99lsguy

I agree with you flanker...... The LS is not inexpensive to maintain...........even DIY----compared to the common 4 cylinder accords and corollas & civics & camry's........etc...etc... The LS just happens to include more room, a wisper quiet ride, solid power, and a smooth suspension.

I agree Jim!!! I think any well made engine will last 200k regardless of dino / synthetic. Just change around 5K and all is well......

Yes.......this is normal.......but I don't necessarily like it. Mine does the exact same thing - the downshifting to first - then you hit the gas and it shifts (with just a tiny lurch) to second. It's to preserve the engine basically. The hesitation is noticeable because the rest of the tranny is soooo perfect and yes............ 6 yr / 70K powertrain warranty is standard. If you want the dealer to double-check everything, its about $50 for the diag/inspection. I'm at 65,400 miles (right with you), so I occasionally ponder if I should do this @ 69K just in case it's a warranty issue.

check your owners manual....... for the LS, its 5000 miles; and even every 7500 under "non-extreme conditions" -- and that's with conventional dino oil......... That's what the manual says.........

when the coolant mixes with your oil..........you get a milky "film" on the underside of the oil filler cap. Check it out....... If its milkish, brownish........the head gasket is blown!

NPComplete, While snooping around an indie shop earlier this summer, I overheard a mechanic mention he was doing a LS400 90K service after lunch. Bear in mind, this was a Friday afternoon..........so the car would be ready by five o'clock. Now, usually the 90K service is the t-belt plus all fluids, filters, etc....... This guy was going to knock it all out in 4 hours (lunch was noon to 1pm). Now, I don't know for sure this was a full blown t-belt service.........but I got that impression. Those Idler pulleys & the water pump take a little time (but not much for a pro)---but the timing belt tensioner is total cake (and the dealer knows it). With all this being said........you could probably save another $200 at a reliable independent shop; But maybe you can find a coupon (10%) online or something to make up the difference. Call around and follow silvermates advice :D Expensive, YES! But over 5 years or so its not so bad. Plus No Stress for you! You'll also need some serious tools.....most DIY guys take 8-12 hours; so it will take up your weekend for sure.

Hey Blake......... Ivan the Terrible is coming - I think its going to wobble more towards New Orleans too!!! Are you Okay :o

She'll start in a little while - just needs to dry out....... raise the hood and put a fan on it......... (But its probably running by now.... :D )

Good idea Silver!!!

does anybody still use....... THE CLUB ?? It came in several colors......

Here are some prices........... http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...howtopic=13188& I think your pretty close on those prices!!! congrats and welcome to LOC!!!

Curt, Does this mean you just have to push a wire up the drain hose to dislodge any crud in their.........or more drastic measures??

Agree with Silver.......... Does it smell like coolant? The heater core could be leaking.........check your reservoir levels and radiator. How long have you had the car?

That's just sooooooooooo sweet to have TWO LS'S!!!!! I like that "little commuter car" action

Yea, look at some threads. Good move doing your oil ------and congrats on a super vehicle!! You can do the tranny fluid too..........even easier than an oil change. On a side note......the Lexus dealers in KC now use synthetic for their oil changes. I don't know if its standard procedure, but I think so. I've always used Amsoil - I like it. But, will probably change over to Mobil One cause I can get it much cheaper. Both good products.......

myls, How you holding up down there......... It looks like you'll be spared from Ivan the Terrible - what an amazing phenom the Hurricane is......

rvgraham, I believe its covered under your warranty - you should press for a new one. I have read on this forum where it has been replaced under the CPO program - so it's likely you can do the same. Post a pic............if possible. I've got a small 1/4" slit around 1 o'clock on my wheel.....but its just on the "clearcoat" and not in the wood-------I'll keep and eye on it. I keep a white towel in my glove box to put over the wheel when I park outside - and I always try to park with the windshield away from the sun if I can.........

92lex, Looks like you did upgrade for just a little bit more cash --

I think its pitifull you can't get 40k plus from a set of tires. They should all be good! Most are expensive........and poorly made.

Good Diagnosis Mike!!! As usual, one has to do it himself to convince the service department - (I could go into an entire essay about service...... <_< ) Good move keeping it at dealer........it should be made perfect!!

95ls, I'm stumped on this one........... Can you look thru the little "glass window' and see if there are any "bubbles" or anything? Also, check the tensioning of your serpentine belt. You had trouble with it (from dealer?), maybe they've got it TOO TIGHT so its wearing the pulley bearing too much

Linux, Those are the "Anti-Squeal Shims"............which, I guess, aren't doing their job. ;) Those are replaceable - and perhaps they are actually causing the problem. YOu might see how much they cost to replace with a new set (I imagine $20 or so). I do know you need to clean them as well - when you replace you pads.... If the shims are cheap, I'd just get some new ones............the old ones have done their job!!

Thanks fellas........... Let's get together in a few weeks and look at our machines!!!

Jim, Good diagnostic...........!!!! where in the trunk is this located? (So I can check..........)

I hear ya Mike!!!! I had a couple Mazda 626 4 cylinders from 1994 to March 2003. They ran well and got 27 mpg all around town. The downside was their lack of power, which made the engine noisy, plus the road noise........etc, etc....... Now with my LS, it is very quiet!! I never hear the engine....smooth as glass - and you can hold a quiet conversation in the car. I still get 23 mpg all around - which I think is pretty good; especially for the v8 under the hood! Depreciation is the big thing - not the mileage. Glad you love the LS - you have a truly magnificent machine!!!