05silverls430

I agree that it has everything to do with where you drive. I had an Acura (04 TL) and the front end chipped like crazy. I had to have the bumper repainted twice, then I finally got a clear bra installed, which helped a lot. I didn't get the hood portion done, which eliminated the visible line (or the most visible of the lines). The front bumpers of these cars (especially the TL) has a lot of exposed paint. If you drive on a road/freeway that has a lot of trucks, particularly gravel trucks, then you really don't have a prayer at keeping your paint pristine, unless you get a clear bra. I bought my current LS CPO, and there are already a few minor chips on the front bumper. I haven't really considered getting a clear bra installed, since those chips will be underneath, however after reading this post, I'm reconsidering... :)

I was under the impression that the air was cooled. That's a good question, though. Next time I take my car in for service I will ask my service adviser, who I know well and trust.

I have had the same problem at the gas station with my LS. One time, the nozzle even fell out of the tank, spewing gas everywhere. I don't think it's a problem with your car. Maybe it's just the way they designed the fill tube on the car, i.e., maybe it's the way the fill tube angles down from the fuel door to the tank. Anyway, I played with inserting the nozzle in different ways and finally found one that prevents this from happening. You can try pushing the nozzle all the way into the fill tube. Or, try inserting it in just part way and see if that helps.

I also have VAIS Tech SoundLinQ in my '05, and also had it in my '03. It wasn't dealer installed though (at least not Lexus-dealer installed). The antenna is normal. On my '03, they placed it on the right corner of the dash where the dash meets the windshield. I had them use the smaller of the XM antennas. On my '05, I had them install the antenna on the rear package shelf (right next to the rear window). I haven't had any problems with interference. The antenna on the roof is for use with a hard-wired phone, or Lexus Link, I believe. I don't think you can use it for satellite. When a Lexus dealer installs XM, I don't think they use VAIS Tech by default. I think there is another manufacturer that they use; at least in the loaner cars that I've driven. But the VAIS Tech is a good unit. I have been happy with mine, and also have the SLI (iPod version) in my wife's RX. I do not think there is a way to see the information as text that you are requesting. If you have the audio view on your nav screen set to where you see the station presets, I think you can see some information in each of the little icons. I don't know of another way to do that, though. Enjoy your LS!

I've had 2 LSs (a 2003 and now a 2005). Neither one of them provide the level of cooling in the seats that I've noticed from the new GS, ES and IS models. I've accepted that it's just different in the LS. There is no difference in cooling between my old LS and my new LS. The cooling definitely works. Maybe they are using different fans in the newer models. I haven't had the opportunity to try an LS460 yet.

I just replied to your message, however I didn't read your response here first. So the CDs are just regular CDs...unless they're scratched or something, you're probably going to have to replace the changer. That's a shame that you have no warranty, however you should be fine. These cars are great. I'm sure you'll continue to love it! I've always wanted an LS, and finally got an '03 a few years ago, then traded that in for my '05 a few months ago. I can't think of another car that I'd rather have! Yours sounds very similar to mine. When I bought it, it had just over 19K miles on it, which is great. My '03 had 36K when I bought it, and just over 60K when I traded it in. Not that I needed to get rid of it, but I really prefer the updated body style (headlamps, tail lamps, etc.) on the '04-'06, and the wheels on the newer models (I have the 5-spoke non-chrome) are MUCH better. Anyway, feel free to send me a message anytime. I'm no expert, but I love the cars and I'll do whatever I can to help a fellow LS fan! Take care.

It's not hard to remove the changer, but getting into it might be another matter. To remove it, remove the small wood strip just above the shift knob (it has the window shade button on it). This will just pry out from the right and left sides. You might have better luck if you open the little pop-out drawer above it and that will give you a place to stick your finger and pull on the panel below. Then you have to unscrew the panel above that, which includes the pop-out drawer, and I believe the door that covers the CD changer. There should be screws to remove the CD changer once you get that out. I don't remember, but the changer might come out with the radio section. I've done it before to eliminate a rattle, though, and it's not too difficult. Just make sure you don't drop the screws down inside the dash, and use towels to protect the wood trim pieces when you remove them. Are you using self-burned CDRs? That might be related to your issue. You mentioned your car has no warranty. Is that because it has over 60,000 miles on it?

The '05 only has a single glove box (duals were eliminated after '03). The cabin air filter should be located behind the glove box. The rear air filter is only on the Ultra.

Some of what you're referring to are the Lexus Personalized Settings, which unfortunately must be set by your dealer. They'll give you a list that shows the settings with the defaults and options. It's best that you make your decisions and then have it done once. Dealers are supposed to do it free the first time, although if you bought yours from a private party, they may want to charge you. If you're planning on having services done at the Lexus dealer, maybe that will be an incentive to have them do it for free. As far as opening one door or all doors with the remote (I assume you don't have the Smart Key), press unlock once to open driver's door and twice to open all doors. If you do have the smart key, you can adjust with the remote whether one or all doors (or just the doors on the side you're standing on) open when you put your hand on the sensor on the door handle. I believe you press lock and trunk open at the same time, for about 2 seconds. Then your choice shows on the driver info display on the dash. Lexus Personalized Settings are things like when the doors lock (for example, shifting into park) and unlock, the sensitivity of the auto lamps, alarm chirp or no chirp, etc. You can probably Google "Lexus Personalized Settings" and find the list that I'm referring to. It's a check list that you present your dealer. Any items that are user settable should be outlined in your owner's manual.

I wouldn't even consider the BMW, for numerous reasons. I've known several people with the early current 7 series that had many issues with them and/or even got them recalled. The iDrive is also horrible. If you buy the BMW, be prepared to shell out money for maintenance. The reliability isn't even close, in my opinion. Get the '04 LS. I had an '03 and recently traded up to an '05. I like the newer body style a lot better. I don't think you'll be disappointed. The only thing that may be "better" in the BMW is the handling and performance. But that comes at a price!

I think you'll be very happy with an LS, whether you get an '04 or newer. Just keep in mind, though, that there were a few recalls on the '04 model (fuel pump and transmission, I think). Make sure that recall work was done if you're going to buy the car. I just traded my '03 LS for an '05 LS, and couldn't be happier. There are minor changes between the two, other than the exterior design enhancements, which are the most obvious. The newer (generation 3.5 models from '04-06) have the six speed transmission with sport shift. I missed the sport shift on the '03, and am glad to have it now. You don't have to have the Ultra to have some of the nice features. My '03 had heated and cooled front seats, plus the parking sensors. My '05 has the same, plus a back-up camera. I didn't want to deal with the air suspension on the Ultra, although I don't tend to keep cars very long. I'd look for an '05 or '06 if I were you. You should be able to find some pretty good deals out there now. The only reason I upgraded is because I felt that I was getting a good deal (although it's still costing me more). I used to drive Audis, and the handling of German cars in general is much better (IMO) than American or Japanese, i.e. Lexus. However, I definitely wouldn't say that my LS has poor handling. I would never complain about it. The Audi was fun to drive, however the Lexus is fun to ride in. It is very comfortable, very quiet and very solid. Much better than the newer Cadillacs, I think, which are also a big, usually powerful car (DTS). Good luck, and be sure and let us know what you decide (and post pictures)!

To my knowledge, there's no way to turn it off.

I had an '03 and recently traded it for an '05. I had the Vais Tech in my '03, and removed it and had it reinstalled in the '05. According to the installer, the Vais Tech is better than the factory version, but I don't remember exactly why. One reason would be that you can use the aux hook up on the Vais Tech for your iPod, if you so choose. The Vais Tech integrates seamlessly with the newer (gen 3.5) navigation system. I think it's fairly easy to install yourself, if you're technical or mechanical. The unit itself is $299. I think the original installation, including all parts and equipment, was somewhere between $500-600. Having it reinstalled was just over $250. I've been very happy with the performance, and love the fact that I can also use my iPod.

I'm paying $140/month extra, which I didn't think was too bad. I put $5K down. 10K to go from 03 to 05. Nice. I own a 97 and lately have been looking towards a 2004+ models. They are way cool. I really want to get the Sport model w/o the air suspension. Does anyone know if air suspension comes with all but the Sport models or only on Ultra Lux? Also, with the transmission and fuel pump recalls, will dealers honor the recall if I am not the original owner? Thanks. As far as I know, the air suspension is only on the ultra. Mine does not have sport suspension, is not the ultra, and definitely does not have the air suspension. You'll be very happy with an '04-06. Just make sure the recalls were done on the '04 (fuel pump and transmission). From what I've seen, you should be able to get a decent mileage '04 in the mid to high 30s, and an 05 (lower mileage) in the low to mid 40s. Good luck!

Sounds pretty darn good to me, considering I just paid $44 and change for an '05 with 19K miles. They had the car stickered at $51K, with a red tag on for $46K. I felt that I got a good deal, so that would mean you got a BETTER deal! Congratulations on your new car! I'm sure you'll love it, just like I love my '05! Post some pictures if you get a chance.

I'm paying $140/month extra, which I didn't think was too bad. I put $5K down. Here's a picture of under the hood, qha_vn.

There's some way we can do that for you, if you'd like us to just let me know. Very nice! Thanks Steve! That would be great if you could change it for me. I appreciate it!

Yes, it is cheap sounding, IMO. I'm going to call my service advisor and ask him about it. Maybe they'd be nice enough to take the module out of my 03, assuming they still have it, and put it in my 05. Doubt it, though...

Here are a few pics...

Yea, I need to figure out how to do that. Should be 05SilverLS430 ;)

Thanks for the suggestion. When you say "dyno mat", do you mean put some sort of insulation on or in the relay? Like felt or something? I've never seen the relay, so I'm not sure what it looks like, where it is, or what makes the clicking noise. I think they were supposed to be quiet on the 98-00 as well.

They are, and there must be a reason. People must have complained, which I would never do. The interior of the LS is so quiet, so it's nice to have a quiet turn signal indicator. I guess for people who can't hear it, it may be a problem. Hopefully it can somehow be adjusted.

Thanks! I will, as soon as I take some...

On the '03 that I just traded in, my turn signal "clicking" volume was very subtle/soft. I actually grew to love this feature. My new '05 has the regular old loud clicking that you find on every other car. I also test drove an '04 a few months back and it had the same loud clicking. Does anyone know why Lexus would stop using the nice quiet indicator for one that is much more annoying? Is there a way to adjust it? Or switch it out? I did a search on the forums and found the discussion, but no resolution...

I was passing by my Lexus dealer yesterday (by chance, honestly), and saw 3 of the gen 3.5 LS430s sitting on the lot for sale. I noticed one was silver with the 5-spoke rims, which is the color I've been wanting. I pulled over and took a closer look, and it had the gray interior, plus the options I wanted (not an Ultra but the package just underneath...Modern Luxury?), and only 19K miles. It was an '05, certified. Long story short, I was able to get them to make the numbers work for me, so I traded my white 03 in for what has been my dream car for the past few years. I couldn't be happier! I got hosed on the trade (of course), but they came down $7K from the window sticker ($2K below the "red tag price").