bkchig

Hate to burst you bubble, but you can't switch trannies on an ES with a GS...one little problem! '02 ES is front wheel-drive with a horizontal engine (3.0 liter) with a horz. tranny...while the GS is rear-wheel-drive with an inline 6 engine (also a 3.0...but quite the engine since it is the same engine as the no-long US sold Supra). Sorry man. '02 Trannies are not the best...they revised it in '04

Well, like I said before, it's drives like a typical Japanese car. The tranny doesn't shift as smooth as the Bimmers (and high-end Audi's), but it's one heck of a dependable car. You definitely can't say that about VW/Audi.

I agree with jragosta...the octane doesn't affect the shifting of the tranny. I truly think the engine runs smoother with higher octane...but hey, if it says to use 87 (regular), then the Toyota/Lexus ECU must have been tuned for that rating. It will not hurt you car by using 93...just your wallet. (in my case, my wallet) The tranny is a different story. It's the computer that controls the shift points...and for some reason, the new auto 5spd tranny from 2002-2003 had issues. They corrected it in 2004 with new shift points and gearing. Finally took the time to look this stuff up. Hope this helps.

I use 93 and it runs better. I ran 89 (regular in TX) and the engine just didn't perform the same. For some reason, the car seem to shift smoother while in 4D (0nly in town driving)...I guess the computer likes to shift into OD (5th gear) a lot sooner and at a lot lower rpm. I test drove a 2002 es300 and the transmission shifted like a 10-year-old Honda accord. The sales guy told me they revised the tranny for '04's. Trust me, just be glad they fixed it from the 02's. The reality is, Lexus has the typical Toyota (Japanese) tranny feel. It's not the smoothest like the Europeans, but hey, it won't break down like them…After having a VW for almost 3 years and fixing it every quarter, I’m so glad I have a Japanese car now.

I was told by the dealership that all the sedan's lug formations fit with each other. I know a friend that has '02 GS400 rims on his new ES330. They look great! I wanted them on my car, but unfortunately the dealership and the individuals that have them to sell are asking too much for the set. I know you can get aftermarket rims that look almost identical to the GS rims on either tirerack.com or discounttires.com

Quick question...do you wax over the film?

The info is great guy! I really appreciate it. The film is 3M and they are ordering the 24inch kit for my car...(though I believe they use sheets of it and just etches the pattern out). I going to get it with the 3M scotchtint (smoke color) for my windows. Hey, this is a more friendly and informative site compared to the VWvortex site...(I had a VW before). Thanks guys. Take it easy.

500 buck!!!!??? that's how much they are charging me for both the tint (3M scotchtint lifetime warranty) and protective film...(including tax)...wow, that dealership took you to the cleaners...They told me that the film will go 24inches back from the front...covering the bumper and front part of the hood. I guess it might be worth it..

Hey guys, just bought a es330 last week. At the tint & detailing place, some of the guys that were getting their cars tinted also got the 3M protective shield that goes across the whole front bumper and 1/4 up the hood. I told the sales guy I would get it when I get my car tinted, but what do you guys think? It protects against rock chips, but I was wondering if it would fade or peel over time. Do any of you guys have this on your car?