branshew

Most of your issues could be fixed somewhat easily, but it sounds as though you're getting over it all together. It really depends on what you want to do. I wouldn't pour alot of money into the car since it is now 12 years old, but realize that age will cause some of these problems to occur. IMHO I think your best bet would be to sell it or trade it in on something diffrent. Selling it yourself would be the best option since you're likely to get more for it. If you like the reliability of the Lexus, then you shouldn't look at anthing European. I had a '01 Volvo V70 wagon for three months. It was such a POS and had so many repairs in that timeframe that I traded it in on my '99 C Class. The Benz has been fairly reliable save a few minor electrical issues. (I specifically opted for the older style C Class due to the large number of reported problems with the new ones) I don't know if you've read the new consumer reports auto edition, but this is the first year ever that the average reliability of new American cars has exceeded that of the European makers. From my experience and that of a few friends, I wouldn't buy any European car made after 2000 (and never buy a Volvo). I don't like the new ES styling that much, but the '97-01s are great rides. The new G35 is a good car as well. I've never been a fan of the Acuras from a styling or interior appointment standpoint (interior feels way cheap compared to Lexus), but they are great as far as reliability is concerned.

Thanks for the heads up. I was looking at 35% in the back and 50% in the front. My windows aren't too dark as it is so I don't think that it will be too much of a problem. I also don't think that the cops here in VB are too bad unles you're a high school kid or young Navy "squid"* in a souped up ricer. I usually drive around in a suit and tie for work so I'll probably get a little more respect if I get pulled. *Please realize that I mean abslutely NO disrespect to those that currently or previously served our country in the Navy. I hold the utmost respect to those who have made that sacrifice.

I just looked at the DIY instructions and it dosen't look too difficult, but I am overly anal about my cars. Given the fact that it would be my first attempt, I would likely not do the best job ever and then I would just get PO'd at myself for messing it up. I think this one is better left to the pros. Besides, $125 sounds fairly reasonable. I also have an external antenna so I'm not too worried about the metallic coating. Thanks for the warning though. My Benz does have the antenna in the glass and if this goes well, I may do that ride as well.

My Mercedes is the same way. It makes things alot easier.

My brother is getting his done on his Impreza, and I was there with him while he set up the appt. today. I managed to talk the manager into giving me 1/2 off if I also scheduled to have mine done. I told my brother that I would split the difference so I will get 5 windows done for $125. I have been thinking about it for a while since it will cut back on the UV rays that are killing my leather as well as providing some heat relief from the hot southern summers. The shop is reputable and has been around for a while. Their film is from 3M. Does anyonne have any tips/advice etc?

I'm not sure what was included in the 90K service, but $525 sounds about right for that part of the deal. As to the rest of it...... Were your valve cover gaskets really leaking? Did you see it? Did they show them to you? What exactly is a tie rod "adjustment"? I'm sure you probably didn't need a throttle cleaning (although you may want to go back and throttle the person who talked you into all of the extras). I have 145K on my '95 w/ the original water pump and power steering pump, and I have never had the throttle cleaned. I have several problems with the Stealership on this one: 1) They probably sold you some things you didn't really need to have done, and they tried to talk you into some aditional things that didn't need to be done as well. The water pump should be good for at least 120K. It could be replaced when you do your timing belt, but not as a solo item unless it failed. Has your power steering failed? If not, then you don't need a new PS pump. 2) The thing that I hate most about the stealership is that they have a "book price" for everything. Regardless of how long the job takes, they always charge a flat fee. Usually the labor hours are less than what they have built into the price and they always come out on top. All of the items that you had done should have been combined into a total labor charge and not a per item charge. The last time I went to the stealership they tried to bill me for 8 hours of labor, but they called me 5 hours after I had dropped off the car to tell me it was ready. (Where did the other 5 hours come from? I know that there could not have been two technicians working on the car since only one person can fit under the hood at a time.) On the negative side, I think you got talked into some things you may not have needed. Always question their add ons and ask to see the "broken" or "leaking" parts. You also got nickled and dimed on the prices. On the positive side, you know that the gaskets, throttle and other serviced items are good to go for some time now and you won't have to worry about them. Overall, don't feel bad or angry, but be more vigilant next time.

check out the link below www.exoticwoodtrim.com I think they can match just about any color. Ask for a sample plate before ordering to make sure it matches.

Here's a link to one that someone has on the Bay right now. You should be able to connect to the existing setup w/ few problems. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...&category=43948 I would think that you could get the player and a professional install by an independent shop for @ $500. I don't know what the dealer would charge. I don't have an in-dash player so the changer is a must have for me, but if I did have the in-dash model, then I could probably live w/o the changer.

I thought you could press and hold down the unlock button on the remote and that would open the windows & sunroof. I know this works on my Dad's LS 430 with his remote.

Not even Park? Some dumb questions here, but are you depressing the brake pedal while trying to shift? Is the car started while trying to shift? (I thought from your previus post that you were able to move the shift lever, but that it wouldn't go into gear.) Do what SKPerformance has suggested w/ the emergency shift lock release and see if that works.

George, I couldn't agree more. There is really something to a black car. My Benz is black and I wouldn't have it any other way (I wish my Lexus was too). When she is all clean and shiny it just looks beautiful. Henry Ford was on to something when he said that "you can have a car in any color as long as it's black." (I may not be quoting directly here). It's hard to put it into words, but sleek, sophistocated, elegant, and powerful all come to mind. I live in southern VA and it gets pretty hot here too in the summers (but we have the humidity that is the real killer). I don't think that it will be too bad, especally if the inside is tan. Besides, you can use the remote to roll down all of the windows before you even get in to vent the hot air.

Rule # 1 when working on anything electrical in the car: Always disconnect the battery terminals first! That lesson aside, it is potentially possible that something happened. Does the '92 have a transmission control module or other electronic control that could have been shorted out? Maybe something in the shift indicator (are the different gears highlighted on the dash display when you shift or does it stay in park)? Check all of your fuses first (potentially a relay as well). If they all come up clean then I would disconnect both battery terminals for 1 hour to reset the ECU and then reconnect. Try to start the car and shift into gear then and see what happens.

I have had 4 sets of Dunlop tires on my '95 ES with no problems whatsoever. No uneven tread wear, warping or cupping has ever happened to the Dunlops on my car. I would also find it hard to believe that the tires got flat spots from sitting too long. The car itself isn't too old. If someone slammed on the breaks at 60 MPH or more, that could cause a flat spot. I am also suprised that your car has any noticeable vibration at all. One would think that Lexus would want their demo car operating flawlessly in order to sell more of them. Wait until the 1200 mile mark. If it is not operating flawlessly, take it to the stealership and tell them you don't want it back until it drives flawlessly. Plus, you can then drive their loaner ES and see if it handles the same.

My '95 ES does the same thing on cold mornings. I have also noticed that the tranny seems to stay in a lower gear longer causing higher rpms until the car is warmed up. It has always done that as far as I can remember. I would say it's by design and not a problem, but I could be wrong.

I just want to say that this is a great forum for ES owners. I have been to the other sites, but there everyone just brags about the size of their TV screens in the headrests (maybe it's because they can't brag about the size of their ). Anyway... I like it here because I know that I can always get an intelligent and thoughtful response to my posts. People are genuinely there to help and not put down. There is a lot of knowledge floating around out there that comes out on this board. Thanks guys and girls.

If the locks are fine and the Key is worn, just go to Lexus and have them order a new Key to match the locks. As to the difference between Lexus & Toyota service, it's not much as far as an alignment is concerned. Billy-Jim-Joe-Bob at the County Repair Shop could do an alignment. It's nothing special. In fact, I don't know why you even went to the Toyota stealership and paid the extra labor tax for that since anyone can do it. Lexus service is good for warranty work, complex electrical, & Lexus specific problems (and the "free" car wash). Otherwise, I would find yourself a good reliable independent mechanic and use him for just about everything else.

I have the same seat color (is your exterior "Amethyst"?). It's hard to find a matching dye due to the slight tint of purple in the coloring. I would recommend going to an upholstery shop and having them mix a batch of dye to match.

Yes. Absolutely take it to an independent mechanic, but make sure it is one that you trust that will be honest. Tell him that you are considering buying the car and you want him to look it over with a fine tooth comb to make sure nothing is wrong with it before you buy it. Have him check all of the belts, gasket seals, hoses, etc. Check the CV boots, steering and suspension. Make sure there are no fluid leaks, etc. Once the mechanic has given you his diagnosis, take it to Lexus and have them look at the problems he finds. True, you will have to pay for the independent review, but at least you will know that Lexus didn't "accidentally" overlook something that should be covered under warranty. Also, if there is anything that is bothering you or some small issues that you think should be covered (i.e. electronic issues, creaks, rattles, etc.) even if they are not full blown - bring these to the attention of the Lexus service writer and have him make a note on your account & svc ticket so they will be covered under warranty if they develop into something later.

Sounds like a pretty good deal MollyH. Unless you are really an audiophile or want tons of bass, I would just add the CD changer to the existing setup. Besides, due to the shape of the stereo head unit most aftermarket installations look like crap in the dash of a Lexus. Definitely have it looked at by a mechanic before handing over the check to make sure there are no problems. Ask them to check to make sure the valves are not making a ticking sound (an indication of sludge buildup). With so few miles, sludge shouldn't ba a problem & would be covered under warranty provided you can prove frequent oil changes have been made. Put some synthetic in there as soon as you can. With so few miles, it must have just come out of warrantry. Ask your local Lexus dealer to pull up a service history using the VIN. Most dealers will do this for you, especially if you indicate that you will use them for all of your service (even if you don' plan on it).

9005 Low 9006 High Replacement is really easy. I just swapped out my old "cool Blue" Sylvanias for a set of Silverstars and it made a big difference. I agree w/ Jimbostar in that they are definitely the best non HID lamps out there, and they are from a reliable company as opposed to those eBay crap lights that burn out in 6 months. I bought mine at Advanced Auto, but most of the big auto parts chain stores carry them as well as Wal-Mart & K-Mart.

I would say that about 75% of the ES drivers that I see are women. I think the fist generation of ES (92-96) had more male buyers than the 2nd and 3rd generation (I definitely see more men driving the 92-96 models). Does that make it a chick's car? Not necessarily, however out of the entire Lexus lineup, I would say that the RX and ES are more Chick cars than the other models. Add the new SC430 to that list - definitely a Chick's car. As to your friends... don't worry about it. They will constantly be asking for a ride in your chick car while their German models are in the shop.

Is there an aftermarket tuner specifically for Lexus? I'm not talking about a factory collaboration like AMG or the M series of BMW, but a true independent. BMW has Dinan & Mercedes has Kleeman, Brabus, and Lorinser. One could take any new (or older) model Mercedes to one of these institutions for a complete makeover to your specifications. With Brabus, this could include body kit, rims, spoiler, modified leather inerior, shifter knob, factory badging and other cosmetics. In addition you can upgrade the brakes, exhaust, chip, add a supercharger or turbo, headers, intake, etc..., but it is all specific to Mercedes cars. Is anyone out there doing this specifically for Lexus cars? I'm not considering taking my ES there (too many miles & not RWD), but I have considered seling my ES & Benz to get a newer Lexus (probably a GS or SC). If I did so, I would want to add some power to it.

One could also argue that the Honda Accord is perfect for it's target market of middle aged adults that want a reliable safe and very affordable car. Yet, there are tons of aftermarket parts available for the Accord compared to the ES. If every car was made for a specific target market then there would be relatively few if any aftermarket producers since the cars would already have what everyone wanted. Personally I am not interested in clear taillights, vvti badges or other things for looks. I am not trying to be "cool" nor do I give a rats @$$ what anyone thinks about my car. I am not going to race anyone and I don't care about 0-60 times. I also don't need 270 HP & crazy torque steer like the TL... ...But it sure would be nice if my ES300 had an additional 20-30 HP & ft/lbs of torque! Compared to other luxury manufacturers, Lexus is light in the HP dept from the factory. I didn't buy the car for speed or performance, but it would be nice if it had those in addition to the things I bought it for.

I realize that being a front wheel drive car, there are some limits to the performance, but why is it that there are relatively few performance mods available for the ES vs. other Lexus models or even other car brands? I'm not talking about stereos, body kits and wood trim. I have never seen headers or a full exhaust (not just cat back), few ECU chips, few intake choices or CAIs, pulley kits, etc. (I have seen plenty of brakes & suspensions though). There just dosen't seem to be alot of choices on the market for us ES owners. There are tons of mods available for all models of Acura (Integra esp.), BMW, Mercedes, and Audi/VW, but as ES owners, we are left out of the loop. Granted the ES is never going to be top performer, but neither is a Honda Civic. So what gives? Is it the demographic of the drivers that makes companies stay away from it? Is it that there really isn't too much that can be done to increase performance?

That's pretty much what i figured. Darn, and I thought it would look good with my copper magnetic bracelet.