Gryphon

Interesting news, CD. Thanks for sharing. This product has been discussed on a Porsche site I am a member of, and somewhat highly promoted. I have been skeptical of using it and now will likely not bother to buy it. Tom

Undoubtedly Obama will be in Geneva before year's end on some sort of boondoggle. Ask him to throw the wheels into Air Force One. Tom

Try recyclers/dismantlers with wrecked Lexuses. Times are tough in their industry, like many others. Tom

I think that they had a more than adequate supply of 2008's left over. Tom

Bob. Finding color coded touch-up paint for OEM wheels is usually difficult. You could ask your dealer but I doubt it is available. Companies that supply paint to body shops have custom mixers/scanners much like Home Depot does for house paint, and can mix a small bottle for less than $10.00. But you would either need to get a chip to take in for their scanners or an entire wheel. Frankly Home Depot would probably be easier, but I don't know if house paint could survive moisture from rain and washing. Or you can do what I did in the past when looking for a specific color for an older motorcycle--check out the DupliColor displays are mass merchants and auto parts stores. You might find a match or at least something close. Tom

Don't think so. They are completely different designs. Tom

That and the fact that automotive editors like lovely tropical vacations. Tom

And perhaps to avoid your drink cup from rattling. Lexus owners just abhor unnecessary noises. :) I have previously removed my pad to clean out the cup holder area, and reattached it lightly with a couple of dabs of clear silicone--easly removeable but still attached to avoid car wash vacuum "theft." Tom

It is possible that you might find some OEM "take-offs" at dealers, athough I doubt that many 400h's are sold with aftermarket or chromed rims. Try dismantlers/recyclers. Tom

Lex, I don't know about the site you linked. I did try obtain information on a deadbeat a few years back from a license plate number only and the form was pretty clear--I had to be the somehow involved with the owner, lienholder, or an attorney. Tom

I can only speak for my home state of Arizona but you can definitely NOT get any information from the motor vehicle department with a simple license plate number. This was changed years ago to protect innocent people, largely woman, from stalkers. Tom

The pad is not very good quality nor very thick. I would suggest cutting one from a sheet of black vinyl. Tom

The dealer supplied chrome rims I referred to went on a 1990 LS400. I didn't pay a fortune for them because I did what I often do with my Lexus dealer--played him against other Lexus dealers out of the area. I sold the vehicle to a friend I still see and the chrome looks as good today as it did on 2002. Tom

Have you checked with Lexus dealers? My last set of chrome rims (LS400) came from my local dealer as an exchange for my stock rims. Tom

There was a time when the auto parts chains had brake tool kits that they loaned out (with a deposit) if you purchased their brake parts. They may still but I have not done a brake job in quite a few years. Tom

I'm giving serous thought to adding one to my Porsche 968. No one will ever "push" me around again. :) Tom

According to a couple of magazine reviews, brake pad life expectancy is supposedly over 100,000 miles. Time will tell. Tom

This would, however, have prevented some embarassing front end scratches on my RX when I lowered the overhead garage door on same. :( Tom

Final report: Lexus - list - $47.88 gal Lexus - my cost - $38.30 gal Toyota - list $18.28 gal Toyota - my cost - $14.62 gal - bought it last night same identical stuff. Yes it is a minor cost in the overall ownership of a Lexus. I just hate to get ripped off. Tom

Jainla. Three suggestions: 1. Costco auto buying program 2. Sam's Club auto buying program 3. call any dealer and ask for the fleet department All will give you a better price. Tom

I just called my local Lexus dealer and as mentioned my price is around $20.68, but it's pre-diluted, meaning 50/50. Is this the right stuff? That's more like $41/gallon in real terms. Tom

I'm afraid to test drive the 450h for fear I might really like it, then take the beating of my life when I sell my 400h. Man they are soft right now. Tom

My friends with less extravagant cars continually tease me about the features my RX lacks, such as timed out interior lighting. Tom

But wasn't it an AWD? Tom

It should be noted that all people who respond to a Lexus roadside call have access to a Lexus technical expert who can guide them. Tom