Lexusfreak

I'm on my second ES (although it's a 2005, the one before that was a 2001)....and I would definately consider the current generation when the time comes (probably get a 2010 in 2012 is my guess). Drive the ES 350 & compare it to your Avalon (which I also considered) and you'll understand. Good luck with your decision. B)

The 2000 GS 400 was factory equipped with laser Iridium 'long life' spark plugs......not platinums. Check out the owners manual or www.ngksparkplugs.com or www.sparkplugs.com to varify. ;)

Let us know if/when you get this issue resolved David. B)

Welcome to LOC & congrats on your purchase! There are many excellent synthetic oils available to choose from.....Royal Purple is one of them. Many here use Mobil 1 and some (myself included) swear by Amsoil.......some other good choices include Redline, Valvoline Syn Power, Castrol Syntec, Pennzoil, etc. There is alot of documented info of the benefits of using synthetic oil over 'dino' oil (conventional oil) without having to go into detail here & risk starting another 'oil war' which is known to happen around the forums. :) I suggest you go on the above websites to read about each brand & make your own decision. Some high quality filters are: Toyota/Lexus OE, Mobil 1, K & N, Amsoil (again which I personally use as it has a synthetic media). Many advise to stay clear of Fram however. Use the search feature here as this topic has been covered countless times & enjoy the forums! B)

Lol nc!

The only thing that made me nervous was when it came time to give the 'speach'.......I'd rather stick a pen in my eye than speak in a room of 200+ people......even though I know them all. lol

Did the tire shop say how much $$ to shave the calipers? How much will they have to shave off? I've used 2 very good tire shops when I lived in Toronto.....Active Green & Ross at the 404 & Steeles & Ron Mitten Tires on Danforth (been a few years since I dealt with them however). If you need the Active Green & Ross contact info, send me a PM......I deal with the manager there......but I suspect that this type of problem is best dealt with a speciality rim/tire shop if you want to stay with OE alloys.

Have the CEL code(s) read at your local Autozone will read them for free. Let us know what the code(s) are and we will be better able to help.

I remember. Have you taken the car to an actual tire shop (as opposed to a general repair shop) to see what they can do or suggest for you? Where abouts in Toronto are you located.......I have some tire contacts I can direct you too if need be. Seems to me you should be able to get those 18's on there. Did you get the 18 with tires already on them, if so what tires?

What exactly are you nervous about? And it's your Best Man's job to keep ya loose.

The 2005 ES is slightly different as I have both average MPG & instant MPG. Steviej.....good point.

Depends on how many miles you put on your car & what the maintenance schedule for your 97 says. The maintenance schedule for my 05 ES calls for every 6 months or 8,000 Km's (5,000 miles) & I will change the oil in late spring (usually late May) & late fall (late November). I like to do it right before the extreme heat of summer & cold in winter personally.....what can I say......I have OCD lol. ;)

How old is the coolant in the car now? This might be a good time to do a full coolant flush (like $60 - $70 & I would use OE coolant this time around with a jug of distilled water you can get at your local supermarket for less than $1) & monitor things.

The funny thing is your current OE stock rims & tires (225 60 16) fit with no problem correct David?

Anytime....good luck.

You don't say what year ES you have. Another suggestion is to contact an auto wrecker or salvage yard (we have one of the largest in Canada....called Standard Auto Wreckers in Toronto & another location is in Niagara Falls NY). You can see if you can get one there.....but at that price, I would bite the bullet & pay the $60......just my .02. Welcome to LOC btw. B)

OE Toyota's are popular, Mobil 1, K & N, Amsoil.....stay clear of Fram.

Best & least expensive suggestion (and to keep your 'manhood' in tact lol :P based on your above comment ) find a set of OE calipers or OE aftermarket of the OE size....and Bob's your uncle......put your 18's on. ;)

I'd be awefully tempted to wait for that 09 AWD model personally....but a really good set of winter rubber on the RWD 08 would do the trick. It's a bit of a catch 22 here......get a larger discount on an 08...but a larger depreciation hit...because the 09's are out soon. Hmmmm......did I mention that the 09 AWD model looks very tempting? :whistles:

^ Agreed.

Looking good! :)

Sweet Blake! B) Very nice looking LS.......and congrats on both your purchase & sale.

Yup, they should be 'plug & play'. Some Lexus dealers might have them in stock as 'take offs' & you might be able to score yourself a good deal. Good luck. B)

Redesign. Not a whole lot going on in my neck of the woods either....SSDD....but that's a good thing. BBQ's, Golfing & enjoying the summer with the Wife & Son. :)

Oh you poor bugger! Lol.....J/K! Congrats! Been married 4 1/2 years myself & a 14 month old Son......wouldn't trade it for the world bud! B) When you ask for tips....did you want tips on the actual wedding day or marriage in general lol? The actual wedding day will seem like a blur to both you & your bride. We had a fairly quick ceremony which was awesome. Agreed....don't get hammered (request your best man follows the same pattern). Other than that, a few deep breaths & enjoy your day! ;)