Lexusfreak

The ES is due for a complete re-design for the 2007 model year....I'm guessing it will have at least 300 hp then. B)

I heard the all new GS all wheel drive will be a new 3.0L V6, but it sounds like a 3.5L V6 is in the pipeline instead (same as the Avalon).

The 300c is steeling BIGTIME sales from GM & Ford......they offer a broader line of engine choices then the other 2 which is very smart! Ford is coming out with a larger V6 for their new Five Hundred......but they should have already had it available for a new product launch! :chairshot: Chrysler learned this the hard way from the Pacifica. B)

Awesome pics guy's!!! Looks like it was a fantastic success!! well done! I hope the upcoming Toronto meet is as good! B)

I think the vehicle will be totalled (based on the pics & year of the car). Did the air bag(s) deploy?

good advice........however I'd check with a few Lexus dealers as well & ask them the question as to what they suggest as things could very wll have been 'updated' since 95......if they are all consistant, use them. I have Denso iridiums in my ES as well. B)

I also agree with monarch's statements.....make sure ALL service is up to date, & not just the oil changes........and the timing belt is a very important & vital item as well considering the mileage the car has now.......if it has NOT been changed, it is due......it's not cheap either (water pum at the same time is very wise). You can use that to either get the price down significantly OR get it done at a Lexus dealer for the price your paying. Dont' be afraid to ask the owner to take it to YOUR mechanic for inspection......it he/she say's no, RUN, don't walk away from the deal. B)

Monarch, perhaps you missed this. :whistles: Gerry I would get a secone (& a third if needed) from either an independent mechanic or a Toyota dealer which could be much cheaper (I'm not suggesting that the rod is not the cause) to do the repair. Ask some friends & family where they take their car for repair. It is most unfortunate considering you have owned the car since new & maintained it to the letter. :( Keep us posted on the situation. B)

Does your car have 'regular' suspension or the factory 'adjustable variable suspension' (AVS) system & I assume that's all 4 shocks & struts?

Agreed.......chances are that the work is ligit & I know the Lexus dealers can be pricy.....if you can get the work done for cheaper (perhaps the same price with EVERYTHING included like the timimg belt & water pump) go for it. JPI comes highly recommended from what I have read on these forums. B)

Agreed! Before filling anything, make sure everything underneith is tight & screwed together correctly. Eliminate the easiest stuff first & let us know........make sure the tranny is filled to the proper level as well....to much fluid can cause serious damage & you will be looking at a bill in the thousands! Use the correct fluid too! Good Luck! ;)

Have you driven both a Camry & a 330 L3? To get a better performance comparo.....go with the Camry SE V6 with the 3.3L V6 as opposed to the XLE that only has the 3.0L V6........they (as you know) are built off the same general platform & have the basic same mechanicals (engine & tranny). If you have a much closer inspection thats where things start to drift more apart as the ES will be a much quieter car, with better overall quality materials used (& the Camry is excellent with the materials to start with). My 01 ES uses about 25% Camry 'underpinnings' & the rest is all Lexus & I did drive both so it was justified to get the ES as the ride was much better, more comfortable....more horsepower & torque (although I think the 05 Camry & ES are the same), better warranty & just an overall nicer 'animal' if you will. Drive BOTH for a decent test drive on both city & highway roads......you will see. Good Luck!

lol Shirley......I sometimes drive my family & my wife of 8 months crazy with car stuff :D My dad is convinved that if they ever had to open my head up, little car parts would fall out (spark plugs, tires etc) I talk about them so much. ;) & yes your right for the most part, if it's not a new car payment, it's an older car repair & upkeep.....seems sometimes you can't win for loosing! I'm not 100% sure how your should proceed with the CV problem......I've never had to replace those parts on any of my vehicles, but I know they do give out eventually. Did you get a price for both possible problems? I would phone (just as a starting point) both a Lexus dealer & a Toyota dealer & speak to a knowledgable service person to get a rough price & go from there. Educate yourself as much as possible on the subject just in case someone tries to pull a fast one on you. ;) Keep us posted & Have a great Holiday! Happy we are able to help!

Your more concerned about the detailing of the vehicle instead of the mechanical condition? What exactly do you want to know about the detailing side of things? A vehicle is usually professionally 'detailed' (if purchased from a dealer) after it is purchased.

You got it! ;)

How old are the wheels? & are they exposed to the harsh conditions such as salt from the winter conditions? OEM wheels usually hold up much better in the long run than aftermarket.

The RX 330 is georgous!! Post pics when you get a chance!! B)

I will replace my Lexus with another Lexus when the time comes......no question about it. :D

EXCELLENT news!!!! :D Looking VERY forward to the upcoming Lexus product line! :D B)

Walmart for an oil change on a Lexus?? never. :whistles: If you think the service at the Lexus dealer is expensive (which I know is not cheap to be sure), try a couple local Toyota dealers (very close to the Camry) that will agree to service a Lexus OR ask friends & Family if they have a good reliable independent mechanic.......I have one & bring my own oil & filter (Mobil 1 5W 30 that I did purchase at Walmart ;) ) & either a K & N or Mobil 1 oil filter. I just pay for labout. Good Luck! B)

I hope you don't have any problems with your tranny down the road using the Amsoil ATF (even though they say it's can be used in cars that require Toyota Type IV fluid).

I agree....why risk it (even though they say it's suited for transmissions that call for Toyota type IV fluid). Lexus has the right to deny a possible expensive transmission repair if it's the result of the 'wrong' fluid used.

I hear you Russ! It almost seems to me that the location of the oil filter was an afterthought when Lexus (& Toyota) designed that engine as it's used in several models. Just makes such a mess when changing your oil (I thought I had an oil leak after the first couple times my mechanic did my oil changes, but he explained to me about the location of the filter & said it's next to impossible to clean up all the oil that had spilled oonto the subframe & related area). :(

I get mine at any Toyota or Lexus parts department........I think they come in small bag's of 10 - 12 or something. I got a bag for like $2.50 B) & they are aluminum. No leaks! :)

I don't blame you SW.....I'd be fit to be tied as well no doubt :chairshot: I hope they can match the color properly & cover all expenses which they should (and then some!!!) Keep us posted on how this matter will be solved......I take it the service manager, body shop manager, general manager & even perhaps the dealer principal will get involved to assist you & make sure your 110% happy with the trouble the dealer has caused you.