UCF3

Well, can't really say much about why your situation calls for another vehicle. To me fixing the truck is cheaper than replacing it, and the shop you're going to is charging way too much. You should be able to find a local Toyota mechanic whose rates are generally 25-50% less than dealer labor. For genuine parts I can put you in-touch with my distributor if the mechanic you choose doesn't have access to one. Oh, for the salt issue, wash your truck (with undercarriage) frequently to slow-down the corrosion problem. Self-serve car washes have high-pressure washes. Some bodyshops offer spray-on undercoating. Helps stop corrosion in large areas.

So what's involved with the 100k service? from what I've read so far it doesn't look like much, fluids-flush, hoses and belts, rotors and pads, maybe shocks too. Was the 90k service done on it?--the timing belt, water pump, plugs, fuel filter and maybe the head gasket.

Very nice. Would have done the same thing especially at a Lexus dealer.

A couple of things come to mind. (1)test the battery and the connections, as CuriousB mentioned earlier. Take it to Advanced Auto, Pepboys, walmart, and they'll test your battery. The read out should be above 8 cranking amps. If the battery is okay, clean-off the terminals using wire-brush and some battery acid cleaner. (2)next issue will rotate around Starter and then your (3)alternator. I replaced my starter motor once when I had my 94 LS. Let us know where we stand from there.

That's not a bad idea. Gives you more time to look at alternative cars. I personally stay away from the Germans since they're expensive to maintain; I was considering an Audi A6 avant before the Subi. The car is huge, but the mileage and my budget kept me from reaching out on it. BTW what's your future budget on this purchase?

I like the Subaru. Turbo charged, AWD, decent clearance and a wagon. I would have bought another Toyota or Lexus if they offered a wagon option. Sigh!!! :cries:

Yeah, that's why I don't trust either Carfax or Autocheck. Had to do my own research before I bought the ISF and the Subi. You're best bet is to make sure you look at a car in the natural sunlight and comfortable humidity and temperature conditions. This prevents metal from contracting or expanding and the paint looks and feels closer to its natural state and you're less likely to miss the obvious ones.

I'd probably opt for the Pilot or a Sequoia. I would also look at the Mercedes RL-series too, since it's like the Enclave but pricier.

Fellow Lexus owners: The Winter 2011 Iconic Drives tour is this Sunday at 9:30am with the Green Flag drop at 10am in Bowie, Maryland. DC, Richmond, and Baltimore owners are welcomed to join me and other manufacturer owners in driving from Bowie to an un-designated location. PM me if you guys would like to join. Have a nice weekend.

I don't know. I have Tiens- HA Street versions on my SC and it's softer than on the ISF. I still like the look; just needs an exhaust .

Unfortunately, I am in the same dilemma. Have to sell my SC since I don't want to fix her and she has over 250k on her engine and chassis. See if you can find another enthusiast looking to complete your project. Post it on the Buy and Sell Forum.

My god, what have you done!!!!! This looks incredible, but how's the car over bumps?

Guys: I've just noticed Sewellparts.com is selling the Sat. Nav. discs for $169 for the gen 2 and 3 SC430. I'll ask management to push for deeper discounts so that we can actually afford the parts. I understand paying for new upgrades can add up but please understand we're driving Lexi cars, a luxury brand, so you may end-up paying a bit more than a Toyota. think of it this way, you could own a BMW or Benz and pay double what we normally pay.

For the 04 SC430, I'd probably look into the Continental ExtremeContact DWS. They're an ultra high performance all-season tire and based on the tire pattern should be relatively quiet with good traction in the rain. Looking at the outer tread I'd say it maybe very good for the snow, but I prefer snow-tires during winter months depending on where you live.

good question. Let me see if there's a restoration we can perform from the old server.

If it's just the speedo and tach, there are two possible issues. the cable connector is going bad or just dirty, or the sensors have gone bad. Can you provide us with some more details? Does the Speedo and Tach ever go up (kind-off like driving the car for a while and then it jumps-on)?

Have you checked the pressure from your fuel pump? It's possible your fuel line or fuel filter is clogged.

wow. you've got a number of issue. I would start with the MAF sensor. see if you can inspect it for corrosion and re-seat it. the TPS don't really know how you can diagnosis it without replacement and calibration. It sounds like you may need new O2 sensors. Troubleshooting can be a pain, so i would suggest replacing all of them if you can. otherwise you have to buy two or three new and plug it into each location. for the Air flow meter, it almost sounds like your EGR hoses need to be cleaned. If you have too much carbon build-up based on the mileage and age of the vehicle it might be wise to seek help.

As of today I've come across exhaust sound bites from borla, iss, hks, and greddy, Anybody else have anything new and if you guys have added a catbck please upload some sound bite on youtube or on our servers. Thanks a bunch.

Hey guys. Wanted see how your isf are doing now. You're one of the first ones to purchase and would you mind shring some of your experiences with the rest of us. Likes? Dislikes? Upgrades?

Go ahead abigai, but why the sad face?

They should have sold me the car for the price of crushing it. Bummer

Hey mikey: Wanted to see if you still have the wheels and tires set? Just bummed that you sold the isf for a RX. :cries: