smaislin

Mine are going to be refinished. Replacing doesn't guarantee that this won't happen again. They assure me that they would be done right. So do you think they shouldn't be refinished but replaced? The one's that have been repainted did they look good? They looked fine for a couple of years and now they look bubbled. So, good luck. I don't think replacements would be any better. My guess is the only thing that would work is a rim that does not have a painted or chrome finish. I am no expert and I don't feel like investing in new rims, so they will stay the way they are and that is that. The Lexus is a 2004 and other than the rims, it is perfect. After 5 years, I am not so picky. More important things to worry about...

Mine were repainted by the dealer when the vehicle was under warranty. Two years later, they are back to being bubbled. So, they will remain that way and eventually, I will buy new wheels. Such is life. MA winters are rough on wheels and I am not one to keep them cleaned and waxed. :-)

Yes, the piece at the bottom that covers the nut that connects the arm to the motor comes off and on without a problem. The full wiper or refills are available from Lexus. I have not found any source for the full wiper or for refills from any other source other than Lexus. I ordered refills from Sewell on-line for about $3.20 / each.

To drive the car normally the transfer case is in H and the transmission is in D. Neutral is alway neutral, which mean it is not in gear.

Dynamic Stability Control, it is normal.

I use 87. When I use 91 or 93 there is little if any difference in performance and no improvement in gas mileage. Save you money.

Not considering the service experience, VW Toureg, V-10 Diesel.

I have had a GX470 for 4.5 years and have had service that is beyond perfect from Lexus of Northboro here in Massachusetts. It is unfortunate that you are having difficulties.

In your transfer case: high is for normal driving. You use it just about all of the time. Low is not used very often and for some, maybe never. Low is for difficult situations where traction is exceptionally difficult such as off-road in sand, seriously difficult mud, or in loads of snow. Low provides you with more control over your wheel (tire) speed. Also, you would use low if you are on a steep decent that is iced or very slippery and you wish to use downhill hill decent control. The downhill assist function only works in low gear. The nice thing about downhill assist is that you can keep your car in its normal drive gear "D" and the downhill assist will keep the car at a safe speed without you needing to use the brakes or accelerator. All you do is steer. In nasty situations it is amazing (I use it to head down my 15% 800 foot driveway when we have icing conditions). Neutral is just like in your transmission, the gears are NOT engaged and you will not go anywhere. Neutral is just the spot between high and low so the gears can disengage before they engage in the new gear. Your transmission has the same. I suggest reading the manual that came with the car. You should also try out everything so you have first hand experience on what all of the features do. There are many driveline features and all kinds of combinations. By the way, you can only switch the transfer case from high to low or back when the transmission is in Park or Neutral. I find it hard to believe an auto dealer would think you put the transfer case in neutral to drive the car. That's very sad! Enjoy.

A year ago it failed and ended up bottomed out. This time it failed and ended up at its highest point. With 5000 miles left of warranty on the 2004, I hope this is the last time this rear suspension acts up. It's a wonderful feature and I hope this sensor situation ends up just being some really bad luck. The dealer fixed it as they did before and all is well now. Service is always perfect.

Seat belt buzzers been in cars since 35 years ago. I don't have a problem with anyone deciding to NOT take advantage of any safety improvements. What I do have a problem with is that we all end up paying for the supidity of these reckless and selfish decisions. When insurance companies have to pay the huge hospital bills for those who scramble their brains (and live) or end up numb from the neck down because they are thrown from the safety of a vehicle, we all end up paying higher rates. It is society that bails out the irresponsible few. Don't you find it unfortunate that people don't care enough about their loved ones to take reasonable, sensible, and very simple safety precautions when getting behind the wheel of a two ton machine. Taking precautions (safety belts, hands-free cell phones, tire pressure checks, clean windshields) most likely translate into a high probability that we don't become a life-long burden on their families in the unfortunate event of even a marginal automobile accident. We tax smokers and we limit life insurance coverage to those who practice highly dangerous sports, but we don't seem to reduce payouts to those who refuse to use seatbelts or keep their automobiles in reasonable working order. So, at least when you get in the car let's make sure everyone buckles up. At least we won't end up with human missiles in the event of a collision. Nobody really likes missiles.

Yes, there is a way to stop that annoying light. You reach left and pull the belt across your chest and insert it into the well placed latch. People wonder why insurance is expensive. Unfortunately, we have to pay for those not killed, but crippled for life ($$$) when lauched from vehicles in collisions. CLICK IT and you stay put in the nice safety cage for which Lexus has spent millions to design and build. Give us a break.

Put a level on the running board and you will find that it is riding level.

If your vehicle has been running and you stop for a bit, the temperature might be much higher resulting from engine heat. Once you drive off, it will slowly drop to the actual temperature. It is the same as when you park it in the garage, the ambient temperature around the vehicle goes up quite a bit.

I use the thule with the fairing. I have the square bars. I think they are 50 inch bars. I use ski racks and canoe holders. I have no problems and no noise. I even go through the automatic car wash with it. They say not to do it, but I have no problems.