Sheree

[1997 ES 300 108k miles, original owner, all Lexus maintenance and repairs done timely. Question: Replaced Valve cover gasket at 90k, which later found out probably was not necessary. At 108k, car is blowing white smoke for a few minutes upon cold start up in morning with an engine "clicking" noise along with constant fast left blinker light . Loving father says it is the valves; what gives? Also, need new backlights for the radio/cd changer panel. I know it needs struts but the main question is, how much more should I expect out of this car. I love it but really don't want to start throwing good money after bad, especially when I can afford to purchase a new car. I would love to keep the car a few more years but is it worth it? Car only gets city driving (soccer/baseball mom etc.). Is it time for a new addition to the family? Thanks, Sheree

Our 1997 Lexuz Es 300 at 94,000 is now having quite a few problems. The latest was a computer problem with the fuelage and today I noticed on the radio dial, you can see other numbers bleeding through the station you are on. I really expected to see this car go 200,000 miles but am now seriously worried it wont. We have replaced at the 90,000 checkup, the valve cover etc., and needs struts among other things. This car has been serviced religously at the dealership every 5,000 miles with no problems whatsoever. What is everyone's take on this previously perfect car? Sheree :o

It failed the smog test stating the catalytic converter was "weak". But after reading about how they tend to fail if the car is not driven and then immediately tested, the dealership called to tell me they were going to drive it around and then retest it. It passed then just fine; I wound up paying about $130 for both tests. So my total bill came today to $2144 not including the struts which I was told can wait a bit as it is not noticeable when driving. Is it true it won't do any damage to the rest of the car not fixing those immediately? I have been such a big fan of our car, not having to fix or replace anything other than normal wear and tear for the last 90,000 miles and then all of a sudden these huge repairs. I really expected this car to go at least 150,000 miles without major expenses as it has been so perfect up until now and I have always serviced it as required or even more often. Unfortunately I received your email after I authorized them to replace the valve cover gasket; I thought it was strange that possibly the valve cover gasket and the power steering pump to both leak at the same time. I bet you were right and I might have been "misinformed". Ohwell, the idea of getting the new lexus Suv to replace the 2000 Expedition might have just gone out the window. Any advice? Thanks for the reply.

I have a 1997 lexus es300 which until now has been perfect. At this 90,000 dealer checkup I was told the following: I need a new power steering pump, valve cover gasket, front and back shocks and it is not passing the CA smog test. Has anyone had similiar problems? Help!