w@ntonsoup

I'll probably buy another set of the Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 - very highly rated on all the tire websites.

Are you sure about that? I've been reading for two years about how the diesel vehicles coming to America (German brands like VW, M-B, etc) have had to basically create new engine technology to pass our strict emissions standards versus the ones in Europe. This is why we're hearing about the *BLEEP*-boxes (Urea canisters) and the like.

I haven't seen any numbers for 2007 diesel vehicles using the new ULSD (15 ppm sulfur or less) - have you?

RIGHT NOW, diesel aren't very clean. In the US, that's changing because ultra-low sulfer content was mandated, and super-strict diesel emission standards were put in place. The first phase of the new ones came out in 05 and 06, and anything 07 or newer is really pretty clean. Anything made before 2004 is probably not doing the environment any favors.

Weird - R&T just published an update of their long-term-test of the GS450h and they're averaging over 26 MPG (and those guys usually get lower numbers than normal because they beat the crap out of the cars)

My manual ('06) says NiMH so until they switch to Lithium Ion (which are currently exploding in laptops everywhere!) we're doing pretty good.

The new Tesla electric car uses Lithium Ion, but has to run an entire A/C system just to keep them cool.

I don't like messing with suspension geometry that a 100-million dollar vehicle project chose :)

Nobody's replied because Lexus hasn't announced the '08 RX400h yet. So... you'll need a be a little patient until the details are released.

They did say some of the minor changes for the RX 350 which could be similar: For 2008, the RX 350 receives exterior enhancements that include a freshened front-grille design and new exterior chrome door handles. New seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish are available as an option. The 2008 RX 350 also adds two new exterior colors: Brandy Wine Mica and Desert Sage Metallic. Inside, the RX 350 offers an additional wood trim color, Black Bird's-Eye Maple, on units with a light gray interior. Prices are unchanged from 2007.

Well if you go to parts.com - they have them on most of their websites for every model. Toyota and Lexus seem to be missing - I wonder if Toyota USA threatened a lawsuit or something..

I'll just harass the parts guy next time I'm near my dealer (20m away) :)

I purchased a Lockpick from Coastaletech and went to Best Buy to do an install. I became close with the installer and it was a slower part of the day so they let me sit in the car while he installed it.

Doesn't it just go between a connection under the seat?

Thanks - but I've seen dozens of dealer sites have this stuff for free, I just can't find one right now for Lexus!

I'm looking for those "exploded view" parts diagrams with part numbers on a website, so I can order some replacement trim pieces. Any ideas?

Ours squeaks so much I took it down completely :(

Have you checked the manual? - jump starting is mentioned there.

I need to do this too (few chips on the edge of the door) but I'm expecting anything spectacular. I've never been happy with the results, it's more about removing that big eyesore, and protecting the metal from rust and corrosion.

Paint is a tricky thing, and nothing applied with a brush will ever match a professional paint job applied with a sprayer. Especially a nice paint job like the Lexus' have.

I found em - $19 PN: PT747-00070

(Not sure if that is 1 or 2 stickers)