SW03ES

I have a coworker that has a GX that I've ridden around in a lot the past few days and its very nice, as is the LX. Both are really expensive though, even used.

Nope, I was looking for the adaptive lighting too, doesn't have it.

Just an oil change and tire rotation. I was shocked, but I was already there and the warranty work needed to be done so. Thats gonna be the last time. I could put it into an independent mechanic and rent the best car Enterprise has (Cadillac/Lincoln) and STILL probably be $100 cheaper than the dealer AND not have to worry about them washing it and scratching it all up. I gotta put a stop to that... This is a different dealer, I switched because the last dealer rammed my car into something. The other dealer charged $160 for the service. I dont get it because the dealers are only off on hourly rate by a couple dollars. I'm going to ask that it be explained to me when I pick it up. This is the dealer that tried to charge me $20 a quart for synthetic oil so... I dont get the feeling that these guys are going to be helpful in trying to get Lexus to fix the problem, they took the position that "Thats weird, they probably wont be able to do anything about it if they can't replicate it" and when I mentioned the other warranty work the other dealer had already authorized (buzzing rearview mirror, secondary steering shaft looseness, and a serpentine belt that squeals on startup) they replied "we'll check it out". I have a feeling I'm going to get called tomorrow and get "We couldnt replicate any of those things, come and get it".

It wont go on your driving record, the one the state has, but it will make your insurance go up, since there have been two in a short period...probably a good bit up even if the other accident wasn't your fault. It will be added into your clue profile, thats a database insurance companies use to assess risk. So, if you go to apply for new insurance for instance they pull a clue record on you and see those accidents its going to affect your rate. Jim (1990LS400) is the guy to ask about all of this. I know what little I know from knowing insurance agents and what I know about homeowners insurance (they use clue records for homes also, homes that have several claims sometimes cannot be insured even by new owners buying from previous owners) because of claims the first owners filed when they owned the house. Sucks).

As far as safety from injury there aren't many cars you'd be safer in during an accident than a Lexus, if you mean safer from damage an SUV is less likely to be damaged to the extent your ES was in a similar accident.

They MIGHT fit...

Congrats! The Jade green/black is a beautiful combo, not to mention rare.

Lease, no question. When you're self employed you can write as much as 100% of the lease payment off of your taxes which will make leasing MUCH more cost effective for you than buying in the long run. Unless you plan on keeping the car a long time I'd lease it. The main disadvantage to leasing is the mileage constraints and the added risk of building no equity in the vehicle. With a purchase you can always refinance the car and try and stay in it if your circumstances change etc, whereas with a Lease you dont have that option.

The 05 loaner I have has auto tilt down mirrors when the car is shifted to reverse, how hard would this be to do on an 03? Any ideas?

But it IS a different car with different gearing and different power curves, different traction control and skid control systems. The prosecution rests :D

Josh- Right or wrong you're definately going to be at fault, the driver in the rear always is. They dont have to issue you a ticket for you to be at fault. You can cause an accident and not have commited any violations, inattention isn't a violation.

I wouldn't. If you want to try something, try a Mr Clean Magic Eraser.

wwest, I'll just say again, wait and see.

One thing you've got to realize is had you not: 1. Hit a truck with a bumper higher than yours 2. Been in a car worth so little it wouldn't have been totalled. That damage was 5k or so with used parts, had it been a newer car worth more they definately would have repaired it istead of writing it off. The LS wouldnt have been any sturdier in that accident, the car did what it was designed to do, fold up. The only reason an SUV wouldnt have is because the bumper would have been the same height. SUVs nowadays are built like cars anyway because they're cheaper and safer that way.

I fully agree lol

301, if I dont get time tonight I will tomorrow.

I dont see any difference in the power myself. The engine sounds a little throatier than my 3.0, but thats a good or bad thing depending on your opinion. Another interesting observation is the headlights aren't nearly as bright as the ones in my ES, which is strange as the projectors are supposed to be brighter.

Oh I know I can do brakes lol. I think I remember someone on the board owns an idependent shop that does Lexuses. We're heading out to dinner now, I'll call when I get back.

But it IS a different car...

I'm not saying theres NO dust, theres just no more or less than usual. Money's no object, Lexus would charge me $600 to put their pads on, they're charging me $240 for an oil change now (prices went up) I need to find an independent shop, especially as the warranty period comes to an end.

If its small I would buy touchup pen and use that, anything substantial I'd let a body shop handle though.

Very possibly...

Except that its a different color and a different trim package ;) Looks great! The 04 17s look great on it too.

The rotors aren't scored or glazed, they look normal. I'll post a pic of them you all will know better. No extra dusting either. Thats what I was thinking too, it must be something in the composition of the pads. Can't be a coincidence that it happens at a similar stage of life. Must be a problem with all the cars with this brake system, wonder why the problem isn't more widespread. If they won't replace them this time I will buy a set of pads myself with good reccomendations and just change them out myself.

Oh the layout of the interior is superb, same as in my 03. The only thing thats changed is the tone of that plastic trim. I agree about the Infiniti, that "fake alluminum" look is very garish.