Lexusfreak

I've noticed a pretty big difference in the highway RPM's between my 01 & 05 ES because of the 5 speed automatic.....I was doing about 75 MPH on an hour and a half drive back from the dealership.....I was doing only about 2200 RPM's.

Strange......both my ES's had/have the AVS suspension.....not that difficult at all to find in Ontario.

I just have the standard suspension. The AVS suspension option sounds pretty cool, but could'nt find many used 05's around here with that option. I want to keep my ride relatively soft as that is one of the things that I like about the lexus - (the soft, comfortable ride with minimal road noise and good isolation from bumps), but then I think the 17 inchers should give a bit better feel for cornering and handling, which I agree is a bit lackluster. Anyway, not much I can do about it unless I buy a set of smaller 16 inch rims, which I wont do unless it would make a major difference. It won't make a major difference. Just stick with tires for your OE 17" alloys....you'll be fine. :) The only thing I would suggest is if you do decide to get a set of winter tires down the road, get a set of Lexus 16" (2002 - 2006 ES) alloys from an autowrecker or salvage yard for dirt cheap & just install the winter rubber on them.

Agreed.

The ride from the 17's will likely be slightly more frim (but not by very much at all) because of the shorter sidewall (60 ratio on the 16's vs. 55 ratio for the 17's). Do you have the standard suspension set up (IE: does your car have the strut tower brace) or do you have the AVS suspension option? The 17's will also fill the wheel well out a little more.

My two choices in an all season would be either the Goodyear Triple Tread (a good chance that's what I will be going with from past experience) or the Yokohama Avid H4S/V4S. Both can be found on tirerack.

It doesen't hurt to ask, but I wouldn't bet the ranch on it. :whistles: Another idea is when you get new tires, keep the old ones & sell them.....that way you get a few $$ back at least.

This is my second ES. Not sure about the U.S. but the 17's in Canada were equipped with Bridgestone Turanza EL 42's as OE (and the previous owner replaced them with the same as the tires are pretty much brand new.....but still aweful in anything but dry pavement). Check out the ratings here from tirerack... http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?ti...inSpeedRating=H These are not the be all & end all of tire ratings however......more of personal opinions, but I do concur with most of the comments. I can't wait to get these things off.

Never mind.....I got the 2005 ES with the 17" alloys anyways lol.

On our honeymoon (2004) we drove down to Florida (in my 2001 ES) & one of the most scenic drives was the 7 mile bridge in the Florida Key's.....absolutely gorgeous. There is an air base in there as well & we were lucky enough to have a fighter jet fly overhead during our drive.....that was awesome! B)

I'd do the Seafoam too personally.

I'd probably have to go with a Toyota Avalon. I've always had a 'soft spot' for Cadillacs though (Dad owned 3 of em) & I really like the styling of the new CTS.....but I've been told several times that you should only own a Caddy if it's under warranty. B) But GM has made vast improvements in quality (hopefully reliability) & good product in the last year or so. I'd buy another Subaru too. ;)

Been there done that with the Proxes TPT's....they started off pretty good in the first winter I had em, but downhill after that lol.

The OE's are very good....I agree. The best I've ever used though has to be the Bosch ICON's. B)

I had this exact complaint on my 2001 ES.....that is normal & is designed that way....you will notice when the car warms up that it's not a concern right? One suggestion to improve this slightly is to switch to synthetic ATF on your next fluid change.

Agreed boston.....but don't expect the credit though......just be careful in the snow or take the outback. B) Sadly, Lexus (and most automakers) gear their tire choices for fuel economy (low rolling resistance) & a quieter ride as opposed to optimum traction & long treadlife.

Nothing mentioned in the owners manual?

I'd be interested in this info as well just in case I need it down the road.....the wood we have in our interiors btw boston I think is called Burled Walnut. ;) The lighter shade of wood with the beige interior is Maple.

I'd consider Amsoil Synthetic ATF (compatible with both Dexron & Toyota type IV fluids). More info here... http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/atf.aspx It's fanstastic stuff (especially in extreme cold weather) & I will be putting it in my 2005 ES this spring. :) Also had it in my previous 2001 ES.

I too just picked up my 2005 ES 330 yesterday (absolutely everything including the AVS suspension, but no Nav)....the car has the 17" alloys (215 55 17) & the tires are fairly new but they replaced them with the OE Bridgestone Turanza EL 42's.....to be blunt.....these tires on anything but dry pavemenet are worthless & complete garbage. When I have the funds, I will be going with a set of Goodyear Triple Treads (H speed rating which is fine for a vehicle like the ES, even though they put a V speed rated tire on it). The Michelin's are a good choice as well....but the TT's have better overall wet & winter traction with a longer treadlife and are less expensive. I personally will pass on a second set of winter tires & rims as If the weather is that bad.....I will just take my wife's Subaru Forester with full time AWD with the Triple Treads. ;)

Picked her up this morning.....and in a nutshell.....I'm in heaven! :) What a ride!

Up to the 2001 MY, Lexus/Toyota used the red 'Toyota long life' coolant......2002 - 2006 used Pink 'Toyota Super Long Life' coolant (not sure what the 2007+ use if I am honest). When I had my 2001 ES, I was told to use nothing but the OE red stuff which I did....never had any trouble (even though I looked into several different types of coolants....including Dex-Cool). I would suggest to have your system flushed again using OE coolant......just to be safe. btw....I asked a few Lexus tech's at the time if I could use the SLLC (pink) in place of the LLC.......all answers were the same....no.

Thanks cool & you betcha.....Lexus dealer & CPO. :)

I'll check it out Steve.....thanks. :)

Got an error message Steve....says the link is outdated or broken.