lostinthewoods

My dad used to say "never ask a barber if you need a haircut." While I love my Lex and would not have anything else, you're asking Lex lovers about an Acura. I suggest you won't get an objective opinion, but I could be wrong. Here's an old psychology trick. Flip a coin and assess your reaction to the result. If you're happy or unhappy, you will know which way to go. Good luck.

Urban Legend!!! Been making the rounds for about three years as far as I can recall.

98 GS300 - 20 mpg mixed

I had a local shop do my rear brakes on my 98 GS3. I don't do any agressive driving - in fact I'm the guy you want to buy from because I baby my cars. The mechanic said that I had 15% on the outboard pads and 35% on the inboard pads. He said I needed to have the calipers cleaned and lubricated to free-up sticky pistons, which caused the uneven wear. I'm no mechanic but it sounded right, and the pads did look to be of different thicknesses. So he serviced the calipers, installed Akebono cermaic pads, and machined the rotors for $237. The dealer quoted $300 without looking at my car. Did I get scammed on the caliper servicing? Thanks guys.

Yes, I have the moonroof rattle and plan to resolve that once the weather here in Chicago stabalizes (80 on Tuesday, 50 on Wednesday). I also have the steering column noise when the wheel moves into and out of driving position. That too, is on my list. However, I haven't read about this one. I have a dashboard buzzing that stops when I press my fingers against the leather immediately to the left of the radio on-off knob. This one is getting to me since it happens all the time - no relief. I am starting to drive with my fingers in this position all the time! Anyone experience this one? Any suggestions? Thanks

When I had my snow tires removed this weekend I learned that I need rear brakes done. Pads and turning rotors at the dealer is $350 (scam?). When I did my own visual inspection I ran my thumbnail across the rotor and it felt very smooth. Also, my car stops straight as an arrow with no pulling or pedal pulsing. Do I need my rotors turned? While I can see some lines on them, they feel smooth. Can I just do a "pad slap?" thanks!

Buy a furnace filter and cut it to size. Works like a charm.

← oops... forgot to paste. http://www.langka.com/

Do NONE of you have children? Deaths? Maybe not, but some surprises for sure.

a good independent mechanic i the northwest suburbs of Chicago? The dealers I have visited scare me. Anybody??

I have no rust anywhere else on the car (okay, a couple of tiny nicks), so rust along most of the roofline is abnormal. If it was normal there would be other postings about it. I took it to one place recommended by Woodfield Lexus (Illinois). They quoted $2000 to replace the roof, and $900 to fix the rusted portion. However, they would not offer ANY warranty on their work... not any! I then took it to a place called Neat Street that works on luxury/exotic cars. They will repair and warranty the work for life for $680. However, the guy warned me that they need to remove the windshield and there is a small possibility of breaking it when they remove it. He says that they have no idea how much adhesive was used or how easily it will come out. He thinks they'll be fine, but needed to warn me. An aftermarket windshield (not Toyota) is about $500 - $600. A Lexus (Toyota) windshield will be about $800 alone. This sounds more like a solution. Any thoughts??? Thanks!

More info. Talked to Lexus corporate. They told me to contact the original dealer. The original dealer said that they replaced the windshield at 25,000 miles. I reported that back to Lexus and now I am waiting to hear form some tech guy. My local dealer says that whoever replaced my windshield used something like a screwdriver to wedge the windshield in or out or both. That caused the breakdown of the roofline which lead to the rust. Does anybody think that it could take 50,000 miles for the rust to break through? 5 years? That's the only explanation I can think of, but it seems like a long time to develop. Any ideas?

a 98 should have a liftime warranty (or at least a good length one, 10 years or so) against corrosion...take it to your dealer... ← looking in my warranty book, it lists corrosion/perforation as six years, unlimited mileage. Original purchase date was May 1998, so the six years expired in May 2004. Do you think I have a case? Any other help or info? Thanx

Hi all. My 98 GS300 is excellent. Today at the car wash I noticed some rust bubbling on the leading edge of my roofline where it meets the windshield. My heart sunk :cries: . The bubbling means that there is some moisture trapped beneath the roofline. How did it get there, and once I get the repair done, how do I prevent it in the future? I had a similar problem with a SAAB and it really messed up the sunroof too. (is it me???). Now what? Any input or information would be appreciated.

I am in Schaumburg and could use the same info norhtwest. The Lexus dealers are pristine but way expensive. help?

Go to http://www.tirerack.com/ and check customer feedback.

My drivers wiper strikes the pilar on both regular and snow mode. I'll have to remove the wiper arm and move it one spline. BTW, I can change from one mode to the other easily from the passenger wiper only... the driver's wiper is impossible!

WalMart carries Silverstars.

I'm looking at 56 in September. People say I look like I'm still in my 40's... maybe. I rememebr 40 and feeling that life was very good. You don't have to compete with "kids" anymore. Keep this in mind - the world is run by people from 40 to 65 and even older. You will do your best work (unless your a pro athlete) in your future. I think Dave Barry said that once you turn 40, you can buy a new car without looking under the hood. We're enthusiasts so that might not apply, but the point is fewer pretentions, less trying to impress others. You will come to realize who you are and maybe why you're here. Getting older ain't bad... getting old is. Musings from an older guy.

Okay... 1 Golden Retriever 2 cats (brothers) 1 corn snake 1 lizard 2 guinea pigs 4 aquariums (1 salt water) 4 kids (1 maried in London) in search of live-in psychiatrist.

Thanks! I appreciate your help. Wish me luck.

I have read here about replacing the gear mechanism on the automatic steering wheel position mechanism. Mine still works (98 GS300), but it squeals into position once every 8-10 key insertions. Can I prevent it from retracting each time I turn off the ignition? Can I lubricate something to extend the life? Is there a repair in my near future? Thanks all!

The driver's windshield wiper arm stikes the windshield pillar at the top of the stroke on each pass. I have moved the pair into the summer position under the cowl (sp?). The driver's side still sticks out. I suspect that it is out of position on the post upon which it is mounted. Does anyone know if it is simply pressed on over splines (sp?)? If so, I could just remove it and adjust the position, but if anyone knows how it is mounted that would eliminate my playing with it. Any ideas? Thanks!

I live in Schaumburg and found a GS300 on cars.com. BUT, I looked for about 5 months and almost bought one in FL. I found one in Westchester (IL) and it's been trouble-free for 16 months. The worst thing you can do is be in a hurry. Do the homework and you will be very satisfied. It's worth it.