Duckman

On your key fob, push the "LOCK" button together with the "UNLOCK", "TRUNK" or "PANIC" button for about 5 seconds with the engine switch off. As you do this, look at the multi-information display in the dashboard. It will show you which setting you have selected. It will change from Unlocking the Drivers door, to Unlocking the side doors, to Unlocking a single door, to Unlocking all doors. (The icon will be a car with 4 doors open). I hope that helps you out. Duckman

I had my car in today so they could tighten up the touchscreen display. It was squeaking in the cold weather...driving me nuts. They let me know about the fuel line service notice and told me that there had been only one reported incident of a gas leak. Not to belittle other auto makers, but it would seem that Chrysler or GM would have not recalled anything until either hundreds or thousands of reported incidents had occured...or worse...a fire. I may be way off on that, but that is my perception...and in terms of buying a car, and a car company, perception for me is reality. This is one of the reasons that I buy Lexus vehicles...the company will take care of you. --Duckman

The dealer told you to use the wrong type of screwdriver...and you do have to pry. 1. Take out the mechanical key from your fob. 2. Put a flat head screwdriver into the inset space...just inside of the mechanical key slot....and turn it. This will pry open the fob. 3. Remove the old battery and replace with a new CR1632 battery..positive side facing up. 4. Replace the cover of the fob by first pressing on the bottom then the top (The top is the side where the mechanical key is inserted) --Duckman

According to the manual: Snow mode: For slippery road surfaces such as in snow. In this mode, the spinning of the rear wheels is controlled appropriately. When you push the driving pattern selector switch on the “SNOW” side, the snow mode is turned on and the ”ECT SNOW” light in the instrument cluster comes on. To return to the normal mode, push the driving pattern selector switch on the “SNOW” side again. When you turn the engine switch off in the snow mode, the electronic throttle control system automatically changes to the normal mode. From that, I read that you can drive in SNOW mode and the system will go back to normal when you turn the car off. I would hate to have to turn the SNOW mode on each time I came to a stoplight. I was never told there were any limitations to it. --Duckman

I haven't had a chance to post about my first winter weather experience with my AWD GS. This is my first AWD car. I have owned a 2005 RX330 and a 1999 RX300. I had done the research ahead of time before deciding on going with a car rather than SUV - I felt that the gas mileage increase was more than worth any problems I may have in heavy snow. We had a pretty good size winter storm on December 1st...so I decided to take the car out for a "spin". I have to say, I was extremely satisfied with the performance. The AWD alone worked really well. I was able to stop on an incline, punch the accelerator, and the wheels grabbed almost instantly. (The snow depth was about 4" at the time.). I turned on the "SNOW ECT" option for the transmission and drove around without any issues whatsoever. The standard safety features like vehicle stability control kept the car in complete control through the whole experience. I have to say - the gas mileage is obviously far better than the RX, and with this first experience, I couldn't find any problems in heavy snow - this car is GREAT! --Duckman

My manual for the 2006 GS 300 has the Bluetooth information in Section 1-8, pages 224-226....I believe that the manuals are the same for both vehicles. I find it easier to search through the manual on the Lexus Owners site: Click here and you can register with Lexus. You can search the owners manual for your car, handle your maintenance schedule, schedule services with your dealer...etc... --Duckman

According to the Lexus website, your Envy should connect to a 2006 GS 430. Click for Lexus Bluetooth compatibility info To pair it, make sure that you are parked. 1. Touch the INFO button next to your touchscreen 2. Touch the Telophone option on the touchscreen 3. Push Settings 4. Push Add Phone 5. You will see a screen with a passkey - 1212 - at this point, turn your phone into detect mode...enter the passkey into your phone, and the car should confirm that it is paired. I hope that helps you out. --Duckman

It looks like the 450h has more standard than the 460. I compared both of them on the website...and looked at the detailed specifications. Take Audio and Entertainment for instance, on the hybrid all but Mark Levinson and XM Radio were standard. On the 460, those were also optional, as well as 14 speakers and the increased wattage. Comfort and Convenience has more standard on the hybrid than on the 460. So..it appears that you get more standard with they hybrid. The only huge disparity I saw was the trunk space on the hybrid is significantly less (I would assume due to the hybrid batteries). --Duckman

The 2008 models are a RWD GS 460, RWD GS 350 and AWD GS 350. Here is an excerpt from the Lexus website: 342-hp V8 (GS 460) With a 342-horsepower [1], 4.6-liter V8 engine as well as direct and port injection, the GS 460 can go from 0 to 60 in a mere 5.4 seconds So, they upped the model from the 4.3 liter to 4.6 liter engine. sk31 - I can't speak for the ride of the 460 model as I have not driven it, but as for the GS exterior, I think it is a beautiful look. The lines are great, it has nice flair...and...if you ask me...it looks mean in the rear view mirror. I have had 3 Lexus automobiles and always go to the dealership for services. They seem to charge a fair price compared to other vehicles I have owned. In fact, because they suggest service work every 5000 miles instead of 3000, I believe they charge less in the long run. The GS came out in it's current form in 2006. It had a completely different body style from 1998 (I believe) until 2005. $65k is a big chunk of change, but, if you compare to a BMW 535xi twin turbo, it is approximately the same, and has more horsepower. Hope that helps with your decision. --Duckman

My previous car was a 2005 RX330. I had to have the drivers side mirror replaced because of a malfunction in the tilt down. In fact, it was having problems again when I decided to trade it in and get my GS. Tilt down mirrors in reverse are a nice idea...but one which appears to be causing more problems than it may be worth. --Duckman

I got it installed yesterday and I am very satisifed! The antenna comes up through the trunk and is connected to the rear/passenger side of the car, right next to the trunk. It is about 1" by 1" and about a half inch thick...so it is not terribly visible. --Duckman

What you are experiencing with the "Settings" button is actually a safety feature. Many of the bluetooth functions are turned off if you are driving. You will notice that the "Settings" button will light up if you come to a stop. As soon as you start to accelerate again, the button turns off. There is more information about this in your manual, but, that's the reason. --Duckman

You should have an "AWD" designation to the left of "GS 350" on the right side of the trunk of the car. --Duckman

The Twin Cities has two dealerships. I contacted the other dealership (Maplewood) and they quoted me a price of $300 for the parts and $250 for the labor. So....I called MY dealership back (Wayzata) and asked them for another quote and they still said $995. I let them know what Maplewood, which is under the same ownership group, had quoted me...along with the prices I received from Milwaukee and Delaware....and they corrected themselves. They said they were looking at an old price and would install XM Radio for the same price as Maplewood. It is going to be installed next Tuesday during my oil change visit. Thank you to CeDel and 2JZTWIN TURBO for your feedback....I knew that $1000 was way too much. --Duckman

Thanks for the info - both of you. I am taking it in for an oil change on Tuesday next week, I am going to try and negotiate the pricing down to a reasonable level. As for the 90 day free trial, I already have an account with XM Radio for a different radio ID - which I received a free trial for already - so I would be adding a new radio to my account, which is around $7 per month. I guess I could try to receive an additional free trial......might be pushing it though. --Duckman

I purchased a Certified Pre-Owned 2006 GS AWD300, but it did not have XM Radio factory installed. I called the dealership the other day to see what they would charge me to add a factory XM Radio and was quoted $1000. This seems a little excessive....so I wanted to get some feedback from you all. Are they charging too much? Are there any alternatives to the Lexus Factory install? (Keeping in mind that I want it integrated with my display unit in the car) Thanks in advance for any feedback/advice you can provide. --Duckman