mizzwize

2 minutes ago, VBdenny said:

Hey Mike,

 

What type of gasoline do you use? 91 and Top Tier? AND, in Massachusetts, during the winter they fuel companies are required to dispense a oxygenated winter blend which typically results in about a 10% decrease in fuel economy and perhaps your issue. Before you do any big replacement expenses, run a few bottle of the GOOD complete fuel system cleaner (about $8-$10) through your tank. I also add an alcohol inhibitor to my fuel as the alcohol just does terrible things to engines. 

Since I spend some time in Massachusetts, I do know that you are paying through the nose for fuel. 

 

Denny

I use 87 mostly. I only try to use premium once in a while. I was told Premium has fuel system cleaner inside of it, which is why it costs more, but I'm not an expert with things like that. Do you need to fully empty your tank before you buy the fuel system cleaner though? or does it matter?

I have a Lexus 1999 ES300 (Coach Edition). I made the mistake of getting the Weapon R Dragon Air Intake system, not knowing it wouldn't make much of an impact with performance and make my car sound more like a race car. I have now realized (as the newbie that i am) that focusing on performance, for a car that was engineered as far as it well get, was a bad idea and I should focus my time on the making it smoother (if possible) and more quiet. 

I'm hoping to get some suggestions. I plan to get the engine cleaned out (have a great deal and I plan to do that because I want to keep the car for a while), so when I have that done, I'll also put the stock intake back in to help with the noise level. I need to get a new wheel (1 that's bent) to help my steering wheel shaking as I'm doing 60mph+. The original owner didn't opt out for the air suspension (or the nakamichi system for that matter). I have the stock rims (15in) with some new all season tires. 

Anything else worth paying attention to or getting to help with low noise and smoother ride?

Hello.

I've had my 1999 ES300 for almost a year now and what I haven't been able to figure out just yet is one of the issues I'm having. SOMETIMES, not all the time, but sometimes when I start my car, it won't start until you try it a second time. I have had a tuneup, my mechanic/cousin noticed the starter was replaced and there's nothing wrong with the spark plugs. I've replaced the knock sensors, Variable Valve Timing Solenoid (2) and two of the O2 sensors since having the car. So I'm not completely sure what the issue could be at this point. 

Ok. I only purchased a pre-2000 Lexus because from all of my research, they happen to be known for being reliable among all cars, not just Lexus (assuming you take care of it). I also just love the look of the LS400 (mainly 95-97). 

Since working on performance isn't practical, would there be anything I can do as far as making the ride smoother? or more durable? I heard that when the 99 was released there was an option to get air suspension, not sure if that's a benefit or not. I also have seen some spoilers for my car and read that they help with driving on the highway (as far as fuel mileage). I've already flushed my fluids (had some old and bad fluids).

Other then that I'm trying to get rid of my check engine light (it's annoying to see, plus the traction won't work until I fix the other issues)

2 hours ago, gbhrps said:

mizzwizz,

I know you don't want to hear this, but you have "champagne tastes on a beer budget" and you can't have both.

The car is 17 years old, is at an age where you can expect to have to replace shocks, belts, wheel bearings, window motors, etc., and the ES was never built for enthusiastic driving but rather for smooth, relaxed commuting and cruising. And you want this car to last 5 to 10 years? It can certainly last that long with good proper maintenance and sensible driving habits. 500 000 miles is doable. But to modify one to increase its performance and gas mileage is a lost cause.

Sure you can replace the spark plugs with iridiums, but as for messing with the intake/larger injectors/exhaust/cam timing, etc., you are throwing money away for the gains that you might make, at the expense of gas mileage, and for spending on the things the car WILL need down the road.

I would advise that you'd be better off doing the preventative maintenance as per the Owner's Manual, driving sensibly, enjoy the car and you'll easily make your 5 to 10 year expectancy without throwing money away.

If you wanted an performance car, and one you could modify, you'd be better served with a Subaru WRX or even an older Lexus GS, or a newer car than your 99, and all of that says more money than you should spend on your present ride, considering what its really worth in the market. Do the maintenance, forget the mods.

Sorry, but you asked for opinions.

As for the speaker upgrade, pull a door panel and remove a speaker. If it doesn't have an onboard amplifier at the speaker (as a 1990 Nissan 330ZX has on each of its 4 speakers), then match up the size and OHMs resistance with a newer speaker if you wish. If there is an onboard amp at each speaker, the entire system has to be changed, unless you're an audio tech with some experience and know of a work around.

As for tires, do a TIRE RACK search for your ride and use their recommendations. Going to a performance tire will be throwing money away (unless you have gobs of it) since they will wear out MUCH sooner than a more conventional tire that the car came equipped with. Good Luck!

I'm not offended by what you said, not sure why you'd think I would be. I'm still new to being a Lexus owner and I'm new to taking care of my car the proper way, so this was very informative. I have been working on repairing the issues the car currently has. I have no issues just sticking to spending my money on that. I just wanted to make my car look nicer, but if that's going to be a challenge because of the model/year then that's fine, no big deal. Thanks for your reply.

I'm looking to mod my 1999 Lexus ES300. 
So far I've purchased the Dragon Air Intake system. 

I've replaced parts (mass air fuel sensor, O2 sensor, knock sensor, solenoids, brakes) so far, but hoping to get parts to modify and not just replace parts.

My objective is to keep the car for at least 5-10 years (I purchased it July 2015) and I'd like it to be more personalized to me while also having more performance. 

I'd like to ultimately increase the acceleration (I'm coming from a 2001 Nissan Altima with a twin cam engine), increase my performance (if possible), help with the gas mileage (the roads in MA aren't friendly to cars), ask for a recommended tire brand for my car, advice on if I'm able to use the stock stereo but replace the speakers/tweeters or if I HAVE to replace the whole entire sound system.

Does anyone know of any websites besides eBay, Amazon or CarID?

I plan to get a 1999 Lexus ES300 and I'm a fan of the Lexus LS400 (95-97) models, as far as interior and exterior. I'm wondering You can change the gear stick on the ES300 to look more like the LS400 gear Stick. For those who might be confused with what i'm asking, I have added attachments. The first one looks more like what the ES300 would have (in style, not an exact picture) and the second picture is more of what I'm looking for.

If it is possible, my next question would be, is it a really tough thing to get done, or as long as you're knowledgeable, it's not too hard to get done?

I guess what i'm trying to do is to definitely keep the stock cassette player, but i wanted to add a stereo that had bluetooth (and maybe usb) functionality.

Hello, within the 94-97 LS400, there's a CD Changer within the glove compartment.
I wanted to know if it's possible to replace that with a stereo (with builtin bluetooth), or if that connection can only be replaced with another CD changer?

Being RWD, you will need to put snow tires on it to be safe. It is a night and day difference when you install good snow tires. I tried the first winter with all-season tires and made it through but it was difficult. Then I bought 4 new Michelin X-Ice tires and 4 spare rims because you do not want to be dismounting/mounting tires on one set of rims each season. That was a game-changer. The LS is very sure footed with snows.

In Mass, you will need snow tires, so factor that in. Don't look at it like so many of my friends do who buy a FWD car with all-seasons and think they are safe in the snow. You should have snow tires on ANY vehicle in the winter because you also steer and brake with all four tires.

Thank you very much. I didn't think anyone would help me out with this question. I appreciate it. You happen to have anymore advice as far as just owning one in general? I'm going to be looking mainly for 94 LS400 (maybe 93, since the differences are small), unless you think the 95 might be a better fit?

I'm hoping to purchase a Lexus LS400 (either 93, 94 or 95), but i live in a state where winters get a good amount of snow (MA). I'm wondering what experiences anyone has had owning a Lexus living in the North East or North West with winter. Any bit of advice that could be given from personal experience?