I noticed that they covered such a long spread of time (relative) that they go from silly cheap to megabucks and from starship mileage to once arround the block on Sundays. I know that Toyota/Lexus are knwon for long term reliability but when something goes it costs to get original kit.So what do you reckon, I might be doing an imperial fuckload more miles than I have been used to (only an extra 50 miles a day but that is more than double what I used to) to too and from one location. Some of that may be spent stationary for hours (motorway jams). As I tend to get back ache in anything I want something a little more comfy for when it is needed.I could get a jag, but they are a little too oldman and old ones aren't so bombproof and new ones are little too ford.I could get a Merc but old ones are rusty, and new ones break down and hold there price.An Alfa 166 V6 would do, and it would have fully depreciated and they aren't the gamble they once were. but not RWD.I don't want a Beamer I hate the preconceptions of the image, and I only like the M-series and the old 6 and 8 series cars. they also have the "tax" of the badge too.Other choice might be a volvo 7**/9** for peanuts and either a 6 cylinder or 4 cylinder turbo.Or a Range Rover/Discovery, parts cost pennies and clearance to work on everything is amazing. They might breakdown regularly but at least you can do a lot yourself (althought the old ones rust).I know some of the more hardcore of the drivers here do 40 miles each way in their sleep before breakfast, and I could too if I don't get delays and my back doesn't play up so i just want to protect against that.Would love an Audi A8 Quattro but I'm still something of a realist.So an LS400 for me I think. What does the panel reckon?I am aware that anything vagually cheap will need a shit load of service/belts/parts for it, no matter how tidy it looks, and I should be prepared to spend whether it is cheap car and parts or expensive car and peace of mind.

New job? Either way, keep the Octavia, it's a perfect commuter hack. You don't really wanna pile huge piles on summet you care too much about.

Lexus LS400? Luxury everyday or money pit waiting to happen?

Nov 30, 2006 287 Replies

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Elder 19 years ago

Likewise. Estelle, well known as a rally weapon without a =A33billion per car=20 budget. Favorit, the FWD evolution of the engine and ethos although I didn't=20 find it as entertaining. Saab 1. rare B plate 16v flatnose. Only the press test A plates were=20 older and mine was an 84 rather than 85 B GT4. because it wasn't a Scooby/Evo Because I like my motorsport=20 connected cars and hadn't tried 4wd. Saab Convertable. A good job at looking cool even though it was a=20 slightly rough example. Still never paid over the odds for it, but I did=20 sell at the wrong time as I just wanted "shut" of it.

The Octie is the boring car. I can't believe that a modern car can be so=20 skittish yet woolley and soggy yet harsh while still proving to have=20 "good" shocks in a bounce test.

--=20 Carl Robson Audio stream:

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Playing at home:Robert Johnson-Honeymoon Blues

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Elder 19 years ago

Don't you dare, at best it is an Opel with a Jap engine, at worst it is a European Cadillac.

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SteveH 19 years ago

Ooooh, touchy tonight ;-)

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Alistair J Murray 19 years ago

[...]

#include sporad_rec.h

Any V8 luxo-barge is capable of generating hyadge billing events, but only if you're careless and/or unlucky.

The thing to remember is that the reason they're cheap is that supply vastly exceeds demand, so shop around for a good 'un with clean fluids and no clunks.

I think W126s are best regarded as pet cars these days - they deserve new paint and shiny wheels - but there are plenty usable LS 400s, or better A8s and better yet E38 7[28,40]is out there.

All offer huge luxury, the E38 is nimble and 728is are not even too juicy - no V8 rumble though...

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Iridium 19 years ago

And where the devil have you been Al?

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Elder 19 years ago

;)

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DervMan 19 years ago

Yes, the 728i is surprisingly affordable with fuel. The owner I know reckons it isn't the fuel that kills, it's the combination of insurance and the odd little thing that needs to be fixed.

I remember reading that the 728i feels a little underpowered. I guess from the perspective of most similar luxury cars, it might, but stepping from an ordinary car it feels absolutely fine.

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DervMan 19 years ago

So you say, but you didn't drive this Cinq with that particular set up, you drove *your* Cinq with your own set up. The two were very much different.

Get over it. Accept a difference.

We disagree again.

But, meh, you called the Cinquecento Sporting "an over-steering beast," which is funny.

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