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I've got a pearl white '93 ES-300, kept outdoors at all times in the hot (107 today!) California sun. Yet the paint looks factory brand-new, thanks to a product I discovered at a car show. it is called "Wonder Clay", and I can't say enough about it. Actually, it is a two part system. The first step is to spray a small section of the car with a pink "bubblegum" scented solution, sold at most detail shops. Then you just rub the "Wonder Clay" *gently* over the surface. It feels like 'Playdough', and takes no effort at all. After that, wax with whatever wax you prefer. You won't believe your eyes! All the oxidized paint cleans up brand new, and sap, tar and road grit vanishes from the paint. Pep Boys sells a knockoff of this product, but it costs a little more money. Rich p.s. I have no connection whatsoever with the vendor for this product, I'm just a fan of anything that helps maintain the quality of my investment.

Help! I've got a '93 ES-300 with about 216,000 miles. The engine was totally rebuilt about 65,000 miles ago, and I've had no problems with it. However, I just tried to pass my smog test, and the mechanic pointed out a few things: The timing was set to 25 degrees TDC, and the car had no low end power when it was reset to the required 10 to 12 degrees. Second, you can easily see that the harmonic balancer has a serious "wobble", almost like a flat tire. My mechanic is now concerned that the timing belt may have slipped a notch or two, resulting in the inability to properly set the timing. Just how big a job is replacement of the harmonic balancer? Is it an "urgent, don't drive it until it is fixed" type of repair, of can the repair wait a while? Also, does anyone know if the engine has to come out, or can they get to the repair via just via the top end and timing belt? Thanks! Rich

Ever since I bought my Lexus, I've taken it to KarCo, in Orange County. 714-532-6893. They are on/near Battavia, and do amazing work. For instance, Lexus wanted $1500 for a major tune and timing chain. KarCo does better work, for hundreds, not thousands of dollars. Two years ago, around 150,000 miles, my engine overheated, lost a major seal, and started blowing steam out the tailpipe. As soon as I detected the problem (On a Sunday, when they were closed), I dropped the car off at KarCo, wrote up a service form, and put my key (And my trust) in their drop box. They had the head off early the next day, and would call several times a day, telling me exactly what they found (Water in the oil, etc) , and asking if I wanted the old part(s) re-installed, or new ones put on. For instance, the service manager called and said "Rich, your timing chain has at least 50,000 miles left on it. I've got it in my hand now. Do you want it put back, or do you want a new one?" So I asked "What does a new one cost?" His response: "About $28 bucks..." They are, without a doubt, the best Lexus/Toyota mechanics I've ever found. Give them a call, and I'm sure you will agree. -Rich Rialto, Ca