intakerGS

Have a look at this article: brake noise If it's not a mechanical issue, you could consider a softer compound pad.

perception

Is this 'laughing mechanic' the same one that replaced your timing belt and waterpump? Did he wear a clownsnose and big shoes? Anyway, there might be a (camshaft?) (sensor) timing problem, which can explain the misfiring of multiple cylinders. Perhaps there's some electrical problem (coilpack/plugwiring?). At this point, it could be a lot of things, perhaps a single problem causing multiple incidents. It wouldn't hurt to specify some ECU faultcode readings, which can lead to a more specific advice. My best advice would be to evade the mom and pops shop and get some serious advice and/or inspection from a proven, trusted and lexus experienced shop or dealer.

In 99% you don't need to allign afterwards. However, it depends somewhat on the state of your tie rods for ex. Just take the car for a spin and if you notice some tugging or other allignment issues, it wouldn't hurt to do it. (Uneven) wear on your tires would be a great clue too.

Devotion

Popeseye

Well, all seems good, congrats! ;) I'm always a bit paranoid, so I would flush the ATF and other fluids too. Re. the oil, any good brand synth will do. My manual states 5W-30, but I'm sure 5-50 won't hurt. It all depends on climate and viscosity. You can subscribe at lexus for free and download maintenance and service schedules. Cheers.

Burning Man

VIS, Seibon are well known brands. Basicly, there are some questions you may want to investigate first. Inform about dry vs wet carbon (different price, quality and manufacturing process), standard fit, fade/yellowing in time, chipping, manufacturing flaws (dents), does it need an extra clearcoat, etc? If possible, you should visit some car shows in your area and ask about fit, experience, unforseen work involved, need for hoodpins, etc. Personally, I'm leaning more to Seibon, as I've seen good consistancy in overall quality, fit and finish, but I'm sure this applies to other brands as well. Keep in mind that the good stuff never comes cheap and it's equally important you get a good warranty & return policy from the shop you purchase.

Believers

Anno Domini

If you plan to keep the car for a bit, just invest in a masterkey. Somehow I picture this: "Honey, can I put the grosseries in the back?".."Sure, hold on, I almost finished removing the backseat!"

It's hard to say if the universal sensor is to blame, although I would advice to use OEM/Factory sensors only (Lexus is known for some very specific readings). Sensors going bad in three months isn't very common. State of the catalytic converter depends on driving behaviour, for example, many short trips, additives in fuel, leaks etc. Even so, not my first suspect. You might have an exhaustleak and I suggest you inspect this first. Next step is to measure voltage at the oxygen sensor on Bank 2 and check the wiringharness.

Bonnet

This might help: copy/paste: ".. for anyone else with this problem, the tire pressure warning system reset switch is located under the dash to the right of the steering wheel. It sits on a panel with three switches: a knob to control the volume of the beeps when you lock or unlock the doors, the smart key system cancel switch, and the aforementioned t.p.w.s. reset switch. See either page viii or page x of your Owner's Manual".

Check your brakefluid reservoir (and fill-up between low/high markings). If a bit low, the level sensor triggers a warning, especially when braking/revving (fluid fluctuates).

Stapes

lyricist

You can try to measure the resistance of the heating element. If it reads 8 ohms across the black wires, the resistance is above spec and the car will still generate a p1135 code. An original or replacement A/F sensor should read between .8 and 1.4 ohms. A bad element gives you an open circuit (you can try the original one). There's also a possibility the wiring between the sensors and ecm is faulty. I'm not sure if it applies for the ES300, but sometimes there's a common harness for ground. I've seen lot's of problems with Bosh A/F sensors versus Lexus/Toyota's, so best would be Denso/original.

That does remind of this incident: It doesn’t take much to get thrown off an airplane these days, as Kyla Ebbert found out when a Southwest Airlines employee told her she was too bare for the air. Two months later, she’s still trying to figure out what was wrong with her outfit. It was a lot more clothing than the 23-year-old college student wears on her job as a Hooters waitress. She was wearing this:

All can be true, don't forget insurance. First you need to check it's service & maintenance history; oil, belts replaced, transmission fluid, etc. Call the dealer to find out any additional info. - Was the car involved in a (serious) accident? - Are there any OBD faultcodes to read? Is there a Check Engine Light? - How many miles did the car run? - A L430 is kind of a powerhouse, so how was the car treated by the previous owner(s)? - How does the car testdrive: steer, brake, accelerate, auto-shift, sound, suspension? - Are all electrical devices and powerlocks/windows operational? - Are all masterkeys available? - Are there any visuals signs of leakage inside the cabin (under the front carpet, trunk) or perhaps under the car? - Does the car blow smoke, perhaps perform a compression test? - Emissions test passed? Things to look out for: transmission, AC/compressor, brakes (rotors/calipers), ball joints, etc. My best advice is to let this car thoroughly inspect by a trusted lexus dealer, before you buy.

Actually, they really build them.. exhausts