melhadri

I currently own a black/ivory 98' ES300. I love this car but I think its almost time (6-12 mo.) I look for something a little newer and one that I would like to keep for the next 5 yrs. The GS model is also at the top of my list. Great blend of luxury and sport, Lexus quality, and fantastic market value... I set a budget for myself , $28-$29k. After doing some shopping I was able to find very few low mileage 03' GS430's w/ Nav Lev system w/in this price range. At the outset, I thought about getting an 01' but decided I wanted a newer year model even though the cars are identical. My only concern in the V8 is gas mileage and regular maintenance costs. I completely understand the ES300 is cheaper to maintain and service but honestly what type of a jump am I looking at for a GS430? 10-15%?

For $12k, I'd go with a low mileage 2000 ES300. Both models are very reliable as long as the previous owners have taken care of regular maintenance. The GS is a funner car to drive especially if you go with the GS400.

Took the ES to a local Toyota dealership for inspection of the mounts. They confirmed all mounts are in good shape, however, the rear mount is a little shaky but not critical. I asked if they would repair it and they suggested that I save my $$ b/c it didn't need repaired. Appreciate their honesty and due diligence. I'll later post the tech's notes for reference. Thanks.

Can anyone provide contact info for any good mechanics in the Indianapolis area? Thanks.

I'm also having the same issue with my 98'. (w/o variable timing) The engine literally jerks around as if it wants 'out.' Kinda unusual but honestly my transmission feels fairly smooth while switching gears. Checked the fluids and all seems well. (Dark Cherry Red color) I assume the mounts are busted. I read about the replacement of mounts on the LS but how long does it take to replace each of the 3 mounts on an ES? Also, does anyone have a diagram of the location of the mounts?

I believe broken mounts can damage critical engine components and potentially trash the transmission. I called the Lexus dealership to schedule an appt. for the replacement and one of their tech's emphasized that 97-01 ES300's rarely suffer damaged/broken mounts. He seems to believe that there might be a transmission issue. Is there a way to test the transmission on my own?

Buddy of mine back home took a look at my ride today and noticed that the engine was jumping in different directions (3-4inches) while switching gears. He suspects that the motor mounts are trashed. How many motor mounts are in the ES300 and how much would it cost to replace one mount? Thanks.

Sorry about the object reflections on the pics. I'll post some new pics in the coming days.

Appreciate the feeback. The fogs are actually Narva Golds. Bought them for around $30/pair. I really like them. When I went shopping for a CD deck I wanted something simple and reasonably priced. For $225 the JVC seemed to fit and look well with the structure of the interior. My next goal is to purchase some nice floor mats and upgrade my car tint from 45% to 15 or 20%.

Finally had a chance to take some pics of the baby...check it out.

Just purchased a set of front brake pads ($45) from the Lexus Dealer. Also bought a set of front Brembo Rotors ($110) from autopartswarehouse.com. (free super fast shipping) I am ready to have these parts installed however, I think I am missing shims for my front breaks. Are the shims a vital part of braking? What are the implications for installing new Toyota breaks w/o shims? If necessary, whats the best place to buy shims? Lexus is selling the front set for ~$35. Thanks in advance.

Along with the other suggestions, I would also treat your Lex to a motorvac service. ($100-$125) Call your local shops and ask if they offer motorvac services. Good luck.

1-2 mins in Cold weather; ~1 min. Warm weather. Drive easy til engine is warm. Never understood why but it seems to be the norm.

The "pure yellow foglights" are definitely hot and most people enjoy them. In order to emit a pure yellow light, I believe they use yellow tint within the housing of the fog light; the bulbs are just plain white. Some of our 02-06 ES owners may be able to give you insight on how to modify/replace your current fogs... Year ago, I purchased a set of Narva Golds from Daniel Sternling. They also produce a yellow light and I really like them however you can clearly tell the difference.

Sears also has the Falkens in an H-Speed for your tire size. Check it out (Do a search on your tire size, then select enter. Falken H-Speeds should appear): http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?...1000&subcat=Car What you will need to do is print out a copy of the DiscountTire.com invoice and take it to Sears. They will need the invoice for pricing verficiation purposes. If you prefer purchasing the tire online, then select the 'Price Match" button on the website for further instructions. Good Luck.

BMW for steering & handling; Lexus for everything else. Since these vehicles target different markets, you will have to determine which car best fits your needs. Overall, the Lexus offers the best bang for your buck. Head to Head Showdown Analysis of both cars: http://www.autobytel.espn.go.com/content/s...icle_id_int/861

Glad to hear you enjoyed the LS. I highly suggest you take it for a test drive one day. Very smooth, luxiorous ride. The LS is clearly one of the most premiere Lexus models. Many of the owners in this forum can testify to that. New LS model will be introduced in 2007. By the way, I noticed your located in Pittsburgh. I went to school in Pittsburgh. Go Steelers and Pitt Panthers.

Size: 205/65/15 in H-speed. You are precisely correct, discountiredirect.com has them listed for only $48 a pop, plus FREE shipping. However, by the time I had them installed it was too late. I don't think Sears Auto is anything great but they are willing to match the price of $48 for those that are interested. And according to their policy they will also give you an additional 10% off the tire price. Gotta love competition. Could have had the tires for much cheaper... Official Sears Policy " We'll Match Any Price Plus... If you find a lower price on an identical branded item with the same features currently available for sale at another local retail store, Sears will match that price plus give you 10% of the difference. Just tell your sales associate at the time of, or within 30 days after, your purchase. If you find a lower price (including shipping, handling and delivery) on an identical branded item with the same features currently available for sale and delivery in your area from a local retail store's online site, Sears will match that total price Plus, give you 10% of the difference. Just print the ordering page, including shipping, handling and delivery, and bring it to your Sears store at the time of, or within 30 days after, your purchase. If you are purchasing the item from sears.com, email the information to order@customerservice.sears.com "

I am also thinking about purchasing a GS430. From my research, I can confirm that NOT all GS430's have NAV/Levinson. There should be a Mark Levinson stamp on the stereo. If not, I would safely assume that it doesn't include the Levinson sound system, which is a very pricey option. However, the screen in the dash should indicate NAV/Levinson system, not sure what the dealer is smoking? If your really interested in buying this particular GS, I would call Lexus corporate to confirm the information about Nav and ML. Is this a Lexus dealership?

Check this site out: http://www.exoticwoodtrim.com/productlist.asp?moid=150

Just had the Falkens installed on my baby...feeling good so far. ($425 at Sears for the entire package including tax)

Not sure how accurate this source is but thought you guys/gals may be interested: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/FVDP/...leId=100606633#

My EGR value died at 80k miles. Had it replaced for $325 at Toyota.

Appreciate the remedy. I'll try it tonight. For clarification purposes, are you instructing I rev. the engine between 2500-3500rpms until the coolant is warm? Another question, the coolant level is now full, and since its full I am assuming that I should skip the step "fill through radiator cap till full," correct? Thanks again.

Just had my brakes and rotors looked at. Dealer tells me I need new front rotors b/c there is too much rust build-up. If they were to sand the rotors, it would drive the surface to low for use. The dude gave me the option of just placing new front pads on the car but warned that the rust from the rotors may cause loud squeaking noises. What do you guys think I should do, just replace the front pads with OEM or replace both the front pads and front rotors with OEM? Any other recommendations?