uthorns1976
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Posts posted by uthorns1976
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In the near future, I'm going to be in the market for a new vehicle. I'm almost certain I want an SUV, not a "car."
Recently, my brother purchased a Lexus RX400h. Very nice vehicle but "too rich for my blood." I really don't drive enough to justify such an expensive vehicle.
I've always driven GM vehicles but never an SUV. I definitely don't want a Ford and probably not a Chrysler. I'm not averse to "foreign" cars but I find that typically the seats are uncomfortable. Some years ago, I owned an Acura Legend when it first came out. I sold it to my brother because the seats (lumbar) killed my back. I need a seat that is flat (no lumbar) because I have back trouble.
Here's something else. I need a vehicle with good visibility because I don't use the outside rearview mirrors when I drive. I look to check for traffic. I have to be able to see well to the sides and rear. That's why I loved my 1993 Buick LeSabre that I recently sold. The visibility in that car was excellent to the sides and rear. It had old-style headrests, not the newer Euro-style tall headrests that block your view.
Also, I know that I don't want a "bus" like a Suburban or Yukon XL. Too big. I prefer more mid-size SUVs like the Tahoe or Yukon.
I will be buying the vehicle outright with no trade-in.
Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
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How much do you think GM buyers are saving with this discount? Do people that work at GM really get that much $$$ off if they buy a GM??
It sounds like a scam to me
It's not really a scam but the deals have been better in the past when there were huge rebates ($5,000 and more) on selected vehicles. The reason the current promotion is working is that everyone pays the same price for the new vehicle. People like that. And, as far as I know, this is the price that GM employees pay.
According to what I have read, the GM Employee Price is the actual price the dealer pays for the car. When they sell the car, the dealer gets back 5% of the sticker price of the car from GM. So, if they sell a $50,000 Tahoe, they get $2,500 back from GM.
I don't think that these promotions hurt the values of Toyota and Lexus since typically they appeal to a different buyer. However, the deep discounts offered by GM, Ford and Chrysler could influence some shoppers to buy GM, etc. instead of Toyota based on price. I don't think someone who wants a Lexus would buy from the Big 3 based on price but that's just my opinion.
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My brother wants to put a trailer hitch on his 400h. So far, I have had no luck finding aftermarket hitch for the vehicle. Anyone have any luck??
I read a couple of other posts from 400h owners stating that they had a hitch installed by the dealer. I would be interested in how much the dealer charged for hitch and installation. When our vehicle was purchased, salesman quoted us $900 for Lexus hitch and said to look elsewhere.
Thanks...
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I just bought a RX400h and I would like to get it "pimped," with 20 inch rims... however, I don't know if that's possible and/or recommended. Does anyone know if there is some reason why the wheels cannot be changed? What would happen if they were (other than some slight inaccuracies in the speedometer, trip computer, etc.)? Everyone seems to be putting huge wheels on cars... so why would a hybrid be so different? I'm very confused. Can anyone help clear this up for me?
starxd...Have you done any pimping to your ride???
My brother has a black 400h. He doesn't like the chrome trim, especially the tail lights.
Thanks...
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On Friday, 7/15, ABC's 20/20 had a show about summer myths. One of the myths was that premium unleaded gas is better than regular unleaded gas. Their take: premium unleaded gas is a waste of money unless you drive a Corvette, Acura, Ferrari or other "high compression" vehicle. No mention of Lexus. Also, their take was that it doesn't matter where you buy your gas. No-name gas is the same as Exxon, Sunoco, etc. They even had two race car drivers--one was Joe Nemecek, I forget the other--that said that premium unleaded is a waste of money and no-name gas is the same as name-brand gas.
On Monday, 7/18, on the CBS Evening News with Bob Schieffer, there's going to be a segment about in-car satellite TV. The tease is something like, "You've got DVD in your car?? This guy has satellite TV." I plan to check it out.
The segment on the evening news about in-car satellite TV was a total waste. All they said was that the pancake antenna on the roof of the guy's Lincoln Navigator cost $3,000 and the service cost so many dollars a month. Other than that, nothing.
By the way, the owner of the Navigator admitted that he sometimes watches TV while driving. Very comforting to the rest of us.
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When I started this thread, I neglected to mention that I wasn't agreeing with what ABC said in their report. I was merely repeating what they said. Obviously, those who posted here know quite a bit about gasoline.
I assume that no-name (Costco, Wal-mart, Race-Trac, etc.) 91 octane does not have the "concentrate" that the name-brand gasolines have and therefore the no-name stuff is inferior????
Thanks.
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On Friday, 7/15, ABC's 20/20 had a show about summer myths. One of the myths was that premium unleaded gas is better than regular unleaded gas. Their take: premium unleaded gas is a waste of money unless you drive a Corvette, Acura, Ferrari or other "high compression" vehicle. No mention of Lexus. Also, their take was that it doesn't matter where you buy your gas. No-name gas is the same as Exxon, Sunoco, etc. They even had two race car drivers--one was Joe Nemecek, I forget the other--that said that premium unleaded is a waste of money and no-name gas is the same as name-brand gas.
On Monday, 7/18, on the CBS Evening News with Bob Schieffer, there's going to be a segment about in-car satellite TV. The tease is something like, "You've got DVD in your car?? This guy has satellite TV." I plan to check it out.
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You know something, based on what I have read here, this whole 400h bluetooth thing is pretty sad. You spend $50K for a vehicle thinking you're going to have bluetooth and a lot of other neat stuff. Right off the bat, you find out that the bluetooth won't work with your phone or your provider. That would definitely tick me off. :(
Here's something more amusing. While I was typing this post, I saw a commercial for Sprint PCS featuring the very hot Rachel Hunter. Unlike the bluetooth system in the 400h, she definitely does NOT disappoint. Of course, the phones she's hawking probably won't work in the 400h. :o
Its not Lexus' fault. The fault lies with Verizon deleting the profiles that are neccisary to use the phone properly with the Lexus system. The phone also doesn't work on Acura, BMW, or Mercedes systems. Its the phone, not the car. Toyota (Lexus), Honda (Acura), and BMW are currently suing Verizon because they reccomended this phone to their customers.
Lexus can't control what other companies do with their own products.
SW...thanks for posting about the lawsuits. That's some comfort.
For those who are stuck with Verizon and don't already own a bluetooth phone, the best suggestion at this point is to wait and see what happens before taking the plunge??????
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Anyone here has problem with your LS400 95's stereo? I am still searching in the dark at night for the damn stations. I have not figured out how to fix the lights, or find the exact cause of the powerouttage to stereo lights. Sometimes, the lights are ON at night that makes it look nice. Most of the times it's darkness. I think it has to do with some electrical surge in the stereo system. If someone here know how to troubleshoot the problem please give some hints. I am anxient to fix mine.
No offense but this post shouldn't be in the Hybrid forum.
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Stick with the carrier that you trust that provides the best phone cell coverage in your area. In the northwest cingular is strong they took over a solid att system, sprint is the most spotty here. In the rest of the country cingular may not be the best, you seem to have good luck with Verizon, and a history with their service.
I agree that sticking with the carrier that offers the best coverage in your area makes sense. However, why stick with Verizon if their bluetooth phones will not work with the 400h???? :chairshot:
My brother has a 400h and he is on Verizon. Unfortunately, he just signed a new contract...$175 cancellation fee. He needs a new phone as his is near death. Initially, I told him to get a bluetooth phone for use in the Lexus. But, after reading the horror stories on this forum, I told him to blow it off. Why give Verizon $400 for a bluetooth phone that won't work with your vehicle's system??? :chairshot:
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You have to pay to transfer the phonebook?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Wait...
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Thats Verizon for you. What a bunch of pirates.
You know something, based on what I have read here, this whole 400h bluetooth thing is pretty sad. You spend $50K for a vehicle thinking you're going to have bluetooth and a lot of other neat stuff. Right off the bat, you find out that the bluetooth won't work with your phone or your provider. That would definitely tick me off. :(
Here's something more amusing. While I was typing this post, I saw a commercial for Sprint PCS featuring the very hot Rachel Hunter. Unlike the bluetooth system in the 400h, she definitely does NOT disappoint. Of course, the phones she's hawking probably won't work in the 400h. :o
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The 400h's looks the worse of any of the special editions 300/330 grills. I liked the Coach's grill the best.Is it my imagination or is the 400h's grill flimsy (I would never use the word "cheap" when referring to a Lexus).Will the Thundercloud grill fit the 400h?? Is the Thundercloud grill too much "bling?"
ultra63...Thanks for agreeing with me. The 400h grill definitely needs improvement, in my opinion. Can you elaborate on what "the Coach's grill" is? You have any plans to swap out your grill or just live with it?? Thanks.
This web site has this -the "Sport Grille" - as well as the Thundercloud grill for sale.
http://www.l-tunedparts.com/product/?id=736
I definitely like the "sport grille." Very slick. Wonder if that cool nameplate comes with it???
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LOL! We're talking about my father-in-law. So, taking what he says with a grain of salt is... well, he's internet-active, so I won't finish that.
Jason, this is slightly off the topic and I don't want to start a long thread but do you know what kind of deal your father-in-law got on the Highlander hybrid?? Are they going for sticker like the 400h?
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The 400h's looks the worse of any of the special editions 300/330 grills. I liked the Coach's grill the best.Is it my imagination or is the 400h's grill flimsy (I would never use the word "cheap" when referring to a Lexus).Will the Thundercloud grill fit the 400h?? Is the Thundercloud grill too much "bling?"
ultra63...Thanks for agreeing with me. The 400h grill definitely needs improvement, in my opinion. Can you elaborate on what "the Coach's grill" is? You have any plans to swap out your grill or just live with it?? Thanks.
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Anyone have any experience using Wix oil, air, etc. filters in their Lexus?? In this case, vehicle is RX400h belonging to my brother. (I searched...no hits.)
He plans to use Mobil 1 synthetic 5W-30 with Wix oil filter. Originally, he was going to use Mobil 1 15W-50 but I told him NO, NO, NO!! Use 5W-30 like the manual says. He agreed.
We have used Wix filters for many years with no problems. I have always been told that they are quality. But, this is first Lexus in our family. Thanks.
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Funny enough stevie was joking but i am not.
It does need to be sanded but with 600 grit and wetsand it down and buff it back . It mainly depends if it is on the paint or under a clearcoat on the panels.
It would be easier to cover it with a colour match than remove it properly.
I'm wondering if Blackstarr777 or anyone else has done this. My brother just bought a new RX400h--BLACK (no clearcoat per what I have read here). The dealer apparently pinstriped it when it hit his lot. My brother hates the stripes
. He said something about covering them up with a tapestripe but he'd probably be happier if they were removed. Of course, he doesn't want to foul up the paint job on a $50,000+ automobile. Any suggestions appreciated. -
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My 400h had a right drift alignment checked, but tech support also suggested to switch tires from radial Michelins to radial Goodyears which seems to have solved the problem. Goodyears seems to ride softer then Michelins
If the tires are the problem and Lexus knows it, then they should put Goodyears on every 400h out there and switch the tires on already owned 400h's for free!!! :( :( Obviously, they're not going to do that. Also, in my opinion, it's rediculous for them to suggest that it's the tires but I'm not a tire expert.
Can anyone say definitively what the "stabilizer" is???
I remember when I drove my brother's 400h on the highway for 3 1/2 hours, the steering wheel was slightly off center to the right even on straight, flat road. If I tried to center the steering wheel, there was a lot of resistance. As I understand it, the power steering is electronic (no belt involved). Correct?
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Toyota is gradually phasing out the #08922-02011 oil filter for the ES & RX V6's and replacing it with a 90915-YZZD1. There's nothing wrong with the #08922-02011. Either oil filter will work fine.
Once it's decided which oil to use, is it best to stick with the Toyota filter?? Any experience with the Mobil 1 oil filter if using Mobil 1 oil???
We have never had a Lexus in our family before. So, I have no knowledge of how picky the dealers are. I don't want do anything that would give the dealer any reason to use the words "your warranty is invalidated because you used a non-OEM oil filter."
I asked my dealership about replacing the oil and air filters..they said stick with toyota/lexus products or if your car breaks, they'll point the finger at your filter and your SOL!
As has been discussed many times, they can't point the finger at someone else's filter or say "invalidate your warranty." To do so is a violation of federal law but please let's not go there.
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I have to admit that I'm too lazy to put in bungee cords, don't like rubber and plastic mats, just want something that is easy to use and looks nice. Right now I have the extra carpeted mat in the back. I do in my RX 300, too. If you line up grocery bags (they love to put a paper bag inside a plastic bag here in NJ) in front of the net, they stay, even going up and down hills. When you put things behind the net, they stay, too. I'll probably just spring for the net. I don't want to chance drilling holes in the car. Besides, I understand that any extras you put in yourself voids the warranty on the 400h!
On July 4th someone walked by and managed to scratch my door handle. Wax and scratch remover wouldn't remove the deep scratch in the plastic. I ended up getting the touch up stick at the dealer who touched up the paint for me. I do want this car to remain looking nice.
Any dealer that tells you that adding something to your vehicle yourself voids your warranty is full of bull. There's a federal law against that. In fact, my mechanic and I had this discussion today and he told me the name of the law but I don't recall it. I know that this subject has been discussed in this forum at length.
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Recently, the guys at West Coast Customs installed a Drivesoft system in one of the cars they "pimped" on MTV's Pimp My Ride. Pretty slick. It has XM, TV and many other features. Any experience with this system?? Their website is drivesoft.net. It doesn't tell you a whole lot. :(
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Is it my imagination or is the 400h's grill flimsy (I would never use the word "cheap" when referring to a Lexus).
Will the Thundercloud grill fit the 400h?? Is the Thundercloud grill too much "bling?"
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RX400h...I agree with you 100%. I'm used to full instrumentation in my cars: fuel, engine temp., oil pressure, battery voltage, etc.
Does the touch-screen in the dash allow you to display readings for oil pressure, battery voltage, etc. or do you have to depend on an "idiot light??"
...not as far as I've seen, although I haven't played with ALL the features yet. FYI, BEL radar detectors can display system voltage if desired. I am really spoiled in my Corvette. Not only are there analog gages for water temp, oil pressure, voltage and fuel, but you can cycle through digital readouts of water temp, oil temp, oil pressure, voltage, individual tire pressure, percentage of oil life, instantaneous fuel mileage, miles to empty, average fuel mileage, etc.
In addition, the Heads Up Display can show digital speed, engine speed (bar graph), fuel level, oil pressure, and turn signals. Now you why I believe too much info is better than not having enough!
Funny you should mention the Head Up display. When I was telling a friend of mine about the 400h, he asked me if it has a Head Up display. I said No. He said his Buick LeSabre has it and he loves it. My response was something like, "Well, the Lexus already costs $50,000. I guess they had to draw the line somewhere. But, it does have a cassette deck!!!"
I'm with you, RX400h. I don't think having too much info. is a bad thing. Those guys at Corvette evidently agree with us.
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RX400h...I agree with you 100%. I'm used to full instrumentation in my cars: fuel, engine temp., oil pressure, battery voltage, etc.
Does the touch-screen in the dash allow you to display readings for oil pressure, battery voltage, etc. or do you have to depend on an "idiot light??"
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Sewell has an RX330/400h net for $40: http://www.lexus-parts.com/partdetail.asp?...SubCategoryID=4
I bought a cargo net for our 00 LS from Sewell.
Last time I looked, someone was selling a cargo net on ebay. I think starting bid was $19.95, free shipping. According to an email I got from the seller, they purchased the cargo net from the Lexus dealer and it requires drilling holes in order to install. Disclaimer: I have no connection to the seller or ebay.
. He said something about covering them up with a tapestripe but he'd probably be happier if they were removed. Of course, he doesn't want to foul up the paint job on a $50,000+ automobile. Any suggestions appreciated.
Quick Tire Question
in Wheels and Tires Forums
Posted
Has Discount Tires offered guesses as to why they can't balance the Yokos??? Are they going to give you full credit on the Pirelli's?? If you go with the Pirelli's and they're no better, then what??
Not to bash Discount Tire but I've been driving for a long time. I remember the old days when the guy used to spin balance the tires on the car. Bet you don't see that done much any more?? I have done a lot of business with Discount Tire and I have never had a set of tires that they balanced ride as smooth as the factory balanced tires that came off the vehicle...never. Michelin, Goodyear, etc.--doesn't matter.
Here's an example. In December, 2004, I put new tires on my mom's 1998 Buick to replace the original General tires that came on the car. The 7-year old General tires that had the original factory balance rode smoother than the new tires that Discount Tire put on. That has always been my experience with Discount Tire irrespective of the brand of tire they put on.
I realize that you certainly can't compare a Lexus to a Buick. My point is that I have never had good luck with balancing done by Discount Tire. I shop there because of price and live with the not-so-smooth ride. Guess I should really trade elsewhere, huh??