Chaz's Lexus LS400

[TobyLerone]

So, I've decided to post about my 20 year old Japanese barge.

A few things - this is probably going to be quite dull. These things are famed for being robust.

The thread won't be anywhere near as sexy as the LFA type hyper/supercar threads.

Just a real life run through about my expenses, and how much a 20 year old, V8 super-saloon costs to run and maintain.

[TobyLerone]

Running costs breakdown: since 01 Dec 17

Purchase: £1450 @ 141501 miles

RFL: £245 for 12 months.

Insurance: Dunno yet. I got a refund of £50 when I transferred it. I'll update when I have to renew in March.

Lexus main dealer oil, fuel, air and pollen filter: £116

5 x Uniroyal Rainsport 3 tyres: £515

Fuel: 900 miles @ 24mpg @ £1.25/L = £213

Total: £2539

Edited by TobyLerone on Thursday 21st December 13:15

[TobyLerone]

I need to replace the cam belt, headlight bulbs (they are woeful!), change the diff oil, and refresh the suspension. Gah! After that, however, it should be pretty damn well sorted.

[Bright Halo]

How do you rate the Rainsport 3’s?
I would imagine they are pretty spot on for the LS400.

[TobyLerone]

The cabin filter was disgusting....



Happily, neither the fuel or air filters were as bad!





The engine oil I drained out was very clean - hopefully it's a sign that it's been well looked after!



And with the recent snow and cold weather, I got twitchy and flushed the coolant. A bit of a pain in the arse - filling, running until warmed, then draining... About 5 cycles later, the stuff that was coming out was lovely and clean.

[Super Slo Mo]

Interesting thread, to me at least, as I’ve been keeping records of my car expenses since 1996!

Anyway, shouldn’t you add RFL and Insurance to your running costs?

[TobyLerone]

Bright Halo said:

How do you rate the Rainsport 3’s?
I would imagine they are pretty spot on for the LS400.

I don't know yet. They are being fitted as I type this.

There were Landsail, Roadstone, Triangle and a Kumho tyre fitted. Every tyre was different... And the spare? A 20 year old Dunlop. 5 different brands! I'd only heard of Kumho and Dunlop before haha.

[TobyLerone]

Super Slo Mo said:

Interesting thread, to me at least, as I’ve been keeping records of my car expenses since 1996!

Anyway, shouldn’t you add RFL and Insurance to your running costs?

Good question, well presented.

I've added them to my tally, you bd! Haha. I'm making my man-maths as wallet friendly as possible. I don't need expenses I'd forgotten about pointing out! Ha!!

Edited by TobyLerone on Thursday 21st December 13:21

[shalmaneser]

That oil is ridiculously clean! Must have just had a change, surely?!

[Super Slo Mo]

TobyLerone said:

Super Slo Mo said:

Interesting thread, to me at least, as I’ve been keeping records of my car expenses since 1996!

Anyway, shouldn’t you add RFL and Insurance to your running costs?

Good question, well presented.

I've added them to my tally, you bd! Haha. I'm making my man-maths as wallet friendly as possible. I don't need expenses I'd forgotten about pointing out! Ha!!

Edited by TobyLerone on Thursday 21st December 13:21

Cheaper than my diesel Merc to tax. Probably cheaper to insure too, both of those are still a big factor in my cost per mile, but are being dliuted as the miles are piling on (4,500 in 2 and a half months).

[TobyLerone]

Another day in the workshop.



Nothing interesting, just a quick oil change. I've got 5L to flush it, then 5 to put in as 'best', since I've got a few long journeys coming up soon.

About 1500 miles since it's last blood transfusion, and all seems well. The oil is spotless! But it's still quite a new-to-me car, and it's the cheapest insurance I know of. Quick oil change, and my engine is less likely to go bang any time soon.





Some say I'm obsessive. It's probably true... but no doubt I'm an enthusiast. Whoever buys my cars get really good deals!