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LexKid630

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Everything posted by LexKid630

  1. Can you post a few pictures of the scratches for us to see? It's hard to give advice without seeing the damage for ourselves.
  2. I don't think you will find anyone on this forum who will be able to tell you the 99 Rx300 is the best SUV for what you're interested in doing with it. The 99-01 RX300 AWD models have the weakest transmissions as it is, never mind when towing It's also a $4400 repair if, i mean when, the transmission fails. I'm pretty sure it's not a "car" transmission in the RX, but it's still a poorly designed and cooled transmission. There are members on this forum with excellent understanding of what "exactly" goes wrong with the transmissions, but to make a long story short, they suck. Your link does not work by the way :( Can you afford to look at the 02-03 RX's? We've all been told (or at least never heard of the tranny failing) with these model years. Is the RX300 you're looking at a front wheel drive model or All wheel drive model? If it's AWD, look elsewhere for an SUV. Lexus is an amazing brand, but the AWD 99-01 RX tranny's are a disaster waiting to happen. I could never recommend the 99-01 AWD RX if you plan on ever towing, or taking it out of the garage. You may get lucky, as some owners have been (somehow), but the lesser odds are still there... if you still think you want the 99 RX you looked at, dispite the rest of the negative responses i'm sure you will have by morning, take a look at the transmission fluid, make sure it's bright red in color and doesn't smelled burned or anything. Make sure it has all the service records etc, run a carfax, look for paint/body work etc as you normally would when buying a car. You'd be taking a chance, but you may turn out ok! Remember, a 99 (probably came out in 98) is 10 years old; any car at 10 years old is going to have problems, so take that into consideration. Good luck
  3. Yeah, i figured Toyota would be able to do something as simple as a tranny flush on the RX since the Highlander has similar components and the same fluid type. I heard about other members on this forum taking their Lexus' to Toyota so i figured i would give it a try too. The service was an excellent, if not the best experience i have ever had with my cars. I don't know if it was the oxytocin in the air, or the Cinnamon Raisin Danish and freshly squeezed orange juice (just so happened to be my favorite breakfast combo), but i was in heaven. :P And all for less $$$ than at Lexus!? I highly suggest anyone who needs a service done, if they come to RI to go to Colonial Toyota in Lincoln, RI.
  4. I just thought i'd tell you about a great experience i had, having my Rx300 serviced at my local Toyota dealership a few weeks ago. I never thought it was of any importance to mention here, but after reading how many negative reports there are with lexus service, i thought i would! It was time for another transmission flush for the Rx300, so i decided to take it to my neighborhood Toyota dealership (3 miles down the road) instead of having to travel a half hour to Lexus. I called a few days in advance to ask if they could do it, and they said they could, for $189 which was less than at Lexus. When i showed up the day of service, i brought the car into the garages (looked the same as at lexus) and there was a man to greet me as soon as i got out of my car. I told him what i was there for, and he asked for me to go into one of the service rooms (again, same as at lexus) to fill out the service forms etc. He then told me that it would be about an hour or so, and that i could wait in the showroom or service lounge. I decided to take a look at some of the new Toyota's (this was my first time at a Toyota dealership in a while) in the showroom. I sat in a few of them on the floor, just enjoying myself (they aren't that bad btw!). A few minutes in my observation's, a woman (not a sales women, just someone working there) came up to me (i was sitting in the Avalon at the time) and informed me that there was coffee and pastries in the lounge!? I immediately took a short walk to the lounge and couldn't believe my eyes! There was every type of breakfast pastry you could imagine! I didn't hesitate to take a few samples, took a napkin, cup of orange juice (hate coffee...) and sat myself down and enjoyed! I've been to about, maybe 4 Lexus dealerships in my lifetime since 1989, the only one in RI (yeah, it's a pretty small state...) two in CT and in MA. NOT one of them had these delicious pastries and array of beverages, or made me feel as comfortable as i felt at this Toyota dealership. It may of cost Toyota a little extra to supply these minor things, but they have my business. When the service man came out to me to tell me my car was done, i told him he'd be seeing me in another 15k miles when i need it done again. He began to explain to me what a nice car i had, etc. etc. as if it was a Bentley or something. The car wasn't scratched or dented, just the way it came in, and everything works perfectly. I checked the fluid, perfect level, nice and pink in color. Maybe this was just a one day thing for Toyota to do that, but i was very impressed. I received a survey in the mail from this dealership and gave them excellent reports across the page. Just thought i'd share! :D
  5. I'm gonna have to suggest the Bridgestone dueler Alenza tires 100%. I put them on my Rx300 last year and i haven't had a single problem. I live in RI, and as you know, we get a lot of snow! These tires haven't failed me once in the snow. Although still dangerous, i've taken it up to cruising speed around 80+ on the highway during heavy rainstorms with no hydroplaning. They're incredibly smooth and quiet on the highway, i really have to suggest them 100%! They're a bit more expensive than other brands, but it's the piece of mind, i can't complain!
  6. The 04-05 RX330's are exactly the same except for one thing. The 04's had a "jerking transmission" issue that was fixed for 05. Not a "big" deal, there is a TSB for it, but it gets kind of annoying. The 06's are the same as 05 just the nav screen quality is much more clearer for 06. but if you're not getting it with navigation, who cares. You can get a used rx330 key from ebay and have it programmed, but make sure you don't get an "after market" key. They look "similar" to the untrained eye, but they aren't of the same quality. You should always have at least two (max is 4) remote keys programmed and on hand, at all times. Because if you ever lost that one you had, you cannot make more. You need one master to program a new one. As far as the lumbar not working, it's not a common problem. It might be something as simple as a bad switch? Take this into consideration when purchasing that one. Whatever you would be willing to pay if it was working, subtract $300 or whatever. Also check for things such as body or paint work, gaps between body panels such as the hood, tailgate and doors, and look underneath for rust etc. If you check a carfax, it may say it's clear but carfax cannot report everything. And just because a car's been in an accident, doesn't mean it's a poor buy as long as it's been repaired correctly. I owned an 04 Rx330 and traded it in for the 07 Rx350 (in 07 they added a different engine, therefore calling it the 350). It's still the same except for that little extra power with the larger engine. The 04+ RX's are an excellent car with few to no problems. Good luck!
  7. I don't know for sure, but my guess is no. The holes would have to line up perfectly for it to fit right. And usually there isn't anything that lines up perfectly between an American made car and a Lexus. You'd have to give us some exact measurements of the Ford running boards (and brackets) so we can measure our RX's and compare. Try out dealsofsteel.com, i bought a grille guard for the Rx300 a few years ago for $300 with free shipping. Also ebay it.
  8. I would try something lighter first, a woolite:water mixture, 1:6 should do it, gently rubbing with a soft cloth.
  9. Tonight i happened to be near another Rx350 (just like mine, or not?) and noticed that it had bi-xenon headlights!? I couldn't tell if the housing looked the same, but the high beams were definitely bi-xenon. I went into the other lane and followed it for a while, and every time they turned their high beams on or off, i could tell by the "quickness" and "aim" of the beam, it wasn't the regular halogen DRL. I also don't think they just "added" xenon's in the drl housings because the whole "aim" of the headlight beam changed. I then turned my high beams on (at this point i was right next to it) and there was definitely a difference. It had the chrome handles so could this have been a new thing for 08/09????
  10. In my state of RI they show the Providence traffic court on tv every afternoon. This year they began using cameras to fine people who go through red lights. There is a sensor that detects an object "over the lines, or in the intersection" instantly when the light turns RED. It takes a picture, and you receive it in the mail. If you choose to contest, when you come to court, the judge reads the summons number, and a 15sec video is displayed for everyone in the court to see. It shows 15 seconds before and a few seconds after you've entered the intersection. I have watched a few of the cases, and it's perfectly fine to "enter" the intersection if it's still yellow, even if it turns red when you're "in" the intersection. So you should be fine! Some of the excuses people use in court are quite funny... There's "the sun was behind me, all the lights looked the same", and "my brake's weren't working!!" -all of which the judge didn't buy. Another interesting thing, here in RI at least, is that the fine ($75) does not affect your insurance or go on your driving record. The judge explains this every time a case comes up involving a "camera" catching a traffic violation. A lot of times people ask if they can have it dismissed on their "good driving record"- although it can be dismissed on this good driving record, the judge does not suggest it since you will lose tha "perfect driving record excuse" even though it doesn't affect your record? Yeah, it's weird!
  11. If you guys don't really care about the "functionality" of the sensor, just cut the switch off, and remove the pilot light from the dash. I wouldn't worry about blinding oncoming drivers, the rx's headlight cut-off is so dull it wouldn't do any harm... Or better yet, just solder the wires together to the position you like the headlights angled. All the sensor is, is a potentiometer controlling voltage and current which tells the computer how to move the headlights motors. I did a modification with my Rx, involving bringing the level switch in question into the cabin, making it look nice and pretty with lights and a roller wheel, so i control the headlight angle from the driver's seat. no corrosion and i can control it!
  12. Every fall i talk about getting remote starters put in the cars but for some reason the idea never seems to get executed. My daughter insists we put one in the Rx300 since she's going away to school and the cold winters here are a killer. I researched the forum and have found controversial opinions about remote starter brands and places to have it done. As of today, what is the best way to go? I have heard the name "Audiovox" which seems to be a No-No Also, clifford or viper? I just want a simple remote where i can press a button and the car turns on. When i want to enter the car, i want to be able to press the unlock button on the Lexus remote that will unlock the doors normally, get in, put the key in and drive off. some have mentioned that the only way to unlock the doors with a remote start is to turn the car off first?? how can i achieve the situation above? Opinions and suggestions please! Thanks
  13. Yeah, it's ridiculous how much these wheels cost, i have NO idea how i got the ES wheel for so cheap on ebay. It was in excellent condition too! There are many going in the $200 range, but this one, not even another bidder besides myself. Odd
  14. I honestly don't know how lexus makes the finish so smooth with such a thin layer on these ES wheels. i'm guessing they need to wet sand and polish the clear to get it as smooth as it is, how don't they go through??
  15. Haha, when i first read the post my jaw dropped :P If anyone wants the left over pieces, i'll take $100 Just kidding, they're going on my wall! I am glad you have a sense of humor, I was afraid I may have ticked someone off with my little joke so I was a little worried when I posed my little joke. I am glad you weren't offended and enjoyed my attempt a a little humor. No, not at all :P I have no steering wheel sensitivity <_<
  16. Haha, when i first read the post my jaw dropped :P If anyone wants the left over pieces, i'll take $100 Just kidding, they're going on my wall!
  17. I must have been the first to ever do that, i feel special
  18. Couple of weeks ago surfing on eBay, stumbled across an 03 ES300 steering wheel, no bids with 10 minutes to go, only $35. I said what the heck, placed a bid for $100, ten minutes later auction ended, my bid being the only, so i got a steering wheel for $35 with $15 shipping- DEAL??!! It came in today (UPS is AWFUL) and asked myself for the first time, why did i get it? Didn't really feel like re-selling it, so i decided to play with it. There have been so many rumors about the wood in a Lexus; is it real wood? ...I don't really know any others, but i decided to cut it up! I cut each stitch with a razor blade and pulled off the leather (seems to be glued to the body with 3M spray or something...). Underneath, lies a black "squishy" material that's attached to the metal frame of the wheel. I remember a while ago, i asked a question on here... about an inch and a half down from where the leather meets the wood on the side pieces, some (but not all) wheels have sort of a "bulge"- no one really knew what it was from, until now! Under the leather of this section, there is a piece of what looks to be gray PVC pipe material that's sanded down (i can see the scratches) to be level with the surrounding "squishy" like material. I guess on some wheels, it's not sanded down enough, resulting in that "bulge"- see picture. I then took the wheel to my band saw, did a few cross-sections of the wood and surrounding areas. The wood is REAL! Real what seems to be cherry in this case, with a dark red stain. I am going to guess that the wood is "spray" stained (as opposed to rubbed" because even that black "squishy" material (under the leather) is coated with a very thin layer of red (that just peels off...). I used to think there was quite a thick layer of clearcoat over the wood, but it appears that the clearcoat is VERY thin by my cross sections. The wood appears to be encasing a metal rod that goes all around the wheel, most likely for strength purposes (always wondered how the wood alone could be so strong). I also made a few other cuts on the wheel, enjoy the pictures!
  19. Wwest i thought you stated you've tested your rx with this resistor mod? How could you have done it if you don't know where the resistor needs to be in the circuit?
  20. Well i think the law i posted is just for RI. I'm pretty sure every state's law on the issue is written a little differently as a few states clearly state ANY cover over the license plate is unlawful. i know it's illegal to have any cover in Minnesota. Not sure about FL though.
  21. I recently purchased (for the hell of it) a license plate cover that "bends" the light as you look at it from different angles. I highly doubt they work against traffic cameras (i'm not arguing about their performance), i just think they look very interesting! Then it came to my attention that these plates may indeed be illegal, so i did a little digging. In many states, ANY license plate cover, whether it's clear or not, is illegal. But in my home state of Rhode Island, the law is ambiguous. The only law here that pertains to license plate covers is as follows (i found this on the state's DMV website): Do you have license plate covers on your vehicle? Are they tinted? Hopefully, if you answered “yes,” it was only to the first question. Tinted license plate covers are prohibited under the “Visibility of Plates” statute (31-3-12, RIGL), which reads… Each registration plate and the required letters and numerals thereon, except the year number for which issued, shall be of sufficient size to be plainly readable from a distance of one hundred feet (100’) during daylight. If you keep clear covers over your license plates, you’re helping to protect the plates from becoming scratched and soiled—so long as the covers remain serviceable and don’t become yellowed and cracked from the sun, etc. If you have tinted covers, however, the plates are no longer plainly visible, because you have altered the color scheme of the plate, as well as its readability. This is why the packaging for tinted covers usually read something to the effect of… “FOR OFF-ROAD USE ONLY.” Tinted covers, then, are not in your best interest—not only because they are illegal; but, should you ever be so unfortunate as to report your car as stolen, they may also diminish the chances of police recognizing your plate in traffic and, in turn, diminish your chances of recovery. Now, what's interesting is that it doesn't specify in which direction the plates must be visible at this 100 feet. While looking at a plate with this radar cover from directly behind, the plate is not distorted in the least. It's at a 45 degree angle in either direction that half of the plate begins to disappear. So at 100' from behind the car, the plates are still as easy to read as they would be without the cover. So are they still legal? I'm thinking an officer wouldn't know the specifics of the statute but it would be easy to argue if it ever went to court. What are your opinions? and please, let's not start a discussion on whether or not they actually work against speed cameras ;) http://www.specterguard.com/originalsg.htm
  22. I would suggest using a digital voltmeter to measure the voltage drop across the IAT at ambient and add enough resistance to increase the overall, IAT plus resistor, voltage drop by 10%....20% at the most. Do you know how i would do this, which wires? Is the way i had the resistor placed in the diagrams correct? I don't know why of the 5 wires i need to do this on.
  23. Well, the OEM 4300k Philips xenon bulbs are the "brightest" (max lumens) bulbs you're gonna get in the Rx350 housings. You're confusing the term "brightest" with "color". As you veer away from the 4300k spectrum, you lose brightness and gain color. "For my experience the 5000 bulb provides better illumination." Then find some d2s bulbs in this 5000k color and put them in?
  24. Does anyone know where this resistor is supposed to go?? The kit i previously bought had wrapped cables preventing me from seeing which wire it was in series with. And which ohm value should i use? Would 600ohm be better than 400ohm? And is it 400ohm or 400k ohm? I did a little googl'ing and am finding many values people have been using. Some 4.7k ohm, some 50 ohm. I'm not sure which is best.
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