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jasontucker

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Everything posted by jasontucker

  1. I have the '06 GS-430 and mine does the same thing. It isn't the iphone though. Mine did that with the Samsung Blackjack also. It's annoying, but it really doesn't cause a problem in terms of functionality. After the 3-4 second buzz goes away, it works just fine. I've learned to ignore it...
  2. I had a similar problem with my '06 GS-430. Had to jump it once and it started fine for the next few days. Left me stranded once more so I bought a new battery. Problem solved...
  3. If you're going to keep the car a while, it might be a good program. My GS430 is on it's 4th set of tires in 80,000 miles. Of course, it came with some, so I've replaced the tires 3 times and I'm about to have to change them again. Each time I replace the tires, I spend around $800 - $1000 all in. And, I've had my rims repaired once (wife rubbed them up against a curb...). If I could go back and pay for such a program, I would - depending on some of the good points made earlier (e.g. what tires are included, what are labor costs for installation, etc...) but then again, I've driven my car almost 80,000 miles and counting.
  4. Update here... Nobody responded but I thought I'd post an update in case anybody else runs into this... I found some info on this forum for similar problems with some LS and RX models. They all pointed to a faulty ride height sensor that is attached to the rear axle. Since I just had my rear struts replaced, which so happen to also be connected to the rear axle...I thought I'd take it back to the shop and have them check the ride height sensor. Problem solved... When the rear struts are removed, the rear axle dangles. When it dangles, it pulls down on the actuator arm that is attached to the sensor. When the new strut was installed, the arm went down rather than back up. (i.e. picture an elbow that should be bent up and to the right being bent down and to the left). Makes the car think the rear end is dragging the ground... Disconnected. Reconnected correctly. AFS OFF light is OFF!!! Whew...
  5. Guys - I really need some help here. My rear struts needed to be replaced and I didn't want to take it to the dealer - I thought I might save a few bucks going somewhere else - how hard can it be to replace struts...? So after the shop finishes with the struts, while I'm waiting on the car, they tell me they're having trouble resetting the AFS system. Eventually, I learn that the problem they're having is that the AFS OFF light is blinking. You can turn AFS OFF on the drop down panel left of the steering wheel. But the manual indicates that if the light is blinking then the system has failed. While they're trying to figure it out, the driver side headlight bulb goes out. Replaced that ($175) thinking that might be the AFS problem. But no...light begins blinking again. Anybody had this issue? Is there a way to reset it? Any way this could be related to replacement of the rear struts (with adaptive sport suspension system...) Any input would be appreciated. I'm probably going to the dealer now - but if anybody has any idea what's happening here, it would be a big help! Thanks,
  6. Sucker punched? More like Donkey Punched! I assume you don't have the air suspension setup? "I don't see them as options for strut replacements". Go to www.parts.com. Drill down to your car, 'rear suspension' ~ 'components' ~ 'struts'.... $204 a piece. I assume these are probably the correct ones, as they only list one type. And at $200 a pop anyway, I would have to assume they're "adaptive". Buy them online, take them to an indi mechanic to install. Probably $600 out the door "$400 for parts, $200 for install for both". I'm not sure I'd be comfortable ordering these...When you call the dealer for parts, they ask for the VIN number because there are actually 7 possible struts for that car. My car does have adaptive suspension - I guess...there's a button that allows me to switch to "Sport" mode.
  7. My '06 GS-430 has just under 80,000 miles. The rear end is really soft, rides rough, rear tires are cupping, and the car seems to bottom out on bumps, especially if I'm making a left turn when I hit a dip (i.e. turning into my driveway). Tire guy says it needs new struts. After calling around, it looks like this is going to be somewhere between $900 and $1400 depending on where I take it. The struts are Lexus dealer only - no third party equivalents seem to be available. Has anyone had this experience? Are struts serviceable or do they have to be replaced. Am I getting sucker-punched here?
  8. The center channel is too loud when you have the system in surround mode. The ML system is capable of 7.1 surround sound which has little value unless you're parked and watching a DVD in the Nav screen. For radio or CD music, turn the surround function off. Radio and CD music is in stereo (2 channel) only, so when you apply the digital 7.1 processing to the 2 channel signal, the system tries to emulate surround. With surround mode turned off, the 2 channel stereo sounds just fine.
  9. I have the ML system in an 06 GS430. Previously, I had the Bose system in a Cadillac CTS. Both are nice. The Bose system had more adjustability to suit your personal preference on sound characteristics. The ML system has few user adjustable options - but still sounds really good as it is. I've heard the difference between the standard system and the ML upgrade is substantial. But the difference in the Bose and ML systems is not significant enough that it factor into my choice of car.
  10. I had this problem with my original Dunlop run flats at about 20K miles. I discovered the issue when I actually had a flat and took it in to be repaired. The tire repair guy couldn't fix it because of excess wear on the inner edge, which I would never have noticed just looking at it from the outside. I replaced those tires with regular (non-run flat) tires. They lasted about 30K but they wore evenly - normal wear on soft speed rated tires - which I considered to be relatively normal. I'm now on my 3rd set of tires at roughly 65K miles. I drive pretty aggressively, I think. After experiencing normal wear on the subsequent set of tires, I made the assumption that the original problem was with the Dunlop run-flats, not the car. I'm not sure if that's true or not, but I've not had the same uneven wear problems on the other tires I've used.
  11. Mine has all three. I think they were a single package feature. When you look at the car again, you'll know. The Mark Levinson logo will appear on the face of the head unit just below the CD-change load slot.
  12. No, nothing new. I've let it go and have just lived with it. I've thought about having after-market chrome applied. Not sure if that's a good idea, but it can't look worse... In any case, the problem persists for now...
  13. It depends on the driver. They're either like you say, or wont get out of their own way lol Why I find it ironic is already pretty well documented in my original and subsequent posts. Since it seems like I keep having to repeat myself for you to actually read and comprehend my comments...here it is again: "fuel efficiency and performance are, for the most part, mutually exclusive. And that the decision to buy the higher performing (and yes..higher priced) GS430 typically means fuel efficiency is a less important variable to the buyer. Otherwise, with the GS line, there are more fuel efficient options that are otherwise virtually identical." This diaolog is annyoing. I'm done with it. Have a good weekend.
  14. No, that's not what I said. THIS is what I said: "I find it a bit ironic to be discussing gas mileage for a car in this price range and that offers this type of performance. On the other hand, since I use premium gas at almost $4/gallon, I admit I've been paying attention to the mileage myself lately." I don't make the assumption that you accuse "people" of making. If you insist on miscontruing my comments, at least quote me correctly, please.
  15. Did you even read my post? I made no such suggestion. My comments were meant to suggest that fuel efficiency and performance are, for the most part, mutually exclusive. And that the decision to buy the higher performing (and yes..higher priced) GS430 typically means fuel efficiency is a less important variable to the buyer. Otherwise, with the GS line, there are more fuel efficient options that are otherwise virtually identical. I also went on to admit that I, too, am paying more attention to fuel economy lately. Lastly, I offered feedback on the suspension, performance, and some feedback on my real world mileage as requested in the original post. My intent was to add some value to the forum and provide some information to the original post. I'm struggling to find any value or point in your comment here...but thanks.
  16. I find it a bit ironic to be discussing gas mileage for a car in this price range and that offers this type of performance. On the other hand, since I use premium gas at almost $4/gallon, I admit I've been paying attention to the mileage myself lately. I have an '06 GS430. I've never calculated the mileage manually, but rather, I assume the on-board computer is fairly accurate in it's measurement. I drive in the Dallas area - mixed traffic and highway. I ususally find myself somewhere in the 20-22mpg range. On the open highway, it will approach 27-30mpg - which is pretty impressive for a powerful V-8. In the city or heavy stop/go traffic, I rarely find it dropping below 19mpg. The performance and suspension are sweet. Performance and efficiency are generally inversely related. Good mix of both here...
  17. I recently had my front brakes and rotors replaced on my GS430. Because of a minor miscommunication, this repair took two full days, which had me cruising around in the dealers ES350 loaner car. All GS owners should spend a couple of days in the ES to fully appreciate your GS again. Granted, the FREE loaner car is probably a base model with the absolute minimum in creature comforts and features. And, I realize the price difference in these cars is substantial. But OMG...it felt like getting out of a bucket and into a big soft warm rubber glove. The ES is a nice car, but no comparison...not even close... Perhaps LS owners will argue the GS is a bucket. I was just really shocked at the difference in fit, finish, and feel. The loaner car was two year models newer than my GS. I can't believe the same manufacturer builds these two cars.
  18. Don't limit the geography of your search. Use Autotrader, Ebay, etc... I searched nation-wide for my GS-430. I live in the Dallas area and bought my car from a used car dealer in New Jersey with only 1300 miles. Of course, I did all the background checking I could on the car, had the dealer send me copies of the title (front and back) and I inspected the car personally. I flew one way to NJ, paid the guy, and enjoyed a hell of a drive home (another 1300 miles). Got a great deal and had a little sense of adventure. (This is an adventure for a thirty something married guy with kids). Got a couple of days on the open highway to "get acquainted". Think bigger. You'll find a better deal.
  19. My run flats were junk. Totally trashed at 18K miles. Replaced with BFG g-force sport. Reasonably priced ($165/per) and rides just fine. 35K miles and replaced again with the same tires...
  20. We don't get as much rain down here in Texas, but my rain sensing wipers work like a champ. One of the coolest features on the car... When I drive my wife's Navigator, I'm annoyed that I have to turn the wipers on manually. The luxuries we take for granted...
  21. How was the installation? Pretty easy? Sounds like a cool device. Let us know.
  22. Actually, no, I didn't anticipate that Lexus would replace the rims. In fact, I never asked them to. It was their suggestion during my original visit that led me to believe that may be their eventual solution. One of their techs suggested that at a minimum, they could transfer rims from a new car who's buyer had opted for upgraded chrome wheels. I was also open to the possibility that they may have the wheels refinished, which isn't terribly expensive. The possibility of replacement was a path taken by the dealership at the very beginning. I simply followed it - to its dead end... You may have also noticed a number of other Lexus owners that have had a similar problem, some of which were corrected by Lexus dealer replacements. Ultimately, I expected Lexus to stand behind their product - one way or another. If the finish on the rims isn't able to stand up to typical driving on the paved streets of the Dallas suburbs, or an occasional pass through the local car wash, or for that matter - any wheel cleaner I may or may not have bought at a local Autozone - then it isn't the quality I expected when I parted with $60,000. It's not like I mixed up my own special brew of Muriatic acid from my pool and dishwashing detergent and tried a wheel cleaning experiment. The bottom line is that these rims weren't exposed to anything extraordinary and the finish didn't hold up. My local Lexus dealer, and the regional service manager showed no interest in correcting the issue - (outside of me purchasing some new rims from them...) but were more interested in trying to convince me that it must have been something I did, that it was an isolated ("we've never seen this before") problem and that the fact that my car costs $60K really wasn't paricularly relevant. In any case, my next $60K car will probably be a BMW...
  23. Not sure about the GS300, but my car has an adjustable suspension. Sport mode is a rougher ride. For some reason, I think this feature may not have been available on the 300 for the '06 year model. Not sure about other year models. Another thought...my car originally came with run-flat tires. They didn't last long and when I replaced them, I didn't buy run-flats. The ride was quite a bit smoother as the run-flat tires have very stiff side-walls.
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