nc211

Although it may be a little premature at your mileage, it's not impossible........wheel bearings. when you had the car on the jacks, did you spin the wheels?

When I got my 95' back in May of 03', I sat outside and looked at it next to my soon to be gone 01' Nissan Maxima. I remember thinking "hope I'm making the right decision about this" because the Maxima to me at the time was a sharper looking car, the LS was boring looking. But I can tell you, even with the repairs "some required, mostly preventive", 25k miles and 18 months later, I did make the right decision in all aspects. I went from a 2 1/2 year old car with MY 40k miles to an 8 year old car with SOMEONE ELSE'S 84k miles on it. It's such a stately car, and it does one thing, and only one thing...it drives perfectly! I just turned 110k miles last night...love the car. W201, you'll really appreciate the car more when you drive other cars, then drive the LS. Not to say the other cars that you have aren't as good, because if you're on this website, then I'm sure you probably take good care of your cars, but the LS is unique in the sense of craftsmanship in regards of smoothness, dependability and quietness. But the real joy of the LS "yours included" is that you don't have to buy a new one at new car prices to still enjoy the new car feel. What I mean is that these cars don't lose a lot of their composure over the years. They lose some, but very very little. Which to me, is the amazing part of the Lexus LS400. Some cars might handle better, accelerate faster, cut through the air quieter and be quieter at 80 mph "depending on what year you have v. 4 speed or 5 speed transmission", but the LS is unique, one of a kind, and a wonderful used car purchase. You will surely enjoy your LS for many years to come.

Me? Well I'll be a LS owner for life. Even when I'm in a position to purchase a "newer" car, it'll be the LS430 and my current LS400 will be my daily town driver, grocery getter, mall parking lot victim cruiser until it finally says enough and dies on me. Then, I'll be offering all the good parts to you guys, while I listen to "Taps" and "Tear in my Beer" at it's funeral.

Seems this thread caught a lot of interest. :)

I have to agree with a lot of you. I bought the car to get something super reliable, comfortable and reasonable in costs and emissions... Perhaps the other qualities grow on you, just like you say?

In my work a often drive long distances in rental cars, brand new ones from Volkswagen/AUDI, SAAB, Nissan etc.

Very few of them are better to drive than my girlfriends -92 MB 300TE 24v, and her car has 200 000 miles on the clock! And I think the LS is actually a notch better than her MB, in aspects of "travelling quality"... Perhaps that IS addictive? :D

And guys, I think the LS design looks a bit better now, guess I'm getting acustomed to it? ;)

You all have a happy new year!

/Alexander

I bought the Compusa store brand wireless router "54Mbps Wireless G Broadband Router" with the SKU # of 333628. I bought the Compusa store brand 54Mbps Wireless G PC Card for the computer. I'm running on a cable modem that screams. I liked Linksys "had the wired version until now' but they were twice as expensive. I figured this technology has been out long enough that a store brand would pretty much do the same thing for half as much money. I've been cruising around www.download.com for some information/downloads to help keep everything protected and running fast. The laptop doesn't have a ton of horsepower, so i'm making sure what needs to run in the background is the only thing(s) running.

I used to be able to connect to my neighbor's internet connection too. I then had to remove it from the list of available wireless networks because occasionally it would be stronger than my own connection and would interfere with everything that had to do with my Internet.

What kind of internet connection do you have? To make the most of any high speed connection, it's best to use a wireless G router if you're planning on not using a hardwired connection. I'd recommend Linksys with speed booster routers, especially since RadioShack has a sale on them for a little longer.

www.lexuspartsonline.com

I spent a short amount of time on the net and could not find prices on a coil spring. Is this something I need to get at a junk yard or a stealership?

Actually, their network just let me connect with no hassle. I don't think they've got theirs configured correctly.

Thanks DC, yeah it's my dad's older laptop. Thing is tiny! It's got a 600 mhz processor and the norton software just slows it way down when it's running in "auto protect". I've got XP Pro "a burnable copy... :whistles: " that I did a clean install with. The computer itself is setup perfectly "took me nearly 2 days", had to wrestle with the sony proprietory bios and stuff, but got everything updated "shipped with ME on it" and got rid of that horrible ME operating system. I bought a Compusa wireless router and wireless card that slides into the side of the laptop. It's got a 12 gig HD, 128 ram "max is 192, but not worth the extra money due to unique memory setup". Here's a question though, with it being a Sony, and it has the Memory Stick option, if I buy a large memory stick for it, would the compter beable to use that additional memory as Ram? Hmmm....I'm thinking outloud.

I agree completely..Chrystler won on that merger for sure. Although MB did learn how to streamline their manufacturing to get the vehicle prices back into market play..but it cost in quality. MB should have asked Toyota to teach them how to streamline the process instead of chrystler..then they would have hit the bullseye. But for chrystler....sucess

It's always been my personal experience in snow that having the engine in a lower gear creates too much torque, especially reverse torque when you take your foot off the gas and the engine braking is too much, makes the car slide. But again, that's just been my experience. I always put the car in "N" when I'm stopped so there is no way the car will move forward. Learned this last Feb here in Raleigh when I was stuck in traffic for 12 hours do to a thin sheet of ice and maybe 1/2 inch of snow on top of it. I would sit in traffic with my brakes on, but the pads were wet and the rear pads would not hold the tires in place, they kept moving. Saw a 94' Jag next to me fighting the same problem, and he went into the curb.

I think it would work! That thing looks coooool! I like where Chrystler is going these days with their designs. They're definetly ahead of the game in design if you ask me. I'm not so sure about the coupe though, kind of looks like the new mustang, just beefier....sort of reminds me of the Dodge Charger in the Dukes of Hazzard.

Of course you throw in a Hemi, and I'm sure it'll be freakin' awesome! My uncle has one of those new 300C with the hemi and all the toys...pretty nice! It will definetly scoot on down the road.

I posted this in the gold forum as well...thanks SK for the advice!!!

ok, my age and lack of knowledge is about to show, not that hasn't happened before around here or anything..

I recently inhereted a cool little sony laptop. it's about 600mhz +/-. i've got xp pro on it, and all seems fine. I've installed a wireless network in my house. I am dumbfounded that i can gain access to my neighbor's wireless network w/o them knowing it now. So, my need for help is this....what can I make this little laptop do with this wireless pci card now? Can i intercept cellphone calls? Any advice on a good antivirus and firewall program? I'm currently using norton on it, but too much drainage to make it work at normal speed. I'm at some 802.11 b/g thing setting...??? I'm lost here guys and need your help. This is a new area for me..used to installing cables to make things work. Any good programs to get? Utilities, tweaks, and goodies a wireless setup should have?

thanks amigos

www.lexls.com

I actually did pretty good this year! Must have been a good boy, for once :whistles: . My fiance got me a cannon hd/digital camcorder and a gift card to compusa "going wireless". Folks got me a cannon sd500 digital camera, gift cards to sears "love tools", menswarehouse "need clothes" and I scored my dad's 5 year old sony vaio crusoe mini laptop. I think it's a 600 mhz processor..fast enough for mobile use. thing is tiny as heck, about the size of a personal planner. he retired this year and his parent company bought him a top of the line hp laptop for retirement...not that he knows how to use it yet...hense my "new" sony. trying to get xp on it now..but being a bit of a booger with all that proprietory software on it.

Do you smoke?

Man, after a few days of driving a 00' Ford Focus and a 02' PT Cruiser.....one of those times when you remember why it is that we fool with these 10 year old cars! Got back into my LS this morning to come into the office, and was like "Ohhhh Yeahhh, hi baby...Daddy's home!" Love this thing!

Just ordered new tires..Sorry Army, I didn't go with the Faulkins..Sorry Blake..didn't go with the Michelin's either. I went with the Continental Premiercontact tires from tirerack. They were $87 ea. and have great ratings. So I figured for less than $400 total "shipping included", I'd give them a shot. They "reviewers" say they're great, quiet, smooth and durable luxury tires with great treadlife. I may end up regretting this..but you know how it goes...you live and you learn. And I couldn't really argue with the reviewer's postings on them. Like here with you guys...except for that SWO3ES dude from up north...some big-wig D.C. hotshot....I35's are better! Hahaha. Gotcha'! ;)

The wobble saga should be coming to an end next week!!

Man, this thread has sparked up since last week. I totally agree with you Monarch! But what I was saying "or was thinking, but my fingers didn't follow on the keyboard" is what's better than two of the best engines ever built strapped next to eachother, working in harmony? Two Toyota 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engines, hummin' away!

As for the rest of this debate....I'm not even gonna touch it as I think everyone is in the right. I had an old roommate with a 92' Ford Mustang "we called it the Rustang" that had 130k miles on the 4 cylinder engine...and was on it's original, unadjusted clutch. Now granted you went over a bump and the thing sounded like it was about to rip apart at the ductaped hinges....but it did take one hell of a beating...

To each is his own I guess. I love the 5.7 350's with the tune-port injectors myself "Older Iroc's" for hellraising. But I'm a 32 year old Duke's of Hazzard fan..so take it as you see it.

I think V8's in general are the most reliable engines out there for the simple fact that you don't have to strangle them to get up to speed = less wear and tear. You take a 4 banger, and it's eating up it's power-band all the time to get around which accelerates the wear.

To the contrary, Toyota built its worldwide reputation for durability based on the 600,000 mile capability of its high winding 4 cylinder engines. It has taken the Asian car makers 30 years to break down the MYTH established by American car makers that small sized high winding engines can't be extremely durable. Here are some Toyota 4 cylinder owner testimonials:

475,000 miles and running like a true champ:

http://www.saber.net/~monarch/475.jpg

My own 4 cylinder Toyota pickup still running strong after 463,000 miles and still passing tough California smog tests with it's factory original catalytic coverter because the engine still has like new compression and minimal piston ring wear / blow by:

http://www.saber.net/~monarch/463.jpg

Breaking in at 350,000 miles:

http://www.saber.net/~monarch/350.jpg

345,000 mile Camry:

http://www.saber.net/~monarch/345.jpg

297,000 mile Toyota MR2 sports car

http://www.saber.net/~monarch/297.jpg

I agree. If those little warnings at the end of those emails were true "you'll die, you'll burn in hell, you'll be sorry" then I wouldn't be in hell....I'd own the place! :snoooorrrtttt:

i hate those emails where it says something at the bottom along the lines of:

send this to ten ppl or u will die

or

send this to 10 ppl in th enext half hour or else you'll have bad luck

or

etc, etc, etc

Who is your mechanic? Gold Finger? For that kind of money, I'd have the car towed to your nearest Lexus dealership and tell them to do the 90k service, where they will flush all the fluids, plugs, filters ect...in addition to replacing your timing belt and water pump for the same amount of money +/-. $1,700 for the power steering issue??? Dude, not seeing that at all!! That's a lot of money to fix a leak, which is probably your pump seal or something like that. For $1,700 you can replace the entire steering component in the car "rack, tie rods, pump etc..." Looks like you're someone's Santa Clause this year. Especially if they first tried to tell you the engine was shot. Either you're dealing with an indi mechanic who is b/s'n you, or you've got a Jr. mechanic at the dealership. If it's the dealership, ask for the senior technician to take over the case.

My timing belt went out on my 91 LS400. First I was told that the engine was shot. $5000 + for a replacement. "No Way". Then I was told they would try a "Leak Down" Test. Turns out the valves were not bent and it could be fixed for $1700. The belt went out at about 170,000 miles. There was a very noticable squal from the front end before it did.

My Power Steering fluid leaks also. Had that estimated and will cost (again) $1700 to fix. I've elected to fill it up every 4 weeks instead.

When you put your window all the way up, it put's pressure on the door panel itself "expands it just a hair". Tighten up the screws around the door panel and see if that helps. Over the years of closing the door and so forth, those screws loosen up a little. Mine is really bad and I'll be taking the door panel off soon to tighten everthing back down. In addition, the weatherstrip looses some of it's sponginess and makes the contact between the door and the car a little bit looser "air seal".

Nice man! I like those! Modern, aggressive yet not over the top. Adds value to the car's appearance, not detract from it. I've never been a big fan of huge wheels..but just my own opinion. If my wheels turn out to be bent after I replace the tires soon...I'll be looking for something like yours! Speaking of which, hey...what's your address?? You don't have any guns in the house do you? Sound sleeper? Hahahaha.:whistles:

Now I've heard of some tall tales before...and God knows I get a ton of those stupid "Forward..must read" junk emails...but this one takes the cake. My response was "If you're last name is Duke and you live in Hazzard, or your car talks to you and is named Kit...then I doubt the flying car theory". Now I understand the spin-out probability of this posting below...but to take flight???

Thought I'd post it up to see what you guys think....

PS: Why are all of these "true stories" from Texas??

"NEVER KNEW THIS BEFORE.

I wonder how many people know about this?

A 36 year old female had an accident several weeks

ago and totaled her car.

A resident of Kilgore, Texas, she was traveling

between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydroplane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence!

When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know - ! NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON. She had thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain.

But the highway patrolman told her that if the

cruise control is on and your car begins to hydroplane -- when your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed and! you

take off like an airplane. She told the patrolman that

was exactly what had occurred.

The highway patrol estimated her car was actually

traveling through the air at 10 to 15 miles per hour

faster than the speed set on the cruise control.

The patrolman said this warning should be listed,

on the driver's seat sun-visor - NEVER USE THE

CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT

IS WET OR ICY, along with the airbag warning. We tell

our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe

speed - but we don't tell them to use the cruise control

only when the pavement is dry.

The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries.

If you send this to 15 people and only one of them doesn't know about this, then it was all worth it. You might have saved a life"

What about the hookers? Where are the hookers? Oh...wait....that's the Bently dealership...my bad.

The rip in the driver's seat must have been from his Apple Newton.....hahaha!

Hmmmmm...intersting, thanks SRK! I'll start there and move on. I've really noticed that when I'm going 75mph+, the engine really hums, or maybe the exhaust...something is humming that's for sure. But I've also got the 4 speed, not the 5, and at 80 mph I'm turning over about 2500 RPM's. She definetly doesn't have that ultra quiet feel to her at those speeds anymore. Not sure if I'm too concerned for what it would probably cost to eliminate the noise. But I can feel a slight vibration in my feet. Whatever it is, it's coming from that part in the exhaust line.

By my signature, you'll see that I've replaced everything suspension related with oem parts. My 95' is a barge as well. I would replace your shocks and ball joints as well as your outer tie rods. Threadcutter is right...changing out your shocks is a pain in the ! You'll need a spring compressor tool to hold the springs together. Also...don't forget to replace your shock bumpers at the top of the shock. Look at the diagrams on the website Thread sent you to...you'll see the bumper. It's like $13 or something. Also....how are your tires? With all of my new oem parts, my car still wanders around a bit......my tires are shot! Getting new ones soon, which should complete the project. The new OEM shocks firm up the car quite a bit, but not harshly. I have very little body roll now, yet very smooth over bumps and rough roads. I recommend you buy the OEM stuff since they're the same, if not a little cheaper than aftermarket stuff if you know where to shop. Follow thread's advice, he knows what he's talking about

2 front mounts "engine mount" are $88 each. The rear "tranny mount" is $54, you only need one of these. Probably $150 for an indi shop to install them all for you. The tranny mount is easy as pie. The driver's side of the engine motor mount is tough to get to. I'd do the tranny yourself and pay someone to handle the engine mounts. These cars can be expensive to maintain...especially if you go to the dealership for repairs. But remember, it is 13 years old. You have to expect a few hundred here, a few hundred there over the next couple of years. If you haven't budgetted for that...then I'm not so sure this is the right car for you. They're awsome when they're right...they're great when they're almost right...they're OK when they're running...and they're broke when they're broke...

www.lexuspartsonline.com check it out for parts...or www.parts.com and drill down to lexus for a list of the other places. Don't buy parts from your dealer....too much retail markup.

That sounds logical, but a bit expensive. Do you all know off hand how much $$$ I am looking at spending for this?