tundra-lover

Around here Kelly is usually higher. I go through several different CU's. All trade values come from NADA, but for sales they can sometimes go through Kelly. They say NADA is more accurate. My main concern is for actual Lexus owners. You know what you'd pay for one, so I'm just trying to get a good idea since you've all been through it. Sounds like it could be a little regional as posted.

I've gotten much better mileage in all of my vehicles running synthetic oil. I recently got in on a group buy for Royal Purple again, and changed my Mobil 1 synthetic in my ES and have even better mileage. I'll keep you posted on the exact mileage increase. My Tundra had an increase of 50 miles per tank of fuel, and the valves were much more quiet. I highly recommend it, but change it your self. Yes, I would agree on the "oiled style air filters" like K&N, very controversial! I however have had great luck with mine. I don't care about a little more noise, not that its apparent unless you use an intire FIPK style kit. You will notice better mileage, and maybe better throttle response, but not much in power (3hp). I also like to clean my filters frequently instead of replacing them. Many people will argue this thread, so be prepared to be objective. If you buy one, don't over oil it. If you get a cone style, get a dust cover.

All of the banks here in Utah usually go by NADA, so thats what they suggested to go by, as the Kelly is usually much higher. I guess its regional?

Hey guys, I'm thinking about selling my 97' ES and I'm not sure what to sell it for. I will be upside down with all the money dumped into it since I bought it in November. I'm not much of a car guy, and having a hard time. NADA says its high book value is 10700. I have 114k miles, new rebuilt tranny with carbonfiber clutches, all synthetic oils, new belts, new timing belt, iridium plugs, all maintenance done, good brakes, two sets of new tires (snow, summer), new 5%/20% tinted Llumar windows, white pearl with grey on bottom/leather/CD changer, new KYB struts, all rockchips repaired, windshield is a little pitted. No electronic suspension control. I've buffed it out a couple times, and it looks pretty nice. Only two slightly visible little dings- rear quarter, and front fender near bumper- can't really see. I'll try to figure out how to post pic's. What would it be worth to you? Thanks

Well, I got to it and couldn't figure out how to get it out? I had the mechanic look at with me, and he couldn't figure it out either. I just gave up on it!

Agreed! Nuff said. The only real difference in other companies is usually the detergent additives anyway. No performance gains with 88-92 octane.

Don't forget to put some vinyl dressing on the airbox when done! You got to make it look nice! lol :P

I don't think it would be plugs. It could be bad plug wires (and related ignition parts), or even a sensor going bad. It's hard to say not looking through the vehicle. What maintenance have you done so far? It could also be from not driving it very much in the past- carbon build up? Tell us whats up!

Thanks- never heard of the axleback. Hoe, I was also wondering if there was much difference in sound levels? Do you think one is louder than another? I would like the most quiet of them. I guess it would depend on if there were just as many resonators as stock. I also wondered which may have a problem with the muffler tip being to large, causing it to drag at steep inclines.

I don't know about the whole feel like a 50k car thing? My 97' doesn't feel nearly as nice as any of the 50-70k luxury cars I've driven. My car has plastic wood trim, cheap leather seats- well I take that back, they are only leather on the top and vinyl on the back and sides, the stereo isn't nearly as nice, and not as much leg room in front or back, and not as much power, and no manual tranny offered. I do think it is worth what I paid, and is much better quality and reliability than similarly priced vehicles. I truly think for the most part, you get what pay for with a Toyota/Lexus. Oh, and customer service is much better with Toyota than any other dealer here in Utah. For those who live here, please stay away from Larry Miller anything!

From a women's point of view (just guessing here), they seem to like simple and easy to use controls. The Lexus-I thought was easier to operate controls vs the Honda/Acura. From a sport standpoint, I would take the Acura if they make it in a stick just because I hate driving automatic.

If I had the money, I'd go with the stainless TRD for the Camry- nice factory look and fit. I haven't seen the others mentioned. I think the price is a little steep for the TRD at around $400, but I think it includes the catback. What do the other systems cost?

Yup! I just need it for the good gas economy for now, but I have my sights on a diesel double cab Tundra in a couple years (much more comfortable than my ES, and more leg room).

hmmmmmm..... I kind of like the look of the 17", but make sure you get a nice sized lip. The tires will be a little cheaper with the 17" as well -depending on what you buy? I like the Toyo's.

I wouldn't buy another ES after driving mine for eight months now. I'm ok with it, but not in love with it at all. I've driven cars that were just a blast to drive, but not as reliable in the eyes of some reviews. My problem isn't with the ES, but with the fact that it's not really fun to drive and I'm not much of a car guy. I've only really liked owning a truck, and my Tundra is just like the ES inside- so, it's kind of fitting for me? The hardest thing for me to get used to is the poor visibility on the highway, and trying to manoever. It may sound kind of weird, but if you have been in a truck- you know how easy it is to back into a stall with your mirrors, and to see the traffic up ahead of you in bad commutes. Not to mention, I can't throw anything in the back, and I can't take it camping- very frustrating to me! Other than that it's been ok, except for the owner before me didn't keep up on the maintenance! Oh ya, my tranny neede to be replaced also!

Amen! I won't let them touch any of my vehicles. Too many problems from what I've seen in the past. I've mostly heard the most complaints with them never tightening the drain plug. But, my biggest is when they leave oil all over from the filter, and don't bother to wash it off -and you don't find out till its all over the garage!

Sounds like an exhaust manifold coming loose? If it has been replaced, or in an accident it may need to be re-torqued or checked for broken bolts. Sometimes they don't get installed properly, causing some problems down the road. I know when you put headers on, you need to re-torque after being at operating temperature, and maybe even again to ensure proper seating.

I thought for the Toyota's, you had to send in the entire computer to have it modified? Are the years different for application? I've always heard the chip modification was a waste of money too! Not much of a gain unless you have other mods like exhaust etc... BTW: do we have two bbsal's on this site? Thought that was kind of weird.

Have you tried looking up the cost of the Camry version?

You need some spray! Did your tires just smoke- not much give? Nice rt though.

You won't find them anywhere but at the dealership, unless you want to have a local paint shop mix it for you. Sometimes they will sale some of the older colors at places like Pep Boys, but I've never found any of mine there.

Your not going to get a descent paint job for a grand. If you want a nice one these guys have the closest guesstimates at around $3000 for an OK job. If you want nice you'll need closer to $6000. Too much involved, with prep and labor. Your looking at taking everything apart, windows out, emblems off, trim off, dent fixing, rust fixing, door jams, wet sanding etc.. and then putting it all back together, and polishing the defects out of the paint. YOu may want to look at just doing to spot fixing for now? I thought about painting mine, and the car just isn't worth it. So, for now I just want the hood done. Kinda sounds like yours may have been painted before? Sticking with the same color would keep costs down, if you do.

You might want to look at the Zexius? They have a nice tread design for light sport, and descent tread wear rating around 360. Its a Japanese tire sold at Les Schwab for $88 a piece, and I paid a little more for the siping- even though I only use them for summer (225/55/16). Worth a look.

Guess I would third it then? I use the exact same thing, and have gotten the same results as with the Red Line, and Royal Purple- which I ran for years. I did find that Wall Mart had the best prices for the oil. When I put it in my Tundra, I had an increase of fifty miles per tank of fuel around town.

No, 20% is how much light is allowed into the car- limo being 5% which is what I have. 20 is what most new vehicle will have on back windows (sport utes) from the factory. That is also what I've put on my truck, and it looks great! Good luck, you'll see the different films when you go to the shop. Just remember to check your local tint laws, you can get a ticket.