silvercorvette

I respectfully disagree. You and make predictions about future performance by looking at the quality of the parts and the way it is put together. If the core has less surface area than another brad you can predict it will clog up sooner, a flimsy paper core won't be as good as as thicker synthetic material. I haven't read the info in a while but I recall reading that one of the filters was secured with a piece of string and the string cut right into the element.

The TV mechanic on the show (I think it is ) "Motorweek) explained that it is important to flush the fluid because the fluid absorbs moisture ["hygroscopic,"]. When I first started driving no one that I know bothered with that stuff but I guess we have learned more about how cars work over the years. That said I usually don't keep a car long enough to wear out the tires or battery but I do have two cars that I do intend of flushing out when I get the chance. I bought a 62 Vette a few years ago that is in good condition but I intend on going over it from top to bottom and make it like new, and the 96 that I bought new has sat in storage in my garage while I was busy moving all over the country. I just moved from NY to Anderson SC last August and just added a second two car garage and work shop. I am waiting for my lift that I ordered to arrive and when it does I definitely will flush the brakes. I have done brakes jobs in the past (come to think of it I haven't had a car long enough to wear out the brakes in a while) and bleed out the air after the break job. I doubt that it will be any harder to flush the system than it is to bleed the air you just use more fluid and make sure you do it in the proper order starting with the wheel closes to the master cylinder and working your way out. If you intend on doing it yourself the money you save will more than pay for the cost of this tool Here is a good article explaining why fluid should be changed

I have spent many winters driving in NY's winter snow, but winter 2006-2007 I spent most of my winter in my TX house, and winter 2007-2008 I sold the TX and NY house and spent almost the entire winter in SC. I was really shocked to see how people in warm ares handle snow. I am not putting down southern drivers in any way because you can't really blame them because they don't get the chance to hone their skills by practicing. But People where I now live go into a panic over a 1/8 to 1/4 inch of snow, TV and radio stations interrupt shows to issue warnings schools and factories close, but that small amount isn't even worth talking about where I come from. However I don't take even small amounts of snow lightly because as Lauraw pointed out some people with 4 wheel drive haven't learned a simple fact, 4 wheel drive will not help you stop faster and if you take a corner too fast you will spin out of control. And even if you are a skilled snow driver it won't do you a bit of good if someone spins out of control and slides into you. I may seem like I am contridicting myself but in some casses I think that small amounts of snow are sometimes more dangerous than the deep stuff. The deep stuff slows people down, but with a 1/4 inch of snow people tend to drive as fast as they would on dry roads and that will get people into trouble fast. If you don't pratice you will loose your snow skills during the summer so my advice is to find a nice big empty parking lot the first snow fall of the winter and spend time putting your car into a skid and getting it out.

IMNSHO the GS450h is 'WAY over-powered and a horrible prostitution of the use of the HSD concept. I am normally an advocate of RWD (as opposed to the "other" choice) but it seems to me that the absolutely STELLAR level of low-end torque provided by the GS450h's electrics would be really hard to tame absent a very quick reacting TC, Traction Control, system. So be prepared to either switch TC off or spend a lot of time "feathering" the throttle in attempting, I suspect mostly unsuccessfully, to defeat TC. I also consider the RX400h just another prostitution of the HSD concept, TOO much power, unwarranted power, for the platform. So I would recommend(***) the RX400h F/AWD model even though it is mostly FWD, and even with F/AWD remains most definitely FWD biased, be a better choice for adverse wintertime roadbed conditions. Should you go ahead with a GS450h purchase I would recommend NEVER traveling without tire chains on board in the wintertime and not hesitating even briefly to install them when encountering adverse roadbed conditions. With the GS450h's dramatically HIGH level of low end engine/drive torque, even with a good, even excellent, set of winter treads the onset of wheelspin (even considering a "snow" mode, engine/electrics "derating" activation) will often be so quick and sudden you will be forced to have TC active at all times. *** The RX400h can only have tire chains installed on the front. Raising the potential, by Lexus own admission, for loss of directional control substantially. Adding 1.5 inch wheel spacers at the rear will allow the use of most types of tire chains at the rear first, SAFELY, and a second set at the front if the need should arise. I added 1.5" wheel spacers, 17X8 wheels, and wider tread tires all around on my 2001 F/AWD RX300. Slightly wider "stance" improves stability overall. You’re opinion would matter it you had owned a hybrid or had driven one, you have used the term “the RXh and HH, or an absolute ABUSE of hybrid technology” in another thread but haven’t defined the term when I requested you to do so. Your advice is useless due to the fact you haven’t had any behind the wheel experience in any hybrid in good road conditions let alone snow experience and you use terms you haven‘t been able to define when asked to do so. I ask you again, what exactly is your definition of an abuse of hybrid technology? My advice to the original poster is to not pay attention to someone that seems to have a vendetta against hybrids, and to listen to people that own a hybrid and have driven it in the snow.

I don't know, I guess it depends on your driving and listening habits. I had a Sirius S-50 2 or 3 years ago and I got rid of it after three months because I went through 6 or 8 defective radios. I rented a car a few months ago with a sirius radio a few months ago for a trip to NY an I liked it but wasn't very impressed with it because I lost reception a few times. I got rid of the RX400H and replaced it with a GS450H 8 days ago. And this may sound crazy but I went in to get NY state inspection on the RX and mentioned I wanted to get a GS but had over a year left on the lease. I was more concerned with the numbers than the color so I didn't even know what color it was till I walked out to look at it. It was white [same as the RX] and after I signed the deal they told me it had an XM radio. I still haven't activated the XM yet but I heard the XM gets better reception than Sirius. I listen to mostly talk radio and MP3s of old radio shows from the 1930's, 40's and 50's. I checked the listings and XM has a lot of talk shops and an old radio channel. $13 isn't that much but I am retired and don't drive that much. Five minutes to the supermarket, 15 minutes to the gun range, and two or three 1600 mile round trips to NY and back three times a year. But most of the time the car sits in the garage without moving for days at a time. I am going to wait to activate the free trial when I make my next trip to NY to really give it a trial. In my case for the amount of driving I do it doesn't seem worth it but since I already have it in my car I may keep it after the free trial.

I put an S-50 in my jeep when the S-50 first came out 2 or 3 years ago. I lost track but I had about 6 or 8 s-50 that I had to send back to Crutchfield. I gave up on Sirius when my 3 month subscription ended and thank God Crutchfield gave me a full refund. I never got my rebate from Sirius but from what I have read the cheated a lot of people out of rebates.. When I first got my RX i was getting in the low to mid 20's but after 17,000 miles and synthetic oil I was getting 30 to 33 around town I just traded the RX400H in on a GS450H 8 days ago and it came with an XM radio. I have heard that XM gets better reception than Sirius but I haven't bothered to activate my 3 month free trial yet. I loved the RX and the only reason I got rid of it was I wanted something a little more sporty and I didn't really need an SUV anymore. The only things I didn't like was the NAV and daytime running lights but other than that the car was as close to perfect as you can get. Give the car time to break in and the MPGs will get better

I am sorry if I may have broken any rules by double posting this. But The subject was mentioned in a thread about how often to change oil, then it drifted into oil filters. I felt that a topic about filters is different enough to rate it's own thread because filter quality is a totally different subject for how often you change oil. The link below has the best info regarding filters I have ever seen anywhere. http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfilterst...dy.html#warning

I find it interesting that Lexus has been using the same oil filter in their most expensive V8 cars for nearly 20 years, although the part # did change when the filters were manufactured outside Japan. I seriously doubt that Lexus is supplying "junk" filters to use in their most expensive cars. And our Camry V6 uses the same filter used in most or all Lexus V6 cars. It seems to be doing just fine on Mobil 1 and Toyota filters at 100,000 miles. A friend of mine drove his Camry to nearly 400,000 miles on regular oil and Toyota filters before he parked it in his pasture -- really, it's in his pasture -- for other reasons. Using a Toyota filter sure didn't hurt his car either. I agree. Over the years I've read many threads on oil filters and oil types. The one problem I have is that I have never read any documented certified unbiased test data to prove to me that there is really that much difference and that whatever difference there may be can be proven to cause substantial wear on engine parts that are lubricated with the crankcase oil!! Doing a used oil analysis (UOA) on two oil filters without correlating the wear particle factors to any kind of tests on how many MORE wear particles in the oil that was not properly filtered by a "junk" oil filter, AND then proving how many more wear particles will cause a significant or substantial amout of wear in the engine that will decrease it's life and by how much!! SHOW ME SOME CERTIFIED TEST DATA!!!! Until then, to me it's all conjecture, BS, and hype. That's just my worthless opinion. :) And why would one of the world most advanced and finest automobile manufacturers use "junk" oil filters? I'm sure someone will come up with a logical reason. Oh yeah, if you do some research I believe you will find that engine failure in today's modern engines will NOT be caused by oil or oil filters, if normal periodic maintenance services are performed and under average driving conditions. How about this site it has the best filter info I have ever seen anywhere http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfilterst...dy.html#warning

I use Mobil one synthetic on all my cars, I changed the oil in the RX at 5,000 even though it was a lease and I was sure I was not going to keep it, I got rid of the RX last week with only 17,000 on it and replaced it with a GS450H and will still change it every 5,000. There is no doubt you could get by with 10,000 miles but it doesn't cost all that much to change ever 5,000 if you buy the oil on sale or get it cheap at Sam's club and bring the oil to the dealer to change it. Why would anyone want to risk having a problem with the dealer over warrantee issues over the small amount of money it costs for an oil change?

You need to do more research, the RX400H has 4 wheel drive as an option. They are hard to get in TX where I own a house but most cars on the dealers lot in NY where I had my other house [and the northern part of the USA] had 4 wheel drive [i assume it that they would also have them in Canada]. I never got into the deep stuff because I spent the past two winters in TX and SC. Last Christmas when I drove back it handled the snow well but to be honest I think I could had done just as well with 2 wheel drive. From what I have heard from Lexus owners that had been in the deep stuff the 4 wheel / all wheel drive works well. Don't put all your faith in 4 wheel drive, 80 to 90 % of driving in snow depends on driver skill. If you are good a skilled driver with 2 wheel drive you will do better than a unskilled driver with 4 wheel drive. I am now retired but when I was a cop there were many times I was able to hop into the drivers seat of someone that was hopelessly stuck and get them un-stuck by just using proper technique.

I'll start with the bad stuff first. I hated the day time running lights, but I "fixed them by pulling a wire under the hood. The NAV sucks, but I fixed it by installing a lock pick and buying a Garmin 7500. I still don't like the fact that you can only see names of songs when the car isn't moving but I listen to mostly talk radio and MP3s of old radio shows. As far as I was concerned the RX400h was as close to perfect as you can get I still loved the car when I traded in for the GS450H I now drive but I no longer needed an SUV. I had my RX for only 17,000 miles but those miles involved trips from Long Island NY to Houston TX and Anderson SC where I now live. The RX had a lot of room to haul my junk all over the country and to carry stuff from Home Depot and Lowes that I needed for my new house. The car is very comfortable on long trips. Some people complained about the narrow arm rest but they were just fine as far as I am concerned. I don't keep track of my MPGs but I have check it from time to tim and I was able to get 30 to 33 around town. The Jeep that the RX (my RX had the all wheel drive) replaced got 12 to 14 MPG. Aside from the Jeeps ability to handle deeper snow better the RX. I love the heat and hot weather so I don't use the A/C very much, but the A/C is powder by the hybrid battery and it will probably require the ICE to run longer and burn more gas to keep the hybrid charged up. I loved the RX when I got rid of it I just wanted something different and more sporty but if you have the desire to get a SUV the RX400H is an excellent choice.

I couldn't agree with you more. I personally feel the "jury's still out on GW" but chose the 400h for material reasons. Namely, I liked the performance, CVT transmission, fuel economy, and Toyota reliability. Were it not for those factors, there are other vehicles I would've considered. The end result is the same, motivations aside. I consume less fuel and pollute less than my last car, a Toyota Sequoia. I believe this is how hybrids must proceed. They must offer improvements besides fuel economy and low emissions. This will encourage drivers from from both "camps" to pursue Hybrid/Green technology. Perhaps Mr. West should step up and invest in Hybrid technology like the rest of us have. After all, this is the Hybrid Owners forum. Enjoy your GS! I would like to thank you and others that contacted me via private message to support my statements. I just topped off the tank in the GS yesterday so I can start keeping track of the mileage. At this point I honestly do not care about mileage because I have learned from my RX400H that new car MPG are meaningless. When I first got the RX I was getting somewhere in the low 20's around town and when I traded it in with 17,000 miles I was getting 30 to 33 MPG around town. I did wind up switching to "Mobile one synthetic oil" after the first free dealer oil change so I am not sure if Synthetic oil helped increase the MPG. I also use premium gas. Some people feel a higher octane gas does not matter but I read about a test some pilots preformed on vintage WW2 airplanes. They tried to duplicate the short take off distances [i think the short take offs were required for Doolittle mission know as the "Doolittle raid"] but they were unable to be duplicated due to the unavailability of gasoline with the same octane content. That bit of information convinces me that octane does matter. I have been able to find gas stations in NY and here in SC that regularly sell their hi test gas for what regular grade is sold for in other stations so I feel that the extra cost of hi test gas is offset by the fast I am usually paying less for it than I would pay for the low grage stuff at more expensive stations.

Obviously we have differing opinions about global warming. I don’t thing either one of us will change our differing opinions about global warming and debating the issue on this site may get us into debating non car related issues which may not be allowed on this forum. There are many reasons to own a hybrid and not every hybrid owner got one because of G/W issues. I don’t understand why it should matter to a person that does believe in G/W why someone made the choice to get a hybrid, the fact that someone is utilizing the technology regardless of motive should be reason enough to consider it a positive result. I liken the comment misuse of hybrid to something a misguided animal rights person may say in a situation where a person reveals that they gave up eating meat because of heart and cholesterol problems, but the made up animal rights person in the story gets upset because he didn’t give up eating meat to save animals. The bottom line is the regardless of reason or motive the end result is the same, in one case less animals are killed and in the other case a cleaner technology is used. In my opinion the end result is what matters the path to get there is unimportant. But I don’t understand how utilizing cutting edge technology could in any way be abusing hybrid technology. Prior to the RX400H I drove a 4 wheel drive high output V8 engine Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland that got half the MPGs. I needed a vehicle that would be able to carry a lot of stuff, sometimes large objects, perform well in snow, and would be large and comfortable so it would not aggravate my physical problems. The RX400H was able to do just about everything the Jeep did while consuming half [i was getting between 30 to 33 MPG around town with the RX, the Jeep got 12 to 14] the gas. I consider this to be a good thing. I don’t understand what you consider an abuse of hybrid technology, maybe you can explain. Be when you explain please keep in mind that people’s needs and requirements differ and although the Prius may be a great option for some people it won’t fulfill everyone’s needs. In the past 3 years I have spent time living and owning houses in NY, TX and SC. I sold all my houses except for the one in SC so I no longer need a snow car and I don’t need to move around a lot of stuff so I got rid of the RX400H and replaced it with the GS450H. Again I needed something comfortable enough to drive for the two to three trips I make every year but wouldn’t aggravate my physical problems. I have tried driving a smaller car to see if wouldn’t bother me, but every time I rented a small car to drive 50 to 60 miles to the airport it bothered me. There is no way I could sit in a small car for over 1,600 miles [800+ miles to NY and 800+ miles back to SC]. I am not going to apologize for owning a car that has many features solely for the comfort of the driver because I got in injured while performing a sworn duty enforcing the law and keeping the public safe and there isn’t an hour of the day that doesn’t go by where I am not in constant pain. So if I can afford to own a car with a smoother ride, more comfortable seat I feel I have earned the right and paid for it with my blood so I am not going to worry about the abuse of hybrid technology. So rather than abusing technology I am able to own a vehicle that is comfortable without burning as much gas as a normal luxury car.

I don't know much about Lexus but most other first year cars are plagued with problems. MY RX400H has been trouble free for the 17,000 miles I have driven it. I picked up the GS450H last Saturday but I only have less than 40 miles on it because it came to SC from NY on a trailer hooked to the back of a Penske truck. I loved the RX but the GS is much much better. Since you have more knowledge about Lexus I will take your word for it the Lexus isn't plagued by first year bugs, but I still feel it is better to wait a while to get a new model. I just have this feeling that GM is stirring up interest in a electric Volt type car while Toyota / Lexus is just sitting back and waiting for the right moment to announce their own version of the Volt. But in every instance I can recall where a new very desirable model comes out the supply is short and the dealers add thousands to the list price. That is why I think that June of 2011 will be the best time to trade in the old lease for something new. PS I know there is no way there will ever be a break even or payback point on the added cost of the hybrid, and I don't believe global warming is cause by man, I just love cool new technology and the GS450H is the ultimate in cool.

I think you are forgetting something. I got rid of a RX400H with less than two years on a three year lease and replaced it with a GS450H with a three year lease. Here is what i think. GM is coming out with a long range electric Volt in 2010 and I would be willing to bet anything that Toyota has the same type car in the works but they are keeping it under the radar waiting for just the right moment to steal spotlight from GM when the introduce the Volt. But getting any new first year car is not a god idea for a few reasons. Two of which are all new cars have problems, and When a new car is introduced that will probably be in high demand most / all dealers will tag on a hefty extra "ME FIRST" premium for all those that want to be first on the block to own one. I figure this three year lease on the GS450H will run out right at the time when the GM Volt and the Toyota version of the Volt have been on the road long enough to have worked out the bugs, and the supply will be at the point where the dealers won't be able to charge an add on premium

What are you trying to do? If you are trying to install the lock pick you can do it in less than 5 minutes without doing all that stuff. The Nav unit is not in the dash in the RX hybrid. The unit is in the rear. Lift up the cover to the tool / first aid, tire jack compartment. Then lift out the entite tool tray. Under the tray you will see a milti wire plug [right rear corner] going to the NAV unit. Pull out the plug and plug the lockpick into the unit, then plug the factory plug into the lock pick plug. The whole thing takes 15 minutes the first time I did it, It took less than 5 minutes to remove it when I sold the car. PS If you have any questions you can contact me diectly via email I would be glad to help

Thanks. That sounds pretty intense. Didn't realize it would be more than just a change at the dealer. Thanks for the info. Most if not all dealers will not do it, but it may sound like a lot of work but it reaqlly wan't all that hard to do.

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread...019#post2785019

GO to this site and read the comments and the come back and still say you don't blame Lexus http://lexusoverride.com/comments.php Here are some of my favorites Lexus needs to stop trying to control its buyers. It is much more unsafe to have to pull over to the side of a highway in order to use the Nav system, as we have had to do. We must acknowledge the proper use of the system each time we start our cars. That should be enough. Greedy trial lawyers are the real culprits here, but Lexus needs to put its customers first for a change. It really bothers me that you have to stop to use the navi. I live in the washington dc area and there arent many places to just pull over and use you navi. So it would be very benificial to me to be able to use it while moving. I own a Mercedes and BMW both with navigation systems that allow you to utilize their functions regardless of speed. I feel that Lexus is excersing too much control over the driver by locking out key components of the Nav system while in motion. I guess I could understand (but not necessarily agree with) disabling the DVD system while in motion but disabling the Nav system is not only too much control but also out of control. This is very distracting and limiting the capabilities and satisfaction of me as a user who payed for something that is not fully exploited to it's potential. Get the drunks of the road but give me full control of my navigation system. "I can't overemphasize how much it disappoints me that Lexus does not allow one to access Navigation, Hard Drive, and phone features while the vehicle is moving. Isn't it reasonable to assume that if someone is responsible enough to earn the money to purchase this vehicle that they are also responsible enough to utilize an on screen menu in a safe manner?! " "I wouldnot even consider Lexus if I knew earlier. In fact, I do not recommend anyone purchase a Lexus of a Toyota as a result. " "The current system without the ability of an override is both frustrating and dangerous. The voice prompt command system of the RX 400h 2007 nav system is as best marginal, not having the option of the passenger input to the system while driving can be a greater hazard than the ability to briefly make changes or input new data. This is my 4th Lexus and my last, I do not want an automobile which will try to think for me, my poor judgment is one thing, the vehicles is another which is not tolerable. " ( Folks, we are getting interest from some of the other manufacturers who want to turn loyal Lexus owners into loyal acura/audi/bmw/infiniti/mercedes owners. ) I actually got a ticket from a cop on I95 in Maryland for pulling over to use my Nav system. He pulled up behind me when I stopped and put my flashers on. He walked over and asked me if I needed help. I explained that I was trying to put directions in my Nav system and had to pull over to do so. He informed me that he'd have to write me a ticket because I had pulled over on the highway and it wasn't an emergency!!!! It cost me $95 and 2 points on my license!!! TOYOTA! ARE YOU LISTENING!!! IT IS AGAINST THE LAW IN THE U.S. TO PULL OVER ON A HIGHWAY FOR A NON-EMERGENCY!!!! ARE YOU GOING TO REIMBURSE ME FOR MY TICKET??? The cop informed me that next time I should go to an exit and pull over off the exit or find a shop/gas station etc at the next exit. My question was, "what if I'm on a turnpike like the NJ turnpike or the PA turnpike where doing that would cost me $$?" His response was, its cheaper than a ticket. Screw you Toyota. I've owned 2 Prius and a Highlander Hybrid. I'm not buying another Toyota unless I find out this problem is fixed. And by the way, my lease is up in March of 2008. I'll be seeing the nearest Honda dealer... (Ed: At least it was only a ticket and no vehicle or bodily injury from an accident trying to merge) Good thing Lexus doesn't make Navigation for the Troops in Iraq.... ....If Lexus wants to talk about dangerous situations, try merging back on to a 60+ mph highway from the shoulder because your passenger couldn't reconnect the Bluetooth phone system. Same goes for making Nav changes, I'm going to be killed when someone rear-ends my stopped vehicle on the side of the road because of this.....

Sorry but I do blame Lexus, The agree screen that they make you push already covers them from being sued. I will not buy another Lexus unless they offer a NAV system that works. and I will join LexusNav.com

I am in the middle of moving to a new state, in LI NY I would do my fill ups on days that the station offered 6 cents off on hi-test so the diffrence in price wasn't very big. In the new state I just moved to gas is 50 to 60 cents less than it was in NY so I really don't care how much extra hi-test costs. I have one more trip to make to NY to pack the rest of my stuff and to put my house up for sale then I will be totally out of here except for visits. All the cars I have owned require the good stuff and I have never considered using the cheap stuff in any of my Vettes or Jeeps.

Not only do they turn, they also adjust and level themselves when you turn then on. You can see it happen if you turn on the lights and you are facing a wall. Trivia They had turning headlights back in the 1930's, my friends father had a 1933 Cadillac that had headlights that turned.

I have the Mark Levinson system, so even if I create the hybride disc, how do I load it? The current data is on the car's hard drive, not an ejectable DVD. My understanding is that you must have special HW to connect to the car to perform an "upgrade" process...what dealer will do this with a non-OEM disc? None, I suspect... (I'm in northern NJ) The GPS has a separate DVD drive that has nothing to do with the sound system. It's located under the rear cargo floor. As I understand it, you can get the upgraded data from the 6.1 version but place it onto a DVD that has the older 5.0 operating system. In that way the older system will continue to function as it does now, but you get the latest maps etc. If this is correct there is no "upgrade" process for the the older machines, you just load the new DVD into the drive. As for the newer systems, this would be more like a "downgrade", so I'm not clear if it would work going in that dircection or not. No, the nav data is installed on the ML HDD - and according to the Lexus TSB, there is a special HW kit you must interface with the car when performing a nav upgrade.... You are wrong, the other person that told you the NAV DVD player is in the back was correct. I have a RX400H and I was able tp locate my DVD player and eject the disk. If you take the time to look for it all you need to do is lift the cover on the floor in the rear and you will see the DVD player in the right rear corner.

This suggestion comes too late to be useful, but next time around I suggest you buy a screen saver http://www.photodon.com/lcdprotect-sheet.htm http://www.nushield.com/manufacturer_detai...acturerid=Lexus

Where is it? I have removed a few in this forum. Dave Post #6 was a double post of #5, I tried to remove #6 but I couldn't remove #6 so I edited it to ask the question "Is there any way to remove a double post?"