TA in KC

No, it is not the same. If my memory serves my correctly, the only one it interchanges with is the 1st-generation GS.

Sounds like that is possible if you have remote start.

Consumer Reports gave the 2001 and 2002 LS430 an excellent rating in all areas...I don't think there were any major issues with them. Finding a car with motor mounts that have already been replaced will be difficult, if not impossible. Most people don't change them unless they have some kind of a problem. A 2001 or 2002 LS 430 will likely not need them replaced for another 10 years. Sure, replacing them earlier than that can make a difference, but I don't think it is necessary. My 92 LS still has its original motor mounts and there are no major vibrations that would give me a reason to change them. Now is certainly a great time to buy! I remember you describing how much of a difficult time you had finding your last LS, and ended up purchasing one from out of town. Lexus LS cars are very popular in Kansas City and there is generally a good selection of used ones for sale here. If you find one here, I would be willing to look at it in person for you.

Are you sure that the catalytic converter is causing the problem? If it is, maybe you should try purchasing a used OEM one from a salvage yard. Many of them come with warranties so you can purchase with confidence. Rich Industries is a good place. www.rich-industries.com

You should change both the timing and serpentine belts at this age and mileage. Changing the serpentine belt is easy. If you are mechanically inclined, you could do it yourself without much hassle. If you don't want to do it yourself, and don't want to pay $270, take the car to an independent mechanic. My local independent Lexus shop charges $100 to change a serpentine belt. You could probably find someone to do it for even less than that...the procedure is not very hard and does not take much time. I would stay away from quick-lube type places, but any competent mechanic should have no problem changing the belt.

What is the "door chuck"? I have never heard this term used before.

No, a clay bar will not damage the paint or remove the clear coat. Sandpaper will.

Many uninsured motorist coverages, especially the ones that come with liability-only policies, only cover bodily injury and do not cover property damage. A lot of people like to have a high deductible for collision coverage and self-insure for any damage costing less....my insurance company allows up to a $2000 deductible. Unless there is damage beyond the door itself, I doubt this repair will cost more than that.

The timing belt should be changed every 90,000 miles or 6 years. Yes, people have had failures before 90K miles, but that is unlikely. If the belt breaks, it will most likely cause serious damage costing much more than the cost of changing the belt. $270 sounds very cheap. If it truly is that much, I would not think twice about it.

(edit: duplicate post)

I may be wrong, but I think I recall someone saying this problem was caused by the Idle Air Control Valve.

Are you talking about rust on the exhaust pipes or just the chrome-plated exhaust tips that are visible from the rear of the car?

$482 sounds very reasonable to me considering the amount of time and effort required to replace the dashboard. I am surprised the labor cost was not higher. I'd be very happy with that price.

Find a used door at a junkyard. Rich Industries might be a good place, or Graham's Toyota Parts. I'd guess $1500 or so for a new door and good quality paint job.

I couldn't see it very well in the picture, but have you tried a clay bar? I've had good luck getting what sounds like similar stuff off with one.

If you must have a remote key, not just a seperate fob, you might look at this kit from Mikado Technology (www.sammywu.com). I have it installed on my 92 LS and it works well. I am pretty sure they make one for the 96 LS, but call them to make sure. Heck, it might even be cheaper than a replacement factory remote. It costs $135 for the receiver and 2 keys.

I don't usually like red cars, but the color looks great on your car. Beautiful choice!

The styling reminds me of the first-generation Scion xB. Not a bad looking car, but I could do without the lines on the doors. I have not seen the interior of the flex other than in the TV commercial, but if it is like other current Fords, the fit and finish is probably much improved over their previous products. It will be interesting to see if this becomes a popular model.

Did you check the website I gave you in my reply to the last thread you started about this topic?

Interesting. I guess Ford is the best of the domestics. Any pictures of the Flex?

I've found online value calculators to be very inaccurate. The car is worth what someone will pay for it. The best thing you can do is look at asking (and selling) prices for similar cars in your area. If the car is in good mechanical and cosmetic condition, I think you would have no problem getting $6-7000 for it in the Kansas City area. Where you live might be different. Just look around.

Here in Kansas City, our winters are moderate to severe. My 92 LS handles just fine with all-season tires. I've never gotten stuck and the car rarely loses its grip. "1990LS400" lives in Kansas also and is always talking about how great of a winter vehicle his 2000 LS is with Blizzak snow tires. Apparently having snow tires on an LS makes a huge difference in how they perform in snow and ice. I will probably have to get stuck somewhere before I will decide to purchase some! So far, it has not happened and I drive on many unplowed roads.

Those look very nice. The only fabric LS interiors I have seen were gray and burgundy. The fabric colors available were gray, burgundy, blue, and mauve. Fabric seats were no longer available for the 1992 model year.

I hope your insurance company does not see this thread.

Have you ever thought of the kind of damage one of those bars would do in a rear-end accident? It could turn a light impact, that would only do paint damage, into damaged frames for both vehicles involved. Besides, they look terrible on an RX. If that's the look you are going for, you should go buy a Hummer instead.