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CanadaCraig

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Everything posted by CanadaCraig

  1. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Click on THIS to read what is quite likely the first ROAD TEST of the 2008 Lexus IS-F. A wonderful car - no doubt. Too bad I can't fit into it!! Craig!! :)
  2. Hi pishta!! :) I hope you're OK. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it. And I appreciate all of the info. Craig!! :)
  3. Hi SRK!! :) I hope you're OK. I appreciate the information AND the support. As soon as I hear anything new I'll let you know. I'm really trying not to get my hopes up too high - but it sure is a lot more 'fun' to drive since that transmission flush. I do have a question though. [And anyone reading this can answer - of course] Just how could a lockup torque converter clutch problem effect acceleration?! [A 'torque converters for dummies' explanation would be helpful!!] I'm trying to imagine it in my head but I'm not having much luck. Could it be because it's sometimes 'locked' when it shouldn't be?! Have a great day!! Craig!! :)
  4. Hi Everyone!! :) I hope you're OK. I'm trying not to get too excited about this - but it seems as though my LS just might be 'fixed'. OR close to it. OK..... let me explain. And maybe you can help me with something as well. Two weeks ago - I dropped my LS off at my Lexus dealer for an oil change. While my car was in their shop - I asked them to check the catalytic converters again - just to be sure. Besides - I could hear what sounded like an exhaust leak and it seemed to be coming from somewhere near one of the converters. As it turns out though - the converters are fine. But there was a small leak near one of the converters which was 'fixed' by intalling a new gasket. On the day I was supposed to pick up my car - the service manager [The guy I've been dealing with all these years] phoned me and asked me if he could keep my car for a few days because a Lexus 'troubleshooter' was coming by and he was going to talk to him about my car. That was fine with me. Besides - I didn't mind driving their ES350 courtesy car!! The next day - the service manager emails me to tell me that not only did he get a chance to talk to the 'troubleshooter' - but the 'troubleshooter' also took my car out for a drive. The 'troubleshooter' noticed that the car hesitated and made several 'jerking motions' and said the problem with my car is most likely the lockup clutch in the torque converter. [something SRK once suggested - among others - I'm sure] So my dealer decided to 'flush' the transmission. [something that's never been done before to my car] The results of that 'flush' are quite amazing. The car is noticeably quicker and the gears downshift far more willingly. [Especially at part throttle] So I am quite happy. There is STILL the problem with the lockup clutch - however - and I'm not sure what I should do about it. [if anything] And this is where YOU come into it. I've read a lot of Internet pages on torque converters - and I think I have a pretty good idea of how they work. But I can't seem to figure out how the lockup clutch works or what causes it to lock and unlock. And IF there is anyway to fix one that 'acts funny'. Here's what happens. I accelerate hard up to 50 mph or so and ease off on the gas pedal. [As one might do while entering a freeway] The lockup clutch in the torque converter tries to lockup and that's when the problem begins. It is that clutch that causes [so I've discovered after all this time] the 'grabby brakes' or 'towing a boat' feeling because it's locking and unlocking five or six times. [At least that's what it feels like] Once that starts - acceleration becomes relatively poor again. But unlike before the transmission flush - acceleration is fine and dandy at speeds below were the lockup clutch would normally engage. [before 40 mph or so] ALSO - if any of you remember me being concerned about a small vibration that I felt in the gas pedal and gear shifter, etc., that vibration starts when the problem with the torque converter lockup begins. But the vibration goes away if I push on the brake pedal just hard enough to turn on the brake lights. The RPM's also rises a bit which tells me that by pressing on the brake pedal I have unlocked the lockup clutch. [i hope this makes sense] If this clutch problem could be fixed - then my LS would be wonderful. Should I be happy with it the way it is OR should I bother trying to get this lockup clutch problem resolved? Can a lockup clutch be fixed or does one have to replace the torque converter if anything is wrong with it? ANY thoughts would be appreciated. [As they always have been] Thanks, Craig!! :)
  5. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Here are just some examples of how much MORE cars cost in Canada than they do in the U.S. [in spite of the fact that the Canadian dollar is worth more than the U.S. dollar] 2008 Chrysler 300C - $45,195 in Canada + $1,200 for Shipping and Handling Same car in the U.S. is $36,070 + $675 for Shipping and handling. That's a $9,125 difference in price. Plus $525 more for Shipping and Handling. 2008 Chrysler 300C SRT8 - $52,695 in Canada + $1,200 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $44,223. That's an $8,470 difference in price. And the 300's are MADE IN CANADA!! 2008 Honda Accord EX-L Navi Coupe 6-speed $38,290 in Canada + $1,360 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $31,145 + $635 S&H That's a $7,145 difference in price. Plus $725 more for S&H 2008 Honda Accord LX 5-speed Manual - $25,090 in Canada + $1,360 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $20,995 + 635 S&H U.S. That's a $4,095 difference in price. 2007 Honda Civic Si Coupe - $26,380 in Canada + $1,275 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $21,745 + 635 S&H U.S That's a price difference of $4,635. Plus $640 more for S&H 2008 Lexus LS600hL - $132,000 in Canada + $1,775 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $104,765 + $765 S&H U.S. That's a $27,265 difference in price. Plus $1,010 more for S&H 2008 Lexus LS460 - $86,500 in Canada + $1,775 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $62,265 + $765 S&H U.S. That's a $24,235 difference in price. 2008 Lexus ES350 - $42,900 in Canada + $1,775 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $34,485 + 765 S&H U.S. That's an $8,415 difference in price. 2008 Toyota Camry XLE V6 - $37,525 in Canada + $1,240 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $28,780 + 660 S&H U.S That's an $8,745 difference in price. Plus $580 more for S&H 2008 Toyota Camry LE - $25,900 in Canada + $1,240 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $20,685 + $660 S&H U.S. That's a $5,215 difference in price. 2008 Toyota Corolla LE 'auto' - $21,900 in Canada + $1,140 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $17,075 + $660 S&H U.S. That's a $4,825 difference in price. 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan - $33,895 in Canada + $1,495 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $24,995 + $645 S&H U.S. That's an $8,900 difference in price. Plus $850 more for S&H 2008 Dodge Viper Coupe - $98,600 in Canada Same car in the U.S. is $86,496 U.S. That's a $12,104 difference in price. 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - $95,605 in Canada + $1,420 for S&H Same car in the U.S. is $71,000 + $825 S&H U.S. That's a $24,605 difference in price. Plus $595 more for S&H 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Base 'Manual' - $68,565 in Canada + $1,420 for S&H Same car in the U.S is $46,110 + $825 S&H U.S. That's a $22,455 difference in price. 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo - $170,700 in Canada + $1,045 for S&H [Porsche lowered 2008 prices by 10%] Same car in the U.S. is $123,760 + 860 S&H U.S. That's a price difference of $46,940. Plus $185 more for S&H [NOTE: Porsche has lowered its prices in Canada by 10% for 2008 - but that still leaves a HUGE price difference] Craig!! :)
  6. Hi IansLexus!! :) Just wanted to say 'thanks' for the link. I appreciate it. Craig!! :)
  7. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Some groups in the U.S. are 'taking action' against Toyota for fighting against laws to increase the average overall fuel consumption of manufacturers vehicles to 35 MPG by 2020. What's your take on THIS?! Craig!! :)
  8. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Click on the YouTube video link below to see the IS-F zooming around a track. Craig!! :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHCUeCcwyIg
  9. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Does anyone know of a list or website or whatever that describes what a person would most likely feel or hear [or whatever] if a certain, specific suspension part is becoming weak or is failing? If you wanted to know how a loose ball joint or upper control arm or sway bar bushing might effect how your car handles and/or sounds and/or 'feels' - how would you find out? Hope this makes sense. Thanks, Craig!! :)
  10. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. I've been thinking about getting some new tires for my car. The Bridgestone Turanza LS-V tires that I bought for my car almost 50,000 miles ago are getting low on rubber. [Might still be good for another winter - but I'm not sure] Well anyways - I decided to price a few other brands inluding the LS-V's only to disover that the LS-V's are discontinued. You can still get LS-H and LS-Z tires [At least on tirerack.com] but no LS-V's. That's too bad. I think it's a pretty good tire. Thought you'd like to know. Craig!! :)
  11. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. For some reason - it never entered my head to 'arm' my stereo. That is until I just happened to be flipping through the owner's manual and saw how to do it. Now my stereo - for the first time in almost 15 years no doubt - has a security code and won't work if removed. A little orange light flashes when the car is off. I think that's neat. [Or 'cool' - or whatever word the kids are using these days!! lol HaHa] I was curious.... so I created a poll. Please respond to it. Thanks, Craig!! :)
  12. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. The Lexus LS460 has been named 'World Car of the Year'. Click on THIS to read the story. Craig!! :)
  13. Hi Threadcutter, nc211, swordfish, thieaux, Alexi, corndog and ArmyofOne!! :) Thank you - ALL OF YOU - for taking the time to respond to this topic since I last did so myself. Can you believe it? My last message was on June 9th of LAST YEAR!! lol Time flies when your..... um..... OLD!! :P I'm going to first consider nc211's suggestion regarding those brake bushings and ArmyofOne's suggestion regarding the catalytic converters - and if that doesn't help - I'll seriously consider what the rest of you kindly suggested. By the way, nc211, did those bushings help?! As for the catalytic converters - I have yet to SEE them glow red or white and I've looked because there does seem to be an awful lot of heat coming from underneath the car [after a long drive] whenever I open the driver's door to get out. Hmmmm... And I'll see if I can find someone willing to gun my car while I check for 'things' coming out of the exhaust. Oddly enough - if anything - the car seems to perform much better [well - every now and them] WHEN I'm accelerating hard from a stop while turning. What that means - is anyone's guess. More often than not though - it's still a hit a miss thing - acceleration wise. I talked to the Lexus 'guy' about the catalytic converters once and he said that if they were the problem - the acceleration would be consistently poor. Far more often than not - in order to get my LS to accelerate quickly - I have to manipulate the gas pedal. If I push it down too far - too quickly - it seems to go slower than if I 'play' with a bit and try to trick it into going. [if that makes sense] To be honest - until just recently - I've tried to forget about my LS because it annoyed me so much. But just a few weeks ago I clay barred it, waxed it and Maguired the leather and kinda remember why the LS was on my short list of 'dream cars'. Besides - it only has 144,000 kilometers and TONS of things have already been replaced on it [i.e. PS pump, ignition coils, etc., etc.,] that the money I'd get for it privately OR on a trade wouldn't make getting rid of is a smart move. Besides - if I saw that exact same car with that mileage for sale on a car lot - for what a dealer would be willing to give me for it - I'd probably buy it!! Thanks again, Craig!! :)
  14. And click on THIS to see just how expensive the new Hybrid LS's are in Canada. OUCH!! Craig!! :)
  15. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Click on THIS to read a road test/review of the 2008 Lexus LS600h L. I'm confused. How does adding two electric motors that produce 221 horsepower to a 5.0 litre V8 engine that produces 389 h.p. end up producing a combined total horsepower rating of just 438?! Doesn't 221 and 389 equal 610? Craig!! :)
  16. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Click on THIS to see what CanadianDriver.com thinks of the 2007 Lexus LS460L. AND take note of the price of the top 'o the line model. YIKES!! Makes one wonder just how much that LS600HL is going to cost. Craig!! :)
  17. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Apparently - BMW is creating an 8-speed automatic to be used in some of its future cars. Click on THIS to read the story. It's only a matter of time - I suppose - for Mercedes to counter with a 9 or 10 speed. A little bit silly - don't you think?! Craig!! :)
  18. Hi Guys!! :) Lexus spares no expense [so to speak] to show off new LS460. Click on THIS to read the story. Craig!! :)
  19. Hi Guys!! :) This is about as 'off-topic' as it gets. But I need your help. Last week - a burglar got into my apartment by smashing a hole in the corner of one of my bedroom windows. He then removed the 'stick' that was intended to keep guys like him from getting into my place - and simply moved the sliding part of that two piece window across and climbed through. The window he broke is about 32" wide by about 48" high. It was a single pane of glass measuring only 3 mm thick. I have since replaced that pane with one that is 5 mm thick and laminated. I plan on replacing ALL of the single pane windows in both bedrooms with that same 5 mm thick laminated glass sometime early next year. [For a total 4 more panes] QUESTION: Am I kidding myself by thinking that if I go ahead and replace all of my 3 mm thick single pane bedroom windows with 5 mm thick laminated glass windows that I will be safer and that a criminal will have a more difficult time trying to gain access to my apartment?! [Even - perhaps - to the point of 'giving up'] It should be noted - that 5 mm is the thickest the aluminum window frames can take and I can't change that - given the by-laws of the Strata I'm bound by. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Craig!! :)
  20. Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. There is an ad for the Lexus LS in the June 1989 issue of Motor Trend. IN that Lexus ad it says [among other things] that there were 450 prototypes. Has anyone ever SEEN any of those prototypes?! I'd love to see some of them. If you have any or know of any website that has any - please let me know. Thanks, Craig!! :)
  21. Hi SKperformance!! :) I appreciate the offer to change the subject line. But now I'm not sure what to do. SW03ES is OK with it. Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive. I always try to avoid offending people - even indirectly. I just thought it was funny. What with Lexus deciding to become the new 'F' word. [so to speak] Oh well... If YOU aren't bothered by it [enough to want to change it yourself] then please just leave it as it is. Thanks, Craig!! :)
  22. Hi Guys!! :) I am against having 'black boxes' in our cars. And for several reasons. Sure - there are always going to be sound arguments in favour of such things - but I think that overall - they are an infringement on our right to privacy. First off.... how many of us even KNOW if our cars have 'black boxes'? Did you know when you bought the car? If they're such a great idea - why aren't auto companies bragging about them? I mean - 'they' are in our cars for OUR sake - aren't they?! And why aren't salesman pointing out that 'great feature' while you're test driving a car? I had no idea that my Chrysler had a 'black box' until just recently. IF anything - I should have been informed of the box and asked to sign an agreement allowing the 'authorities' to retrieve information from that box in the event of an accident. How can anyone assume the right to download information from MY property? I do OWN that 'black box'. Or don't I?! Also.... the danger with computers and the information they collect - is the faith people have IN that information. A little while ago - a U.S. Senator [or someone up there] had a car accident. The 'black box' mistakenly 'reported' that the Senator was NOT wearing his seat belt. But in court - both the ambulance attendants and the doctors in the hospital emergency room testified that the Senators BODY clearly showed otherwise. [His torso and stomach had bruises that were typical of accident victims who WERE wearing their seat belts] We have to be very careful when it comes to our right to privacy being invaded. I assure you - there ARE people in this world [in our governments] who would love nothing more than to follow your EVERY move. Craig!! :)
  23. Well.. to be honest. Of course I missed it. I rarely ever go to the IS forums section. :P Craig PS Just so you [and everyone else] knows... I tried to 'edit' the subject line - but 'you' can't do that once a message is posted. After I posted it - I started to think that maybe the subject line was somewhat inappropriate. [Even though it wasn't meant to be]
  24. No F - LEXUS!! Or should I say... The LEXUS 'F'!! That's right. And get used to it. The letter 'F' - that is. Click on THIS to read the story. Craig!! :)
  25. Hi Guys!! :) I hope everyone is OK. There are a LOT of design features from the past that - so far - have yet to make a come back. Use your imagination and tell me what 'retro' things YOU would like to see again?! Not exactly sure what I mean?! Well... vinyl roofs, for one. Or how about white wall tires? Or maybe a 'Continental Kit'? How does a two-tone paint job - from the factory sound? Or maybe 'real' wire wheels? Or velour upholstery? Or a C.B. radio and 8-Track tape player?! lol :P [Well... some are dead for a reason - I'll give you that!!] But there is no reason we shouldn't see 'fins' again - is there?! Or honest-to-goodness chrome bumpers? Or how about opera windows or lavaliere straps? Or cornering lamps? Or those turn-signal indicator lamps on the hood?! And speaking of hoods - why not a hood ornament? Or a T-Top roof?! OR a front bench seat OR a 50/50 split-bench seat? Or a column shift? AND SO ON...... ME?! I'd like to see white wall tires, two-tone paints, cornering lamps, hood ornaments, T-Tops and velour upholstery. [At least on the options list] AND I KNOW this will make some of you gag - but I wouldn't mind seeing vinyl roofs again. [A vinyl roof is no sillier than some of the things we do NOW to our cars] How about you?! [You're certainly not bound by MY list] Craig!! :)
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