CanadaCraig

Hi Guys!! :D OK. I'm a bit embarrassed. Not sure how I missed it. I think I just assumed it was a scratch on the dashboard. But when I took a closer look - it said, 'Mark Levinson'. So the ES330 I'm driving DOES have the top stereo. Gee... no wonder it sounds so good!! But I'm sure the base stereo [probably] sounds pretty good - too. lol Craig!! :)

Hi Threadcutter!! :) I hope you're OK. You said, "....... I prefer to work with a guy that doesn't "know it all" but is Learning All The Time." So do I. "Know it alls" always 'Know LESS than everyone else!" [at least that's been my experience] And that's true no matter what it is they THINK they know. They're frustrating people to deal with. And if you ever DO get through to them that MAYBE they didn't 'know it all' - it's very unlikely that they will EVER admit it. Psychological baggage is fine with a friend. When you love someone you tolerate their little quirks. But I don't want to have to deal with the insecurities of some guy I've HIRED to do a JOB. And you just know that with a 'know it all' - if there is a problem - it's going to be an uphill battle to first get them to admit it and then to fix it. Hi swordfish!! :) I hope you're OK - too. Thanks for the message. My car is STILL at the dealers. It's been 8 days now. But that's not too unusual. The Lexus guy I deal with knows I don't really care when I get my car back - so he takes his time. Besides - I've been driving a very nice 2004 ES330!! [you can read the 'MY IMPESSIONS' message over on the ES board - if you like] He's also trying to get as much work covered by the warranty as possible. [i bought a warranty when I bought my car] So far - he's managed to get about $1,100 worth of work covered by the warranty. [new lower ball joints and a new power steering pump - to name just two things] He's suggesting I drive the car before replacing the struts and coil springs. [to make sure it performs as I would like] Not sure what I want to do there. It will be about $1,500 to do the struts and coils. Hmm..... I'll let you know how everything turns out. I appreciate the support. Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) How are things in 'ES' land? My 1993 LS400 is having quite a bit of work done to it. I brought in in LAST Sunday [a whole week ago] and I'm still waiting to get it back. But that's not too unusual for the dealer I go to. He knows I don't really care when I get it back - so he takes his time. That's fine by me because I have a nice Lexus courtesy car to drive. [and I can put miles on THAT car instead of my own!! lol] The car I've been driving is a silver with black leather 2004 ES330. I have to admit - I'm mightily impressed. At first I wasn't so sure. It felt a bit 'boat like'. Then I noticed a little toggle switch on the center console. It was set at 'comfort'. I switched it to 'sport' and things firmed up a bit. In fact - I think I've been fiddling around with that toggle more than I should be. But I can't help it. I love buttons and switches!! What has surprised me most of all - I think - is just how powerful the ES330 is. I'm not sure how long it's supposed to take to get to 60 - but it can't be that much. [does anyone here know?!] It also feels big. The door sills are high - giving me the impression that I'm sitting in something that's bigger than it is. It's the same sort of feeling I got when I test drove a Chrysler 300C. [although not quite that extreme] In comparison to my LS - the leather is SO much more - well - leather like. And the wood on the steering wheel feels wonderful. I also think it's just as quiet. And the stereo is a big surprise. It's just the basic 'Premium' stereo - but I have to say it's just as good sounding as the Nakamichi in my LS. Maybe not quite as strong sounding bass wise - but close enough that I'd be just as happy with it as I am with my Nakamichi. [it's also nice to be able to go BACK a bit on a song - something I can't do with my LS] It handles nicely and has a great transmission. All and all - a wonderful car. Now I'm worried. I hope when I get my LS back I won't be disappointed with it. :( Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I thought some of you might find THIS interesting. Craig!! :)

Hi ko90ls, sha4000 and Arkansawyer!! :) I appreciate the responses. I'm definitely changing all struts and strut cushions... So if doing THAT levels off the car - that's great. But what I want to know is what effect replacing the COIL SPRINGS would have on my car. Do COIL SPRINGS wear out [become weaker] over time? Would ALSO changing the COIL SPRINGS [along with the struts] improve the handling of the car? [and sha4000 is right - I do mean OEM struts and springs] Thank you!! Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) Would I notice any difference [handing/ride wise] IF I replaced the coil springs on my '93 LS with 128,000 km's?! One of the reasons I'm thinking of replacing the coil springs [along with all of the other suspension parts I AM having changed - see 'Please Do Me A Favour' message] is to level out the car. It is about 1" lower on the drivers side. Would new coil springs level my car?! A quick response would be appreciated. Thanks, Craig!! :)

Did someone say HOCKEY?! :P Craig!! :D

Hi nc211!! :) I hope you're OK. Thank you very much for the help. I appreciate it. Just so you know.... the spark plugs, spark plug wires, timing belt, fuel pump, fuel filter [and a few other things] were changed sometime in the past 2.5 years. Also - all 32 valves were adjusted. After reading your message [and 'Threadcutters' message] I'm starting to get excited about having a 'new' LS400. Considering what I'm having done to my car - it really should drive AND perform a lot better. As for WHY cleaning the throttle body would improve how the transmission shifts - I think it might have something to do with how a dirty throttle body [and/or failing O2 Sensors] might interfere with what would normally be a smooth flow of fuel. That interference is confusing the computer that retards the ignition to create the famous Lexus-smooth shift. At least that's MY theory. I have noticed that my LS often shifts rather harshly when the engine is hesitating and surging. But when my car is NOT hesitating and surging [which doesn't happen often] the gears shift beautifully. It's like a different car. I am hoping that when I pick my car up again - early next week - it will be fine and dandy ALL THE TIME. [and not just every now and then] As for the suspension repairs - I hope you're right!! It feels OK [i guess] for the most part - just 'old' - like I said earlier. AND it moves about a little too much. [not very confidence inspiring] It also sits about an inch lower on the drivers side. What concerns me is that I remember an LOC member having the same problem and when HE changed his struts and coil springs - his car was STILL uneven. [i wish I could find his post] None of the suspension parts [other than the sway bar bushings] have EVER been replaced. [by me OR by the previous owner] I've asked to dealer to thoroughly inspect EVERYTHING so if the ball joints and/or outer tie rods aren't 'tight' - than I'll have those replaced too. [along with all of the bushings, struts, strut cushions and - possibly - coil springs] I'll also have them check the two rubber differential mounting cushions. Thanks again, nc211. I've read and re-read your message several times already. [and I'm taking notes] I'll let you [and 'Treadcutter' - AND everyone else who has helped me in this thread] know how everything turns out. Craig!! :)

Hi Threadcutter!! :) Thanks for the message. I appreciate your input. It means a lot to me. It's especially nice to know that you are STILL very happy with your Lexus' even though one of them has 340,000 miles. WOW. I don't blame you for grinning!! Depreciation really sucks. I'm not sure I could ever convince myself to buy 'new' again. I've never been able to compare a car - before and after wise - insofar as having the throttle body cleaned. It just makes sense - though - that it WOULD make a difference. At least that's what I'm counting on. I hope the dealer DOES everything I ask. I guess I'll find out soon enough. Send happy thoughts to my Lexus on Monday!! lol :P Thanks again, Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're all feeling great!! Well..... I made the appointment. My LS is going to be dropped off this Sunday [Feb 26th] and worked on ON Monday. [possibly Tuesday - too] I've decided to keep my car. I test drove a Chrysler 300C and really loved it. But every time I did the math - I could hardly believe the money I'd be throwing away. The taxes alone would be over $5,000. [even with the LS as a trade] Add to that the depreciation the moment MY 'plates' would be screwed onto the car - and I'd be looking at upwards of $15,000. And for what? I'd rather spend $2,000 on the car I already own [my 1993 LS] and drive it until it [or I] drop. I'm assuming that's the smart thing to do. My car only has 128,000 km's so it still has some life left in her. OK.... with that out of the way. Here is what I'm having done to my car next week. - Appropriate service [oil change, etc.] - Scan for fault codes - Keyless remote looked at - and if OK - having batteries replaced in both keys. - ENTIRE traction control system checked out - including accumulator pump, wheel speed sensors, traction control throttle place, etc. - Clean entire throttle body - MAF sensor examined and cleaned if OK [replaced if not] - Catalytic Converters looked at [mostly likely OK] - All O2 Sensors replaced - PCV valve replaced - Battery terminals cleaned - AGAIN. [i thought they used to put Vaseline on them to prevent corrosion] - Steering pump checked for leaks - Alternator checked. [Lexus guy says Lexus now uses updated alternator when replacing old one] - Check ignition coil - distributor/rotors [maybe - they say their OK even though they have NEVER been replaced] SUSPENSION: [all OEM parts] - new struts - new strut 'cushions' - all bushings [other than sway bar - since they were replaced a year ago] - coil springs [maybe - not sure yet] - new rear carrier arm bushing [maybe - clunking noise when shifting from 'D' to 'R' - does failing RCAB cause that?] My LS feels 'old'. It drives as if it's windy out [on the freeway] even if it's not. My LS also sits about an 1.5" lower on drivers side. I'm thinking maybe new coil springs will fix that. I'm actually a bit nervous about this. So PLEASE help me while there is still time. IF there is something on my list that you think is a waste of time and money - please speak up NOW. And if there is something MISSING from my list - PLEASE let me know. Maybe having the entire TRAC system checked out and/or having the throttle body cleaned is a waste of time. I'm not sure. Let me know what you think. As usual - I am grateful for any and all help. THANKS!! Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. My ashtray flies open. I know it's supposed to open gently - but mine doesn't. Does the ashtray have a little 'shock absorber'? If so - is it a big deal to replace? Thanks, Craig!! :)

Hi wwest!! :) Thank you. I appreciate the response. AND I'll do [or have done] exactly what you suggest. IF the accumulator and/or ABS pumps have NEVER been bled/opened - that would have to cause SOME problems. [i would think] Thanks, Craig!! :)

HELLO? ANYBODY THERE?! :cries:

Camry vs ES350 - DASHBOARDS Which one do YOU like best?! Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Just curious... Do you plan on driving your LS until it drops dead - OR will you eventually trade it in OR sell it?! Thanks, Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I've been searching and reading a lot of old LOC messages. One that caught my eye was one posted by 'wwest'. [Hi 'wwest' - hope you don't mind me doing this] Last fall - my 1993 LS400's 'TRAC' light came on and stayed on. [usually after being driven for about 15 minutes or so] The dealer simply cleared the memory of the code and told me to come back IF the TRAC light comes on again. It hasn't - so far. The following was posted by 'wwest' on December 6th, 2004. What the diagnostic [code 19] really means is that the Trac brake fluid pressure replenishing pump is running too often. Each time you apply the brakes the Trac ecu checks the brake fluid backup pressure at the accumulator. If the Trac pump has to restart to replenish the pressure fluid pressure on ten sequential brake applications the diagnostic indication will be illuminated. Oftentimes you can just sit in your driveway and count as you apply the brakes and on the tenth one the light will come on. That can be because the accumulator has lost it 3000PSI of nitrogen charge or it could also mean that some small debris is blocking one of the reverse flow check valves open. A complete brake fluid flush fixed mine. If you take it to Lexus to have this done be sure and point out the extra bleed valves, Lexus of Seattle didn't know of them until I pointed them out. I tried pumping the brakes 10 times - in fact - 50 times - but the TRAC light didn't come on. Not sure if that proves [or disproves] anything. Here are a few questions. If you - 'wwest' would take the time to answer [or anyone else with answers] it would be greatly appreciated. WHAT IF the TRAC accumulator pump only needs 9 times to build up pressure - would that keep the TRAC light from coming on?! [and creating a 'code 19' fault] Does the number of times needed to build up pressure have to be within a certain time frame [in order to trigger a 'code 19'] or does the ecu remember each time and even if it took 5 hours to reach 10 times - THAT would trigger a 'code 19'. [does that makes sense?] WHAT IF the TRAC accumulator pump continuously has to build up pressure - over and over again [but never enough times to trigger the TRAC light] as you're driving - would THAT have ANY effect on the performance of the car? In other words - would the car FEEL as though it was 'braking' even if you are accelerating? [each time a pump was working] Thank you very much. Craig!! :)

Hi thieaux!! :) Based on how you responded to the situation and based on the fact that it was the first time in 8 years that you have ever pulled your gun out AND based on the fact that you readily admit to being 'nervous as hell' - I have tremendous respect for you. You come across as the 'poster boy' of why it's OK for some people to HAVE guns. No doubt your heart must have been beating like a humming bird for HOURS after that incident. Craig!! :)

Thats why its an option ;) I'm aware of that. But it's not really an ANSWER to MY question - is it?! ;)

Hi ArmyofOne!! :) Talk about scary. And you're right - it could have been SO much worse. So much so - in fact - that someone ELSE would have had to tell us about what happened. But... that's not how it turned out and I'm glad. REALLY GLAD. Keep us updated on how you're doing. OK?! Of course - the worse part of all is not being able to drive for a few days!! :P Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) No doubt about it - the all-new for 2007 Lexus LS460 is a beautiful car. But I can't help but wonder... WHY so much concern over how comfortable REAR SEAT PASSENGERS are?! I can't remember the last time anyone sat in the rear seat of any car I've owned. And I haven't been in the back seat [other than to clean the windows] since I don't know when. Probably more than 20 years. I'm curious. Other than those of you who may be related to Miss Daisy - when was the last time YOU where in the back seat of any car?! [while it was moving] Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) Click on THIS to find out what CanadianDriver.com thinks of the all-new for 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. I couldn't help but laugh.... According to the article - the word 'Zephyr' means 'a gentle breeze'. Hmmm.... So I guess it really IS an 'old farts car'!! :P What do YOU think of the Zephyr?! I actually like how it looks. But at $45,000 CDN - fully loaded - there are just far too many more appealing alternatives. I also think that Lincoln should have waited until their 3.5 litre V6 was ready. Craig!! :)

Hi swordfish!! :) I'll be sure to let you know what effect the new O2 Sensors have on the car. Even if they are NOT the cause of 'the problem' - I don't think it will hurt to replace them. They are a 'wear-item' after all. Hi jainla!! :) I'll definitely have the MAF looked at. In fact - I plan on insisting that EVERYTHING be looked at. [again] I could have someone else look at my car - of course - but I fear that the moment I do that - my Lexus dealer has an 'out'. And I don't know if I want to give them that 'out'. [just yet] "Well.... I'm sorry Sir - but WE don't know what the 'other guy' might have done to your car - so we can't possibly be responsible for anything that might be wrong with it!!" [do you see what I mean?!] My car still has about 8 months worth of warranty. Maybe after THAT ends I'll be more willing to have someone ELSE look at my car. Hi 93ls400walt!! :) You've got your thinking cap on - that's for sure!! But I doubt anything was ever done to my car's gear ratios or rear end. My car was literally owned by a 'nice old couple'. He died soon after they bought the car and she just left it parked every winter while she went to Arizona or Florida. My car had a permanent battery charger installed. [which was removed when I bought the car] Hi JBrady!! :) Yes!! My car has traction control. SRK [another member of LOC] also suggested that my cars problem might be that TRAC throttle butterfly/plate thing. It HAS been looked at - so I've been told - but sometimes I can't help but wonder if my Lexus dealer is lying whenever they tell me, "Yes - we DID look at that and everything is fine!!" Apparently - the 'cats' are fine. But who knows. As for any extreme buildup on the intake valves - all 32 valves were adjusted last year. I'm assuming that any buildup would have been noted THEN. Thanks Guys - for all the help!! What baffles and confuses and puzzles me is the fact that - every now and then - my car will accelerate beautifully. It FEELS as though it's only taking 8 seconds to reach 60 and each gear change - at redline - is Lexus smooth. It's because of those [few and far between] moments that I'm frustrated. I KNOW how my car SHOULD feel. If it was always poor - I probably wouldn't have noticed. I would have just assumed that all LS400's drive that way. Craig!! :)

Hi bartkat!! :) That's a beautiful Imperial. I would love for the new Imperial to look like the Imperial Eagle Super Coupe dreamed up by Virgil Exner, Jr. It was designed to compete with the Cadillac '16'. Take note of the taillights AND the engine!! Now THAT'S an Imperial!! I especially like the front end. Click on THIS to see it for yourself. Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I wish each and everyone of you a very... HAPPY NEW YEAR!! A 'New Year' brings with it the opportunity to become better human beings. Take advantage of that opportunity by doing your best to become even more compassionate and less self-focused. The less we tend to our OWN 'needs' - and the more we tend to the 'needs' of others - the more likely OUR 'needs' will be taken care of. If I help YOU - I am also helping MYSELF. Have a wonderful 2006!! Craig!! :D

Hi Toysrme!! :) I couldn't DISAGREE more. Here's a quote... "Led by unique products like the Chrysler 300 and Chrysler PT Cruiser, and innovative, exclusive features like Stow 'n Go minivan seating, the Chrysler brand is experiencing the best year in its history. With November sales of 49,917 units and 597,085 units year-to-date, the Chrysler brand surpasses the total sales for 2004 of 588,891 units and represents a 10 year growth of 126 percent for the brand." Click on THIS to read the rest of the story. It hardly sounds to me like the !Removed! end if ANY deal. I understand what you're saying about 'style' - however - but I think the road is plenty big enough for cars of ALL shapes and sizes and STYLES. The 300 appeals to some people [myself included] because it LOOKS like a car. It's what I remember [as a kid] a car being. It's big, square and has an imposing face. It's a refreshing change [i say] from the Camry's and Accords that we see over and over again every time we leave the house. Another reason [of many] that many people like the 300 [i think] has to do with how it makes one FEEL when driving it. People feel SAFE in a Chrysler 300. And it has nothing to do with whether or not the 300 is a safer car than some other cars [even though it's certainly as safe as most cars] it FEELS safe. The high door sills give the impression that the cabin is less likely to be penetrated during an accident. It's the same sort of impression people often get when driving a large SUV. Perception is truth - don't forget. That all said... I can't help but think that the idea of stealing something from Rolls Royce and doing it with a Chrysler probably appeals to Mercedes on a not-so-nice level. [if you know what I mean] Craig!! :)