SW03ES

Actually the RX came out in 98, they can be had for $15K-18k depending on miles/ condition.

Another idea is to look for a 98 or so RX300 in good condition, gonna cost you a little more... At the 10k number you're looking at a 96 (the first year) to a 98 Rav 4 or a 97 (first year) CR-V. The 96-2000 Rav 4 rating Marginal (less than average) side rating poor (worst classification) http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/98014.htm The 97-2001 CR-V rating narginal, side rating poor. //www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/98017.htm And your 97 LS400 overall Good (highest rating) and is a best pick. Has not been side tested. The LS is infinately a safer vehicle, your insurance may even go up after the swtch.

They probably need to be re-plated.

No, the Gold Class has a lot of solvents and cleaners and it will remove the AIO and SG underneath. If you're going to top a sealant like Klasse its best to do it with a cleaner-less paste wax. P21S is a much better choice.

So what'd you think of the other vehicles?

My opinion? Refinance the LS and keep it for a couple reasons: 1. My fiance's cousin's husband (thats a mouthful lol) has a brand new Rav 4 and their frends have a CRV. We just spent a week with them in Virginia. The little trucklets are nice but they don't have a lot of room at all, I would say the LS has at least as much or more room, my ES has more. The Rav has a lot of room with the seats down or out but not much at all with the seats up. 2. The LS is much safer. Check out the crash test ratings on the year Rav 4 and CRV you'd be looking at. Your family is going to be much more comfortable and more secure in the LS. 3. The LS is longer lasting. 99k is just getting started for the LS, you can expect at least another 99k out of it. The Rav 4 has Toyota quality, but they're not as robust as the Lexuses and definately not as robust as the LS. I went from an Explorer to the ES, and we have 4 ferrets (they ride in a cage that takes up 3/4 of the backseat, and they require more junk than two kids, trust me! (my fiance and I have had many fights about this). Basically what we've had to do is learn to pack better. I'm 99% sure if you try the LS a couple times with the kids and try to pack as well as you can it'll be more than enough space. The main problem with that generation LS is its little trunk.

One more thing, are you sure your foot isn't on the brake. Its automatic for me to put my foot on the brake when I'm sitting still with the motor running. When my dad got his LS400 I thought the memory seats were broken, but it was really just my foot on the brake. Thats unique to the LS400, my ES allows them to be moved when the foot is on the brake so does my Explorer.

The guy at the dealer was lying, you can definately angle them up...

Definately quieter and smoother, no question. It rides like a Lexus should now, totally silent and like driving on glass. Heavy rain tonight and they had plenty of grip. As for the rattles mine never really rattled like yours es14, but the ride is significantly smoother so I think if there were rattles they'd be lessened.

Try using some metal polish on them and see what happens...

Sounds good!

They're the hidden weights, the new wheels don't have a lip to install weights. Its better today but still there, maybe it'll clear up.

Most shops will only charge you $20 to mount and balance a tire...

Wow. Thats something you just don't see every day

The road hazard warranty was $62 and the 4 wheel alignment was $69.99. I always have a full alignment done when new tires are installed.

Thanks!

Yeah George LOL

I got them from Craven tire in Arlington, VA for $630 installed including the road hazard warranty. Thats discounted because the guy came down some to offset the savings from buying them online. You can get them online at www.treadepot.com for $75 a peice in this size. I paid $101 a peice and they retail for $135.

I love them! I just got back from Falls Church, put about 40 miles on them round trip and they ride great. There's a little shimmy at 75+ but the installer thinks they just need to set in, he seems right as its getting better. If its not gone by monday he's going to rebalance the front tires. They're also great looking tires, nice black rubber...

The reason for taking the filter is that Toyota makes the best oil filter out there. You don't want to skimp on the oil filter as it filters out all the contaminants in the oil. I take my own oil to the Lexus dealership because they charge $20 a quart for the Synthetic oil and I can but it for $5. If the quick lube place charges a reasonable amount then there's no reason to take your own oil.

Well I spent the last two days detailing the Lexus after our trip to the VA mountains (it was filthy). Compounded with Meguiars DACP, followed by Wolfgang polish, two coats of Wolfgang sealant, and one coat of Meguiars #16 paste wax. here's the end result: And here are the new Toyo Proxes TPT's! Cool tread :D

Having seen the TS-1's they're definately overkill for the ES. Its a sports tire, the ES isn't a sports car. Got the TPT's on and they ride great! Huge difference! Little shimmy in the front from 75-85ish the guy seems to think it might be settling in since it goes away when being driven at a constant speed. If not he's going to re-balance them Monday. Neat looking tires too, I'll post pics!

My dealer only charges $140 for that service, $110 since I bring my own oil. Other dealers in the are charge over $200 though.

Yes I had an Audiovox SIRS-WB swithcbox installed. Its not an FM modulator it uses the one built into the car cradle for the tuner but it provides a direct connection into the antenna jack filtering out all radio interferance. Sound is a tad better but it really helps by keeping FM stations from braking in. Its a universal plug and should work the same with your 04. Check out www.siriusbackstage.com

Have you tried taking it back to the Lexus dealer and having them look for the rattles? I've had my dealer fix two and they fixed them perfectly both times.