Back from a wee hiatus.
Thanx DonsLS,
Sorry I didn't get back to you. Work got all-consuming.
I did manage to get a brand new oem "Grill Surround" for $200, $22 of which was for a new rubber protecto-gasket.
Steep, but boy does it look great.
When you suffer from OCD and inherited perfectionism you better be Bill Gates-or have a well oiled ability to rationalize such frivolous purchases.
Hello.
The car now has 20k miles. 6k+ under my helm. I've replaced the left exhaust tip, battery and grill thingy (previously mentioned). It's been to the dealer for service; I went there immediately, figuring better to get the new ownership logged and honestly just see the inside of a Lexus dealer service dept.
The privilege cost me close to $700. I hope something special was done, other than rape my wallet, like, re-torque the oscillator over-thruster or something.
Oh well, they talked real pretty and gave me a loaner. On a side note, the loaner was a 4wd suv model. Who buys those things? The combination of torque steer and under-steer was truly a marvel to behold. Drive it ever so slightly aggressive and enjoy the wonders for yourself.
Back to it. At the 20k mark it went to an independent shop. <$100. Now that's more like it! Full synthetic. Oem oil filter. They also washed the car, test drove it and offered a loaner. Not bad. The best part was being able to enter the shop and actually walk under my car on the lift. How many shops let you do that?
I am happy to report the car looked (from'under) like it drove off the dealer lot last week. Amazing.
The car wouldn't start one day after 30mins of stereo playing, passenger door open, post work bs'ing in the parking lot so I replaced the stock battery with an Optima.Yeah, either you love'em or you hate'em. I have used them at work and use an agm type battery on my motorcycle so I was comfortable in making that upgrade.
Cranks much faster on start-up. Much.
Tires are starting to get thin. The stock Dunlop's will run $253 each, mounted and balanced. Looking at Continentals as a possible substitute. I'll do a forum search.
I did get a bullseye in the windshield on the freeway one day. Something like a 1/2-13x 1" bolt or something. Windshield stopped it from going through my forehead. Now, however, I have to practically look through the mark when I drive. It's fixed as best as possible but there is still a ghost that can only be fixed by buying a new windshield.
A chi-knee knockoff replacement-$200. Oem $1500-$2k.
That will have to wait for when I'm employed again.
All that said, I have to say, this car continues to impress me. The more you drive it the more it sinks in just how magnificent these cars are. The car kinda grows on you. After the initial ownership seduction, the car keeps getting better! Perfect blend of performance, comfort and quality. MPG is right around 24.
The thing also just eats up the miles. Makes you want to take long, pointless trips just so you can drive it. Like a road trip up the coast to VC, then back south through Montana, Co, Flagstaff and home. Hmm...