Lexusfreak

Correct ^...an aweful location (very messy when you try & change the filter) ....and it's a smidge to the left.

Yeah, I looked at those wheels for my 2005 ES...they were a no go for mine too.

+1 ^ Also when you said you did a 'tune up' what parts exactly did you replace? & yes what about the tire pressure?

How much does Toyota charge for it per qt.?

Should we merge this thread with the one in the general discussions? lol And I know it's not the LS...not a half bad 1st attempt by Hyundai though as just on the styling alone they were influenced heavily on the LS styling & I think they thought it was 1989 all over again. ;)

Nice write up Steve...I am going to check all 3 of those of very closely at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto next month...I have heard dozens say great things about the Hyundai...I also like the fact it's offered with a V6. It might sound silly to some perhaps...but I have even read in a couple of auto mags come out & state...why would one pay $25k+ for the Lexus LS when you can get pretty much all the same toys in the Genesis (kind of the same when Lexus hit N.A. shores back in '89 & they compared to all the European Luxury brands...and handed them their own butts in the process)...I'd like to take both out for a drive to see for myself...can one justify that much extra coin for the Lexus now? Would make for an interesting comparo...don't you think? ;) I hear you about the 'image' & styling thing though...why does Hyundai not seem proud showing who makes their 'flagship' vehicle except on the trunk lid? One needs to wonder. And for me, it does look a bit like a cross between a Benz & an LS IMO...from the late 90's / early 2000's however....but they definately have come a long way.

Can you post pics of the bumper? What is the problem with the paint to begin with?

Thanks camlex...that explains the straining on the really cold starts lately. I have my eye on an Interstate Mega-Tron Plus group size 24F....CCA's - 800....also an 84 month warranty. Anyone currently have or have used this battery?

The 100% city driving as SW & I have mentioned is the killer here imo (and I agree all things considered that is decent mileage)...regarding the sparkplugs...they have been in the car for 6+ years now, regardless of mileage (in our case Km's)...might be something you want to consider in the future....and the PCV valve is dirt cheap & a plug & play item.

Any idea what the CCA's are on the Lexus battery?

Can you translate the 23-24 kps into PSI for me (I keep all tires at 33 PSI)? I use nothing but synthetic fluids as well...Amsoil 0W 30 for oil. 100% city driving might give you your answer...and I will refer back to adjusting your foot to help increase that...although it will only be slightly. Don't waste your money on premium fuel....our ES's can run & is recommended to use regular 87 octane. The only two other items I would consider would be new spark plugs (considering it's an 04 & probably the originals) & a PCV valve change...in addition to you changing the air filter. Just curious, what tires are you driving on?

Before you noticed this, what did you use to get as far as mileage is concerned? Are all your tire pressures correct? Do you carry much extra weight in the trunk of your ES? I am averaging 9.7L per 100 Km's on my 2005 ES 330 or 29.12 MPG (UK) or 24.2 MPG (US) with a mix of 30% city & 70% highway driving the last 6 tanks of gas (and according to the cars fuel economy calculator on the dash that I think your 2004 is equipped with as well)....using Sunoco regular (87 octane) & I currently am running 4 winter tires. The 2004 - 2006 ES models call for regular fuel...not premium fuel (the 2002 - 2003 ES 300's did however). Something is not right...but it also might be as simple as 'adjusting your foot' as another member mentioned above...works wonders.

Steve's...both Steviej & SW...what batteries are you currently running? I still have the original one in my ES...no issues...but I think this will be the last winter before it needs replacement & can you confirm that it's a group 24F or 35 that the ES needs? I'm pretty sure the 24F is the correct size with the smaller group 35 as a backup option.

The previous owner of mine had the system replaced 3 times under warranty.....I guess 3rd time is a charm because it's worked flawlessly for the last 2 years.

Agreed...sounds like a very decent price.

No...you can't use that ATF in your ES 350 as it's a completely different ATF...you will need a fluid that meets Toyota WS (World Standard) specs (double check your owners manual). Other than Toyota, the only other possibility I know of is Amsoil. More info here... http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atl.aspx And welcome to LOC. :)

I'd go with a proper set of winter tires & a seperate set of high performance summer or all seasons during the warm weather personally....you won't get the traction you are looking for in an all season tire that performs well in the winter...regardless of AWD or not.

At what mileage & time frame did you start noticing the problem you describe?

Bump for 2010...and these ratings have been revised for the 2009 - 2010 winter season.

It's funny...many (not all) of the ladies don't seem to get that part...several years ago when I was just dating my now Wife...we went to a mall...I parked 'out of harms way'....about middle of the lot...it was during the week so not too busy & a nice day to walk a few extra steps...long story short....I got an ear full when I did that...so what did I do?....I put the car in drive.....& went to the very back of the parking lot....oh about 3 times the walk now....and there was complete silence in the car! I have never got an ear full since...at least about where I park my cars at the mall! :whistles:

SWoods, What Lexus dealership are we talking about here (you can send me a PM if you do not want to mention the dealer publicly)? I own a 2005 ES 330 also with the AVS suspension options & with 100,000 Km's on it (the strange thing is I know it's a rare feature in our parts...but both ES's I have owned have had this feature). I have noticed too that when it's on the firmest setting (sport) that it is definately not the most comfortable setting on the streets of London Ontario (I live in St. Thomas & work in London) & the harshness is even worse in the cold winter months....so why put it on that setting? One has to remember that our ES is not a sports sedan or high performance vehicle...the AVS feature is almost a moot point in our cars anyways....but at the same time, I did not pay any extra for it buying both of mine as CPO vehicles...I could care less if my next vehicle has this option or not...but I leave the settings between the second & third and to me, those settings are pretty close to what the non AVS equipped ES's ride like. I service mine exclusively at Lexus of London & have for 2 years now...I find them to be fantastic overall. One issue I did have right after I took delivery (and this should have been caught by the selling Lexus dealer in Brampton during the CPO inspection) was the steering knuckle required replacement & gave a clunking sound when going over potholes...this is a cronic problem with our generation ES (2002 - 2006)....have you had this part looked at & / or replaced? Also I would suggest to have the rear suspension bushings checked out...the ones on my previous 2001 ES needed replacement after 115,000 Km's.....total parts & labour if memory serves...about $130.

Awesome video! Thanks for that. B) I really like the changes to the 2010 as well.....come 2012 I have two on my short list....the 2010 ES & believe it or not, a 2010 Cadillac CTS 3.6 DI AWD....in pearl white! I really like the styling of the new CTS. :whistles:

That sounds quite reasonable to me Steve...how many miles on her now & have you decided to fix it or trade up?

That is a very good suggestion ^

Welcome to LOC! Try this link & put in the info... http://www.wheelsmaster.com/rt_specs.jsp