Magnummarv

96K!!! Holy ****!! That is pretty good. Damn good. Like I said, I am at 30k and getting ready for the 30k service. I am hoping to take them to 35k before I buy new ones. I am not expecting to get 60k out of the new ones, but they should at least take me to 45k if not more. I drive mostly highway......I guess it is all relative and definitely makes a difference if you pay close attention to pressure and alignment! Is rebalancing necessry with every rotaion though???? Do they do this at the dealer, or do they just rotate per directional tire guidelines?? P.S. I am getting the Nexens for $490 out the door....I believe that this is a great price......(size 225/45/17)

Thank you to all who have replied!

Link to tire: http://www.nexentireusa.com/tires/ Billyshaft: Suprisingly not made of stone!! :P

Yes....not listed there. Not sure if this is a bad thing!

Has anyone had good results with Nexen N5000 tires??? They are V rated and UTQG rated at 420AA. They also have a 60k mileage warranty and listed as an ultra high performance all season tire........ I am in need of new ones to replace my original ones, which were Potenza RE92's. I am at 30k and hoping to make 35k before I buy. I don't want to spend $225/tire for the Potenzas, but I also do not want to be cheap on a $40k car..... Nexen was recommended to me by an acquintance who works at a custom car place by where I work. I welcome any feedback, good or bad...........oh, tire size is 225/45/17............ Thanks!

Please see link here: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...p;hl=magnummarv

You can always go somewhere else (other than for warranty replacement/service), but Manolo1's right, if you don't keep good records, and you have a problem later, you can't establish that you didn't ignore or neglect proper maintenance. If you do it at Lexus, they already know. Have you priced out service at a Toyota dealer? Which dealer are you going to?? Rohrich or Lexus of North Hills. I just got my 10k service for about $150. I was questioning weather to go somewhere else for this glorified oil change, but I was pleasantly surprised with the service.

Yes. Under the roof of the trunk. Stick your head in a little and look up. There is a light with a switch. Small light though. I wish it were brighter!

Does the shark fin antenna hookup work for Sirius, or is it strictly for XM? I believe I was one of the first Sirius installs for my Lexus dealership, but I would like to think that they properly followed the installation instructions. The antenna they mounted on the inside windshield must have come with the kit - I assume that it was meant to be used for the installation. If anyone has a link to the installation instructions, please post it. I'd like to know for sure that my dealer did a proper job in putting in the Sirius unit. From what I know, that should be the correct install. But the question is, whether or not it will actually work if attached to the shark fin. If someone has successfully done this, I would love to know how.

Does anyone have a picture or know EXACTLY where the pinout is in the trunk for satellite hookup????? Also, what type of connection is it and what wires do you need.....thanks!

Actually you're in luck. Lexus just released the Sirius radio for the 2007 IS and ES. Enjoy. I have been waiting since February 2006 for Lexus to realease the radios for the IS models. I already left Sirius and Lexus a voicmail and e-mail asking about the radios so we shall see what they say this time. When did Lexus announce this? I just ordered the new Sirius unit from the dealer for $299.00 and it arrived yesterday. Didn't come with any instructions though (just a note saying to contact dealer to have them print a copy from the Toyota Information System.) I should have it installed by the end of the week and I'll let you know how it works. Is it a head unit or add on device? Specifics please. Thanks! It's a kit. I finally got the instructions yesterday and they suggest installing the brain under the driver's seat (requires cutting a small square of carpet) and installing the antenna next to the rear view mirror on the inside of the windshield. I'd have preferred an external mounted antenna, but we'll see how it turns out. The included cable just plugs into the XM port on the back of the oem NAV head unit. Here are a couple of pictures of the kit. I'll post pics of the on screen interface once it's installed. Hope they show up! kit antenna WOW!! I am extremely disappointed in the whole thing! They really could have made it better. I do have to say that I expected it to all hookup to the shark fin. Very, disappointing. How bad does that antenna look on the windshield??? It looks pretty big in your pictures and would bother the hell out of me. I feel I am better off with the Vais Unit that I had installed as opposed to what Lexus and Sirius developed. I still didn't use the shark fin, but the antenna is very small and unseen for the most part on my rear deck. To each his own I guess.......

Actually you're in luck. Lexus just released the Sirius radio for the 2007 IS and ES. Enjoy. I have been waiting since February 2006 for Lexus to realease the radios for the IS models. I already left Sirius and Lexus a voicmail and e-mail asking about the radios so we shall see what they say this time. When did Lexus announce this? I just ordered the new Sirius unit from the dealer for $299.00 and it arrived yesterday. Didn't come with any instructions though (just a note saying to contact dealer to have them print a copy from the Toyota Information System.) I should have it installed by the end of the week and I'll let you know how it works. Is it a head unit or add on device? Specifics please. Thanks!

Sorry if this is posted somewhere, but I could not find it!! Does anyone have a pictured step-by-step walkthrough of how to remove the center console gearshift of an '07 IS250 with automatic trans.? I had my Vaistech unit installed under there and I want to send it back for an upgrade. I don't fee like taking it back to the installer and pay to have it done!!! Any help would be appreciated!!! Thanks!

I know it is frustrating. I went through the same deal last October when I purchased my IS. I too was banking on Lexus offering Sirius and they kept delaying until they finally said they weren't offering it. As far as what you are saying in regards to them coming out with it this March, I am not sure. Your post was the first time I heard of it. I originally had to suffer through hooking up my Starmate unit with the cigarette lighter, cringing at the horrible sound and interference with engine noise. I knew it wouldn't be long before an aftermarket part would be available. I had it installed a couple months ago and I have not had any problems at all. As I said in my post, it is a very clean install and the sound is great. It seamlessly integrates into the NAV and works fine with Bluetooth. As for switching the Vaistech unit for the for the factory if Lexus offers it: the answer is no. B/c the aftermarket unit runs the same way as the factory would. You won't have the need to have anything else. It would be like it actually came with the car when you bought it. Basically, the unit is a glorified auxilary adapter made specifically for Lexus vehicles by this aftermarket company. The antenna works fine on the reardash. That is where mine is. You don't notice it at all b/c of the high headrests. I was mad that I could not use the sharkfin, b/c I thought that this was the whole idea of having one. Oh well. As for the warranty, it is one year for parts and labor. Return policy is 30 days from the shipping date. Advice: Go with the aftermarket install if you can't wait any longer. If you can withstand the agonizing wait and inconsistent replies from Lexus and Sirius, then wait to see if they eventually come out with it. Either way, you will probably end up paying around the same price. Let me know if you have any other questions......

Hello everyone. I am fairly new to this site, but I have posted several times and have been a member since I got my 2007 IS 250 AWD in October 2006. Many of you out there are having issues with Lexus not offering Sirius as option. Many of you know that there is an aftermarket part made by Vaistech called the SLS. See Vaistech.com for further info. In short, I just had this unit installed this week. It is AWESOME. Integrates all Sirius functions into the steering wheel and NAV. It is a clean, seamless integration that is very professionally done. Unfortunately, we were unable to resolve the whole shark fin debate as many of you saw on this forum. At least, I never saw a DEFINITE answer to whether or not you can use the "XM" shark fin antenna with a Sirius install. Nonetheless, I used the antenna that came with the receiver and mounted it on the reardash behind the headrests in the corner. Very inconspicuous. Good reception. For those of you who are wanting to get this done, I am recommending the guy who did mine. There company is called Total Image, and they are located on Steubenville Pike in Robinson Twp. Good people and nice quick turn around. There website and number: www.totalimage.ws/index.htm 412-788-3980. It cost me around $500, but I knew the guy so he cut me a small break on labor. Cost breakdown: SLS unit from Vaistech-$299, Sirius unit-$99, plus installation and tax. No problems to report in the week that I have it. Very pleased. Please reply if anyone has any questions. I will be more than happy to assist. Thanks to everyone who already and unknowingly have helped me resolve my issues as a "newbie" Lexus owner.

I have the LG VX8600 (Flip version of the chocolate) with VZW and I transferred my address book very easily. It maxed me out at 10 numbers at a time, but my entire address book transferred in 5-10 minutes.

Are you referring to the shelf behind the rear seat headrests? Thanks SW03ES. Warhummer, I think he does mean behind the headrests. I was talking to my install guy and he said that they sometimes mount the antenna on/around/in the childseat restraint hook on the rear dash. They said that it is unnoticeable and offers good reception as stated by their customers.

Good question...I am about to go through this process in the next month with the Vais Tech SLS unit that allows full Sirius-Nav integration. I would like to know the answer to this as well. The research I have come up with is 50/50. Some say you can use sharkfin and others say you cannot. My Cert. Vais installer is going through the Sirius hookup for the first time. He has done many XM/ipod installs but this is a first since it is so new. He said he is pretty sure you cannot use the Sharkfin, but it dpend on the type of connection and he won't know till he gets in there. I hear you can only use it for XM.....If anyone knows the DEFINITE answer or has performed the install and used the fin, PLEASE SPEAK UP!!! Furthermore, does anyone know where to get the Vais SLS cheaper than $299, or are we stuck with that price tag from Vais????? Thanks! As I understand it, the 2007 sharkfin is intended for use with XM radio only. The terminal leads from the antenna are supposed to end up somewhere in the right side of the trunk area, near the amplifier. If you have this installation (the sharkfin), want XM, and have the initiative, you can install the XM tuner yourself vis a vis the instructions located on the Lexus/Toyota tech website. If you want Sirius, the only viable aftermarket solution that I know of is to buy the Vais SLS unit and a Sirius tuner (compatible brand names are on the Vais website-Panasonic is one I remember). You're looking at $299 for the Vais unit and about $75 for the Sirius tuner, last time I checked. Now comes the unpleasant reality of the antenna. I believe that you can modify the sharkfin antenna line and splice on the appropriate connector to plug into the Sirius tuner. Most tuners that I saw came with their own antenna. I caveat this with the fact that I have not compared the wiring of the sharkfin antenna and the one that comes with the Sirius tuner to see if splicing the wires is a workable solution. If you're like me and have a 2006 IS with no sharkfin, you're stuck with whatever antenna comes with your tuner. I am, however, looking into procuring a 2007 sharkfin and installing that myself along with the appropriate connector. Don't hold your breath though. Warhummer1, thanks very much for the very thorough, yet disappointing, response. I was afraid that this would be the case. I have my install guy looking into it too, but if you hear of ayone splicing this wire, please pass on a message. In regards to said splice, I am not sure what the consequences would be. First off, it would probably void any warranty. Second, hopefully it would not interfere with the NAV, as their is supposed to be some tie in there as well. Thanks again!

Good question...I am about to go through this process in the next month with the Vais Tech SLS unit that allows full Sirius-Nav integration. I would like to know the answer to this as well. The research I have come up with is 50/50. Some say you can use sharkfin and others say you cannot. My Cert. Vais installer is going through the Sirius hookup for the first time. He has done many XM/ipod installs but this is a first since it is so new. He said he is pretty sure you cannot use the Sharkfin, but it dpend on the type of connection and he won't know till he gets in there. I hear you can only use it for XM.....If anyone knows the DEFINITE answer or has performed the install and used the fin, PLEASE SPEAK UP!!! Furthermore, does anyone know where to get the Vais SLS cheaper than $299, or are we stuck with that price tag from Vais????? Thanks!

Sorry....I am not sure...

I have the aftermarket VAIS interface unit with a Kenwood receiver which works pretty seamlessly with my factory NAV head unit. However my antenna is separate right behind the shark fin. the whole setup was about $500. If I had to do it over, I would have gotten XM through Lexus which uses the shark fin. Thanks for the help...I did some searches on this site and found out about Vais. That kind of stinks that you cannot use the shark fin. I thought that the wires ended in the trunk and that you could hook right into the sharkfin there? Where did you install the unit and sirius tuner? Is there enough cable to hook up into the trunk for an unseen install? They say it should be easily accessable due to firmware updates.

I too am interested in Sirius. I have a 2007 is 250AWD and I WANT MY HOWARD!! I already have a portable unit rigged up, but the whole point was to have NAV integration. Is there anyway to have Sirius installed and still get integration with the NAV???? Last I heard, Lexus was not offering it yet b/c of issues with previous attempts. Also, why have the Shark Fin if you can't use it with any sat radio????