byohzrd

The Febreze air refresher is great stuff. I don't know if it kills airborn bacteria or not, but it covers up just about any smell... haven't tried it in the car yet, but it certainly works in the bathroom.:whistles: Also, as far as new car scents... I use Lexol Vinylex on my dash, and in my opinion it smells EXACTLY like a new car. I've heard the new car scent is actually a combination of new plastic, vinyl, leather, carpet, etc...

A little off topic... sort of... but what is the suggested mileage to change plugs? My owner's manual is a bit ambiguous. It says 60,000 miles, but then it lists the SC and GS in parentheses.... not sure if that means all models except SC and GS, or only SC and GS. My car just turned 60K and I have an appointment for an oil change... might as well have the plugs done too, if needed.

I had BMW 330ciC that had been in the shop five times in the 7 months that I owned it. One day it developed yet another problem... I headed straight to the BMW dealership after work, and the Lexus dealership happened to be on the way. I was already in a foul mood, and I didn't particularly want to deal with the service people at BMW, yet again, so I turned into the Lexus dealership and left 45 minutes later with my 2000 ES. It's not the funnest car to drive, but it's nice looking and reliable (definitely what sold me that day).

I was at the dealership this weekend looking to trade my 2000 ES for a new GS. Trade in on my car is roughly $15K, and I was told the ES is trading/selling at much lower numbers because lately the market has been flooded with pre-owned 1997-2001 models. I'm not sure how valid that statement is, and maybe it's just a local thing, but it makes me sick, considering I paid around $22K for it just 1.5 years ago...

2000 ES300 (the reliable "sofa") 2005 Mini Cooper S (the super-fun toy)

Does anyone know the bulb number for the rear turn signal on the 2000/01? It is mysteriously missing from my owner's manual...

I turned 24 last week, and I've had my 2000 for about 1.5 years. I love the looks of the 2000 ES, but after driving BMWs (I bought the Lexus because I was tired of reliability issues) I wish it handled and performed like my old Bimmers. My friends call my car the La-z-boy, and I have to agree... it feels like I'm driving a sofa. There's just nothing exciting about my car. Reliable... yes. Classy... yes. Fun... no.

Try eBay. There are loads of parts like that available there... mirrors, center caps, etc.

I had this piece replaced at my dealership under warranty, and from what they told me, it is just a matter of prying the old one out and popping the new one in... no screws or anything...

My car has the same "peeing" problem. I also think the cupholders suck, and I wish there was an indicator light that would tell me if the trunk was open. I inadvertently opened it the other day and I spent about 20 minutes trying to figure out why my headlights wouldn't turn off when I hit the lock button twice... turns out the trunk was open. I also wish the windshield wipers would make a delayed final pass to wipe off the excess water after using the washer spray function. My husband's Focus does it, and he makes fun of my car every time he drives it.

The autodimming feature wasn't added until the refresh in 2000. Look on eBay for a '97 ES300 for sale (in eBay motors). http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...4527678522&rd=1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...4527650677&rd=1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...4527410347&rd=1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...4526910920&rd=1 Usually there are a TON of photos of the car, many of them showing just a plain, non-dimming mirror. If that doesn't help, just tell the guy you'd be happy to install the mirror for him if he'll just bend over. :whistles: Sorry... didn't mean to type that out loud.

I did do this installation myself. It's very low-tech, and involved tucking the wires into the seams with a credit card. There is a small trim piece just above the ashtray that can easily be removed. I bundled up the excess tape-adapter wire and shoved it back there. Also, regarding the power source... in my 2000 ES, there is a cigarette lighter in the lower storage of the console... not sure about a 1998. No modifications necessary. I have heard that the tape adapter is one of the best ways to go, and will give you great sound, especially when used with a high-end stereo such as a Nakamichi. With the antenna, you can also try putting it on the parcel shelf in the back.

I have a Roady, which I have mounted with double-stick tape to the flip-out ash tray. This still allows the tray to open, and is the perfect size. The wires that come with the kit are long enough to route the tape adapter through the seams of the stereo stack (or whatever its called) up to the tape deck, concealing the wire; the power adapter is routed through the console and into the armrest storage where there is a power source. The antenna is routed through the console with the power source, then under the driver's seat, up the A-pilar, and is placed on the dash. I get perfect reception leaving it in the corner of the A-pilar and windshield. It's a DIY job, and it's not perfect, but I don't like anyone messing with my car or hardwiring anything, and this allows me to remove it if I need/want to. I'll try to take photos this afternoon and figure out how to post them.

I just received an email from Lexus Marketing regarding Lexus Personal Settings (LPS). Apparently the dealer can change certain characteristics of the remote, headlights, etc. Does anyone know what LPS options, if any, are available on the 2000 ES?

Do a search here for "remote programming." There are several threads containing the instructions. Good luck.

Check eBay. There are plenty of remotes for your car there... usually less than $20.

I own. Although at the rate I change cars (I don't think I've ever kept a car longer than two years), it may be wise to consider leasing...

While we're on the topic of swapping mirrors, I have a question: Will a rear view mirror from an RX300 or IS300 (with the built in compass) fit in my 2000 ES? The windshield mounts appear to be the same, and I am hoping that it will just be a matter of unplugging my mirror and plugging the new one in. Could it possibly be that easy?

My 2000 ES has the same creaking steering wheel problem. I took it to the dealer awhile back and they lubricated the rubber steering wheel boot... cost was around 50 bucks. The noise has since come back, but I assume that has something to do with the dry winter climate here in Salt Lake City.

I've had my ES about one year, and I only plan on having it another six months or so. I love the car, but my previous car was a BMW 330CiC and I'm just not excited about driving my ES. I was at a BMW dealership the other day looking at trading it in on a new X5, and the salesman put it perfectly: "The ES is a nice car, but it's like driving a sofa." I'll probably be getting the X5 within six months. I'm 23 now, so maybe I'll get an ES or another Lexus when I'm closer to retirement age and am not a lead-footed driving fan. :)

I had the same vibration in my car and it turned out to be warped rotors.

My two cents: Don't feel so bad. I bought a car on eBay myself, and it worked out very well. The only reason I got rid of it was because I didn't want to deal with the Utah winters in a rear-wheel-drive BMW convertible. Buying a used car is always a risk, period. It sounds to me like you actually saw the car and drove it before purchasing it. How is that any different from buying it in a more traditional way? The only information you can get about any used car comes from the seller's description and your own opinions when you see the car. You could just as easily have been taken by a private seller or a dealer for that matter. The lesson to be learned is to have the vehicle inspected regardless of where you buy it. I bought my Lexus from a reputable Lexus dealership in Salt Lake City, and I still had my mechanic look at it thoroughly before I wrote the check. Regarding the sob story that the dealer gave you... who cares?! Any legitimate business person should take responsibility for their product and the way it was advertised, regardless of who took the pictures and wrote the ad. That would be like me blaming and firing my assistant for writing a letter that I sign. If it's got my name on it, it's my responsibility. The seller should have checked the ad more carefully. Besides, putting him out of business (which is unlikely) will only prevent other innocent consumers from being taken. *steps off soap box*

I have the integrated key and remote, so correct me if I'm wrong: Gently pry the front and back pieces of the remote apart using a screwdriver. Replace the battery with the same type (usually found in the electronics department of retail stores, i.e. Wal Mart, Target, etc.). Snap the pieces back together, and you should be good to go... no reprogramming required. I replaced my remote battery last week and it made a huge difference. Now the remote works from 100 feet (maybe more).

The sunroof in my 2000 ES closes with one touch. I don't think the design changed, so maybe the parts are interchangeable...

I'd go back to driving a BMW.