jimmy2x

FWIW, I generally try to avoid the 1st model year of ANY car. There are the inevitable "issues" that come to light that by the middle of the cycle have been taken care of. Additionally, I think you definitely get more for your money than in buying the "new" model.

Maybe I've just been lucky, but the NAV (which is very similar to what I had in my '08 4Runner) has always gotten me where I wanted to go, UNLESS it is a fairly new address. It is my understanding that a given DVD system takes about a year to upgrade, so it is always behind the curve to an extent. Toyota's NAV systems are certainly not noted for their ease of use, unlike Honda's, but they do the job if you take time to learn it. And I love the other functions in the updated version, especially the USB integrated system for Ipod. Works like a charm, and much better than using the AUX input.

I use Sonus Cockpit Detailer (purchased on-line) for the dash. It has a matt finish so the dash/vinyl areas do not get shinny or slippery. The Sonus also repesl dust. Make sure to always use a damp (with Sonus) micro fiber towel on the dash so you don't scratch it.

+1 on the Sonus Cockpit Detailer - sounds like another Autopia guy.

My 2007 ES350 started to make a beeping noise two days ago. It beeps once about 30 seconds after I turn the car off. Sometimes it beeps again several seconds later. It sometimes beeps when I put the car into park, and today for the first time it beeped while I was driving.

I tried to figure out where it was coming from and my best guess is somewhere behind the GPS/CD player/radio area. I put my ear near the area. I can hear a low humming noise first and then a fairly loud beep.

There are no warning lights at all when the car is on.

This is driving me nuts. I'm due for routine maintenance in about four weeks but don't want to take any chances if there's a problem.

My husband used to handle all the car issues but he passed away last year and I'm not very good at this stuff yet.

Help!

Jane

The beeping is tied to the locking system. I do not recall all of the details, but it is nothing to worry about. Get them to explain it to you when in for normal service, or you can check the manual.

I just called the Lindsay Lexus Service Center in Alexandria, VA, and they told me that the software update is NOT for the 2010 ES 350 but for the HS model only! I countered them several times but they insisted it is only for the HS and that the recall work done on the ES is #2 and #3. Arrrgh! What's the deal?!

They are either ill-informed or blowing smoke. My new Lexus is about 3 weeks old. Taken directly from the "My Lexus" website under service:

9LG PEDAL AND FLOOR MOD, ECU REPROGRAMMING

Done by Wilkie Lexus in PA 2/5

I received a 90 day free "test drive" of satellite radio with my ES. I appear not to have access to a variety of stations -- including Howard Stern. DId they exclude certain stations from the free trial? If so, its not very smart.

Stern is on SIrius and is available to you with SM plus the best of Sirius.

When I press the voice button on the steering wheel, the voice gives a long list of possible voice requests. Is there a way to avoid the list and the long delay that involves having the voice read through the list? If I want to make a simple phone call it takes forever. I have to wait for the voice to read ten options, then I select phone, then it reads off a number of options for the phone.

At least if you have NAV, in page 44 of the manual there is a note that says

Voice guidance for the voice command

system can be skipped by

pushing the talk switch.

You got lucky, or the color of the paint was such that you couldn't tell unless you were looking for them.

I recommend exactly what rjt suggested above...

I only use the car wash when it is too cold to wash myself. Am I better off to just let the water dry on the car? Have been a Klasse user for several years, and it was my understanding that the acrylic gave you at at least a somewhat harder surface. Just trying to learn here, as I really want to avoid scratching my three day old Lexus.

Hmm...so you're saying we should NOT let the Lexus service people give my car a complimentary car wash when I bring the car in for service? You would think that they would have the proper rags and skill to clean the car without scratching or causing swirls.

I think I will continue to bring my car in for a touchless wash, but everyone knows it doesn't really clean well--readily seen in the layer of dirt that still remains on the windshield where the wipers do not come into contact. On occasion, I would like to clean it myself outside my house. Is there a Car Wash 101 for do-it-yourself-ers that is guaranteed to produce showroom quality results?

Autopia.org

No no. You cannot wipe the car off after a touchless wash, there is still dirt on the paint surface. It needs to be totally clean before you wipe it down with even an MF towel. Doing that will definately cause swirling.

Ok - maybe I just got lucky, but didn't get any swirl marks on the last car. What do you recommend?

It is a pain to not be able to run it through a car wash in the winter...

If you look around you should be able to find an automatic car wash where nothing touches your car but fluid/air. Go through it and take your car home - wipe off gently with a microfiber towel.

No swirl marks or dirty rag scratches.

Just picked up my new ES today, and it certainly is at least some improvement over the one I had on my '08 4Runner.