backwoods lex

Can I ask where you got the deal on Souveran? I've always wanted some, but I'll have to wait a while at 70/80 dollars.

Yeah, I think the code is p0420. Mine goes off about every 500 miles (I banged the cat on a curb about a year ago) and I just disconnect the negative battery cable when it goes off. There is no way I'll pay 1200 to fix it. I'm going the route of a universal from autozone to weld in or gutting the cat and having a hi-flow model put in.

Also, autozone will read your code for free.

Eh, I've used plenty of Canruabas that are slicker than sealants and I much prefer the look to that of Klasse, at least on dark colors. Klasse is so finicky to use too...

Klasse is finicky, but I've heard the same of JW and others. I never really have a problem as long as I apply lightly and follow with a quick detailer, which I always do anyway after waxing.

Just curious--what kind of carnuba did you use?

After using a sealant (klasse) for the first time, I only use carnuba wax on rare occasions. The slickness of a sealant blows away carnuba, and it stays so much longer. Super shiny too.

$355 sounds like a very high quote on that one. If for some reason the dealer does agree to pay for it, I'd shop around.

It would be nice if you could get the dealer to pay for it (citing incompetence), do the work yourself with a PC, and pocket the cash ($355=a new PC + lots of pads + lots of microfiber +lots of car care chemicals).

I was using optimum products, but I think I'll switch to "broken glass product X" in order to really bring out the shine. I also hear that Crisco is selling a leather conditioner. I'll let you guys know.

Has anybody else had problems installing headlight bulbs? I've had to replace bulbs 3 times and have the hardest time with the actual seating of the bulb in the headlight housing. It is as if the bulb does not fit perfectly. It takes me over an hour to go through the process of connecting the bulb and wires, checking it, and repeating the process until the beam projects correctly.

I've does this many other times with many other cars without problem. Is it just me?

Changing the ATF is very easy as well. I never go past 10K without doing a drain and fill. Changing the oil takes longer for me.

I used to use microfiber mitts until I discovered wool. You can buy a Eurow/Detailers Pride wool mitt at Walmart for like $5. It's super soft and because there is no medium between my hand and the mitt, I can adjust the pressure of my hand more accurately (meaning I won't put too much pressure on the surface). Best wash tool I've used so far.

I do the wheels first so that the rest of the car won't get water spots, but I always use a different bucket and mitt for the paint.

I've got to try this. Mine isn't too bad, but there is a little delay when it detracts.

That guy belongs in jail for a long time. A former coworker of mine and her friend were killed when an idiot like this hit them and drove off.

The guy who hit you is a repeat offender and has already killed someone. They should throw the book at him.

Your windows are out of alignment, and/or the weatherstripping needs to be replaced. This is a common problem with the pre02 ES because the windows are frameless, closing the doors by pushing on the windows screws them up, easily fixed.

Nice tip. I'll have to check it out.

...random jerks walk up to you and say "Ahhh, it's just a souped up Camry".

The CTS-V is a really sweet ride. I like how Cadillac is turning out the high horsepower models now.

Have you contacted the garage that did the work? They may be able to help if you describe the noise and should make repairs free of charge to fix any mistakes that they may have made.

If it were me, I wouldn't even start the engine until I knew what was wrong. Good luck with the problem.

My 2000 has terrible wind noise when driving at high speeds (45 MPH and up). It really drives me up the wall when the rest of the vehicle is so quiet. Very few creaks and rattles in the cabin if any though.

If you compare interior photos of the same year LS, the ES really appears to be a baby LS400 (but mechanically I'm sure the LS offers a lot more).

The 2002 + models seem to be a little more refined both inside and out. I'm a fan of all ES generations though.

A lot of people get sucked in to the new(er) car hype. Personally I'd rather have my 00 ES with 140K than a brand new ford focus. Lexus makes their cars very plush and in my opinion their level of rifinement is unmatched. The design of the ES will still be visually pleasing for many, many years to come.

Aside form rotors and struts, which are wear and tear parts anyway, my ES has really had no significant problems in it's 140K mile lifetime. And I do most of the work myself (simple oil, ATF, and filter changes) except for the big timing and water pump every 90K. I drive 130 miles round trip 5 days a week and don't have any major worries about breakdowns.

Whichever you keep, remember to keep it regularly ploished and detailed. That helps a car from looking much older than it should.

I'd say your choice should also depend on your lifestyle (kids/hauling), but the ES is really a roomy vehicle with a big trunk. You should have no worries. Good luck on your decision!

I'm amazed. Mental note: do not smoke in car.

Sorry for the late post, but I'm curious why a headliner would cost $5K. That is mindblowing. Were you just kidding or is there an elaborate process to replacing the headliner?

Yeah, the PC is loud. Speed 3 sounds like a cake mixer, 5 like a cordless drill, and 6 sounds like a turbine jet engine. Enjoy the new purchase.

It will be interesting to see if this is an isolated problem or if it crosses over to other vehicles in the lexus line or toyota. I wish you the best of luck in the future though.

I'm trying to figure out if my whole car has been repainted. The sides of the vehicle (all of the doors and both front and rear fenders) all have orange peel, but the hood, roof, and trunk do not. I've read before that Lexus wetsands their cars at the factory, but I'm wondering how much or if this is normal for everyone else. It is a very light amount that is hard to notice unless you knew what to look for--wouldn't be worth sanding to me.

My car's hood also has a strange paint defect. It is gold metallic, but in the center there seems to be a lack of gold color, like it fades to black. Again, hard to notice unless you know what you are looking for. Any ideas guys?

I plan to get one for my next vehicle. Oh my God is my front bumper torn up from stone chips! I'm gonna repaint it soon and will post some pics.

Sounds like my car. 2000 ES, 130K. Somethings been going on with the electrical system that caused all of the lights to flicker when idling. Not too bad, but noticeable. It's the headlights, dome light, and brake lights.

Same thing with the brakes. My rotors are warped and vibrate whenever I stop even slightly fast. It was horrible when going downhill. I got my tires balanced which helped a lot, but I still need new rotors. And for some reason, despite pad changes and adjustments, my brakes frequently make noise. The car still runs well and I have never really had any significant problems out of it. Not much help, just letting you know I don't think it's an uncommon problem.