Lexusfreak

Joel, The first thing I would do is take some time to look over VERY closely what your Lexus extended warranty contract covers compared to what the tech has mentioned as to what needs work should answer some of the questions. I think things such as the water pump should be covered IF (big IF) the unit is failing. Tranny pan gasket & rocker cover gasket, bushings should be covered. Steering wheel shaft boot sounds like it needs lubrication. Car pulling to one side I doubt as that's an alignment issue, unless they find a suspension defect.....do you have the 'regular' suspension or the optional AVS suspension set up? (I have the AVS personally). What I would do is go to a Lexus dealer of your choice (I have only delt with Lexus of Richmond hill for warranty items personally & they were good.......I have my own independent mechanics who do routine maintenance & service because the dealers in my opinion are way too expensive!) & talk with the service manager directly & ask him or her to put their BEST tech to work on the car, but make sure you know EXACTLY what is & is not covered when doing so. They can at least fix the stuff that is covered by the warranty & give you a quote of the other stuff should they in fact find anything else & make that clear. P.S. Where did you take the car specifically & what mechanic worked on the car? I too have the extended coverage & it expires in Jan of 2006......I am thinking of taking the car in soon to before my coverage expires. I'd appreciate the info! Hope this helps. B)

Do you have the owners manual for the car? Welcome to the club btw B)

I know I would! lol

I've use wheel cleaner every once in a while & only leave it on for 30 seconds or less before hosing it off.......the finish still looks like new, but then again, I use a coat of wax on them twice a year so they are easier to clean with just a towel & only use the wheel cleaner when necessary. B)

Perhaps contact the balancing machine maker directly to find out?

I appreciate the info! B) These are the details for the Valvoline Synpower Dot 3 - 4 brake fluid. http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/pr....asp?product=51

So is Valvoline Synpower Dot 3 - 4 decent brake fluid & Napa (can't remember the model of pads...'Gold' perhaps as they are the top ones offered & prevent noise, fade & dust) pads & rotors pretty good?

Agreed, good advice! What's the mileage on the car? As mentioned, a major tune up might be in order & make sure those tire pressures are at the proper levels. B)

Agreed! ;)

I am pretty easy on my brakes most of the time.......haven't replaced any on my ES yet, but I know they will come due in the future so I am trying to get an idea of what to put on my shoft list when replacement time comes. It's been suggested to me that I stick with OE stuff & many I've talked to also recommend Napa pads & rotors as quiet & very durable. Is there a specific brand or type of brake fluid you use? I'm either going with OE or Valvoline Synpower Dot 3 - 4 (covers both applications). B)

Too much of a pain in the butt imo.....I've owned dark colour cars & have detailed literally thousands of cars when I worked at dealerships over the years many black, dark blue etc cars in the past......get a colour to start with that stays cleaner, longer.....silver & beige are very good choices. I personally will never own a dark colour car again, even if the thing was 'self cleaning' :whistles: I understand there are many that love a dark colour & it's a pure 'labour of love' to clean their cars often.......nothing wrong with that either. It just comes down to personal preference. ;)

I just read that on CL. ;) Thoughts on TRD pads vs OE ? B)

What about the brake pads?

It's also by far the most difficult to keep clean! :whistles:

Phone a couple of dealers first to get prices (and part numbers) & then call several popular auto parts chains to compare prices & availability. You might have to order them as opposed to them being in stock. ;)

Fair points guy's, but I think that IS is totalled!

Specifically, what does this expensive & 'high tech' balancing machine offer that a regular balancing machine dosen't? monarch makes a fair point about the type of people some shops hire to do their work & not pay attention so the customer suffers in the end. So I guess what I am trying to say or ask here is.......was this problem solved because more competent people did the balancing (and would have been solved on a regular machine anyways) or did you have no choice no matter what to have this special machine fix your 'wheel shake'? B)

First off, what are all the benefits of going with the Brembo set up vs OE replacements? & are those 'benefits' justified considering the costs? I think TRD brakes should be something to consider as they are more 'heavy duty' from what I have read & heard. Not sure about the costs however. B)

That colour will clash with the beige interior no? Why not just go for a monotone beige?

I pay $15 at my independent mechanic. All fluid levels are checked (and topped off if necessary) & tire pressures adjusted (if necessary....which is hardly ever). Why don't some of these Lexus dealers wear masks & carry shotgun's while their at it? lol :whistles: :P Oh I almost forgot, they wash the car most of the time after 'servicing' it. Now it's worth the $100+ to go there! :chairshot: No leot, your not the only one that thinks a customer get's bent over the barrel for something as basic as an oil change.

lol

Here we go again. 1) Do not care 2) Lets see, I work at work for 3.2 hours and it covers the delta in price (surfing this site). 3) Again it was the cheapest this part of the state 4) Do not care Are you seeing a trend here????? Again I have better things to worry about instead of $96 The prices I stated are all separate. It did not matter if you get one thing or all. You can fight the system all you want. All this to save $96..LOL. I live here and know the prices are. As I stated before “We can fight all day on this but I have researched this topic; and in my area this was the cheapest around. Unless I want to drove 4 billion miles.” Ps. There Toyota dealer is the same price. I tried all the Lexus dealers and Toyota dealers in a 100 miles RADIUS! ← Let me ask you a question mburn as I don't think you made it that clear........Do you care? :whistles: Sorry, couldn't resist! ;)

The car also needs to be on a flat surface. B)

The owners manual will be able to confirm that ATF fluid is safe too. ;)

Welcome to the club! B) I'd go to your nearest local Lexus dealer & order yourself an owners manual or check e-bay to purchase one online. According to the Amsoil website, you can[b/] use ATF in for your manual tranny & the capacity is 8.9 pints. B) Your pics won't come up btw.