Lexusfreak

IF you REALLY want a definite answer. Get your oil analyzed. My stock change interval is 7500 miles. Oil spectrographic analysis tell me I COULD go more than 10K. that conclusion took many trials. I use Mobil 1 (red cap) or Amsoil. Oil testing runs about $40. Compare a 7K-10K cost for synthetic and a 3K change interval for dino oil. Also the oil analysis can tell you about othere stuff, like leaky head gaskets,leaky fuel pumps, misfiring plugs etc. The performance of synthetics at temperature extremes is unrivaled. Regards ← True, I've personally noticed about a 2-3% increase in my fuel economy since switching to Amsoil over the Mobil 1. May not sound like much, but it does add up. ;) B)

So far, I can't find any complaints from actual people who have used it either on this site of CL. B) :whistles:

Why would you want the LS steering wheel anyways?

I didn't think there would be a huge difference in power, but I expected it to be quite noticable. :)

I must remind everyone that the RX400h is not even close to being the first of its kind. It uses the same technology as does the Prius, including the CVT tranny. Do you remember when Lexus came out with the first LS400? It was the first V8 engine that Toyota ever dropped in a car, yet it was extremely reliable right from the start. Nissan coupled a CVT tranny in the very potent Murano SUV. Consumer Reports rates it as very reliable. It was their first CVT here in the US. So, "roll the dice" is, in my opinion, not a very accurate way to decribe the purchase of the latest Lexus. I believe that Toyota wil stand behind every one they sell and should some catastrophic failure occur (highly unlikely, given the excellent reliability of the Prius), I am certain they will make things good. That being said, I must also thank everyone for their opinions. All are well-taken. ← The RX400h is still much different technology than the Prius & hybrids are still very new in the marketplace all things considered & still in their 'infant' stage if you will. Sure they are reliable & should continue to be. I wait 7 - 10 years from now & wonder what things will bring then. The test of time will be the real proof, unfortunately, the vehicle will be out of warranty including the battery. I just hope the prices of replacements have come down large by then. ;)

we certainly can. great work sadistic! ← I am new to this forum and a novice tire buyer. Currently I have P225/70R16 101S Goodyear Integrity tires on my Lexus RX300. I find them to be horrible on wet surfaces. Need to replace them and have been told to look at Bridgestone Dueler H/L, Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza, Michelin ALT, AWP Uniroyal Loreado or Maxxis. Any suggestions? ese9537 ← Yokohama Geolander G-051's, Michelin Cross Terrains, or the brand new Toyo Open Country H/T which all come in your size. B) Excellent all round performers, but the Michelin will be by far the most expensive.

lol, :D Toyo's still perform much better than the Bridgestones......Defense rests......trial goes to the jury & we await verdict...:whistles: ;)

Today i had a decent offer. for $500 and my car, i can get a 1990 Ford Festiva. I have no idea what kind of shape this little festiva is in, but if i buy it, it will be great to scoot around the base in. 40mpg when gas prices are sky high? ill take it! i dont like the idea of going from a lexus to a ford POS though, but whta the hey, its only for a week, then it will be my brothers problem. BTW, for those that dont know, these cars look like this: they are fun cars, i have driven them before. ← That car is actually a Kia built for Ford back in the day......if you look close enough, you will see it under hood or the doors. But I hear ya about the gas prices. B)

...just a bit over $2400 for 7 years, 100,000 miles if purchased at time of auto purchase. If you don't buy it then, the price goes up $300 per year. ← WOW! I paid $1700 (Canadian) for the top Lexus extended coverage for the same amount of time & mileage :o B)

Army, I'd seriously go with either the GS or an LS personally. B)

94, hands down! :whistles: B)

Shouldn't be that much different overall.......were not comparing a FWD car to a RWD car here. If anything, the ES is ever so slightly smaller overall including wheelbase.

SW, your thoughts on the 3.3L V6 vs. the 3.0L V6 in your ES? B)

Not sure what you mean by recommendations? I use the correct grade Lexus recommends but in synthetic (Amsoil ASL 5W 30). As for the tranny fluid, my 01 calls for Toyota Type IV fluid (check your owners manual), but I will be switching to Amsoil synthetic ATF as it is compatable with Toyota type IV & Dexron III which is pretty much obsolete today. The ES does not have a diff. B) I wonder if this sefvice is different back here in the states ? This looks like a lot of inspecting and not much actual doing. I heard that the 60,000 service was a biggie and was like $1000 or so. Currently my 2001 only has 24,000 so i am okay for awhile. I do plan on taking it in in the next couple of months to flush the radiator and tranny because I heard it was a good idea even though it does not have many miles. ← The 90k mile (or 160k kilometer for us) service is the biggie in Canada. I would advise the coolant flush (new pink super long life Toyota coolant) along with a tranny flush. Tune up at 60k is not a bad idea either, even though Lexus says you can go 90k+ miles on the factory plugs. I changed mine at 45k miles when I purchased the car. B)

Those pics are a damn shame Army. :cries: :( I feel bad for ya dude.

I use Sunoco Ultra 94 (Toyota suggests min 91 octane). Since your RX has the same basic mechanicals as my 01 ES (but heavier), I would suggest to use a higher octane rating as in the long run even though the fuel is more expensive, you will get better overall fuel economy (more miles per tank) & always have a clean fuel system if a high quality high octane gas is used. B)

Isn't it covered under warranty?

It's a risk one takes either way. Having said that, I personally would only go with a 'Lexus' extended warranty (offered of course only at a Lexus dealer). I purchased it for my ES & I am covered until 120,000 miles (currently have about 58,000 miles). It's not cheap, but neither are major 'Lexus' components should they fail. I have not used it thus far, but it's there if I should ever need it. ;) Either way, one of the most important things to have is ALL service & maintenance history on the vehicle from day 1 it went into service. If records are missing, it would be a no brainer to get the extended coverage or find another vehicle. Good Luck! B)

Any good sites to purchase the parts needed? Also, what are some recommendations for the engine oil, trans fluid, and diff fluid? ← Not sure what you mean by recommendations? I use the correct grade Lexus recommends but in synthetic (Amsoil ASL 5W 30). As for the tranny fluid, my 01 calls for Toyota Type IV fluid (check your owners manual), but I will be switching to Amsoil synthetic ATF as it is compatable with Toyota type IV & Dexron III which is pretty much obsolete today. The ES does not have a diff. B)

If you replace the gasket & clean the filter mesh screen before switching to the synthetic, you should have no problems. B)

Haven't purchased my first one yet lol :whistles: But if my ES is any indication, I would 'move up' to the GS if/when I have the cash. ;)

Georgous car!! B) ;)

Sounds like the most painless way to avoid a huge mess Steve......wise idea. B)

JPI, any experence with Amsoil synthetic ATF in place of Toyota type IV fluid? Please advise. B)

Correct sunman B) monarch, let's ask the question then to other members......how many Lexus owners of any model have suffered transmission problems (severe or minor & please describe in detail) as a result of using Amsoil synthetic ATF? :whistles: Below, I have posted a link that gives what specs the Amsoil ATF meets (or exceeds). This matter should be put to bed rather quickly I would guess. B) ;) http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx ← Been using Amsoil ATf since 1996. Now issues at all. Used in tranny and PS systems on the autos. I will say this, it shifts smoother and the fluids always smells sweet and red as the day it was put in. ← Since I did a complete 100% tranny flush a year ago (along with a new gasket & cleaning of the filter mesh screen), I don't think it's necessary that I buy about 12 - 15 qt's of Amsoil ATF, but rather just do the 'drain & fill' with the Amsoil ATF (3-4 qt's)? B) I do that several times & it will pretty much be 100% Amsoil stuff in there. B) Still waiting for anybody to come forward and explain that using Amsoil ATF (instead of Toyota type IV) caused and kind of tranny damage or failure as a direct result of switching fluids. :whistles: