ticman

Garaged at home; outside otherwise

Thanks guys for the info.

I have decided to hold off and see how I like driving without either camera or sensors. I have had ES models since 1993 (because of front wheel drive and my driveway lol) and never had issues. Sensors and cameras weren't even offered, I don't believe. But I am reading that trunk is high and view partially blocked.

So guess I will wait and see.

Again, I appreciate the info.

Mike

Leasing a 2008 and p/u is scheduled for next week.

I didn't get the Navigation system and was told I could add the backup camera for around $550 or the audio backup sensors for about $400.

I can include in lease or pay separately.

I just wonder what people's thoughts are on either of those 2 options--worth it? must have? nice to have? save your money?

Appreciate your comments.

Thanks

Mike

Hi All,

Is there a shelf life to detailing products in general?

I have some 3 year old Poor Boys sealant; Maquires clean and polish; and assorted PS waxes. None were exposed to high temperatures--just keept in basement.

I assume the waxes will be ok as they were well sealed. Spray cans of tire dressing; glass cleaner; plastic dressing should be ok too I think.

Thanks for the help.

Picking up2008 ES 350 in a week or so and want to start with cleaning; claying; polishing; sealing and waxing routine.

Mike

No problem ;)

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Steve,

One more quick question. How soon after detailing a car can you add a second coat of Poor Boys product? or How long should I wait to add a second coat.

thanks again,

Mike

303 Aerospace Protectant?

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darn--you're good. That was it. Thanks a million.

Mike

You CAN use the 83 by hand but I wouldn't, I'd use something like Imperial Hand Glaze instead and follow with a wax.

As for the clay, get the fine grade. The medium is bodyshop grade for more serious overspray problems.

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Steve,

About a year ago you gave me all the info on detailing. I took your advice and have been very happy. I just detailed my car--clay, polish then Poor Boy ez and used plexus on plastic and invisible glass on windows. The one product that I am out of is the one that I can't remeber the name--LOL a senior moment for sure.

It was for the dash (vinyl) and the tires. Was a hand spray bottle. Like amorall but much better per you. I tried search old posts but no luck. Any chance you might remember the name.

Thanks,

Mike

Steve,

Been away for a few days and just read the news. Damn I am sorry and I know how you feel--almost like being violated--once you get over be angry. Having read the thread I agree with y9our decision to go with the higher estimate based on your observations. You want a class one job done even if it cost a few bucks more.

Mike

Blake,

I was in the same boat as you and Steve helped me out. Here is what he told me to do and I did and it worked great.

1 Wash car with Dawn

2 Rinse Car but dont dry

3 using dawn soapy water do each panel again and use the clay bar

4 rinse each panel

5 when done rinse and dry entire car

6 Apply a good "polish" (not wax or sealer but a polish to add oil to the paint"

7 After this you can either use a sealant (I used poorboys ex) or a wax.

Sealants last much much longer than wax and can be layered--multiple layers applied over a period of time. Waxes give deeper shine but wear off in matter of days or weeks.

I used the sealant twice and plan to give it a third coat before winter. I may or may not WAX after that.

Hope this helps.

Mike

I have an 03 too and no hesitation and great acceleration so I have decided NOT to get the software upgrade.

I am from Chicago and my wife is from Brooklyn, NY. We met in Miami, Florida and have lived in Miami (3 years( before moving back to NYC ( 1 year) and then to Hartford, Connecticut where we have lived for 33 years.

Mike

WOW we are a varied group of people with all kinds of interesting jobs/professions. And because of our choice in cars we also have good taste!!

Mike

Traction control was standard on the earlier ES300's ie my 2001 had it. But it was an option on the 03 and bundled with VSC. I live in Connecticut and have a driveway from hell which is why I stay with the ES300 (front wheel drive) and why I wanted and got the Traction control and VSC. I think it was worth the extra cost for me

Mike

I agree with Steve (SW03ES) with regards to Poorboys EX. It is easy to use and inexpensive. I have applied 2 coats and plan to do a third before winter. I have used it on my rear window as a test to see how it would work relative to RainX and find that it works great. Having a silver car I may not "wax" as I am very happy with the sealant.

Mike :)

Hi all,

I use Stoners too and like it alot. I use a microfiber towel to dry. But lately I have noticed lint when the sun hits the glass in a certain way. It almost looks like scratches in the glass but it is definitely lint. DRIVES me nuts. OK OK gotta get a grip.

Might try using newspaper.

thoughts and comments always appreciated.

ps there are times when it really does look like invisible glass

mike

Steve,

I polished ie sealed them with Poorboys and they seem to be doing fine. And it takes no time at all to do this.

Mike

I too must be lucky. No problems with hesitation or acceleration. No shimmies at 40 and can floor the petal and get instant response. I am planning on NOT getting the software fix unless others can give me a good reason to do so.

Mike

The woolite solution is a great general cleaner. I mixed up a batch and put it in a spray bottle. Great stuff and easy to use

Retired at 53 after 30 years with large insurance company. Was VP in real estate investment department in charge of human resources, admninistration, and records management. Now enjoy volunteer work although I am an elected official responsible for the Elections Department for our town here in Connecticut.

Oh by the way drove the BMW 3 series and 5 series. Fine driving machines but I concur with all of the above people that said it was a harder more sports car type ride and the interior appointments don't compare with the Lexus.

LOL love Santa Monica dislike downtown LA

love the fact that you can drive from santa monica to orange county which is 50 miles +/_ and it can take from 11.2 hours to 4hours. Major traffic and major opportunities for road rage.

Steve,

Will give the Poorboys sealant a try on the windows and see how it does. If I don'tlike it or I want to remove the RainX what do u recommend using?

Mike

Yo H8R Proof,

Ok let me know about the product you found re leather smell. Thanks,

Mike btw do u have a first name we can use?

ACF,

Welcome new Lexus owner. You're gonna love it! and you're gonna become somewhat obsessed with it looking as good as it can. LOL You will find the time to wash and wax and keep it looking sharp.

Lot's of good subjects on detailing in this forum. Knock yourself out! And you will find people most willing to help you by answering ANY question you have. There are some experts in here.

again welcome,

Mike

SW03es (STeve),

Gee do you have a strong opinion on the car wash subject???? LOL

Makes sense and I too will throw my carwash coupons away. I will have to search for a detailing shop for future winter washes.

I find washing the car to be relaxing time for me and I get to admire my handiwork too.

Mike