SW03ES

I would definately choose the TL over the IS.

Sounds right in line with what we've been seeing and reading. Craig- I posted pics of the 05 ES330 about 3 weeks ago if you'd like to look at them ;)

No problem, let us know what the dealer says. My guess is though that its "normal" and just has something to do with the construction of the passenger side of the dash and how it reacts to heat. I never notice it during the winter, for instance.

Oh yes! We were at the beach for the past two weeks and the car was sitting outside the whole time in the sun (what sun there was, out of 14 days only 4 were sunny) and I noticed it was worse than usual. It actually can be startling at times, and always seems like its coming from the passenger side of the dash. I can only equate it to a house settling. My best guess is that its some part of the structure or interior of the car settling after its been sitting. It doesn't happen except for in the first 10-15 minutes of driving. Its garaged at home, but I noticed the cracking was louder while it was sitting outside at the beach. I guess its normal, I've never had a car do that before though, even a previous LS400 nor the 04 LS430 my dad drives now. The wood veneers for instance in the ES are real I suppose it could be them expanding and contracting (the air conditioning rapidly changing the temperature of the interior and the internals of the dash as the air circulates through the system) with temp, but again my dad's LS430 doesn't do that and it has as much if not more wood than the ES. After about 15 minutes of driving and once the interior reaches a comfortable temp it stops. Its definately strange. See what your dealer says, I've never brought it up with mine but I will at the next service stop.

Which makes sense...

I know on my dad's LS the tip down feature is only activated when the mirror switch is left in the "left mirror" position.

I think you'll find a lot of SC430 owners replace the run flats with ordinary tires because they ride so hard...

I took the 300C for a spin about three weeks ago. I too love the styling, definately a huge step forward for Chrysler. BUT, the car isn't a luxury car, at least not one that can compete with any Lexus (let alone an LS430) doesn't feel nearly as refined as my car although it does ride well. It has rough edges in its engineering, engine a little bit coarse etc. Interior materials while put together very well for a Chrysler are still not of as high quality owners of Japanese and German luxury cars are used to. Its a great Chrysler, but not a serious alternative to something like a Lexus or BMW. Maybe a Cadillac. I would still buy my ES300, even though its front drive and only a V6.

Can't allow this to continue guys, sorry. Sharing carfax accounts is theft, and we can't condone that here at the LOC.

He's probably lying to you. There's no way the current LX470 (which is now 7 model years old) will be held until 2009 for redesign.

You cannot replace the Lexus master key without replacing the ECU if both master keys are lost. This is a safety feature meaning a theif cannot duplicate the radio frequency the key uses to start and open the car without first obtaining one of your keys AND having access to your car's ECU. As long as you have a key that will start and run the car in all honesty I'd just pay for an aftermarket keyless entry system as it will be MUCH cheaper for you. I ordered another master key and put it in my safe deposit box to ensure this would never happen to me.

No, the only way to update the system is to use Lexus' DVD disc.

Actually its not out of the historical norm at all for Lexus. Lexus has issued recalls on a few transmissions and has a couple inherant problems with their transmissions and V6 engines to neccesitate extended warranties. All companies have their problems, Lexus just has better PR than most. Lexus is a great car, one of the best on the road but it isn't perfect. Seriously, I wouldn't be concerned. According to Lexus techs the repair is very simple and straightforward, replacing a transmission is not a complicated repair. What other problems have you had? Can you describe the transmission lag? My father has an 04 and he hasn't had any problems at all.

Ditto VMF's comment. Any further posting off topic will be removed.

I believe there is a 3 year warranty on the chrome, beyond that you're on your own :( Since you're also out of the 4 year 50k bumper to bumper warranty I highly doubt they'll cover it.

I looked at the A6 before I got my ES. Beautiful car with a beautiful interior but I just couldn't get excited about the interior or about Audi reliability. The new A6 looks more appealing though.

Bear in mind though, I've never read a review of YOUR generation ES that calls it fun to drive. Most automotive editors believe the fun to drive factor ended after 1996. So regardless of what anyone says, you may find the current ES more fun to drive then they do. It is a good bit heavier and smoother feeling than your 97 though. There's always aftermarket shocks ;)

The second one is an imitation Lexus logo. You see them a lot on aftermarket Lexus chrome wheels because the chroming company can't use the Lexus symbol. Toyota is INCREDIBLY strict about unauthorized usage of their symbols.

Agreed, sounds like the readout is working properly. You've got to remember thats current consumption, not average. Its the economy the car is getting at that particular moment in time. In order to average say 20MPG you'd have to get higher mileage some times.

No, love the Toyos! Hated the Bridgestones ;)

I stand corrected, apparently you do get a $200 gas card. Cool, go Lexus.

Excellent work! I'm "GoodnClean" on Autopia BTW ;)

Griots interior cleaner is excellent...

Naa, just use liquid tide and you can use a cupful of vinegar with the final rinse if you want which will do essentially what the microfiber detergent does.

If you can feel it with your fingernail then it can be made to look better, but not completely repaired. You can have a professional wetsand and touch up the scratch, but that isn't at all something you want to do yourself. The Lexus black is quite thick though...