Lexusfreak

I wouldn't go any higher than 17's personally.

Thanks for your vote's everyone!! B)

What tires are you currently running on your GS & are they the stock 235 45 17 stock size? $145 seems very high for a 4 wheel alignment to me......most places (including the Lexus dealers) offer this for $65-$99. And are you looking to replace the tires that have a longer treadwear?

Sounds like it was the STS 'V' model. B)

jkshu, What is your e-mail address or send me your details to mine at: rivmaster91@hotmail.com ......I will send you the details for Lexus of London. Do you have a trade in as well & when are you looking to buy? No experience with the KW Lexus dealer & you won't get much of a better deal in the GTA.

Selling it privately or taking what a dealer will give you (which will be wholesale)?

PCV Valve is dirt cheap & takes a couple minutes to replace....more info here... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCV_valve My fuel filter is a lifetime one to the best of my knowledge & is located in the fuel tank.....your I am not 100% sure of, but I think it's under the hood & is less than $100.

I'm considering getting a set of side window visors & have found several sites that offer them & the prices vary widely. Anyone install these & any opinions / feedback on them are appreciated. I have been told that if you do get them, to stick with JDM or nothing. I just wonder how these will hold up over time too. Here are the sites that I have found that offer them... http://www.weathertech.com/store/mvproduct...3&Year=2005 http://myautofashion.com/es300sidevisor.html http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-Rain-Gu...emZ330226715329

Thanks guy's.....Lexucan, the pics were taken right out of the detail shop, that's why the tires were so 'glazy'.....many detail shops do it that way. ;)

A 'major' tune up consists of the following... - Spark plugs (NGK part # BKR6EKPB-11) - Spark plug wires (if so equipped...somebody will probably chime in on this one way or the other, but the NGK site does list a part #) - Air Filter - Fuel Filter - PCV valve

Did you buy the car from a dealer or privately?

I agree that FWD is very good in bad weather......so is AWD....no question.....I would be willing to bet however the BMW's, Mercedes etc that did spin out still had their all season shoes on & probably not driving at speeds suited to the road conditions though......that's why I mentioned the 'common sense' thing in my previous post. ;)

Yes but he is ok now & back on TV Good to know.....I like him & Jeremy Clarkson....their always good for a laugh. :)

Have you already had the timing belt changed? If not, it's overdue & I would change the WP at the same time. As for your starting problem, it could be a number of things based on your description to dirty injectors, carbon build up in the throttle body, or perhaps a complete 'major' tune up is needed.

I'd take your car into a trusted & reliable mechanic for an inspection. Could be as simple as some suspension bushings. :)

That dude that is a co-host in the video of Top Gear.....wasen't he seriously hurt recently in a crash?

Groucho

If you read the 'fine print' in the ES 350 brochure at the back, it states that 17" tire life expectancy is around 20,000 miles (although it does not specify what brand & model of tire...some ES 350 tires at least in Canada are equipped with Bridgestone's from the factory & some with Michelins). I'm not sure what is mentioned in the owners manual however. Most automakers sadly are more concerned with meeting CAFE standards (so they equip their vehicles with lower rolling resistance tires), with traction & treadlife is much lower on their priority list. Personally, right after getting new tires installed I take my cars to their respected dealers (in my case Lexus & Subaru) for 4 wheel alignments.....but that's just me & their prices are within $10 of any tire shop.

That was cool dc!! :D What a rush that must have been. ;)

I disagree....with today's technology & using common sense.....if you have a well balanced weight ratio (say as close to a 50% front & rear as possible...or there abouts) RWD car, add all the traction / stability 'nannies' that most vehicles come with these days (especially mid to higher end vehicles) & install a good set of winter tires......you will be more than fine to tackle a northeast winter or even a winter in Colorado.....one would have a very good arguement that what I just mentioned would trump any FWD vehicle equipped the same way. ;) RWD is easier to control in skids & such (imo) because the front wheels are not doing all of the work. I've driven mostly FWD vehicles myself, & owned 2 Subaru Foresters (still own one).....so I am familiar with the benefits of AWD as well (again with the proper tires.....otherwise why bother?)....but many put too much stock in them & have a tendency to be way over confident especially in the bad stuff.......at the start of every winter, why is it I see an SUV (with AWD) as the first vehicle in the ditch.......every time without failure? If one was driving a 1989 Cadillac Brougham (for example), I would have to agree with you on the FWD is better that RWD matter.....but not today. B) Don't get me wrong....I'm not knocking FWD vehicles.....I just don't believe they are better than RWD for traction in snow & ice.

Phase One: Completed - Just got the car back from my detailer.....completely detailed, rust-proofed/undercoated & last but not least tinted with Solar Gard 22% charcoal tint on all windows. Phase Two will consist of new ES 350 alloys & new tires probably in about a month (tires are on back order). What a difference the tint makes & I am extremely happy with how the car is starting to look (sorry for the quick pics....will update when phase two is complete). In the meantime.....enjoy! B)

As long as folks stay on topic....all should be fine. ;) Like oil, there are lot's of opinions out there because of so many products available & nothing wrong with that.....oil is still the much more touchy subject though. ;)

Update: I've lucked out with my servicing dealer.....they just just delivered a new 2008 & they have the 'take off's' from the car.....I went to see them & everything is roses.....got a sweet deal & picking them up tomorrow. :D I almost took a trip to Rochester NY because I couldn't find any on this side of the border. Glad I waited because duty would have been a pain....not to mention gas for the return trip. Now my darn tires are on back order until mid-May!

I agree with this too Josh....make a few calls & Git R done bud! B)

Hey, is that Christine??? lo l....very nice dc. :D