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Does your 1999 have a Valet switch in the glove box? Paul

For probably 70% of the past decades I have enjoyed the use of good used cars. However, in these retired years, and when the payout of those past years has allowed it, I really enjoy the opportunity to buy a brand new car, ordered just the way I want it. To me, it's just something I enjoy. Also in those past years I leased off and on because I covered a large area and expense reimbursement was not terribly generous. The write-off opportunities were better than owning. I mentioned "ordering" a new Lexus earlier. When I bought my 2013 ES350, I discovered that if I insisted on leather inside, the car would have to be ordered from Japan. (I assume this will change when the Kentucky plant goes on line.) A question for you guys and other readers, have all of the interior coverings been switched to Nu-Lux? I don't know if you can still get leather or not. Paul

Hi Exec. Are you saying the plunger/button does not come out and slide into the slot on the cover? If so it could be that the solenoid that pushes the plunger out to meet the hole in the gas cover is bad or there could be a short or other wiring problem. At best it may be just a replacement of that part. Other wise, someone who knows what their doing could test the circuit. Paul

You make some good points St. Besides quality never goes out of style. But within this predicted market change can lye some other important factors. Future interest rates will have a marked influence not just in car sales, but in all sectors as we experienced over the last several years. My guess is when the Fed. makes a move on the prime rate, it would likely be upwards. Another consideration is what will happen if the economy turns downward as some conservatives are predicting. When it comes to used car value, that has always been a hot spot for me. I keep my 2013 ES350 in "Like New" condition at all times. I wash it once a week and do all of the interior things at the same time. I have it detailed at least twice a year and I trade every 3 years. What trips my trigger is when you go to the dealer to negotiate your new Lexus, they look mine over and always say, "wow! that is a beautiful car. Everything is like new." But when you start talking price, the dealer comes in at under book for my trade. That's to be expected. However, after you've played "Tag, your it" they bump up the trade in value to book level. My point is that it seems to do little good to keep a car in spotless condition when it won't make a difference at sales time. Paul

"Top Gear magazine has come out with their review of the new "RC". Usually a tough audience, the folks at "Top Gear" have some very nice things to say about this new "RC". I have put the link below in such a manner that you will also see some new information on the new 2015 LS460. Check out the wheel radius. That might leave you scratching your head. Paul https://webmail1.mail.aol.com/38815-111/aol-6/en-us/Suite.aspx

Hi Kimberly and welcome to the Lexus Owners Club. I am not an expert on the 1996 Lexus Models, but I will give you a couple of suggestions on how to solve your problem. I'm guessing that the key your SC300 takes has a black plastic head and a data chip on the key shank as well. IF, this is the case, there are Locksmiths who have those key styles and are usually able to program the chip on the key shank to match your cars software that turns on the ignition, engages the starter, and gets you on your way! The program/software is different for each car. This is why the new key must be programed before your car will start. Hopefully, this keeps anyone else from stealing your SC. If you can't find a qualified Locksmith you can go to your Lexus dealer. Their more expensive but they do have everything you need. Or, you can buy just the key if you want to try and do it yourself. One last idea is e-bay. Usually there are several outfits advertising Lexus keys for sale. I hope this is helpful. If this response does not help, let us know. Paul ps; One more resource is to do a search of our data base. You may find some information and suggestions on your situation.

Hey FIVE. Sorry we weren't able to get to you right away. My first suggestion is to do a search of our data base for conversations on this topic. Request for service manuals come up frequently and the only difference in buying them is the amount of money you want to part with. E bay seems to be a good place to go and I would suggest checking there if you haven't already. My number 1 recommendation is the "Toyota Information Service.(TIS.com). This is the official Toyota site for all technical information including wiring diagrams, exploded layouts of sub-assemblies, parts info and a lot more. The TIS contains data on Lexus, Toyota, and Scion. The difference between the TIS and a service manual is that the TIS access is gained through rental of site usage. For example, A 2 day fee is only $15. You can sign up as a member for different lengths of time. There is even a price for year long usage. Some of us on the LOC staff have used this service and checked out it's accuracy. Very Good! Again, sorry to keep you waiting and hope this response helps. Paul

After several years of start and stop planning, Toyota -- Lexus have announced that the deal is done and Lexus will begin selling the LX and LS in India. This follows other automotive ventures for India such as the purchase of the Jaguar line by Tata (sp.?), an Indian company. (from what I hear from our local "Jag" dealer, so far it hasn't done much to improve reliability.) I haven't been able to find out if additional Lexus models will be added to the Indian plants production. Which country do you think will produce the best build quality? http://lexusenthusiast.com/2008/03/27/lexus-to-launch-in-india/ Paul i

Those of you in the RX family have earned some bragging rights! The RX hybrids have out sold any other Lexus model. That's globally.Those of us ( my wife that is) who own and love our RX's are probably not surprised. What do you think? Lexus Total Sales since 2005. http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/10/15/global-lexus-hybrid-sales-since-2005/

This chart shows the current total sales of Lexus Hybrids around the world. According to Lexus, their grand total sales for Hybrids since 2005 has been 7,000,000 units. I don't know if the RX sales numbers are higher or lower than in the past, but to me, the overwhelming success of the RX is impressive. It makes me wonder if Lexus will continue to sell the RX with its decade old body style. I would think that no matter how successful the current RX configuration is, the customers would eventually want something that is new and with a fresh look. What do you think? http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/10/15/global-lexus-hybrid-sales-since-2005/

A prediction just out says the prices for used cars will fall to there lowest point in history. The current sales of new cars over these last few years will be the driver behind this history making event. After you've read the prediction, post your response to this doom and gloom. Should this happening be good for we buyers, or will it drive the new car prices wild. What do you think? Paul http://autos.aol.com/article/used-car-prices-expected-to-drop-in-next-few-years/?ncid

Lexus has announced a recall for fuel pipe problem. There are several Lexus models starting from 2005. There are more than a half dozen models involved. Click on the link below for details. http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/10/15/lexus-announces-recall-fuel-delivery-pipe-issue/ Paul

These are not your Fathers' Lexus!! NX and CT new photos, interior and exterior. This is what I call a aggressive looking small car. Paul https://webmail1.mail.aol.com/38798-516/aol-6/en-us/suite.aspx

Hi Sal. Thanks for the heads up. You are one lucky guy my friend. I think everybody is impressed with the car and you just affirm what everyone is saying. Paul

Hey Victor. Sewell Lexus in Dallas is excellent in helping our members with questions about specs. such as these Bulbs. They also give members a hefty discount. Sewellparts.com Regarding your running boards, For $15 for 2 days usage, you can probably find an exploded diagram showing the makeup of the boards. Go to TIS.com. This is the Toyota Information Services web site. Toyota built this huge data base with any and all things technical for Lexus, Toyota and Scion. You do pay per use, but If you can't find it here it's not part of your car! lol Please come back and let us know how things go. Paul

Hi Cameron. As you know, the ML uses a balanced crossover network. It usually doesn't like speakers that aren't matched like the OE. Was this a problem for you or were you able to do the major make-over with out loosing frequency response from the Polks? Paul

Here is when you might want to sing a few bars of "My Old Kentucky Home!" Finally, an announcment about the production start-up of the brand new factory in Kentucky, where all of the ES350's will be made. IMO this is a terrific plus for all ES350's and the USA in terms of quality jobs and faster delivery of the product. I just hope we can maintain the quality of the ES350 to be as good as it has been in Japan. The short article in the link below, provides the Story. Paul http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/10/09/lexus-es-350-production-kentucky-start-late-2015/

J.D. Power and Consumer Reports have named 3 Lexus models as the top 3 makes in reliability out of all makes and models!!!!! How cool is that! Click on the link for the complete story from "Lexus Enthusist". Paul http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/10/08/three-lexus-models-top-list-worry-free-vehicles/

Update on GS package and options available on 450h. http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/10/08/2015-lexus-gs-450h-f-sport-package-now-available-usa/

Getting ready for SEMA this year......One of Japans best tuners prepares this incredible "Go Fast" looking RC F. Check it out and drooool!! http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/10/07/rocket-bunny-lexus-rc-f-sport-coming-sema/ Paul

Hi Robert and welcome to the Club. Frankly, I can't recall hearing of this problem before now. I've had 2 2013 models and a previous 2010 ES350, all equiped with nav. Again, none had this problem. You already have contacted your dealer and all work will be covered by your warranty. I wonder if the software needs to be re-intialized? The only major complaint that other members complain about is the voice command system. Lexus has made a feature rich product, but in my humble opinion the voice recognition is about worthless. The big problem is that it is a hit and miss deal if the feature is going to understand your command. You might say "raise temperature" and it will come back and say something like "you want to put in a address." Let us know how things turn out. I'd like to know more about the freezing problem. Paul

Hi Cory and welcome to the LOC. I can't be of any help with your questions, but other members should chime in. Paul

I was going to suggest you change your left handed farkel tube.

Hi Traci and welcome. I don't know the answer to your problem, but I have had a few issues with the "Audio Off" message. The main problem I had was trying to use an mp3 player in a 2010 ES 350. While using the mp3 if I got out of the car and came back later, everytime I would start the car the screen would say "Audio Off". The manual said it will work with mp3, and it did play well, but would not use all features. I took the car to several specialty shops and the dealer, but to no avail. Finaly, after calling Lexus support, and going back through the manual, it looked like the issue revoled around the Apple based software that runs the system. In your manual, you will note that instructions about the system features speaks of IPOD and other similar products. Once I bought an IPOD and pluged it in, it ran supper. All features worked, the "Audio Off" problem went away. I know next to nothing about Blue Tooth, but I strongly suggest you ask around for a well known car audio installer and ask them if they have ever installed this product and ask them to explain the problem before they put a screw driver to your RX. Best Buy. is good for things such as installing new speakers and other simple items, but other members have reported less than satisfactory results with the kind of problem your having Let us know how things work out. Paul

My suggestton is to go to TIS.com. (Toyota Information System). This is a Toyota owned site put together specifcaly for Toyota, Lexus and Scion. This is an on-line service that I swear contains every bit & bite there is to know about Lexus. You may be able to find the complete wiring diagram for all of the items you want to connect with. The service offers several types of usuage. Yes, there is a "rental" fee. The first 2 days, (48hrs), is only $15. From there, everyhing is based on length of usuage. You can sign up for a year, 6 mos, etc. all at continuing discounts. I found that when I registered, 2 days @ $15, two days was more than enough time to look at every section, look-up some problems that our members talk about and make some notes. Try the $15 fee the first time and see if it helps with your project. Paul