eatingupblacktop

Get some details on the leak. Some leaks miss the alt altogether. Others as Leadfoot says will do in your alt. If you can't see any leakage and you blow out some smoke on startup, the acv fix is cheap. Problem could also be in the reservoir screen filter. Try doing a flush: http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/steering/psflush.html. How much fluid have you been adding and how often?

Check the manifold. If you've got a leak you'll hear the valves.

Is the a/c on or off when you get this vibration?

Good points. Can you mention the forums?

Doing the bumper shouldn't cost that much. Get a package deal from the body shop to take out the dings at the same time.

Just take it in to an stereo shop and get it repaired. Transistors are what usually go on those things and they're cheap enough to replace.

Wow, your lcd works. Hey, wanna sell your car? Just kiddin'. Congrats again and enjoy. I usually put on about 2k the first week anytime I get a new car. So go burn some fuel. And, bonus........you're on the right forum for anything that comes up.

If I was 19 I'd be definitely looking at an IS300 instead of an LS. I'd be zippin' around like I did in my Scirocco rather than laid back cruisin'. Do yourself a favour. Before commiting yourself to an LS check them both out and compare. In the IS, try to find one with a stick.

Never done it. Don't think you can. Btw you must have gotten a good report from Carfax - you bought the car.

If you're thinking of an Impala, be carefull with the 3.8L. They have a well known problem with their intake manifolds. They're made of plastic and deform from the heat creating leaks. The replacement was redesigned so look for one that's been done. The Regal with the same 3.8 is a tighter package and arguably better built. Less rattles and squeaks as they age, although some of them have a/c issues. If you find one that's been well maintained and not abused, should last you until you put together enough scratch for a Lex.

I've always checked and gapped every plug myself. I just thought with the dealerships' bottom line motivation that Lextechs would use pre-gapped.

That pair look like waaaaay too much fun! I used to have a Yamaha 250 dirt bike, mountain bike, pickup, and mod scirocco all at the same time. Was never in better shape in my life.....and was never home!

I guessed wrong. Just a minor question - at the dealership, is it the mech that checks/gaps the plugs or the parts dept?

I like what Landar said: All parts are manufactured to specified tolerances. Meaning they are not exactly the same. Each manufacturer has their own parameters. Within those parameters you will have batches that vary in their specs. If as SK has done, you find a brand that is consistent enough to gain your trust, makes life simple. I would still do a spot check from time to time. Smooth1 asks: My guess is that a Lexus tech would be installing plugs that have been pre-gapped. I don't think the dealership would want them spending their time gapping plugs.

BOSTIC 260 Electric Glue Gun made in Montreal. There are several different strengths of glue sticks. I use the Industrail strength. Works on just about any material. Just be real careful not to get any on your skin. Temptation is to touch it to see if it's hardened. Burns real good. Holds even better.

Might want to give the ES some serious consideration (I'm on my second one myself) in addition to the LS & GS (drive all of them to find out what you like). Lexus or not, I'm more than happy to assist when the time comes though. :) I have a neighbour who's got an ES. I've driven it. Don't like the seats much but don't like the seats much in the LS either (Volvo makes the best seats I've ever sat in except for maybe the Bentley Continental GT). Car rides nice. Reliability is as good as it gets. Maintenance should be substantially less than an LS, especialy since it shares a lot of parts with the Camry. Should be easy to get it serviced at Toyota and save quite a bit. For example, I get my oil changes done at Toyota at half of what Lexus would charge. Same oil, same filter. One thing I would check for in an ES is that the oil changes were done at least on schedule. Gelling was a problem with this model.

You might want to try a set of Sylvania Silverstars once you get your new housings.

What was the repair they did? Was it for the grinding noise you have?

There are clips on the side which makes it look like you should be able to separate the front lens from the housing. I've never tried but Lexus says it can't be done and you have to replace.

Love the name btw. How is the LeBaron?

Sometimes it's the really simple stuff that kills you. Like the time I spent over an hour (swearing and cussing towards the end) looking for the ignition key. Where did I find it? Already in the ignition switch of course! Just quietly sitting there waiting, not saying anything, not helping me out, probably laughing at me. I swear, sometimes mechanical and electrical devices have fun just messin' with our minds!

Good advice TexLex. For the quality of the build, parts, and ride, I sure wouldn't consider anything else. I don't really care about trade in value because at 17 years old there's not much of that left unless your selling to someone who knows Lexus and can appreciate a car that's been impeccably maintained. Besides, I'm not getting rid of this one anytime soon, even if I get a newer version. Check out the reliability reports for the German cars in particular. I have friends with Audis, Porches, and Bimmers. Just about all of them tell me of the latest issues with these cars and how often they're in for repairs. It's got to be a pain to be spending all that cash and have the car off the road that often. Whatever car you find that you're interested in buying, do your homework as Tex says. If the car comes with no documentation, history, etc, walk away. There's more than enough out there with all the credentials for a smart purchase. Get it inspected as well, especially for accident damage.

You finally found THE ONE. Congrats for doing your research and using this forum. I know what you mean about the Steering wheel. I've seen some grody wheels when checking out potential purchases. Turns you right off. Check out the Buy & Sell with this forum and Ebay for a replacement. I've seen wraps used. Doesn't cut it for me. Oem's the only way, but I don't think they're cheap unless you find one at a wreckers.

A new LS will set you back over $1200/mth. To maintain say a 10-14 year old LS I would budget $1000 - 1500 a year if nothing major needs doing.

Over the long haul I think they would be close. As for which will last longer, I think you can keep any car going for as long as you want. What it comes down to is whether the cost is worth it? If maintaining a 15 year old car is costing you more than what it would cost to lease a newer one, then it doesn't make sense. Unless you're dedicated to that car or you're a collector. Everything wears out sooner or later. Having a warranty is something else you might consider. It's can provide some peace of mind for someone who is not a diy. Yeah; youre right. I know its impossible to predict, but what would the ballpark area where a lex would get as expensive to repair as it would be to lease a new car? I wouldn't compare maintenance/repair costs on an older lex with the cost of leasing a new one. A new LS would be much more expensive. I would compare it with leasing/buying a newer domestic or a slightly used Toyota.