whulu42

OEM is $40. Universal items at $1.99 - I just can't find one to work with the 3/8inch hole left by taking out the original. Anyone have any low cost solutions to the OEM $40 piece of plastic? (this clip fastens to the inside of the hood and holds the "hood prop" to the hood, when the the hood is closed)

Thanks

Hi Folks!

Can anyone make a good recommendation for an Ipod adaptor?

I have a 2002 Is300 with six disc changer. I DO NOT have the stereo controls on the steering wheel.

Ideally I would want something that would give me the song readout on the LCD display and that would fit nicely in the little storage spot right below the stereo and not too hard to install as I would probably be taking it to a best buy or something to have them do it.

I tried the FM transmitter and the sound quality was horrible!

Thanks for any advice and recommendations!

While it won't show up in the LCD display as you would like, a $10 cassette adaptor is your most cost effective/sonically superior solution. I have a iphone/pod holder attached to my windshield ( $20 ) so I can see the readout on the iphone. This solution sounds great.

Oh yeah. They have the blue already worked out. IT's not easy though. In fact, it's alot of work. I'm workin on going Hyper white. Heres a link to a guy who already did his blue.

http://my.is/forums/f90/blue-leds-center-c...ear-box-344906/

I think they said it was hard on the eyes though.

Thanks smooth.

Josh

Is is possible to put another color bulb behind the dash so the dash gauges and middle/radio, heater gauges are a different color?

I don't like the Orange and would like to change it to blue.

Thanks

Yes, the clicking sound you hear is normal. Even BMW's make that clicking sound.

As for the "va-voom" sound,,,,LOL!!! I guess my imagination just isn't quite that good. But I can tell you that brake rotors are really susceptible to rust and bedris very quickly. So as the car first begins to move, the brake pads are actually cleaning the surface of the rotors off. That can sometimes sound rough.

The ABS solenoid valve is a closed system. The only point of discharge sits just under the main spring and valve seat to allow the pressure to drop within the system, thereby reducing brake pressure. If your ABS system is discharging, while backing down the driveway, you have a very serious ABS malfunction and need to stop driving that car right away!!! LOL!!!!!

Thanks smooth. I don't get the "Va-voom" sound while backing down driveway, I'm going down normally. I also seem to get this "va-voom" with the clicking sound when turning the car. This only happens once, after the car has been sitting I'm backing out of a parking space when i go to turn and take my foot off the brakes

I get the Va-Voom and clicking sounds. The car was just pre-certified by lexus so I'm hoping the ABS isn't seriously damaged. They say the clicking is normal but I was not able to re-produce the "va-voom" for them.

I'm going back soon. THe brakes have worked fine in all situations. It's just not knowing what these two noises are

that is bugging me.

As well. I hit a deep pothole the other day-right front tire. Rim is not bent, alignment is fine but I'm thinking I should have the car checked anyway just to be thorough-to see if anything was damaged.

Does anyone experience a 'clicking' sound when turning at a 45 degree angle? This only happens when the car has sat and I'm backing out of a parking space. I back out then turn 45 degrees to go straight and here a clicking in the front end. I've been told this is the brake pads shifting and is normal.

As well, when I go down my drive way, after making a sharp turn and driving down a steep angle, taking my foot off the brakes I always get a discharge sound like "Va-voom", and the brake pad sometime vibrates, sometimes does not. I've been told this is the ABS discharging?

Anyone?

Maguires is a "commercial shelf" wax. I used to use it all the time. But one day i ttok the wifes Volvo in to give it the Auto Butler. And when I got it back, it felt way better than after a whole day cleaning, clay baring and waxing the Lexus. I was perplexed to say the least. So I investigated. To sum it up, go here: http://www.ffcobra.com/magazine/waxtest.html . It's not the only place I got my info from, but if you read all the steps of the comparisons, you'll see what I mean. I agree with them.

Oh, I put Zaino in my post, but I think PS21, and Zymol are both much better and easier to work with, and are real carnuba waxes.

What about Maguires swirl and scratch remover for black onyx paint. I bought some but haven't used it yet.

Thanks

I answered this post in thread you started regarding this issue.

I'm cool. Went here and got a transponder/remote key for $79

http://www.ikeyless.com/index.php

Will get it cut at locksmith, or dealership. My tech buddy at Lexus will program, though the seller says they

will help with programming.

Seems like a good deal. Anyone-can these keys be had for less than 75-80$

I answered this post in thread you started regarding this issue.

Where is this answer-not clear on where you answered?

I have one master/remote and am looking for the least expensive way to duplicate and have 2 masters.

Lexus wants 250$ I can get the programing done for free.

Seem's like buying an uncut on ebay and having a local locksmith cut is the best way to go.

Hi well i own a blk onyx IS and it is a pain to keep it clean specially if it rains it leaves alot of water spots and it looks horrible so everyone is telling me to wax the car and use clay bars soo i got this ...

http://www.cleanacar.com/g1smsuclkit.html

in order to use the clay bar i have to wash the car n dry it like always right? than what i wanna know is how to apply the clay thing and if i am gona wax it do i do that after or before the clay bar?

Step by step, detailed instruction for everything you need to to know: Prep, wash, detail, inside and out, products, applicators etc.

http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/

Thanks bro.

Hey Smooth,

Glad I could be of help.

You were the first person to respond to me about a month and a half ago when

I was first starting to look at buying an IS 300. You responded to several of my questions/needs; appreciate brother.

Hope you're well and enjoying.

Now if I could just get 22+mpg while driving 'sporty style'...

2 questions......

1) i can't figure out what will clean the hard plastic part of the dash.... armorall sp? works on some of the dash, but the other part everything i've tried smears.... it's very frustrating.... any ideas?

2) is there a trick to cleaning around the lugnuts when you're cleaning the wheels?

...while i'm at it.... i also have a crack in my bumper right in the inside corner under my headlight that was there when i bought it.... and i want to prevent it from cracking more..... some kind of glue i can use?

thanks!

http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/

This is a great step by step series on how to wash and detail your car-inside and out. Gets into the chemistry of the products and application thereof. As a brand new IS 300 owner I haven't found a better comprehensive guide. They push their specialty brand of products, but also include

major brands like Meguires etc.

Yes, you in fact are looking at the leather upgrade. New it was a $1350.00 upcharge. 04' with 41,000 miles? 20k?

That is a good deal.

I would look over the brakes and tires closely. If they need to be replaced then I would negotiate that off the price. If you can get that car for around 19.5k, snatch it up and run. Clean, low mileage IS 300's are hard to find. Even if you pay an extra grand, I would will drive away one sweet ride.

A couple things to look for also, Does it have the heated seats option?,,,,,2 postion memory seating?,,,,,and the flip open compartment on top of the dash?,,,,Also, when you pull the trunk release does it open the trunk lid most of the way? or just unlatches the trunk?,,,,,,Does the car have the spoiler?

I had a "pre-certified diagnostic" done at Lexus ( I"m lucky and know the service Manager.) The only real issue they had with the car is that the lot I bought it from put on cheap brake pads.

04 IS 300 Sport 41k miles for 20K

-No heated seats

-Yes 2 memory seat postion

-Yes, flip compartment

-Yes, trunk open more than half way

-Yes, spoiler

I'm very happy with the car, plus the tech that did the inspection is hooking me up and being very nice. Second day the under-engine skirt got hit by something in the road and was hanging. My new friend took it off, secured the other parts of the skirt ( 4 part thing ) and hooked me up nicely with a new one. Got the master key. Can't wait to go back to the dealer and get the promised detail done tomorrow-for free.

I'm very happy with the whole situation. Save for gas mileage. My fist tank I'm

getting 15.3mpg, driving in 3rd with the E-shift and stomping on it on the freeway. It will be interesting to see what driving like granny does. Also my tire pressure was low at 25psi, I raised to 34psi.

My mom wants to hook up a bluetooth phone in her 07 IS 250. Could go through the speakers

or got through additional speakers. She found a Lexus recommended installer that wants to put in

a Peiker/Alac BT only product-no nav or mp3 just the phone into speakers, available only wholesale and installed for 750$, which sounds like a rip off. She is not interested in the Peiker/Alac "Bluetouch" mp3/phone option. She is also not interested in Garmin or the like.

Any suggestions?

Hey guys,

I just picked up a 2001 black IS300 last week.

So far, I absolutely love it. Anyway, I'm just dropping by to say hey. I've been lurking this forum for a while and I'll probably pop up here and there with some questions or whatever. I'll have to... I don't know much about cars, but who could own an IS300 without playing around with it a little?

See you guys around!

Hi there. Welcome! I bought a 04 IS 300 Sport yesterday. The folks on this board have been most helpful.

Enjoy,

Josh

Or if you have the owner manual with the code for the master key, you can go to the dealership and they can chip the key. See, there is a computer chip in the key. If the code on the key doesn't match the code in the ECU, it won't start. all you did so far was program the remote buttons on the key.

Where in the owner's manual is the code? I only got a valet key with my 04 and am a little confused as to how to proceed to have a remote key that opens the car and starts it. Also, I don't see the green "security light" on when I turn off the car. Is is possible that the alarm is not working, or has been bypassed somehow?

When you have time can you lay out how to proceed with getting a remote key that does what a factory remote key would do and how this works with the alarm and green "security light". I have 11 months left on my standard warrantee. Can I get his done under warrantee? I only have the "sub" or valet key.

Thanks,

Josh

Is this a big deal to replace. Can I have the car reprogrammed so that the old remote key won't work.

Is the alarm working when I lock the car with the standard key put into the lock.

I searched for a thread on this but just got an error.

Thanks.

Hi All,

I found a very clean 04 IS 300 Sport, 41,216 miles for around 20,000$, I'm still figuring out what I will offer. I want to be fair, but not pay for something I don't need to pay for.

The car has black exterior and a tan interior-very classy looking and very clean, save for the removable floor mats. The door panel swathes, above the door open handle are not suede. They are leather like. The actual seat cushion has perforated holes in it. Is this a full leather package that should be paid for as an option, or is this some kind of leather trim package, which is actually a high grade vinyl?

Thank you all. You've been most helpful in the past-especially "smooth". Hope you are well.

If I can get a good low price, I'm buying this one for sure.

Warmly,

Josh

I just meant be active here. You can be a member but never join in any of the forums, that's all.

Got it. To be clear-I'm not sure if I've "joined" this forum, or am just a member?

Your welcome. When you get your car join the forum. we have a good time in here and there are alot of very knowledgeable people who are willing to help. Go to the General forum and go to the general discussions you'll find we talk about much more than just cars.

Anyway, good luck. Hope you get a great deal on an awsome IS 300 soon. And I hope to see ya around the boards.

Dig it on the exchange is more than just cars. As far as I know I am a member of the forum. Can you explain what you mean by "...join the forum."

19k for an 04' is an awsome deal. If you can get in an 04' for under 21k and an 05' under 24k ( keeping the mileage in line) your doing great.

Good to know smooth. Thank you. I just offered 18,500 for a Black 03, 53K miles, very clean. automatic. I'm seeing these things sit. I'm offering the low end of Consumer Reports Used Car Guide prices and Edmunds prices. Which are in the area of dealer trade in prices. I think the soft economy, media reporting otherwise aside, is making for a buyers market.

Thanks for all your feedback my friend.

Josh

So, did you decide to get the car or not? Are you still looking?

I passed on the one talked about above.

Found an 04' manual 41K miles, super, super, dealer clean. Offered 18,750. They agreed. But I'm holding out for less. I really want an automatic. But I'm seeing that this one is a great deal. The car is really like new. It's been sitting for 2 months. I wonder how low I can get them to go.

Whada ya think?

out the door? that's a little different. Warrentee is about 500 bucks, tax is about 1400, so your really paying close to 20 grand for the car?

Exactly-glad you get my point. The seller puts the value of the warantee at 1650$ I have yet to check out the details of the it like you suggest below.

I myself am just hung up on the tears in the seat and the scratches.

Good point, they are minor, but keep the car from being "flawless".

I think I would call the Lexus dealership you think you would like to take the car to for regular services

A friend is the service manager. I'm going to have him look at the sellers Lexus Diagnostic report, and/or have

another one done and have the car checked again-seems like a prudent thing to do.

and ask them about an extended warrentee and what they recomend. that way you don't have any "approval" issues and coverage problems as they work with their warrentee companies on a regular basis.

This is a great point.

Let me give you an example of how some of these "extended warrentees" can screw you. Let's say you take the car in and they "hear" a problem in the motor. First, the warrentee may not cover "exploratory" diagnostics. So you will have to pay out of pocket to find out what the problem is. Then let's say that they find the problem and it is a covered part, like a flywheel. Well, Lexus may charge 1800 bucks for the flywheel, but the warrentee payout for that part might be only 1200. So, you'll have to pay the difference. Also, most policies only cover up to about 60 bucks an hour for labor. Lexus charges considerably more than that. Again, you'll have to pay the difference. Call Lexus and ask to speak with a service tech and I'm sure they will tell you about some horror stories in using the wrong extended warrentee company.

Smooth, you are the man. This is a very important issue you raise that I should check out. As the warrantee is

where allot of the value with this car is. If the warrantee has issue like above it's not that valuable.

Also while your there, give them the vin nimber of the car and they can pull up all the service records for that car also.

Yes I will do this.

Do you have the cqr fax report?

Yes, seller has provided this. It's clean.

C

ompare that to what the dealer tells you and then you will have an accurate history for that car.

Another great procedural suggestion summing how to learn about the car. Thank you.

To be very honest with you, the 2003 model years are coming out of warrentee. So alot of dealerships used the IS and the ES and RX's as complimentary cars and long term demos. While the mileage is very low on these cars, they can be some very hard miles and these cars get abused often. If after you pull the carfax and see the title wasn't issued until way after the production date and dealer arrival, I would just walk away from the car

Wow, another great point. I would never have thought of this. Man you guys are as good as the folks on Apple

discussion boards. I really appreciate all you input and time smooth.

Thanks so much.

Mine had heated seats and had the alcantra "suede". If the seating surfaces have a suede like texture, then it's alcantra. It it's smooth, then it's leather.

$22,000 is way to high for that car. It would be high even if the car was still in new condition and had been kept in a barn.

Even with a 3 year bumper to bumper that starts this month and no tax, so out the door it's 22K.

What would a fair price be for this car?

BTW, those aren't leather seats then. They are Lycra polyvinyl seats. Leather was a $1,200.00 up charge.

How do you know? The seats were perforated. I looked in a IS 300 today sitting on the street, it seemed the same.

I can't believe the guy selling would so obviously mis-represent the car. I may not have detailed it right. But above the driver side door arm rest the material was "suede" like. Is that the indicator that the seating is Lycra?

Good looking out my friend,

Josh