Lexusfreak

How much to fix the rear main seal or how much longer do you plan to keept the car? The leak won't get any smaller with time & a slightyly thicker oil.

Lexus & Toyota are almost impossible to get any info out of before the next model year is released & not much accurate info is ever 'leaked'.......I did just get my September 2009 issue of Motortrend however that has a quick run down of any significant changes or brand new models... Other than the IS drop tops & the IS-F getting a new limited slip diff & 19" wheels....the regular IS models get (Drum roll please)... - Bluetooth, iPod/USB inputs, safety connect & new Nav packages with Enform telematics... Sum Up & I quote... "Close to a 3 series, but still no cigar" with a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 (no mention of any cosmetic changes on the exterior or interior). Best I can do. :)

Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

Welcome to LOC mcshen.....what part of Toronto are you from? Just curious. I don't think one has anything to do with the other......just a coincidence.....might want to get the code(s) read & let us know what they are.....that will help us better diagnose the problem(s) & steer you in the right direction....check to make sure your gas cap is on tight first. ;) Did you at least adjust your tire pressures?

These guy's seem to have the better prices on regular maintenance stuff over Sewell. http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ind...amp;catalogid=0 Steviej, any idea how much of a discount is offered when that code is used?

Just for giggles, did you call your local Lexus dealer to at least see what price you are starting from? If you are a regular (speak with the service manager) perhaps they will give you a good deal....My Lexus dealer did.

Welcome to LOC. Tape weights should not make a difference if they have been installed properly & I assume all tires have the correct air pressure (don't assume the tire shop put them at the correct pressure, they are usually 'in the ballpark' at best)? Any idea what kind of balancing machine your shop is using? Might also want to use the 'search' feature on our site.....you will probably come up with a wealth of info. :) Once the issue is fixed, a 4 wheel alignment will be a good thing in the long run too.

Get a price from your Lexus dealer for a new one (if they still can get them?)......but before purchasing, check auto wreckers & E-bay.

I think it's fair to post this...

Wow! That's something else......I just can't show the Wife!

I can't quite put my finger on it.....but maybe it's this that bothers me about BMW... Sorry folks.....I couldn't resist.

Nicely done Josh. :)

That's a sweet looking ride! B)

I know they are :) My BMW buddies are on that list too (even though we routinely exchange friendly jabs about each other's rides).....good to see we all have a good sense of humor too.

I'm sure some BMW models are outstanding RX (several of my buddies own em) & kudos on the Jag btw. :) All I was saying is that my preferences (as mentioned) would be a Benz or Audi over a Bimmer.....nothing more, nothing less.....just one's opinion. :) No question about the servicing / maintenance costs on the European brands, your bang on....I had an Audi A6 Quattro in my sights at one point....and after much research, I decided to pass on it because of that very reason...one's hard pressed though to find a more nicely done interior than an Audi. ;)

Never said all BMW folk LEXIRX330, I am pretty sure I said many. ;) And you are correct, quite a few Luxury car owners in general are that way & that includes Lexus owners.......my main point was (and again based on my experiences) is it was far more noticable from the BMW crowd more so than the others. Haven't driven any of the BMW SUV's either so I can't comment. It's interesting you own one of each. :)

Normally the wheels are OEM on a CPO vehicle & have to be in good shape......as for the tires, they have to meet a certain tread depth minimum & condition only I would imagine, not a certain brand or performance category (IE all season, summer etc). Some of the LS models were equipped with either summer or all season rubber as factory equipment. That would have been something to look at more closely before you purchased the car or during the negotiating phase. Are all 4 tires the same at least & based on the brand you mentioned, I assume they are the 235 50 18 size? If you can post pics of the car, it's easy to tell if your wheels are OEM.

Thought I would bump this up....I will post the 2009 - 2010 ratings once I have them (they should come out around mid October)....but for those who are considering winter rubber (especially Canadian members), many places sold out early across the country in the fall of 2008 because of the new winter tire laws in Quebec......as I write this, the tire makers are producing their winter rubber & to avoid any issues, I highly suggest getting yours by the early fall.

Very well said nc! ^ B) In my late teens & early 20's I worked for several very high volume car dealers....GM, Ford & Chrysler. Drove literally thousands of cars & trucks including my fair share of BMW's, MB's, Audi's, Infiniti, Acura, Lexus, Vipers (yikes!), Vette's, Jag's, Volvo's etc....you name it. I've always been just a general car enthusiast.....I would not go out of my way to knock any brand as far as the Luxury segment was concerned......but I always liked a few much more than others....it was just the way some felt when you drove them....and Lexus was one of em. For me & as far as european Luxury brands go I felt BMW's were one of the most overrated (if not THE most overrated) brands out there frankly (driven the 3, 5, 7 & even the 8 series).....I would take a MB first followed by Audi any day & twice on Sunday's.....I never understood & could not figure out for the life of me what was so great about BMW? & I still can't, not at those prices......I guess I just 'don't get it'? Perhaps to some degree it had to do with seeing the type of drivers who owned them & the manner in which they would drive......many of them being extremely arrogant, aggressive with the 'I'M THE GREATEST F@#$ER HERE' attitude. In the Winter......I see more BMW's involved in stupid accidents than any other Luxury marque.....I pass them shaking my head with a grin saying to myself "The ultimate driving machine" It's never been a secret that many Lexus models are based loosely on related Toyota platforms.....I tell folks that my ES is a Toyota dipped in gold....and that's never bothered me (although from what I have been told.....less than 1/3rd is actually Camry.....the rest is Lexus for the ES)......It's still a Lexus....so who cares? I prefered quiet comfort with good winter traction over handling prowess personally. Sure I wanted the 'prestige' of owning a Luxury branded vehicle & the toys it comes with & I enjoy the looks & comments (positive or otherwise) I get while driving her too...but I also wanted one thing that the european brands are still chasing after close to two decades since Lexus came on the scene....long term reliability to go along with the rest of the experience! Let's not forget how Lexus turned the Luxury car 'establishment' on it's ear back in 1990...maybe that explains the defensive attitude these owners/drivers have towards mainly Lexus (and I think by a wide margin it's the BMW crowd who despise us the most) as well as other Japanese competitors....and even after almost 20 years....they are still Pi$$y about it! If you think about it.....that's priceless! :whistles:

Nice find sk! Thanks.

Rick, Your first statement is dead on & well said. There are a few good choices for winter rubber to fit the ES.....I would go with either your current factory size or a size lower......215 60 16. I have an excellent tire place I deal with out of province that shame any local tire shop as far as prices are concerned & a choice of being delivered to your front door or tire shop of your choice. For my ES, I went with a set of Toyo Garit KX in an 'H' speed rating on a set of 2008 ES alloys & they are exceptional (my all seasons are the Goodyear Triple Tred's on 2008 IS 250 AWD 17's - 10 spoke). Some more info on the winter Toyo here... http://www.toyocanada.com/products/GaritKX.asp Here is another helpful link for winter tire ratings... http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=298 If you are interested in saving some $$$ for either your winter set or all season set, send me a PM & I can give you the details for my contact. If you want to upgrade your all seasons to something larger.....size wise I would suggest going with a 225 45 18 to keep the speedo in check. Did you want to go with aftermarket wheels or OE 18's? Hope this helps.

Good stuff, thanks guys! B)

I'd just mask them off too......spend a few extra minutes to get it 'perfect' & Bob's your uncle. ;)

Why not call your local Lexus dealer & ask the parts folks for that answer (they should be able to bring up a detailed set of pics of the complete assembly front & back)......and no the 2001 ES mirror will not fit the 2002. My 05 mirror - passenger side died on me shortly after purchasing the car, lucky for me it was still under full factory warranty.....the whole assembly had to be replaced.....costing over $550.00 to replace Good luck.

Perhaps get a carfax & if the seller agrees, have the car taken to a mechanic for inspection (and possibly pull that CEL code or codes)? Does the seller have any service/maintenance records? You get what you pay for at that price.....good luck.