motocopter

Finally got to drive the car after the rack and pinion was replaced. The steering problem went away and the car drove nice on the interstate. Additionally, there was also a pulsing vibration that went away but that may have been a tire balance issue - not totally sure. Now, I just have to get the steering wheel straightened.

"Sorry that I can't add much to this post but I would like to ask you about what you said to your dealer to get your steering rack replaced and to also further explain the "how the steering felt while driving down the highway" comment. The reason I ask is that my '06 GS 430 has "dead" spots when making small changes to the steering wheel like when keeping the car centered in the lane. But the problem I am experiencing is most noticeable when I am on an on or off ramp on the highway. The steering almost seems to stick in spots, however it is only once in a while but it is happening more and more often. Is this what you were referring to? I was resigned to thinking it was typical of the electric power steering systems in our cars." My steering issue was exactly that. I always noticed it while maintaining lane position on the interstate. Keeping centered in the lane is only a slight pressure to the steering wheel and then release when the correction is made. However, my applied steering wheel pressure seemed to have not affect on correcting a drifting car and so more pressure would be applied. Then, the resistance would be overcome and the steering felt like something was being released and the car would over-correct for my intended adjustment. I suspected the recall campaign had something to do with the steering but the service rep told me that what I explained was something different. I really never suspected the the rack and pinion would be replaced. I'm on the road now and when I return in a few days, I'll drive the car to see how it all feels.

Both of our outside mirrors were replaced under warranty during the 25k mile service this week.

Just had our 25k service performed at the dealer. They performed the recall campain work and replaced both outside mirrors to due intermittant operation. They also replaced the rack and pinion stemming from a comment mentioned regarding how the steering felt while driving on the highway. Not sure what they found but will have to get an update from them when I return home. Has anyone else had their r&p replaced and what was the deal?

Got ours connected to the new LG enV phone. It only took about five minutes after pressing some buttons. The real work was with the phone itself. Worked well.

Got our notice the other day and will have them work it during the 25k mile service - also the one regarding the steering. I haven't replaced my cabin filter yet but did get a price of $70 a while back. The local Toyota dealer sells them for less but at the time the cabin filters were on national back-order. I get my oil filters from the Toyota dealer now - just need to go get the cabin filter and change before the dealer service.

Now I understand why trade in values on these cars is no better than a Cadillac or Lincoln after one or two years. Other manufacturer dealers are aware that Lexus dealers do discount new vehicles - they have to be. The resale/trade-in values of our cars is nowhere near what the KBB, NADA, etc list them at. Trust me I know from experiences this past summer. Best I can tell, these four door sedans will be worth more at four and five years of age than other sedans of the same age.

Price looks to be up 5k since we bought our GS.

My dad has the 350 and i noticed that on his as well. i dont like it.. my 430 however does not knock like that. I don't like the sound. It makes me feel that I am driving a car with diesel engine... Your GS still has a warranty, have it checked out. To me, injector sounds are more clicky and not a knock. I'm on the road traveling at this time but, if I recall the owner's manual correctly, it states to use a higher octane fuel. We have always used regular with fine results but you may be getting some discount fuel that isn't very good. Just a thought. Try some premium from Exxon, BP or Shell. Again, just a thought. It's worth a try because the dealer will ask what fuel you are using.

Rapid Release from Tylenol! I've seen air intake kits on eBay and you may find an exhaust cat-back system. That's about all you'd get for a grand and I suspect you wouldn't feel the difference enough to justify the expense. Besides the exhaust note could get to a noisy level for a luxury car. Guess you can tell I prefer my GS stock.

How did you resolve this?

My wife called me tonight telling of how her driver's side mirror is stuck in the down position and she can't see. So, thought I'd check this forum out of curiosity. It is a help in determining what the problem could be. This will be another item added to the list (short one of course) of things for the dealer to take care of at the next service. Thanks to all for adding value here.

Imagine that....a dealer service department that didn't do what there were paid to do. Glad you have the leak worked out.

This worked for me. Get a trade-in price from the dealer that did the inspection/estimate for repair and note - don't buy just yet. Get the insurance check for the claim in your name. Take the car to a Lexus dealer other than the one that did the estimate and see what they will give you towards a new GS. They could give you a better trade-in value towards a new GS. Then during the payment time drop the insurance check on them. The reason they you may get a better trade-in value from the second dealer is they won't have seen the estimate though you still tell them there was some flood damage. If the offer is good take it and don't worry. Then have a celebratory Martini.

Our GS stays in the garage when there is snow on the streets. It also helps that my wife is a teacher when there is snow on the roads schools are closed.

Our battery discharged twice now but can't recall what it was that caused it. I sort of believe a door wasn't closed all the way.

At least 308. Why do you ask? If you can afford the car and have the cash to spend on serious hp, why not look for something already available for sale? The transmission most likely will be able to handle a modified exhaust and intake. I'd buy the car with the factory hp that works and keep it stock.

Need a little more "wow." Check out and drive the IS350. Not the same class as the 5 series but it might work. I really enjoyed the one I drove at the dealer one day.

There is a shop in Nashville that does it so look in your area. Also, check eBay for take-offs.

Of course it will depend on the dealer and the inventory - more on hand is better for you. We traded in an RX-330 two years ago and got very nice credit plus $1000 off the GS since the color we would have liked to had wasn't there. Ask for a color they don't have but keeping in mind you'd be happy with one on the lot. See how much they help you out.

There is a recall notice regarding the steering. Check to see if the car has been covered.

I'd suspect sunroof drains being disconnected. Is there water in your spare tire area also?

Any history of hitting a curb, pot-hole or debris by you or any other driver? With 17k miles, I wouldn't suspect worn components. Also, did you get the steering repair? I'm still sitting on a recall notice and not totally sure of the details.

Sure no problem. We now have 2k miles on the tires without any complaints. They look good and are quiet - maybe even more than the OEM tires. The Cooper dealer in this area is a two pump gas station with a greasy garage. So, I removed the wheels and center caps and gave them only the wheels to change the tires over. The balance was an issue since they didn't have the correct wheel weights but had the low profile, ultra sticky weights the next day. All was good and the tires are working well. Would I consider Cooper tires again. Absolutely at this point. Currently we are slowing getting around to selling the car and won't really get to see the mileage from the tires though I expect it to be way better than the 13k we got out of the OEM tires.

I have it on my Frontier now and have a roll to put on the GS but haven't gotten to it yet. Funny huh? But I wanted to get on under the belt before I do the GS. I do like the stuff though. Now there are pre-cut kits on eBay and the price has come way down in the last year.