Lexusfreak

Or perhaps Canada? ;) The RX 330 (amoung other Toyota's like the Matrix, Corolla & soon to be Rav 4 in near by Woodstock, Ont) is built at the the award winning plant in Cambridge, Ontario. So yes, I think the public will accept other 'North American' built Lexi. B) As for when the next gen ES 350 will debut, I think many of us were hoping at the Detroit auto show (we know it isn't the LA show) but that does not appear to be the case.......other possibilities include Geneva in March (but if the ES is going to be strictly for the NA market, I'm not sure how likely that is) or New York in April which seems like it will be if the car is to be offered in the spring of 2006 (according to many automotice sources). Expect a Hybrid offering.......with the possibility of AWD & more HP than the Avalon. B)

My owners manual states to check the fluid when it's hot on a level surface. B) When it's cold, the the fluid is always higher on the dipstick........at the proper level when hot.

Did you replace any other parts other than the spark plugs? At your mileage, you might need a full 'major' tune up (which includes the plugs, wires, PCV valve, air filter & fuel filter). Having the injectors cleaned isn't a bad idea either. B) Where abouts in the Toronto area are you magic? I'm in the north east section of T.O. near the Markham border. ;)

Anyone know what this would cost with the factory AVS suspension? I'm almost afraid to ask to be honest lol.

Whith the scores they have earned they are the tire to beat in my opinion. They will give Michelin a good run for their money in the SUV category for sure! B)

Fairly new tire on the market.....as of early Jan 06, tirerack only shows about 229,000 miles from folks who have purchaed them. Wait until at least 2 million miles are reported to have a better idea of overall performance. ;) 400 treadwear isn't bad, but they aren't cheap to buy either. ;)

Agreed, good choice ZIN. ;)

If your using 2 sets of wheels & tires during the year & not hitting bad potholes or curbs I think your should be fine as long (like you mentioned) as you don't notice any pulling or uneven wear. I usually buy a high mileage A/S tire (Triple Treads) that will last for years so I always do the 4 wheel alignment when I get a tire like that installed, but don't do it again until the next set........some advise getting an alignment once a year regardless, but personally I feel that is overkill & money wasted. B)

The 55 series Falken's & lower series (50,45 etc) start to loose vital grip on slippery surfaces after about 22k - 23k miles, but overall value is still excellent. The 60 & up series even more so & if I had to do it all over again (for my wife's leased Focus - 205 50 16) I would go Falken again as that is a unusual size. B)

I understand what your saying sk & it's a fair point. However, because they don't have their 'own' gas & have to buy their fuels from an existing supplier(s), some folks (me as an example) are careful & very fussy what they put in their tanks (at least in my Lexus & my wife's new Subaru Forester). I'd have more respect if CT contacts me to even say 'we can't disclose that information' rather than stay silent. The main reason I am asking is simple......when I work night shift........a couple of 24 hour CT stations in the east end stay much cheaper (anywhere between 8 - 12 cents per litre) than the other stations (everywhere else change their prices right around midnight.....CT stays cheap until about 5:30 am). B)

I agree Craig.....Ford should have waited for the 3.5L V6, not only for the Zephyr, but the Five Hundred & definately the Freestyle! I personally will never own a Ford........but can't guarantee that for the wife.......her whole family has owned Fords for decades. :whistles: I'm the outcast now that I bought her a Subaru Forester lol. :D

I appreciate your help sk...thanks! B) If you find out, please let me know. For whatever reason, CT seems to want to keep this a secret lol.

Agreed! And the hood ornament too lol.

Bump......anyone?

Happy New Year to All! B)

If you have a trusted mechanic, I would take it to him/her for an inspection & test drive. If you don't have one, ask friends & family where they take their vehicles for service.........the dealer will charge pretty big $$$. ;)

NOS is an aftermarket horsepower upgrade that most folks do to Japanese DOHC engines......I doubt many do that on an 'old fashioned' American V8 like a Lincoln (honestly who put's NOS on a Town Car?) , Hemi or a Chevy small block V8 for example & there are many different ways to get a HP boost in those engines so I'm not sure that is an apples to apples comparo to be honest...... but granted this thread has kind of derailed from my original posting. Bottom line is that whatever vehicle one drives (at least the rule of thumb applies to vehicles that are exposed to harsh winter conditions like road salt etc) an engine & tranny (if maintained & driven properly as stated in a vehicles owners manual) should last the life of the car without any major rebuilds or replacements & the body of the vehicle should give out first. If one has to perform a major engine or tranny rebuild (there are exceptions to the rule....I know that) or replacement generally speaking.....something has been abused, neglected or both by the owner somewhere along the line. B)

No problem bud, couldn't remember what size you purchased. You'll be good for a long time then. :)

they dont have the same tread ife. the ZE512 i have is a 60K treadlife, the tires abouve have a 30K treadlife. and they WILL NOT WORK in the snow. i have a friend who has them on an AWD eclipse, and that car is essentially parked for the winter. no can do with those in the snow. the ZE512 is a better all around general purpose tire. if you want GRIP in the summer and ONLY the summer... the ST115 is better. i find the ST115 is more suited to Hi-po RWD cars, like supras and the like. Agreed Army. B)

Be careful Army as you rack up the miles on the Falken's........they are getting a little weak in the snow traction department after about 22,000 miles on my wife's leased Focus (I'm driving it until we have to take it back in March......Lexus is in my underground). They are only rated in that size (205 50 16) for 30,000 miles anyways. B) mine have the 420 rating, 60K miles. but i will bear that in mind. thanks! Oh right, I forgot you have the 60 series or higher version. ;)

Many motorhomes can run a lot longer than that monarch, that proves nothing.....even with a 4 cyl engine. That tells me it will be grossly underpowered. A vehicle with 100,000 miles is chump change in todays day & age. B)

new tires means wheel alignment? I see people asking about wheel alignments ,but when is this necissary? I always get a 4 wheel alignment when I get a new set of tires installed. I don't hit curbs & such & avoid nasty potholes the best I can. It just ensures good tire wear....especially since one is investing a fair chunk of change in a new set of tires......a 4 wheel alignment is about $60.00 or in that area. ;)

All service & maintenance records accounted for?

This question is for LOC members in & around the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) of Ontario. Just curious if anyone knows specifically where Canadian Tire get's their gasoline(s) from? (IE: Shell, Sunoco, Petro-Canada, Esso etc)? I have contacted CT twice in the last month and a half now & they so far have not responded. If anyone knows, I'd appreciate the info. Thanks! B)

If these are anything like their passenger car Triple Treads......they will be an all out awesome tire! (which I'm driving on with my ES now). :D