New Gs300 Owner

[01GS300]

Hello Folks. I'm new to this forum as I just purchased a Silver 2001 GS300 in March of this year. I've been reading this forum since then and think it's great. I've gotten lots of good info, although some of it such as many of the "hidden" features are contained in the owners manual.

I've paid special attention to the forums and DIY's regarding the door actuator problem since the only defect in my 2001 was a defective power lock on the rear passenger side. I've since bought a replacement actuator online ($230) and replaced it myself. If anyone is reluctant to tackle this job all I can say is that it pretty easy and can be accomplished by even the most novice do-it-yourselfer. It took me about an hour or so only because I had a problem removing the old unit once it was disconnected. I found that it was hanging up on the "child lock" lever so I just snapped that off since I wouldn't be re-using the old unit. After that it came out easy and installing the new unit was a cinch. I would say if I had to do this again I could accomplish the complete job in about 30 mins. Of course this was a rear unit and the front unit, especially the drivers side, would be a little more complicated with the additional hardware and wiring. Just a note I did not have to remove the window and completed the replacement with the window completely up.

I really like my GS300 and I'm pleased and proud to be a Lexus owner. It's an excellent car and a great mixure of sport and luxury, with Toyota realiabilty to boot. I will say that the car is a little "floaty" on the road compared to the Nissan Maxima SE I'm coming off of, but I do like the soft ride on the highway. I was just wonder if a change to a wider low-profile tire would help the cornering, as it has the stock 225/55/16's on it now (Michelin Pilot A/S). I don't think I would like to go bigger than 17" but I'm not sure that the matching 245/45/17's will make much difference. Can anybody who's made that change comment on this?

Also I have just two small complaints, a ski pass through or split folding rear seat would be handy and why can't Lexus find a place for a sunglass holder!

[dcfish]

Welcome to the club and Congrats on the "New" GS

[sakataj]

welcome to the club! i think they didn't do the fold down seat as its not considered luxurious if the seat folds down! and they make a tray compartment for the new gs's and i have been told it fits on the old gs's! it removes the ashtray and u can store 2 pairs of glasses! as far as the floaty thing......I'm running Michelin energy mxv4's and mine is almost "float" free! i will be getting some stiffer suspension shortly!

"i will welcome myself back to the forum as I'm,woo hooooooooo, finally unsuspended! hahaha!"

brian

[01GS300]

Welcome to the club and Congrats on the "New" GS

Thanks DC, and my "new" 2001 GS is far superior to a lot of other actaul new cars I test drove.

sakataj....do you know where I can get one of these new tray compartments....is it strictly a dealer part?

[sakataj]

um sewell has them on their website but u can find them on ebay.....like i said they designed for the new ones but can be used on the older models!

"i will welcome myself back to the forum as im,woo hooooooooo, finally unsuspended! hahaha!"

brian