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LexAtlanta

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  • Lexus Model
    2005 ES 330

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  1. I live in a suburb of Atlanta Georgia and the vehicle was purchased in November 2005 at Hennessey Lexus in Duluth Georgia. The first two oil change services were performed by the dealer. The oil light (maint reqd light) had been on for a week so I knew I was past due for an oil change. With work, holiday travel and everything I just have not found the time to bring the Lexus in to Hennessey Duluth for an oil change. I decided to get me some Mobil 1, a filter and a new air cleaner today as I was driving by an Advance Auto store. I installed everything, reset the idiot light and sat back....until......this thought about the warranty pops in to my head. I bought the 5 year, 100,000 mile warranty when I got the car new in November of 2005. The F&I guy told us that it would be a good idea to have Hennessey Duluth do all the service so that it would get done correctly. He also said that cars with maint. records on file are worth more when it comes time to trade since the dealership did all the work. My question is this.....If I continue to change my own oil and filter, stick a K&N air filter in the box and just bring the car into Lexus for the major stuff like brakes, trans service, etc will I run into a problem if I have to have something fixed under the warranty...either the new car warranty or the extended warranty? I know Toyota has had sludge problems with our motors and the trans is a 5 speed auto. That combined with all the computerized stuff in that car is why I bought the warranty. If anything goes it will cost an arm and a leg to fix without the warranty. Most car dealers I have dealt with in the past are scummy and try really hard to not honor the extended warranties and / or just give grief to the DIY guys like me. I don't get that feeling from Hennessey Duluth at all. They are always polite and eager to assist. I just don't want any troubles with them in the future. Our plans are to keep the car for many, many years. I need input from the group on your experiences with DIY maintenance and dealerships. I'm rambling......................any input from the group would be great.
  2. There is no "magic bullet".....getting and keeping a shiny vehicle is a process that requires trial and error to locate the best combination that works for you. There are tons of products out there - Klass, Meguires, Wolfgang, and the list goes on and on. Experimenting is half the fun. Hit autopia and look around. I ahve one corner of my garage that has numerous shelves that are filled with detailing products. I will switch around as I see fit. I will use one 'exclusively' for a time and then try something else and use that for a while. Right now I'm using Zaino with good results for paint and 303 for the rubber and dash. I also use Meguires NXT for the interior. Keep experimenting and enjoy yourself.
  3. I will echo others comments about using a PC and something like Zaino ZPC. You need to remove the swirl marks so that your paint is smooth and flat. Once the swirls are gone then you can use a layer of polish or sealant or wax. I use Zaino products exclusively because I like them. Try out several different kinds until you lock onto one that you like. Surf autopia also, there is a lot of helpful information there. Don't give up...just don't go back to a detailer. Doing it yourself is very rewarding....and fun :)
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