SW03ES

Well everything that comes in a raised white letter can be mounted blackwall side out so that shouldn't be a huge concern for you. The Michelin LTX M/S doesn't look like a truck tire mounted black side out. Does Pirelli have a ride guarantee where you can swap the tires if you aren't happy with them?

Is it possible to go back? No lol

In my experience Dunlop tires have very poor treadwear.

It probably means it was repainted.

Well don't.

Its one of the first things I recall my dad commenting on back when he first got his old 98 LS, that the windows said Toyota not Lexus. Smart of them to change that I suppose.

Just sounds like bad alignment to me...

Yep, older white used to be single stage too, Lexus white never was Lexus white is a pearl tri coat.

This is incorrect ;) His Alabaster ES definately no question has a clearcoat. The only Lexus color that does not have a clearcoat (sometimes) is Lexus black and this is because they feel the clear makes swirls more noticeable. Lexus red and yellow on the IS are also single stage, but every other color has a clearcoat. When detailing a car it is very clear whether it has a clear or not, if it has no clear your buffing pads will turn the color of the car. My black garnet ES definately has a clear, my fathers 04 Flint Mica LS definately has a clear, his old silver 98 LS definately had a clear and the myriad of other Lexus' I've detailed all had clears unless they were black. Unclearcoated black does scratch very easily but it is much easier to repair scratches on a single stage paint job than a base coat/clear as clearcoat is very hard. Hard means its hard to scratch but also hard to fix and easy to chip. Single stage is actually easier to buff because it is HARDER to buff through than just a clearcoat because it is much thicker. Single stage and dual stage paint are the same thickness, single stage is just two different kinds of paint in that same thickness while dual stage is 3. Primer is beneath both.

Morton's is great but I've eaten at the Palm a couple times and I almost think they may have a better Steak...

After 2001 All US Lexus say "Lexus" on the glass also. Apparently several owners complained about staring at "Toyota" on the windows. My ES and my dad's new 04 LS both say "Lexus" on the glass. big- Please don't be rude...

LF- Was your guy thinking about Xpel?

I actually find that the ES stays cleaner longer than other cars because it is so aerodynamic. All cars splash up when you hit a puddle, its just the nature of the beast. If its really a problem you could have mud flaps installed that should help somewhat. The Lexus is a nice car, but it is still a car. If it gets hit with a rock it will chip, if it is driven on wet roads it will become dirty. This is true for all cars. If anything these things are more prevolent on luxury cars because owners are so passionate and keyed into them. Its just something every new car owner is going to have to face, unless they want it to sit in the garage its going to be in danger of damage. I don't have a clear bra but I wish I did. I have probably 5 chips on the whole front end (after 25k miles) each are as well touched up as they could be, but I know they're there (others think I'm insane though). If I had a clear bra though the line would probably bother me, but I'm just like that. You can wax right over them actually just not compound. Check out www.clearbra.net

I don't know of any spray on chip deflectors, I'm almost certain they are talking about a clear bra. A clear bra is a adhesive material applied to the front end and the mirrors that makes the paint impossible to chip. It will look 99% invisible on the Alabaster. They're expensive though. Waxes/sealants will help protect the finish from the elements but it won't help against chipping. Its not a paint quality thing, its just that paints from different carmakers are different.

Lexus paint chips very easily on the light colors, its not because its soft but because its hard. Dark colors have very soft paint and on't chip that easily, but they scratch easier. By clear coat on the front i assume you mean a clear bra? Definately a wise investment and almost invisible. Not much that can be done about chipping, its simply a luck of the draw thing. All you can do is get a clear bra or become good at touch ups. As for the waxing, thats a common misconception that you should wait to wax it. Cars are cured in a superheated oven at the factory and by the time the car gets to you the paint has long since cured. In fact, it was waxed by the dealership before you took delivery unless you asked them not to. You can definately wax now. As to what to use and how to use it I suggest you check out our detailing forums by clicking the link at the top of the ES forum page. All the info you could possibly need/want can be found in there ;)

Does your wheel have the chrome Lexus logo on it? If so it will work, if not it will not. I believe they changed the wheel to the new one with the wood option in 01.

The Michelin is definately a good tire, they're just overpriced. They're not a fantastic tire, read around at some reviews. I'm VERY happy with my Toyo TPTs, I'm glad I listened to Lexusfreak.

Which premium edition, Coach, Platinum or SportDesign? I'd check ebay.

Most Lexus dealers won't even lease their Certified Pre Owned cars, it just doesn't work out. You could almost lease a new ES for what you would pay to lease a CPO one from Lexus (You can lease an ES300 for under $400 a month). The Money Factors are just all out of whack for the used cars. Plus, why lease something older that you might have to put some serious cash into (tires, brakes) when its not yours? The allure of leasing is you geta new car every 3 years and you never have to do any repairs, plus the tax benefits if you qualify. I think what Jrag is saying makes a lot of sense. I see a lot of people on here buying 10, 11, even 14 year old cars and complaining about vibrations problems, worn mounts etc because "Its a Lexus and it should be perfect". 14 years is an entire lifetime of use, people expect too much from these cars.

Give the dealer a chance. All cars have little things, even when only 3 days old. They know how to fix it, they will fix it, and they'll give you a loaner while they work on it. Why would they let you trade cars when its a problem they know exactly how to fix? Odds are they'd have to fix the new one they gave you also, JMHO.

Really? I didn't think it was availiable yet.

By keyless entry do you mean smart entry where you wont need the key to unlock or start the car (like in the Prius and LS430)? Yes I'm almost positive it will, XM radio also.

I LOVE eating out at nice restaurants, its probably my favorite "out" activity.

Really? I'll have to see if there's a TSB out for the ES too...

Nope, Alan on the ES forum is in his 70s ;)