vcv10guy

Congratulations on your purchase and that's a pretty great deal. Enjoy your ES! B)

I wouldn't just go to any old place for an oil change. If you want to save money go to a reputable independent mechanic that specializes in Lexus/Toyota vehicles. Another option is find a Toyota dealership that will service Lexus cars (you have to call them first, some Toyota dealers won't service it). As far as the alarm goes, it only goes off if the glass is broken, the door is forcibly opened (same for the trunk and moonroof), and some other situations (can't remember right now). Simply pulling the door handle will not set off the alarm, it is not that sensitive. If it is indeed broken, your car is still under warranty (unless your mileage is past the warranty), so you can go to a Lexus dealer for repairs. I should also add that Steviej made a really good and detailed post on the tutorial section of this website on how to replace the oil and transmission fluid on a 2002 ES300. Worth a look if you're interested in doing this yourself. Oh and btw, Welcome to the LOC. :)

I'd say go for it because they are very beautiful looking cars (inside and out) and are really loaded. As what Blake said, they are very roomy inside. Definitely check other Mercedes-Benz forums if you haven't done so already. Be sure to let us know on what S-Class you decide or vehicle (if you change your mind).

I believe you just inspect them every 15k and replace them at 30k. If it's dirty then just replace it with an OEM one for I think it was 20 or 30 dollars. If you want you could put a TRD air filter (which I have) or use a K&N air filter (there both drop in, no modification required). It's generally supposed to last longer ( just clean&oil every 40k) and help the engine breath better. Just bare in mind it costs more than the standard air filter, but it will last the life of the car if taken care of. There is no special precautions needed when changing the filter, unclip the latches and lift the airbox to lift out the filter. Be sure to vacuum out any dirt that's in the airbox before putting back the air filter. FYI - You should put the year of your ES300 in the "car model" section under the avatar on the side.

No no, you don't have to leave the forum. The forum is very strict on "for sale" posts (as this has happened several times) and among other things, so please don't take this personally. I am glad this forum has helped you out, and I hope that it continues too. As long as you have an appreciation for the Lexus nameplate and have an interested, then you are more than welcome to stay. Therefore welcome to the LOC, and hope to see you around. B)

I think a website called carsdirect.com shows you what the invoice and MSRP is for vehicles. You could look up the IS on there and not to mention there are other websites you could look at for information (edmunds for example). You should be able to get a good deal on the IS since it's been on market for awhile and it's next generation will be coming soon as well. Good luck with your search. I also remember a month or so ago, there were special offers for the IS on the Lexus website. Oh ya welcome to the LOC and enjoy the forums.

haha nice card B) , ya I've been debating for the past few weeks on whether or not I should get the Lexus card. The card would look even better though if those two visa symbols weren't blocking the Lexus emblem. Enjoy racking up those points.

Ehh... $2.74 for 91 octane/premium. It's things like this that make me want to get a diesel car (for the fuel economy and it's still slightly cheaper than premium here). I most likely won't though haha.

I'm quite disappointed that Mercedes-Benz went that route by ripping off the 7-series. There is nothing wrong with the 7series interior, but Mercedes-Benz has always had their own unique interior styling and that's now lost with new S-Class. I can live with the exterior, but those fender flares are too prominent on the car. I've always viewed the S-Class as a beautiful car inside and out, but not this one. I'll get use to it though. I accept BMW's styling now, even though I still prefer the pre-Bangle styling. Oh well...get the 2006 S-Class while you can! hehe. :whistles:

I voted for the Highlander, but considering a Chrysler Pacifica isn't a bad idea. They are safe as far as crash tests go and the fuel economy is comparable to the Highlander as well. If you're concerned about styling, the Pacifica does have a more stand out styling than the Highlander. Personally though I don't like the Honda Pilot's looks and well the styling of some Hondas for that matter. The headlights make it look bug eyed and ugly, and the taillights don't look great to me either. I have to give it points for safety, and overall typical Honda quality though. You and your wife should definitely test drive all of them to help make decision.

Ya I just read that article too. Those shareholders are sure unhappy about the company's direction. I feel sorry for those workers that are about to lose their jobs too. Well that's business for you.

I know what you mean. I was trying to hunt down some older GS brochures and other manufacturer ones too because I'm going to be in the market soon myself.

If you have a back up car, you can ship your steering wheel to American Stitches, and they can retrofit your steering wheel with genuine wood trim. If you are interested, do a search in the ES forum to find comments on their work (generally people approve) and a link to there website (sorry I don't rememeber it off the top of my head). Plan B, you can go to an auto wrecking yard and find an ES with the wood and leather steering wheel and shift knob. Congrats on your purchase and you choose a fine color.

Hmm... I would lean towards the Volvo S60 as a first choice because it's a pretty good car (safety, comfort, and good fuel economy), but depending on which engine it may be rather underpowered unless it's a 2.4T or T5 (probably not a T5 since it's a company car). Do you know what type of S60 it is? Second choice would be a Pacifica because it is rather roomy and it's not a dramatic styling statement as the 300 (unless that's what your wife wants), but like LF said it's not exactly a gas saver.

Ah I see. Hopefully you were able to bid on it because when I posted that link, it had approximately one day left before it ended.... Looks like someone placed a bid on it, is that you LF? haha..