Jim Nazium

The successful way to rid of the "moldy" and / or "musty" smell is quiet simple. Keep in mind, that if you are using the AC, to turn it off a minute or so before reaching your destination. The element in which air is blown through and "chilled" (evaporator core) will collect moisture when turned off in very hot weather. This cycling (stop and go driving with ac on) will repeat itself and within a very short time (due to lack of air circulation around the core, to dry it off) causes mold and bacteria to form (hence the foul smell). To inhibit this from happening, remember to turn the AC off and allow for the air blowing through the evaporator core to bring down the temperature, hence discouraging the moisture and hence mold to form.

Cheers,

MadloR

Not to be negative, but the voice command on the Lexus REALLY Blows. If Toyota would of spent just an ounce of R & D on the Navigation System, instead of out sourcing it, it would of been VASTLY superior to what they got as a turn key solution.

It boggles the mind. Any other system on the market in this class and price range is vastly superior. Trying out the Acura System, is a work of art. You do not need a Class A pilots licence.

I don't even bother with it anymore.

Cheers,

MadloR

OK, for what it's worth... I have tried several tankfulls of 92 premium unleaded fuel, even tried a couple of 94 Super Unleaded Premium fuel... but, I get the BEST gas mileage using 87 Regular Unleaded Fuel.

I consistantly get 1.00 - 1.5 mpg better with Regular Unleaded, all things being equal. Most of my driving is 50% city and highway (during rush hour).

I average about 31 + or - 1mpg in the late spring, or early fall, and average about 33mpg + or - 1mpg in the hot summer months.

Everytime I ran with super unleaded, I could not attain the same mileage.

My Best ever recorded mileage with Regular Unleaded was 34+ mpg.

My Tire Pressure is about 37-38 psi with Good Year Eagle ResponsEdge.

I see no point in running Higher grades of fuel or spending more on the Octane, given the fact that it is NOT performance in terms of raw speed we are after but rather fuel economy. The HIGHer octane is designed for one thing, and that is to reduce detonation (usually occurs under heavy load). That being said, I do not see how higher octane can yield better fuel economy since we are not Loading up the engine.

Cheers,

MadloR

I took delivery today of my 2008 RX400h and I am happy to report the "I Agree" button has been removed in version 7.1 of the NAV system DVD. Now, instead of the disclaimer, you will get a splash screen for 5-10 seconds that basically states be careful and dont play with this while driving, then the system will automatically switch to the MAP screen.

Also, for those wondering, you can NOT enter information while driving, this only removes the annoying "I Agree" button which was normally present at start up.

I'm wondering whether this 7.1 Nav disc will update and work much in the same way the other Nav Discs, IOW if we can upgrade with improved map detail / info. Also, I'm curious to know if the .kwi file can be cut and pasted to a 7.1 Databased DVD and burned to a DVD Dual Layer (had succes with the previous version).

I still like the fact that I can override the destination inputs with the volume / DVD bypass sequence, and find that extremely practical with car in motion. Everything except dialing from screen, NOW that really blows on the Lexus Navi system and is COMPLETELY unacceptable.

Cheers

MadloR

P.S. if anybody needs any help or feedback on how to burn your own .kwi version of the DVD so as to work with the volume bypass sequence drop me a pm.

If the CoastalTech Lockpick can unlock the "I agree" screen but not activate full functionality of the Cellphone Bluetooth, then one has got to ask (or at least in my case) why get the lockpick.

Also, while on a rant, Lexus really has to take a page out of the Acura Navigation Integration package. Boy oh Boy, the Acura is REALLY well thought out and ACTUALLY works effortlessly. It's so damning that Lexus sweats the details, yet in the case of the Navi it's like they took a pass on actually trying to Engineer some magic with it.

Cheers,

MadloR

Thanks for your help. The HyHi's were about $5-8K off last month as Toyota prepped for the 08s to come out but we still were in a lease so couldnt jump on that deal. Never been a big fan of the Hy styling and seemed too big for our needs. Also, when it comes to leasing, sometimes a $40k car can have the same payments as a $30K car. The RX lease looks pretty good, mostly with my connection there. I just have to see how much more it will be to lease the hybrid..probabably $50-100/month more. Many of the options come standard in the RX Hi that I might not need, so I am not just paying for the SULEV and fuel savings, but standard options. Hhhmmm....i will crunch the numbers.

Of course, the 09's will be coming out next year with a completely new design, although no special deals.

thanks!

You do know that the 07 Highlander and RX are pretty much the exact same car underneath and thus the same size, right? I don't blame you on the styling comment though ... the Highlander is just too plain for my liking.

All the above being said ... you will only get about 5mpg better with an RX hybrid over a gas-powered RX (less if you are doing mostly highway/interstate driving) ... it just doesn't make sense financially to buy a 400h over the RX 350 given the gas savings PLUS the fact you will not get nearly as much off of the 400h compared to the 350.

However, some people are willing to pay more for any reduced emissions and quiets stops at lights. The transmission is probably smoother as well. I was REALLY close to getting a 400h, but in the end I couldn't warrant it b/c a lot of my miles are on the highway. Doesn't mean I made the right choice though.

Sounds like the new '08 Highlander Hybrids won't be out until near Thanksgiving.

Well, for what it's worth, my best fuel economy was over 33mpg in city and highway driving (about 30% city cycle, 70% highway mainly during rush hour).

I highly doubt you would ever be able to pull off 33+mpg with a RX 350. On average in the summer I get easily 30+ mpg

Cheers,

MadloR

For what its worth, so far, I have gotten my best gas mileage using Regular. So guess what, I now use regular grade only. If there is a sale (Thursday in my area) where mid or super is on sale, then I might fuel up with higher octane (during hot summer months). Otherwise, regular is fine for me.

Cheers,

MadloR

snip

good luck and after all it's not about the money or the gas - it is about what makes you happy.

Hi Richard

The HyHi suffers from the same spongy ride as the Prius according to our neighbor. We both discovered the same cure. Junk the stinkin' stock Good Years. Once completed, his HyHi, and our Prius were cured. So it wasn't the cars after all. Our Michelins Energy's made the world of difference. I still can't believe how much tire chemestry makes the difference.

In the racing world, the difference between 1st place and also ran :D

I looked it up for my 2006 as well, and no overlay option. hmmm, must be an european only feature.

Cheers,

MadloR

For the Fog Lights, I wouldn't worry too much about it, they are made of glass. Glass is much less prone to pitting and hazing as is the plastic lens housing found on the front head lamps.

Cheers,

MadloR

Tire Rack

As you can see, they can be had for $159.00 plus you get a $40 gift card at the moment. Back in January, I paid the same amount.

My $805 (out the door) price is based on $152 ea, so if you can take advantage of the gift card, then you could get them for just under $800. But then there is the "hassle factor" of dealing with the on line purchase.

YMMV

Zero Hassle. Never had with the Tire Rack. They drop ship to one of there many authorized tire installers. I show up, they install, and I drive off. Have done so for the last 8 combo tire purchases in the last 10 years.

Cheers,

MadloR

Tire Rack

As you can see, they can be had for $159.00 plus you get a $40 gift card at the moment. Back in January, I paid the same amount.

Cheers,

MadloR

More Importantly, how is the Voice Quality with the Iphone. I give you an example, the LG chocolat links up well with bluetooth but the voice quality is putrid, the person on the other end is always saying "What?"...very frustrating.

Cheers,

MadloR

I have had my ResponsEdge since January, and installed them in March. I was AMAZED. What a difference. Total Transformation. I have approximately 6500miles on them so far, and they drive EXACTLY like the day I purchased them. I am due up for an oil change and will rotate them accordingly.

Smooth, extremely quiet (be it rough roads or smooth roads), managed a best ever average of 34.1mpg with them as well.

Dry handling and wet handling are fabulous. The suspension for the 400h is not set up like say an X5 or even the previous generation Pathfinder, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. This SUV drives now like if it has an active suspension.

My only grief has been two tire punctures (drywall screw) that were expertly repaired by an extremely competent Good Year Tire Centre (I went there since they have always had the most "bleeding Edge" equipment, they were the 1st in my area back in the early 80's to offer "on the car wheel / tire balancing" etc..) where they used a vulcan tire patch/plug (needs to have the tire unmounted and installed from within).

I know these tires use two new fangled technologies, kevlar sidewall reinforcement and "stay black" sidewall rubber. I can honestly say that if I were to drive my 400H shod with the ResponsEdge and were not aware of these tires on the SUV, I would NEVER, EVER would of believed Good Year could produce such an Outstanding Tire.

I have gone through more tires than I care to remember, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Yokohama, Continental, Michelin, and have never skimped out on cost (price being never a deciding factor). I always factored in all the other factors, and if the tire I wanted happened to cost $ XXX.XX then so be it. From a price point, I was a little leary of the Good Year ResponsEdge given the average cost from the Big Boyz (Pirelli, Bridgestone, Yokohama, Continental, Michelin) cost over $200 per tire (especially Michelin). I have to tip my hat to Good Year, because I never considered Good Year Tires, capable of offering what was most important to me in my decision for my 400h. QUIET ride, SMOOTH and Compliant, and didn't look like a 4x4 offroad tire found on a Chevy Pickup truck.

Cheers,

MadloR

Anybody know, if you are averaging around 27 mpg, and the fuel light comes on, how many more miles you have on average before getting critical?

On my last tank of gas, I managed to run 585 miles and averaged 34.1mpg

I am curious to know what kind of mileage play we have when orange fuel level light comes on and when the vehicle runs out of fuel.

Cheers,

MadloR

How did you average 34 MPG????? The RX gets I think 32 in the city and 27 on the highway...34.1 is incredible!!

Well, I must say it required some practice to get at this point, as well as good weather. By that I mean, it has been pleasantly warm but not extremely humid. So, 90% of the time I did not have the AC on. Tire pressures were at 39psi. I drove with the windows up, and the sunroof either tilted up or open on the hotter days.

Also, it requires plenty of anticipation and coasting when approaching stop lights. Obviously the hot weather helps to keep the Cat's at full boil (to meet emissions, should the ICE come on) and therefore the name of the game is to keep start stop conditions to a minimum and maintain as MUCH as possible driving within the city. Also, if you need to commute on the Highway, drive at 55mph at the most, and if you can be in a lane where slower speeds can be maintained without p!ss!ng off people behind you, so be it. Also, coast as much as you can, as often as you can, especially when driving with down hill slopes, turn off the cruise control and let the 400h gain as much speed as possible. Also, use the regen. braking as much as posssible and avoid "stomping" on the brakes.

With that being said, if the gas light comes on and there is 3 gallons of fuel left, then realistically the drive toward empty should give me a range of approximately 75 - 100 miles, with the safe bet being a sure thing 50 miles. Cool.

Cheers,

MadloR

Anybody know, if you are averaging around 27 mpg, and the fuel light comes on, how many more miles you have on average before getting critical?

On my last tank of gas, I managed to run 585 miles and averaged 34.1mpg

I am curious to know what kind of mileage play we have when orange fuel level light comes on and when the vehicle runs out of fuel.

Cheers,

MadloR

42 psi????? That's INSANE! Seriously, I have found that with my Bridgestone Alenzas (fantastic tires, by the way), 36 psi is wearing the tires perfectly. I can't help but think that you'll be seeing the center of each of your tires wear prematurely by the 10,000 mile mark or sooner.

Certainly there are many good tires out there, although at $600 total cost, it's tough to beat the "Stones" for perfermance and value. Goodyears and Michelins, among others, tend to be higher-priced than the others. The same holds true for Corvette tires. I love my Goodyear GSD3s, but dang, they cost a small fortune.

Keep us posted as to what the wear pattern looks like......

Dave

First off, you need to understand that this is only for a short trip if you will, like a weekend getaway. Also, I tend to load up the vehicle with people, baggage and bikes. The 42psi is well within the tire tolerance at Cold tire Pressures. Typically on the highway you get much better ride quality given the smoothness of the roads. Once I get back into my routine I will drop the pressures accordingly. As for tire wear, it's hard to tell the difference between the fronts and rears, left of right, so whatever I'm doing I will keep doing seeing as how the tires are reacting extremely well with the Lexus suspension.

I also purchased the Good Year because there tire wear was extremely good, not Alenza like but easily 2x as much as the factory GoodYears and Michelins.

Cheers,

MadloR

Ok, I will post pictures Sunday evening. Car needs a little wash and some armorall on the tires. Actually I have never used any tire dressing on the tires and these GoodYears are supposedly made with appearance enhanced black rubber. I had to take the vehicle in to a Good Year Dealer (no, I didn't purchase them from a Dealer, but rather the Tire Rack) since one of the rear tires incurred a screw puncture. The procedure for the past 5 or so years is to use a vulcanised patch from the inside out. It's a combination of a tire plug and patch all in one. Anyhoot, after picking up the vehicle from the Good Year Tire Center, they use a special Tire dressing on there tires. It goes on wetlook, but comes off clean on the wash mitt and actually hoses off like soap, very cool stuff.

Anyhoot, as per the tires, well I have approximately 4800miles on them and come the next 5K oil change will be duely rotated (at the end of this month). So far I have driven on them at the recommended tire pressure (man, it soaks up road imperfections), at 36psi, 38psi, 40psi, 44psi. For the most part, I have upped the tire pressure for obvious improvements in fuel economy without sacreficing too much driveability. So I have stuck with 38.5psi during the hot summer months, but If I know I will be taking a trek out on the open road over a weekend will bump up the pressure to 42psi. Driveability, smoothness, road noise, handling, traction (wet and dry) have not changed, exactly like when new. The added bonus is in the L@@K, they really do enhance the appearance both from a sidewall and tread point of view.

On a side note, I have only used early morning dew campsite smog free oxygen that I have fedex'ed to me from the Himalayan mountains in a non compressed state, in my tires as I don't want any of those bad "free radical" molecules polluting my Himalayan pure Oxygen. Sure it's Expensive but it's SOooooooo WORTH it.

Cheers,

MadloR

Hello Williz

Nice and very nifty modification for the reverse camera lens cleaner. I could appreciate more this type of modification if the road conditions would warrant it more. For what its worth, I wash my car aften enough that during most part of the year the lens is never really dirty. None the less, the thought and execution you put into this modification is OUTSTANDING. Bravo!

As for the reverse lights, I was not aware of the difference between the European and North American version of the rear tail light.

To this day, I wish there was a modification one could perform with respect to the metric and imperial system in displaying various data. I drive alot between the US and Canada, and would appreciate things like temperature, mileage, fuel economy displayed in either the metric system or the imperial system.

Cheers,

MadloR

my '06 is a model of smoothness and silkyness, though I have 12,000 miles on her. I have never experienced any surging, but I have broken her in gently and change the oil 2x as religiously than most.

As for noises, I do get notice a noise, especially when I am parked indoors, but it only occurs after about a minute of engine shut down. The noise is NOT a hiss at all, but more of a click and whirr. Other than that, no real noises to mention of... sorry.

Cheers,

MadloR

I visited Costco yesterday. They use a machine that they call an "auto-inflator" which deflates the tire, fills it with nitrogen to a set pressure, then does it a second time to improve the "purity." FYI they also have changed their policy and now only add nitrogen to tires when they sell them new. No big deal to me as I gave up on the concept as previous stated.

Tom

I may very well stand corrected, but none the less, give me a break John Stostle. How much purer can they get the Nitrogen refill? Refilling 2x ?????

The percentage of dirty air and pure Nitrogen on a simple refill will nonetheless offer pretty much the same benefit and advantages than doing it twice. FWIW, I still think it's great but not practical.

Cheers,

MadloR

I believe that Costco claims to pull a (small) vacuum before the nitrogen fill, but I did not choose to stand around and watch in Arizona heat.

Tom

LOL, Costco does not vacuum the tires or draw out all the air prior to refilling. Just think at the added cost, it just doesn't make sense. What coscto pretty much does is pull the schraeder valve and let the tires deflate, then, they put back the schraeder valve and refill with nitrogen.

As for the added benefits, though minor, they are more often than not offset by the fact that you can not top up the tires without having to go back to a nitrogen filling station. So if what was once a routine item you could do maintenance on, one of two things eventually happens.... a) you neglect to check tire pressure since you can't refill, or B) you don't bother alltogether and you wait till the next time you are in for service at a Nitrogen filling station.

Personally, I have tried, and eventually never bothered to go back. The snake oil in the formula are the one's charging to fill your tires with Nitrogen only.

Cheers,

MadloR

herbrid

hisbrid

pnnywse

luxbrid

lexbrid

suvbrid

Cheers,

MadloR

Bottom Line...

If you put load on your engine, then to extract the maximum in terms of performance and economy use the highest possible grade.

If you drive in the winter, or colder conditions and you do not put any load on the engine, then use the minimum octane rating (recommended by the manufacturer). Lower octane fuel ignites more quickly or more efficiently than higher octane fuel (less detonation prone than regular or mid grade) and is more prone to detonating (hence causing the engine to !Removed! the timing and control detonation), thereby increasing fuel consumption.

If you drive for maximum fuel efficiency and it is not sweltering heat, then use regular grade (I wait for Thursday's, in my area to purchase SUPER at the price of MID grade).

In fall, winter and spring, I fill up with regular. In the HOT sweltering heat I go with Super. Heat is a major contributor to pinging, hence the higher octane additive which helps inhibit detonation.

Cheers,

MadloR

Bluetooth is only a standardized protocol and most of the bugs and glitches is 99% phone related... in that it is not truelly 100% Lexus compatible. I would focus the issue on getting the phone to work with the Lexus Bluetooth vs the other way around. Try another phone, but better yet, erase speed dial memmory one and try it again.

I have had the Motorola Razer (GSM) on my Lexus and it had decent hands free and so-so compatibility (signal strenth yes, Battery no, and zero phone book transferability). This had name and number display, very cool.

The LG chocolate (CDMA) was horrible. Horrible on every front. Oh, it connected h/f but was futile, everyone and I mean EVERYONE complained about not hearing what it was I was saying. Also zero signal or battery indicator as well, but it could transfer names and numbers like a !Removed! LOL.

The Blackberry (CDMA) is awesome in terms of h/f mode, everyone freaks out when I tell them I am on handsfree. Signal strenth yes and but no capability to transfer phonebook.

Also, none of the CDMA phones I have had have been ever been capable of showing name or number on the display. Sucks.

Cheers,

MadloR