lancesavage

Just got my timing belt changed. Book says to have it done at 90K. Mine was changed around 100K but did not look to be worn or damaged. Any comments from a qualified mechanic on this one. Just curious.

I have responded to this question a few times over the years. I have a 2000 GS300 and it has been on a constant diet of 87 octane since 2002. My own evaluations of performance yield no change in gas mileage, or any significant difference in performance. My vehicle just turned 100,000 and when it was taken in for its 90K mantainance (OK I was a bit late) they told me everything checked out fine. I also did my own borescope inspection and the cylinders/valves look ok. Never once heard any pinging even when I put a load on it by flooring the acelerator. If you ask any of the mechanics at Lexus you will most likely get a response similar to others posted here. I heard the same thing from the Mercedes mechanic and ran my E320 for about 9 yrs and 230k on low octane. I have had lot of incorrect and just utter BS thrown at me from mechanics. These are the same guys that would have you spent $5.00/qt for synthetic motor oil and tell you to change it every 3k when $1.50/qt stuff that meets the API requirements will work fine and will run for 5k like the manual states. I wouldn't worry about putting low octane fuel in you car. You're engine will be just fine and you will save .30/gal. That adds up.

I have a 2000 GS300 and have been running only 87 octane in it since the year 2001 and currently have 87,000 miles on it. Never really noticed a performance issue (come on, its not a 454 hp high compression engine, just a little 6 banger). Just changed the spark plugs and borescoped the cylinders. Plugs really don't need to be changed, just cleaned and regapped, and cylinders/valves look fine. Conclusion: If you want to spend more money for fuel, go ahead. Its the same as thinking Shell gas is better than BP. Its all the same stuff guys. The reason the car makers tell you to use the high octane is that you get the best (lowest)emmission results. For my money, I will keep using the 87 octane in my six cylinder toyota.

My 2000 GS300 radio's liquid crystal display is beginning to miss parts of numbers and generally has become unreadable. Lexus claims it can't be fixed and wants around 500.00 for a new one. That is ridiculous for this junky little factory radio. I saw a thread about a year ago mentioning the part numbers as well as a phone number for pioneer , and a company in Florida you could send the entire unit to replace the display. Any help is appreciated.

just had my 2000 GS300 flushed at my local lexus dealer. took an hour and cost $106.00. A bit steep but I sleep well knowing it was done properly.

I have been using 89 octane in my 2000 GS300 now for 2 years (60K + miles) with absolutely no problem. These guys that rant on about performance, i have not noticed it in my 3.0 liter. I think a lot of this ideaology comes from misinformed dealers fueling the myth that you have to use 91 or better or the motor will blow up. If you speak with anyone involved with the oil industry, they will pretty much tell you, if it doesn't cause knocking or pinging, it ok to use. I have had a friend or two with bigger 8 cylinders (high compression) engines tell me they can tell a big difference when using 91 and then switching to 89 octane. I won't argue since I haven't tested their vehicles. All I can tell you is that my car runs fine. It has also passed the emmissions testing req by our state just fine. Supposedly one reason for foreign car makers specifying the higher octane is that the motor burns it more efficiently reducing the emmissions. Doesn't seem to prove out in my case. Checked compressions and motor is just fine. Good luck and don't believe the octane myth.

I have a GS300 with similar problems. Mine is more of a slight vibration or shudder in steering wheel that occurs 65 to 70 and disappears in an around 72+. Tried tire pressure since wheels specify max tire pressure 44 psi and owners manual specs 32. Dealership says 35 is best tradeoff for good ride and handling which I confirm. Pressure doesn't effect problem. I then switched front tires to back thinking its a balance problem and got similar results. next I am planning to allign but am also going to check balance on all four tires. will let you know.

2000 GS 300 w/ chrome plated rims I have been told by local tire store that the reason for pressure loss in a few of my tires is that the chrome is flaking off the seal area causing a leak. They have dressed the area a bit but still the tires leak. They also went on to say that this is a problem that a few other car manufacturers have encountered, lot to lot, with these type of rims due to poor chroming procedures. Anyone one else having this problem? Lexus customer service, as usual, has never heard of the problem. Just like they claim never to have heard of poor quality with their lcd displays.

Saw your reply. I have a 2000 gs300 with a bad display. is the kit you mention the display module that can be refitted in the original radio. I have disassembled my radio and it looks quite easy to replace providing I can get the proper parts(display w/connector ribbon and pc board). Is this a 2nd generation type and where can I get it. Thanks in advance for your help.

I have a 2000 GS300 and the radio display is malfunctioning. As the ambiant air temp increases the display shows only partial numbers and letters. Anyone else ever have this trouble. Apparently, it must be a problem since I have found a few companies who fix these displays. Also, does anyone know how to remove it from the front panel so the radio unit can be sent for repair. Don't want to pay $500 bucks for a new radio.