushes (poly) individuly.
They are super comfy even now considering they are getting on a bit , but superb all the same, wish i still had mine. :'( :(
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Mr.Blobby on 31 May 2013, 18:11:48
Only live once , buy it  :)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 31 May 2013, 18:37:50
fcksake.

Went back today - sold!

 :'( :'(

Never mind, 27 more on the bay
 :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: albitz on 31 May 2013, 18:50:47
Buy one with LPG fitted. ;)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 31 May 2013, 18:56:18
thinking that.  :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 31 May 2013, 20:33:22
Buy one with LPG fitted. ;)

.......and 12 months M.O.T. :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 31 May 2013, 21:26:21
I've always quite liked the look of them. A bit like a Merc C class from the same era on steroids!  :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Mr.Blobby on 31 May 2013, 21:39:19
Buy one with LPG fitted. ;)

.......and 12 months M.O.T. :y

And 12 months tax + full tank of fuel  :D

This is a seriously underrated car 
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 01 June 2013, 11:08:37

However, unless you have loads of money "why buy a roller to go shopping" ::)

reading the owner's club website, real world mpg around 20mpg for town driving, 28 on the m/way.

That's not much different to the mig - I only do about 100 miles a week - two 30 mile trips on the m/way, and the rest on runs to the gym and a shopping run - and I don't (usually) drive like a idiot

I put £25 a week in the transit, expecting to put £35 in this - at most.
And the insurance is £300 less a year than the mig! (500 less than a renault laguna 1.9  :o )

Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: omegod on 01 June 2013, 11:25:30
You could possibly get an earlier one onto a classic policy
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 01 June 2013, 20:03:03
Just discussing this with mrs egg.
Who are the "usual suspects" for classic insurance?
Adrian Flux?
Carole Nash?
Farmer's Union?

Is it possible to get an online quote anywhere?
I know it's usually better to phone, but interested in a rough estimate
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: adey2 on 01 June 2013, 20:19:40
if you do go for a lpg one make sure it got flashlube kit, saw a write up that toyota/lexus cars have lot of valve wear on lpg
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: dbug on 01 June 2013, 22:49:28
You could possibly get an earlier one onto a classic policy

Unlikely as the LS400 came out late 1989.

Quote -
"In the UK there is no fixed definition of a classic car. Two taxation issues do impact however, leading to some people using them as cutoff dates. All cars built before January 1, 1973, are exempted from paying the annual road tax vehicle excise duty. This is then entered on the license disc displayed on the windscreen as "historic vehicle" (if a car built before this date has been first registered in 1973 or later, then its build date would have to be verified by a recognized body such as British Motor Heritage Foundation to claim tax-free status). HM Revenue and Customs define a classic car for company taxation purposes as being over 15 years old and having a value in excess of £15,000."

An early LS400 would meet neither criteria.  Also recognise that classic car policies usually cap annual mileage.
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: symes on 01 June 2013, 22:58:34
You could possibly get an earlier one onto a classic policy

Unlikely as the LS400 came out late 1989.

Quote -
"In the UK there is no fixed definition of a classic car. Two taxation issues do impact however, leading to some people using them as cutoff dates. All cars built before January 1, 1973, are exempted from paying the annual road tax vehicle excise duty. This is then entered on the license disc displayed on the windscreen as "historic vehicle" (if a car built before this date has been first registered in 1973 or later, then its build date would have to be verified by a recognized body such as British Motor Heritage Foundation to claim tax-free status). HM Revenue and Customs define a classic car for company taxation purposes as being over 15 years old and having a value in excess of £15,000."

An early LS400 would meet neither criteria.  Also recognise that classic car policies usually cap annual mileage.
no mate your partly wrong-Car*** Na** classic car/bike insurance company-told me they could put 1994 miggy on policy but as you said max 5k per year
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 02 June 2013, 00:36:03
after reading around a few lexus fora and about classic insurance in general, it seems that "classic" could mean over 15 y/o or over 20 y/o.

In this, as with most things, it seems that the insurance companies make their own rules  ::)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: symes on 02 June 2013, 11:00:55
after reading around a few lexus fora and about classic insurance in general, it seems that "classic" could mean over 15 y/o or over 20 y/o.

In this, as with most things, it seems that the insurance companies make their own rules  ::)

yes mate and reckon they make rules as they go along too ::)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 02 June 2013, 13:30:09
if you do go for a lpg one make sure it got flashlube kit, saw a write up that toyota/lexus cars have lot of valve wear on lpg

asked about this - the 4.0 V8 doesn't need the flashlube.
£1450 for LPG fitting.
Paid for in about 9000 miles/12 months
 :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 02 June 2013, 13:33:32
Can I stay on the forum tho, if I don't own a mig?

In my defence -
I'm not Scouse.
I don't own a zafira.
I don't live in Wakefield

 ;D ;D ;D

aw gawd...
Going to go look at a Zafira *in wakefield* this afternoon (just for short term use)

Next thing you know, I'll be stealing hubcaps  ;D
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: omega3000 on 02 June 2013, 13:39:42
Can I stay on the forum tho, if I don't own a mig?

In my defence -
I'm not Scouse.
I don't own a zafira.
I don't live in Wakefield

 ;D ;D ;D

aw gawd...
Going to go look at a Zafira *in wakefield* this afternoon (just for short term use)

Next thing you know, I'll be stealing hubcaps  ;D

 :-X ::)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 02 June 2013, 13:45:19
Can I stay on the forum tho, if I don't own a mig?

In my defence -
I'm not Scouse.
I don't own a zafira.
I don't live in Wakefield

 ;D ;D ;D

aw gawd...
Going to go look at a Zafira *in wakefield* this afternoon (just for short term use)

Next thing you know, I'll be stealing hubcaps  ;D

 :-X ::)

need an auto people carrier/small minibus.
like vauxhalls in general, and trust the auto boxes.
Mrs Egg refuses to drive a transit minibus.

so it's either a zafira or a (nother) scenic...  ::)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 03 June 2013, 02:32:03
This is a nice Lexus  :y
 
LINK (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201305106697969?atmobcid=soc3)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 03 June 2013, 02:59:05
Mrs Egg like the sportcross:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/Lexus_IS300_SportCross.JPG)

3.0 straight 6, boot about half the size of the mig estate, slightly more powerful than the 3.0 mig
not room for three adults in back seat.
list of "expected faults" is *very* short - ie, non-existent

How will I live without worrying about:
rust
headlamp adjuster failure
crankshaft sensor failure
powersounder conflagration
HBV failure
ABS ecu failure
rocker gasket failure
Wheel bearing failure
Wishbone bush failure
Changing cambelts+tensioners+waterpump every two years
 ::)

Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: SMD on 03 June 2013, 07:31:07

need an auto people carrier/small minibus.
like vauxhalls in general, and trust the auto boxes.
Mrs Egg refuses to drive a transit minibus.

so it's either a zafira or a (nother) scenic...  ::)

Are the Zafira autoboxes any good or is a manual better?
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 03 June 2013, 10:58:30
can't drive a manual.
I trust vauxhall autoboxes *in general* based on the ar25/ar35
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: omega3000 on 03 June 2013, 11:03:04
Mrs Egg like the sportcross:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/Lexus_IS300_SportCross.JPG)

3.0 straight 6, boot about half the size of the mig estate, slightly more powerful than the 3.0 mig
not room for three adults in back seat.
list of "expected faults" is *very* short - ie, non-existent

How will I live without worrying about:
rust
headlamp adjuster failure
crankshaft sensor failure
powersounder conflagration
HBV failure
ABS ecu failure
rocker gasket failure
Wheel bearing failure
Wishbone bush failure
Changing cambelts+tensioners+waterpump every two years

 ::)

 ::) ::) ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D

I thought all vauxhalls had this list  ::) :( :-\ ::) ;)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 03 June 2013, 11:31:58
lol.
I'm sure I've missed one...

Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 03 June 2013, 14:50:20
can't drive a manual.
I trust vauxhall autoboxes *in general* based on the ar25/ar35

Vx FWD boxes are not GM.
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: 05omegav6 on 03 June 2013, 15:20:35
Mrs Gixer has one of those Sportcross thingies iirc, very pleased with it afaik :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 03 June 2013, 19:29:32
This is a nice Lexus  :y
 
LINK (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201305106697969?atmobcid=soc3)

Ten grand for a 7 year old car with 160,000 miles on the clock!!!  :o :o :o  Am I missing something here  :-\
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 03 June 2013, 19:44:38
This is a nice Lexus  :y
 
LINK (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201305106697969?atmobcid=soc3)

Ten grand for a 7 year old car with 160,000 miles on the clock!!!  :o :o :o  Am I missing something here  :-\
Thought these where around 60-80k new  :-\
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: albitz on 03 June 2013, 19:49:46
160,000 is nothing on one of those engines if its been well serviced.They can go to the moon and back. ;)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 03 June 2013, 21:55:42
160,000 is nothing on one of those engines if its been well serviced.They can go to the moon and back. ;)

Maybe so, but Ten grand??? Really??  ::)  :-\
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 03 June 2013, 21:59:44
160,000 is nothing on one of those engines if its been well serviced.They can go to the moon and back. ;)

Maybe so, but Ten grand??? Really??  ::)  :-\

Just been checking that model the LS460 would have cost in the region of £76,000 new.

(http://pictures2.autotrader.co.uk/imgser-uk/servlet/media?id=183912347)

£9,990 Isn't that bad, and as has been said they'll do rocket ship miles.  :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 03 June 2013, 22:07:42
Mrs Gixer has one of those Sportcross thingies iirc, very pleased with it afaik :y

Very. Although I have been blamed for braking a parking sensor after lifting a full wheels bin in the back to take to the dump. She not happy.  :(

I'm very pleased to get back in my omega after though. As much as I like it.  :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 04 June 2013, 00:39:15
160,000 is nothing on one of those engines if its been well serviced.They can go to the moon and back. ;)

Maybe so, but Ten grand??? Really??  ::)  :-\

Just been checking that model the LS460 would have cost in the region of £76,000 new.


£9,990 Isn't that bad, and as has been said they'll do rocket ship miles.  :y

I'm sure they're great cars, but essentially a posh Toyota.  ::)  I think I could do better with £76,000 in my pocket!  ;)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 June 2013, 01:20:27
VXR8 estate, a month all inclusive in Antigua and twenty grand off the mortgage spring to mind ::)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: albitz on 04 June 2013, 01:22:06
A Rolls is essentially just a posh VW these days but people still spend over £250,000 on them. ;)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: albitz on 04 June 2013, 01:25:02
VXR8 estate, a month all inclusive in Antigua and twenty grand off the mortgage   a Ducati Panigale spring to mind ::)

Fixed. :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 June 2013, 01:26:43
No accounting for taste Mr Albs :y

VXR8 estate, a month all inclusive in Antigua and twenty grand off the mortgage   a Ducati Panigale spring to mind ::)

Fixed. :y
Never been a motorbicyclist, but tis your mortgage :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: albitz on 04 June 2013, 01:27:55
No accounting for taste Mr Albs :y

VXR8 estate, a month all inclusive in Antigua and twenty grand off the mortgage   a Ducati Panigale spring to mind ::)

Fixed. :y
Never been a motorbicyclist, but tis your mortgage :y

Don't have one. ;)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 June 2013, 01:30:59
That'll do nicely then :y
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: albitz on 04 June 2013, 01:40:56
Actually,cancel Antigua and the Panigale. I will have this instead.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducati-DESMOSEDICI-RR-/190847400688?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2c6f643af0

Its only a half hour away.I think its fate.Its meant to be.  :)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 June 2013, 01:49:55
Kin how much :o
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: henryd on 04 June 2013, 09:11:14
Kin how much :o

I'd need more wheels than that for 32k :o :o :o
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: bigegg on 04 June 2013, 12:23:09
Mrs Gixer has one of those Sportcross thingies iirc, very pleased with it afaik :y

Very. Although I have been blamed for braking a parking sensor after lifting a full wheels bin in the back to take to the dump. She not happy.  :(

I'm very pleased to get back in my omega after though. As much as I like it.  :y

why?
What makes the mig better than the sportcross? size?

Serious question, btw - I'm planning to give up on migs to get the lexus (3.0 Sportcross now, for mrsEgg - LS400 in a couple of months for me)


Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 June 2013, 15:17:20
.. and judging by the Ducati that appears to have taken to driving down my road at 6 AM every morning, they exhibit the only fuel injected engine in history that won't idle cold without an irritating constant blipping of the throttle and can't overrun without popping and banging all the time. >:(
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 June 2013, 15:18:17
.. and judging by the Ducati that appears to have taken to driving down my road at 6 AM every morning, they exhibit the only fuel injected engine in history that won't idle cold without an irritating constant blipping of the throttle and can't overrun without popping and banging all the time. >:(

Oh, I take that back, actually. TVR never managed to fix the popping and banging either.
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 June 2013, 15:23:49
.. and judging by the Ducati that appears to have taken to driving down my road at 6 AM every morning, they exhibit the only fuel injected engine in history that won't idle cold without an irritating constant blipping of the throttle and can't overrun without popping and banging all the time. >:(

Oh, I take that back, actually. TVR never managed to fix the popping and banging either.
;D
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: omega3000 on 04 June 2013, 21:18:03
Actually,cancel Antigua and the Panigale. I will have this instead.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducati-DESMOSEDICI-RR-/190847400688?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2c6f643af0

Its only a half hour away.I think its fate.Its meant to be.  :)

Nice choice Albs  ;) Never owned a Ducati but that would be the one  ;D
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: dbug on 04 June 2013, 21:55:38
Actually,cancel Antigua and the Panigale. I will have this instead.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducati-DESMOSEDICI-RR-/190847400688?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2c6f643af0

Its only a half hour away.I think its fate.Its meant to be.  :)

Nice choice Albs  ;) Never owned a Ducati but that would be the one  ;D

Nor have I but have been to Antigua a couple of times - everyone should go there at least once in their lives  ;)
Title: Re: Considering a lexus ls400
Post by: omega3000 on 04 June 2013, 22:01:00
Actually,cancel Antigua and the Panigale. I will have this instead.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducati-DESMOSEDICI-RR-/190847400688?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2c6f643af0

Its only a half hour away.I think its fate.Its meant to be.  :)

Nice choice Albs  ;) Never owned a Ducati but that would be the one  ;D

Nor have I but have been to Antigua a couple of times - everyone should go there at least once in their lives ;)

A nice road trip on the Ducati , well maybe 20 yrs ago  ::) :(