Lexusfreak

Agreed! The RX is built on a modified Toyota Camry platform so it will ride more like a car. The GX is a Toyota 4 Runner dipped in gold basically & is built off a truck platform......but why would one spend so much cash to take such a vehicle off road in the first place does not make sense to me to begin with. Definately the Lexus though! B)

More than fair RX & for the most part I agree. However, my main point was with a brand new model being launched such as the RX400h & how complex the new technology is, there almost always has some growing pains in the first couple model years that get worked out over time........I prefer to excercise on the side of caution & see how they fair in "real world" conditions with extreme cold to sweltering heat & everything in between. I know they are tested re-tested & torn apart & tested again.......there is no substitute for real world conditions IMO. B) Compare the problems with a 92 ES with the last year of that type of body style the 01 (as an example) & one will understand what I mean.

I found that strange too amf I have a 2005 ES pamphlet (not the full brochure yet) and it does indeed state that the AVS is still an option for us Canadian folk. Did you e-mail Lexus USA directly to ask them?

Do a search on these forums about the 2002+ ES, that should answer most of your questions. I'm sure some folks who own a 2002+ ES will weigh in on specifics. Might want to pick steviej's brain for some knowledge on this subject. All I know is there is a transmission issue on the 02 & 03 (not sure about an 04) models but there is a specific thread on that subject in this forum. Welcome to the club & good luck! B)

The choice is a bit of a tough one in my opinion, here's why: - RX 300 & 330 have been around for a while now & have proven to be excelent with reliability, fairly frugal with gas (all things considered that it's an SUV) compared to many other models. I know the Prius has a battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles for "hybrid related components" I would assume that The RX 400h is about a year longer & maybe 12,000 miles more. The problem is if down the road something happens to the "hybrid components" like you need a new hybrid battery? I hope by then the prices for a replacement will be a lot more reasonable. Most top quality mechanics should be able to perform service but will they be able to work on complex things like a hybrid vehicle if they are not trained & your stranded in the middle of nowhere? Just some things to consider. Don't get me wrong, I think the hybrid concept is fantastic & we are going to see millions more on the road 10 years from now.......I'm just not a huge fan of being the "pioneer" if you will with reletively new technology for longevity when it's still kind of in it's infant stage. On the other hand, one can't get much better than the luxury brand of Toyota....Lexus! :D

What will the SUV be used for? Basically I'm asking if the vehicle will be used for frequent off-roading, mainly highway & city driving? Give us an idea of what you need it for to begin with & that might narrow things down. ;) B)

A complete rustproof job (which includes the black undercoating stuff) is roughly $250 - $350 (usually includes a complete detail inside & out as well). Don't quote me on that however.........that's just a general range as it depends on the size of the vehicle as well. Give Doug a call & see what he would charge. For return visits to "re-apply" or "touch up" is quite a bit cheaper as you already have a good base on the car. But he puts a complete coating on again to reinforce everything.

When is the next meet in the Scarborough area?

Hi guy's, I was a bit disappointed to find out a while back that the all new 2005 Subaru Legacy sedan & wagon will not come with the 3.0L 6 cyl engine as an option (I know you can get it for the Outback however, but I love the styling of the Legacy). Overseas markets offer it but not in North America. Does anybody know if Subaru will offer it in the near future as an option? My guess is they will eventually but not for at least a model year or two........any thoughts, opinions or "inside" info that they will offer it for sure? It would make sense especially if one wants to tow stuff and all that & not need the semi-SUV stance of the Outback because "off road" capability & height. Any feedback is appreciated.

I love mine as well! The self leveling feature is awesome so I hve never been flashed for having them on because they are aimed correctly. B)

Agreed steviej, he's one of the best! B)

Good point sw. :)

Couldn't agree more blake! :D I sent you a PM with the info many thanks in advance! B)

Very sad indeed! :( Anybody know what that song in the video is called & who sings it?

Best of luck bdonk ;) I actually get such a good deal on the rustproofing & detailing at this shop now that if it was any better Doug wouldn't make any money on me lol I'm personally going back again in either October or November for another "heavy duty coat" of rustproofing, undercoating & paint sealant. Try & schedule it so you have a few days of good weather after the work is done for the stuff to cure & dry properly. :)

blake, you & I think alike! :D Not to mention we drive the same color ES's to boot ;) Mail me one of those Bush/Cheney stickers! I'll put it on my wall! B)

Are you going for factory original size?? are they the 17's or the 18'? or give me the exact size your looking for. :)

Ouch

That's not a bad deal jim.......I wonder if you insisted on the TPT's what the dealership would have said? I say that because it's a better tire for almost half the price so both you & the dealer would have saved a few bucks......but the Michelin is a fairly decent tire.

I traded in my 2001 Maxima SE 20th A.E. for my 01 ES if that tells ya anything :D

sorry to see you go bdonk :( I hope you pop by from time to time to say hi & let us know how things are with your VW. Piece of advice, get your new ride rust-protected before the snow flies & best of luck! B) I have a good friend as I mentioned before named Doug (he is the owner of the business) in Mississauga that does fantastic work at VERY good prices......his website is www.gemautoprotection.com Tell him his buddy Brenden Heys (2001 Beige Lexus ES 300) sent ya! ;) He'll take good care of you & your new ride.

Il, I use the autolock on my 01 ES in addition to the factory alarm & engine immobilizer.......it's very easy to use & better than the club as it attaches to the brake pedal instead of the steering wheel! They can cut the steering wheel & steal the car.......short of a forklift or something, they can't cut the brake pedal off now can they? B) & it's the strongest part of the car to boot! ;)

td, you might want to consider using synthetic oil as well.....just a suggestion ;)

agreed bdonk, that's the price one pays I guess for living in the financial capital of Canada :(

When you get it fixed & install new plugs, make sure you put some anti-seize compound on the threads before installing the new plugs......this should make things easier to remove the plugs again down the road when performing a tune up & like steviej mantioned, use the correct tools as well.