John A.

I just had the transmission fluid changed on my '07 with 65k miles, along with front/rear differentials and transfer case fluids. Lexus quoted me $638; Toyota of the Desert (right across the street from them) did it for $420, and tightened/lubed the driveshaft at no additional cost. (The transmission alone was $179 at Toyota; $260 at Lexus.) John

I just had my oil/filter changed, using Mobil 1, and a tire rotation (no balancing) at Desert Lexus in Cathedral City, CA; for $295, of which $200 was for labor. This seems excessive, what have you guys been paying? JOHN

Yes, it's necessary to use the running boards to lift yourself up off the seat, and onto the ground to prevent premature wear on the seat.

I just had a 3M clear bra installed through my Lexus dealer. It cost nearly $800, but that's a small price to pay as I know the dealer will be there several years down the road and the small installer may not, in case there is a problem such as finding that it was mis-installed and in doing so, ruined the paint. I did have a problem where I was not happy with the installation; it was not a perfectly straight line across the hood; there was a small "bump" in that line. A call to the Lexus dealer had the installer calling me, apologizing for my dissatisfaction, and arranging for a loaner car while it is being redone. Other than that, I'm happy with the installation; it is not readily noticable and certainly will minimize any rock chips! John

Not to hijack this thread, but what about the brake controller? I would like one installed so it looks "built-in", perhaps by using the ash tray space. I suppose a car audio place could do the cutting and installation, and perhaps even the electrical connections since it seems to be the "plug and play" type. Anyone?

The GX is definitely seriously lacking in console "storage space" for loose change, sunglasses that don't fit in the overhead console, and whatnot. We've also wished we had extra cupholders to use without having to use the fold-up ones in the already-crowded console storage compartment, like when my wife and I both have coffees, and also a water bottle. The cupholders in the rear seat fold-down are too far back to reach safely. A stop at the local Pep Boys store netted me this plastic console which fits on the transmission hump behind the stock console, does not interfere with the rear air conditioning controls, and wedges tightly in place...almost as if it were made for it. And the tan color goes with the leather and trim. Fanatics could paint it using plastic paint for a closer match to either the leather or the stock console color, and trim the lower edges for a tighter fit. It also comes in black. It's not a perfect solution; you do have to reach back a bit to get to it. However it's the darnest best solution I've ever seen and it leaves the front console pleasingly clean and clutter-free. We never carry anyone in the center rear seat anyways; and if we ever needed to, this console comes right out. And to top it off, it cost all of 400. Pennies. Could I get in trouble by the Lexus Police for putting a $4 item in a $51k Lexus? Now I'm looking for a trash container.... (click on the photo below to enlarge it)

Texan, what model LockPick (there are like 3 models for our '07 GX 470s) did you install, and how long ago was it done? Thanks! John

This company makes a device that will disable the annoying "I agree" button: http://www.coastaletech.com/LOCKPICK_MAIN.htm According to the site, no cutting/splicing of wires is necessary and takes 30 minutes to install. It's supposedly a true plug-and-play device. JOHN

Try AAA, Costco or possibly Sams Club "Auto Buying Program".

I just got my GX a few days ago, and the I agree that the "I agree" button (no pun intended) is getting annoying. A search on another Lexus forum did not bring any results. JOHN

Picked up our new '07 Savannah Metallic GX last night from a local dealer for invoice, which was $46k. It came with the Nav/Audio package, 3rd row seat with rear air, towing prep package, preferred package, cargo tray and exhaust tip. MSRP was $53k. Originally we were going to go through Longo Lexus in L.A. after being referred to them by AAA's Car Buying Program. That's where they told us they'll sell it under this program for invoice and not a dollar over. We went to the local Lexus dealer and told them we could buy it through the AAA program and asked if they'd match it. He pulled out a form with the AAA logo on where it said they'd sell it for $1300 over invoice, but that he would sell it for "only" $1000 over invoice. I told him of Longo's deal, he went and supposedly talked to someone and came back, said they'd do the sale "at invoice". So we're a couple of happy first-time Lexus owners now! JOHN

Savannah Metallic here with Ivory interior. We originally wanted Cypress Pearl, but the salesman talked us out of it, calling it "Army Green", LOL. It's probably too dark of a color for the desert here anyways. Picked up the new GX last night at Desert Lexus; it was a fantastic experience, and at "invoice", too. JOHN