SW03ES

He either let you win, wasn't actually racing, or doesn't know how to drive it LOL. No way an ES could beat a standard Boxster, let alone a Boxster S.

Quite the contrary in my experience, people tend to think its a much more expensive car than it actually is.

VMF, Very true there. Denny, I also agree that finding a good shop you trust can make car repair much easier, and less expensive.

You're kidding... The M3 is much more complicated to work on... You sure we weren't talking about a fear factor here? ;)

You're probably going to be looking at $800 or so for that service from Lexus. If I were you I'd call around to a Toyota dealer or two and see what they'll charge you. As for the clicking and the squealing, probably the squealing can be solved by resurfacing the rotors, you'll have to describe the clicking better for me though.

Guys, we're getting a little melodramatic about the Lexus here. Its not a Ferrari, its a large, easy to work on Japanese car. Anyone can work on a Lexus, nothing so special about it that it requires special expertise. Its not like a BMW, Mercedes, or VW in that fashion. Thats one of the great things about it, you're not tied to the dealer. Lexus techs are just that, techs. They're not "the best mechanics on earth" or anything. They just happen to be employed by Lexus. I mean, if we were replacing an engine or something that would be different, but its just a strut. Take it to Midas. As long as they're doing Lexus parts, then whats the difference? Go for it. Their techs are trained on a wide variety of vehicles, including Toyotas/Lexuses. Just make sure they'll stand by their work like anyone should and you'll be 100% fine. I would probably hold the timing belt for someone more experienced also though. No reason they can't change spark plugs though. Better yet like was said above, the thing for you to do is find a small shop that you can get to know the owners and such, then you'll get inexpensive, high quality repairs that you know are done right. I reccomend this to everyone. I do want to give you some advice though. You really want to replace BOTH the struts on the same axle depending on the age of the car. Otherwise the handling dynamics of the car will be adversely affected and it could be a safety issue. Ask the shop what that would run you. Its like replacing one tire and not a pair. If I were you, I'd put some of those other items on hold and replace both the struts for safety.

There are companies that sell manual ones. I agree with Alan about the power one though. I'd say buying parts and installation, $2500 or so.

I obviously love the new style as I purchased one. It takes a lot of getting used to, but I love it now. I get a lot of compliments on it, its really a unique looking car. As for looking like the Camry, I think the older models look a lot more like their Camry counterparts than the current one. The only similarity I can see is in Size, and a family resemblence you're going to see with all Toyota models. I honestly was never interested in the old model ESs, the only one that I found appealing was the 00-01, and I dislike the interior on it, its too bland and somewhat cheap. To me it always looked and felt like an entry level car. The new one however looks and feel much more expensive. I'd say the buying public has agreed, because they sell far more new ones than they did old ones.

Do you have any boating, or outdoor sports (camping, kayaking etc) stores around you? They'll have the 303 Aerospace.

If you look in your owners manual you'll see two maintenance schedules, the normal interval, and the heavy use interval. The Lexus dealer always uses the heavy use schedule. No reason to go sooner than 7 months.

Naa thats not going to help here, the computer that hits the shift points is programmed incorrectly.

Yep, about 3 months ago, run a search.

Don't ever put windex on the seats again, aside from removing all of the moisture, the strong chemichals easily remove the dye. I'd also be leery of hairspray for the same reason. Generally I would try something light, and then move up from there. Get a spray bottle and mix Woolite laundry detergent with water, 6:1 dillution. Spray some on the area, and gently massage it in with your hands, then remove with a towel. Try this several more times and see where you get. Post back and let us know.

Yep, and there's not supposed to be any change in equipment or appearance.

Yes, I really like it too. The LS430 has manual shades for the rear side windows as well.

The needles are actually very tiny florsescent tubes, they're not lit at the center like normal cars. At least not on my 03, or on the LSs I've driven.

Why hesitant to buy online? I buy all my detailing products online?

You can get them from several places like I have, its custom cut to the shape of the windshield, and they're thick so they dont crumple apart. They cost around $50. www.griotsgarage.com has them. Its true about the black not showing wear. Sit in two say 95 LS400s, one with black one with tan, which one looks better?

From what I've heard several thousand dollars, to put more distance between it and the IS.

Sure, you can negotiate on a warranty just like anything else.

Yeah wow, I know the market is soft... Thing is though, you can get a 03 for a lot more than 3,000 off. Thats not much of a deal actually.

Sounds like a catalytic converter. You should have them checked.

Hell, you never know.

303 Aerospace, and pretty much all the good stuff wont be possible to find in a car store, you'll have to get it online. The 3M wont be harmful like the ArmorAll no. Its a quality product.

I LOVE the black interior. I had grey for a long time, and the black is just so stylish and elegant looking. Doesn't show as much wear or dirt, you never seem to get tired of it, where I got very tired of grey. Plus black is also an excellent contrast for the wood. Its just beautiful. Doesn't get that hot either, with the solar tint glass and all. Just get a sunshade for the windshield and remember to pull the shade over the moonroof. Silver on black doesnt get hot at all. Here's the ES with the black. This isn't mine as I dont have a digital camera that works, but mine's identical.