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I bet it was "The Little old Lady from Pasadena" that Jan & Dean sung about! lol Paul

I agree with both of you. I too have used CR many times over the years. In some cases, just to learn what features or expected wear and tear one should look for or compare when looking at competitive models. This works very well, especially with items you have no previous experience with. Comparison of automobiles is a more difficult task as it is much more subjective. It is easy to compare mpg, or 0-60 performance. But IMO, judging things such as performance in driving a curving mountain road, the comfort of the ride and how quiet the cabin is. Handling and steering response, these are all things that cannot be quantified by people giving their indivisual responses as they are simply opinions, not measurments. In other respects, items that CR evaluates are of great help. I bought a new gas grill this summer. After reading the specs and warranty details, I decided to stay with Weber. Thought about new Michlen Primacies as well this fall. Went to Tire Rack and also looked at CR. Between the two, I gathered a lot of good information. This system works for me. For others CR may not be of help. To each his own! Paul

After bashing the 2013 IS 250, Consumer Reports names Lexus brand as one of THE most reliable on the globe. Go figure. Paul http://autos.aol.com/article/lexus-toyota-most-reliable-car-brands/?icid=maing-grid7|htmlws-main-bb|dl13|sec1_lnk3&pLid=397887

Sounds like you did your home work. A tip for saving money on a new master key. Members of the Lexus Owners Club recieve an excellent discount on Lexus parts from a dealer in Dallas, Tx. The dealer is Sewell Lexus. To contact them go to " sewellparts.com". When you log-in, there will be a section where you can enter your membership to the LOC. I lost one of my fobs in August. the local dealer wanted $320.00 for a new key with fob and programing. I went to Sewell and got the part for $162. Let us know how things turn out

Hi Ted and welcome to the Lexus Owners Club! Your comments surround the greatest mystery of all time; how in the world do you figure out how much to pay for a car, and drive off feeling like you paid to much. First, I did what you probably did and went to KBB. Not that their infallable but they come pretty close. It looks to me like you got a pretty good deal. As I look at the numbers it looks like you paid just slightly less than average. My biggest concern with your siuation is why, at only 80,500 miles would they need to put in a totaly new engine? What went wrong? What other systems were involed? Changing out an engine is like open heart surgery. Was the RX in an accident that collased the front end into the engine Paul

In the most recent article of Consumer Reports, The Lexus Is 250 gets a real Smack-Down. They also take on Infinity as well. Very bad. IMO...they must have had a half dozen shots or more of a real cheap tequilla and instead got into a 1950's era Avanti. Read the review and please come back with your comments Paul http://autos.aol.com/article/consumer-reports-lexus-is-250-infiniti-qx50/

Hi Dave, Do you have an idea how much the Yokohama's are in your region?

Your absolutely right. Your dealer or whom ever, should rotate most brands every 5,000 miles. Why they don't do this when you bring in your ES350 for service is strange. It is a billable item charged at so much per tire. Maybe they don't need the money. My dealer is great. Next week I'm having them take off my all-season Michelins and put on my Blazak snow tires. Since I can't fit all four snow tires in my ES that are at the present stored in my garage, the dealer will come out and pick up the tires, take them back to the dealer, mount and balance the snow tires, and deliver the all-season's back to my house. There is no charge for any of the pick up and delivery and the cost for switching the tires is about $35 each.

Why not the old reliable WD-40? WD-40 is not a general purpose lubricant but primarily a "W-ater D-isplacing" solvent for removing rust and grime. It also can cause nasty stains - NEVER use in a car interior. And it is very flammable. Here's more information: http://lifehacker.com/5891936/when-should-i-not-use-wd+40 I had never known any of that. Like I always say, I learn something from you every time.! Thanks Jim. ps; How about restarting the old TV show "Mr Wizard!"?

Why not the old reliable WD-40?

Thanks for the photos Jim!!

Whoa!!! This has turned into a playground game of "Tag, One ups manship" and is contributing nothing to the true purpose of the LOC. And that is to share information in a helpful, and friendly way, with no derogitory judgments ir negative insinuations. If you two can't get a long, I take you both to the principle's office. If others are reading this, please feel free to report any problem you think is detrimental to the comraderey of the LOC site. If your unsure of what members agree to when they join the club, simply go to the top of the forum listings, and read the informastion there. Thanks to every one" ps ( I have lived in Iowa all my life and feel pretty comfortable. Yeah, Right.....We've owned Three Lexus ES and Just got our ES350 Last December. So no experience with that one so far. Two weeks ago, we bought a new 2013 RX350. We have never had a SUV/Cross over before so am axious to see how it does in snow. I agree fully with the member above who said that people think that just be cause it has four wheel drive it can climb Mt Everest and come back up in the Grand Canyon. I know I will be back to this forum/threads for help from to time for help.

Really interesting, but why have your OEM keys continualy kept breaking? In my experience, I can't recall anyone else having this particular problem. Is it some form of consistant metal fatigue? Paul

Sounds like a plan! Do you use ramps when you work underneath the front end?

This guy has made from scratch a 48cc V8 engine. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is awesome. Even the exhaust sounds like it's big brother. Paul http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/18/man-makes-homemade-48cc-v8-engine-video/#continued

Hi John and welcome to the Lexus Owners Club. I don't know what the dealer means by "Special Wax Job" as it could be several things. Last week, I had my car detailed for winter prep. We get snow, ice, and road salt as well as calcium cholride. The detailer used Clay bar first all over the car then waxed and polished with diffrent wax and sealer. Google "Clay bar" and you'll find some answers. Also, call your dealer and ask them exactly what is involved in their special package. Paul

Hi Guys, I'm in new territory hear so would like your opinions. We just added a new 2013 RX350 to our Lexus family and I was a little puzzeled to see it come with Dunlop Grand Touring tires from the factory or receiving point. My 2013 ES350 came with Bridgestone but I had the dealer put on Michlen Primacy, which is what I always run on my ES's. The Donlop are quiet enough but ride bumpy and bouncy...(is that a word?) and just kind of hard to adjust to. Is this just the normal ride for a 19" tire and a Dunlop? Yhanks!! Paul

Sorry Chris.......Your two avatars look quite alike and I guess I was in to big of a hurry. Please accept my apology!!!! Paul

Thanks David for taking the time to give us the feedback on the 2013 ES350. You hit upon the one feature that I think has been a step back in user ease and performance. That is the "Joy Stick" or "Mouse" on the center console. While it makes it possible to access a plethera of information, by having to use the joy stick, you spend an unsafe amount of time looking back and forth from the joy sticks sreen cursor position, to the road and traffic, plus your side mirrors. The former "Touch Screen" was much easier and was more logical to program. Having said all that, if the Joy stick operated nav owner, can spend a day going over the mannual again and again, in some situations, then that owner will find the system pretty cool. Your observation about the missing "self leveling head lights" didn't ring the right bell. All my previous Lexi had the self leveling feature and I was sure my 2013 ES350 did. Just to make sure I knew I was on the right path and not just having a little blank out from the little green pills they give us here at the home.9 The little green ones make everybody happy!! (kind of like Woodstock all over again!!) Any how, I called Lexus Costumer Service and they said yes, the 2013 ES350 does have what the now call "Intelligent High Beam". The feature is standard with all ES350's. Paul

Talk about your plastic shroud all over the engine compartmrnt.....We had a 2007 Volvo S80 which we traded for a 2013 RX 2 weeks ago. When we first got the Volvo S80,(great Car!), The battery went dead one morning and since I wasn't in a hurry, I thought I'd put the charger on it for a while, just long enough to get it to crank an then take it to the dealer. Not to hard. Right? I was under the hood of that beast for over 15 minutes trying to find the access cover to the battery. The gray plastic srhoud was so large there wasn't one single piece of the engine compartment that wasn't drowned in gray plastic. Except, the oil dip stick and the windshield fluid. Finally I ended up calling the dealer for a free tow to the shop. When they showed me the cover for the battery access, believe me, it still wasn't obvious. When we picked-up my wifes 13' RX350 I made sure they showed me where the battery is ! Paul

Hi Barbara and welcome to the Lexus Owners Club. Most Lexus dealers now days offer some type of extended warranty. However, those are usually sold with the sale of a new car. Finding a policy to cover your car given it's mileage and age could be a problem. My guess would be that the warranty issuer would make you bring all aspects of the car up to date and in good working order so to make sure the issuer is not taking on any known risk. They also might exclude coverage for items that are subject to normal wear and would have to be replaced over the normal course of driving. Also, again, because of it's age and mileage the cost for coverage might be fairly steep. I have seen premiums run around $2-2,500. a year for a new car. Unfortunately, your situation has some hurdles. I would suggest Googling car extended warranties and make some phone calls. Check Consumer Reports for any information they may have, and call some Lexus dealers. Good luck! Let us know how things turn out. Paul

You are correct, Lexus is not in the "league" with Mercedes or BMW, Lexus is more than a few notches above...!Your right. That's why for several years now, Lexus has been the number one selling luxury car in America. Could be because while your driving your Lexus your friend is waiting to get his BMW out of the repair shop. LOL Paul

Hi Alan and welcome to the club! We just purchased a 2013 RX350. We had the dealer install the remote start with the "App" feature. I can't imagine why your dealer would not have it as well, let alone needing to wait 6 months to get the package. I would suggest you call a Lexus dealer in Dallas, TX by the name of Sewell Lexus. They carry a large inventory of parts and sell to our members at a reduced cost. I bet they would have the part in stock. go to...sewellparts.com You can also call Lexus customer support at 800 255 3987 and ask them to help you find out the facts. Paul

I'd post a pic, but somebody borrowed my Kodak "Instamatic" and I can't remember who it was. No matter I guess cause I'm out of flash bulbs anyhow! In my garage you have two choices. Choice one; a 2013 ES350 - Obsidian/Parchment Or, Choice two; A 2013 RX350 - White Peral/parchment. My wife loves her RX, and I lean toward the silky smooth ride of the ES. Paul

If your asking is the feature worth the money, my answer is yes. I have two, 2013 Lexus with the feature, and it has saved my bacon more than once. It gives you plenty of advanced noticed that a car is coming up on your left side or the right side or both. The constant warning in the outside rearview mirrors, don't miss a beat when the radar kicks in. IMO, it is a must have feature. Paul