Lexusfreak

the las ttime i ahad a place change a PCV valve, it was 56 dllars. i wouldnt lose faith in all mechanics just yet. the only reason i havent done mine is becuase that snot the only place mien is leaking. i have every seal onthe motor dripping oil except for the rear main seal. speaking of rear main seal, is it possible that thats what is leaking? ← I have no idea if it's the rear main seal. All I know is that two different mechanics have said the valve cover gasket, the first one was the guy who did the timing belt replacement, etc., and the second was the one who did the work about a month ago when mice ate through some wiring. Of course, I don't trust either one now, due to other contradictory stuff they have said. For example, the timing belt guy said I need a transmission flush; the second said my fluid looks fine w/good color. The first one also told me my axle shafts are shot and the bearings are dry, even though there are no symptoms of that. The first one said I need a PCV valve to the tune of $87.00; it was the second one that said the engine warning light would come on if I did. See why I have no faith? I guess a 3rd is in order at this time. Shirley ← Hi Shirley, I totally agree with steviej & would advise getting the PCV (also the fuel filter is a good idea and not too expensive) valve replaced at the time you get the other work done (have you ever has the transmission fluid flushed before?). I am very suprised that one mechanic said there is only 1 VC gasket, but as steviej also mentioned, he might have thought it was an inlind 6 cyl as opposed to a V6. Do you have a 3rd mechanic you can take the ES to? Perhaps from the advice of friends or family of a 'more trusted' person that has more experence with your car (pretty much the same as a Toyota Camry remember)? Keep us posted.

My AWD RX300 came with Bridgestone Dueler, wore out around 40K miles and performed poorly in snow. Don't buy them. ← Agreed......stay VERY clear of Bridgestone (& Firestone) tires in an all season tire (winter rubber they are alright). Bridgestone/Firestone just rasied their prices on passenger tires to boot!! :chairshot: :whistles:

If you get the ES.....get the AVS suspension option as that's the 'sportiest' if will get lol. :)

Lol sk.......agreed. Dov Valley North Lexus Toyota's sales staff is about 60% asian actually. Go on their website.....perhaps they have a listing of their sales staff. B)

20% Charcoal tint & K & N air filter. :D

sw brings up a very fair point as far as not needing LT tires. Having said that, it's important to at least to make sure your replace the tires with the spreed rating your RX was designed & built for (even more so than the ES which is what it is based on) because of the additional weight & different characteristics that come with the SUV. What exactly are you looking for in an all season tire....please be specific. B)

I don't think the Canadian ES models will have the sulphur concern as we have different emission regulations than our friends south of the border.......hence also because of the tranny issues your having on 02+ ES. B)

I agree with sw, the Mercedes C class would be on par with the IS not the ES which is a different animal since it's FWD. IMO, the ES is the better value car as it's larger with a more powerful engine & better use of interior room & yes go for an 05 not an 04. It's probably best to drive all 3 before making a decision. Mercedes has lost bigtime in the last several years with quality problems, including recalls.......where as Lexus keeps getting top rankings year after year. If your plan is to keep the car for 7 years, I would definatly put Lexus on your 'short list' over the Mercedes.....just my 2 cents. :) Where abouts are you from trout? B)

yeah, he knows. A little bluejay told him. :D steviej ← LOL steviej :D B)

The red "long life" Toyota / Lexus coolant is suppose to be changed every 2 years or 30,000 miles (according to the jug's instructions). The pink "super long life" coolant is 5 years or 150,000 miles. I think the pink coolant is only a couple bucks more than the red stuff at your local Toyota or Lexus parts department. I'm going to se the pink stuff myself next cooling system flush......it already has it 'pre-mixed' with a 55% coolant & 45% distilled water solution. :D

"Engine Lift Jacket" ? That might be a good product name for an outboard marine motor for boats lol I doubt an engine block heater is necessary in the Toronto, Ontario area as it only get's 'extremely' cold for several days at a time & only a few times during the winter anyways......it's underground mostly in my parking spot. :whistles:

How much HP gains are we talking about for this mod & at roughly what price? B)

Any specific reason you prefer leasing over financing the car? Just courious is all. B)

Prices of Bridgestone - Firestone Tires is going up folks! It's a shame......They are already way too expensive IMO. :whistles: :chairshot: December 2, 2004 Rising raw materials prices force price increases at Bridgestone Firestone Mississauga, Ontario - Bridgestone/Firestone has announced price increases on the company's tire lines. The increases, which will be effective January 1, 2005, and will affect the replacement, original equipment and export channels, are as follows: up to 5% on passenger and light truck tires; up to 7% on truck and bus tires, and up to 10% or more on agricultural and off-the-road tires. The price increases will affect Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, associate and private brand tires. According to Mark Emkes, CEO and Chairman of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., parent company of BFCA and BFNT, "Our tire companies are facing an unprecedented continuation of rising raw material prices on a number of different fronts. From steel to petroleum to rubber chemicals, we have seen cost increases that simply can not be offset by the increases in efficiencies and productivity that we have implemented at all levels of our company. The action we announced today is a necessary step in addressing these escalating costs."

I usually get what's on sale at Sears so I get my employee discount. B)

Agreed. B) Usually in the Toronto area when we have the first snowfall....more times than not the first accidents are SUV's that have gone in the ditch, rolled, or are responsible for causing a chain reaction collision. A vehicle regardless of it being a FWD, RWD or AWD is only as good as the skills of the driver which includes exercising common sense. :whistles:

That's awesome news Lex! :D Enjoy the new ride!! B) Post pics.

WW2, I assume you are looking for an 'all season' SUV tire as opposed to a set of winter SUV tires? The Michelins are very good (a bit pricy compared to others). What is the exact tire size you are looking for? The Toyo Open Country M410 is also a VERY good all season SUV tire & is quite a bit less than the Michelin & has only slightly less treadwear rating than the Michelin. The Yokohams Geolander G051 is also a popular choice & has got very good ratings on tirerack. Click the link to see for yourself. B) http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?ti...romCompare1=yes

Hi Lexusfreak, I said "set" of winter tires, I meant all four. I have them mounted on rims so I can switch them myself instead of depending on tire stores which are too busy that time of year. I would never recommend only two! So you are correct, 4 winter tires or four all season tires- never mixed! Thanks, for clearing that up. Daffy ← Sorry for the misunderstanding daffy B)

I'm disappointed that my ES didn't come factory equipped with a block heater :( The Lexus dealer wants $200 for parts & labour to install one but said it's not necessary as our winters are not as severe as northern Ontario or the some places in western Canada. B)

Someone else is going to benefit from all your hard work & money......you won't back nearly as much as you put into her. ;)

Never had any problems with either myself. What's the moonroof TSB?

I am from North York. Actually, I called Don Valley North Lexus Toyota yesterday, and a guy there gave me the price: $710/m(including tax), 0 down payment, 48month lease for Special Edition, and I asked the price for $690/m, he rejected. Tomorrow, I will call Scarborough dealor, maybe they will give me a better deal. ImranS, can you please tell me the full name of your agent as I guess there is not only one Henry there? Thanks a lot for your guys suggestions! ← Wow! That's a lot for a lease of a vehicle for a 4 year lease! Let's say it's $700......that's $33,600, over the 4 year period. I understand the tax is included in the price......but the 'special edition' is $39,900 to begin with (plus freight, air tax, tire tax, gas tax, etc, etc, etc). I wonder if you had some money down & you financed the ES what the payments would be......after it's over, you would own it. What did they tell you the 'residual' value of the car would be at the end of the lease??

How much money have you sunk into your ES army? I might consider hanging onto the car for a while if I were you.......just my 2 cents as the car is in very good shape! B)

A couple questions sw, - What year(s) ES models does this TSB effect with relation to the sulphur smell? - Same question for the moonroof issue?