SW03ES

Just an independent mechanic that specializes in Japanese cars.

3 seperate people said they're going to remove the panel? The rear quarter panel, the one right underneath the trunk?

Well in 97 there were some changes to some of the emissions components.

See this is why it'd be nice if the LS had a voltage gauge... Its possible that the alternator is systemically allowing the volts to run low. This actually isn't at all uncommon, and if the shop didnt hook up a voltmeter precisely when the problem was taking place, then there'd be no evidence of anything wrong. Its hugely irritating. I had an on off problem with the alternator on my Explorer for a month. It'd get low and the lights would come on, I'd race to the dealership, by the time I got there it'd be normal. I'd pull out, it'd happen again, I'd race back it'd be normal. FINALLY they spotted it on a test drive themselves. It definately sounds like the alternator though, off lights, goes away with RPM, sounds textbook...

The strut is the main component of the suspension, its like a shock, except the counterpart. You either have shocks, or struts. Shocks are cheap, struts aren't. I agree its probably worn struts. Its very possible for them to be bad at only 60k. Push up and down on the hood and then let go. If it doesn settle right level, then the struts are bad.

Do yourself a real favor and find a good import mechanic and take it there. The dealership is just hosing you raw. $600 for a MAF sensor? Rediculous. Will your dad only have it serviced at Lexus? I bet the costs would at least be half at a good import shop.

Yeah, I cant think of any differences between 95-96.

Sorry to hear about it, at least no one was hurt! Hey Todd, do you know what they ever found as the cause of that? Did he fall asleep, or was he on any meds or anything like that?

Who told you you need to replace that panel? Get a second opinion. That actually isn't even a panel, its part of the unibody of the car, its also the roof!. They would need to cut it out with a saw and reweld in another peice, if the damage were that bad. Its not like a fender that gets bolted off and replaced. All they'll do is drill a few holes in the creases, pull them out flush. Then they'll fill and grind the whole area, paint the immediate area and blend to the color, then clearcoat the whole peice. Wont cost more than $500. My dad had the same repair done to his LS. They're blowing smoke at you. They'll do exactly what I said and charge you $2500 for "replacement of the panel" that doesn't exist.

Some 50/50 water/isopropyl alcohol will do it, just dont let it get on the paint.

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I also bring my own oil and filter ;)

Welcome to the site! As for easy to find FAQ info, its in the works B) For all the detailing and washing questions, check out the Inside and Out/Detailing forum. There's lots of active threads in there with products, what they do, how easy they are to use etc. There's also a thread about polishing scratches out of plastic. As for the shaking at speed, the car probably needs a good alignment and a good wheel balance. The LS is very sensitive to unbalanced wheels. You'll have to describe the fluttering sound better for us for a diagnoisis. As for the service, I would reccomend that the 90k be done, but its gonna cost you at Lexus, upwards of a $1000. Maybe try a Toyota dealer, some will work on the Lexuses. One big red flag I see is the height adjustable suspension. If you do a search for it on the forums you'll see that they're incredibly expensive to replace, several thousand dollars for replacement of the struts. A lot of people just have standard struts installed to save the cost. To get the car in 100% condition you'e definately looking at some $$. Others here with older LS' can advise you better as to how much. Its a great car though, welcome to the site!

You mentioned that...

Yep, it'll work great.

Naa, I already told you everything. ;) Jeremy, I do that too, just DONT USE THE SPRAY SOAP THROUGH THE PRESSURE WASHER! Its the same powder soap they use in the wash tunnel. Bring your own soap. The bays are great too because you dont make a mess at your house.

It'll just look different, kind of winged like when compared to the other emblems on the car. This is because the company that chromed the wheels don't have the rights to the symbol and had to create their own.

A member on another detailing board came up with it. Actually back in the 80s and 90s it was Cadillac's remedy. You didnt buy your Lexus new, but when they come new they have a tag hanging from the headrest of the drivers seat, it tells all about the leather and how to properly care for it. Back in the 80s and 90s thats what Cadillac said to do, thats where he got it. It works great. You can use it to clean everything inside the car, the dash, carpet, leather etc. Shiny stuff (glass wood) no, but everything that is plastic or rubber or leather.

What about the other guy who'se the opposite, he's really outside the norm is females cause more accidents? The answer is, niether of you are outside the norm because the population is so huge, your experiences (the sample size) aren't attributable to the population. 4 wrecks isn't a lot. Alls well that ends well I suppose?

Looks great! I miss the white needles on mine (My needles are red) I think they look better white.

Thats how people are everywhere lol.

I was being funny Chris, notice the winky face next to each of my comments? Everyone can like whatever they like, I don't care. Just an attempt at levity On the subject of the stats though, I get them from an independent industry source. Check out www.automotivenews.com its one of the most respected industry publications there is. The stats are real. Think of it this way, if everyone made up their own stats, why wouldn't everyone's cars be the top sellers? BMW beat Lexus this year in total sales by the way... Everyone has the right to express their opinion, I was simply showing that Lexus' design trend must be popular as a whole because the only people that matter to a company, the buyers, are speaking with their checkbooks. They're buying it. I have no problems with opinions, its when people feel their opinion is the only truth does it begin to bother me. For some reason a lot of the new Lexus' meet trouble with the enthusiasts, but hit it off big time with the general buyers. My posting of the stats originally wasn't to show that these people's opinions were wrong, just that Lexus doesn't have to go back to the drawing board, and they didnt make some huge mistake because the car is a successs. The posts of the stats after that were a joke...

Just normal 5W30 is fine. Actually if I were you I'd buy the Lexus oil filter and have them use that, its the best out there.

Clean it off ;) Its possible the leakage from the o ring could be fouling the alternator...

Skip the Lexol cleaner and try a 6:1 dillution of water to Woolite. And good tints will keep the interior MUCH cooler.