LexBob2

It does sound like the car might be getting to that point where you have to make the call as to whether or not to keep putting more and more money into it or make a change sooner than expected. Personally, I'd move on before too many more expenses.

If you have a problem with the AC I guess it's better it's too cold vs. not cold enough. Maybe you could talk to someone at the dealership to see if there is a way to dial it back to a more comfortable level.

Is it a CPO vehicle?

Where is the post. Would like to see the pics.

I don't know about wear and tear on the transmission, but the old saying goes "it's cheaper to replace brakes than transmissions. Hopefully someone will weigh in on your question.

Congratulations on the new X3. Also, a quote from a Beatles song - Nice touch, :)

Yeesh, that looks terrible...

Good luck with your test drive. Let us know how it goes.

Funny you should mention the 328i. We have one, our first BMW. So far so good, but we don't usually keep cars much beyond the factory warranty period.

It might be a good idea to set it up in advance, and make the trip to the Lexus dealer for an extended test drive. You'll probably find A LOT of differences, both good and not so good (maybe) between your 2002 and the 2015. Different engine, transmission, driving characteristics, new technology and amenities. Almost too many to summarize here. The reliability will most likely be there but a lot has changed in the 13 years. As you indicated, $49k is probably a stretch for a 335i or a C400. The 328i and C Class with the 2.0t are probably doable.

Reserve fuel to help assure drivers don't actually run out and get stranded? Also, the fuel pump is in the tank and needs gas for cooling.

Will the refreshed model be produced in the Kentucky plant?

Are these run flat tires? If so, they will ride harder than conventional tires. If ride is a top priority, run flats are not the way to go. We have them on a BMW and they are fine for us, but many drivers don't like them.

Hi LEX-SV. I still check CL now and then but no longer own a Lexus so don't have much to contribute.

I believe the current gen was launched as a 2013.

Just for clarification, premium unleaded is recommended/required by Lexus for the 2009 ES350 of the OP. With the 2012 model year (I think) out of the blue Lexus said it's OK to use regular. There has been a ton of discussion and debate over whether it's OK to use regular in the 2007-2011 models. I feel it's up to the individual driver to decide what they want to do. I used regular in my 2007 and 2010 and many others stuck with premium. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

If you have a full size spare, you should check the pressure in that one too.

Easy fix. Just move the L - R mirror adjustment switch to the center position and mirrors will remain stationary.

Do you want it (drivers side only) to tilt down or remain stationary?

Hi Thunder, Lenore's suggestion of taking your car to a Toyota dealership for diagnosis is a good one. The ES350 has the same mechanicals as the Camry and Avalon so their mechanics are familiar with working on the transmission. It might cost a few bucks more, but at least you'll know it's being looked at by experienced Toyota people. Good luck..

I've never done it, but I can imagine to swap seats on two new vehicles, or to buy a new RX seat, would be an expensive proposition.

You shouldn't have any problem replacing the battery. Its pretty straight forward. Just follow the instructions in the owners manual and its pretty easy.

Well worth the effort. The car looks great.

35% is legal so I wouldn't go any lower than that. I'd probably stay with 40%. I visited a couple of tint shops and they showed me how the various tints would look. It was helpful. After 2 ES350's I got a 2013 Audi Q5.

Sorry, but I no longer have the 2010 ES350 (Starfire Pearl/Parchment). I took a Before picture but never got around to taking an After picture. It was a little lighter than preferred, but it was legal and overall I thought it looked good - Understated if you will.