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pauljcl

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Everything posted by pauljcl

  1. Do you know if the longer service intervals using synthetic oil also apply to the 09RX350? -- and yes, the Germans have been allowing 15K miles or one year (BMW).
  2. I don't know what system you purchased and installed, but I had bought one cheap and not-so-good ultrasonic system for the BMW and had a 'bumper' four-sensor installed in the RX350. Both work off the back-up light (wire to the bulb) and do not trigger any bulb-check. At worse, if yopur system consumes so much energy that it triggers the bulb-check, you might want to have the back-up light trigger a relay instead, and the relay allows the passage of current to your system?
  3. What I believe Lexus114 is saying is that - make sure the planetary gear (which probably failed and which will be replaced anyway) is replaced with the newer part that is made of stronger steel and thus will probably not fail later. Chances are that the upgraded part is what will be used, but it doesn't hurt to make sure. -- I hope you continue to enjoy the car, whcih is a great vehicle.
  4. You are right. I hadn't realized the drastic effect of the sidewall ratio, and I was guessing at the weight difference. [Diameter and circumference are of the same effect, since the only difference is a mathematical constant (PI).]
  5. There's been a lot of discussion in this forum about the transmission woes of the RX300. Since it is likely that your trade-in value will suffer from the condition of the transmission, the least expensive route is obviously to have the transmission repaired (check with Lexus if Lexus USA might help or assist in the cost - they refused for me but might consider it given your mileage and if you always serviced the car at Lexus). If the rest of the car is in very good condition (likely considering the low mileage for the age) and you (or your wife) really like it.... I would recommend you keep it. But then - what do I know about the future>??
  6. Thanks for the replies, particularly the OEM size for RX330. The miata calculator helped too, it said the size I came up with was .08% bigger than the stock size, while the RX330 size above is .08% smaller. I guess that's closest I can get either side of OEM for my car. Since the RX330 is a stock size for those years, that probably means tires that size are more readily available so I'll go that route. Again, thanks for the replies, very helpful. Thank you for the 'thanks' -- but, if you are putting those tires on a RX300, they will all be of a circumference that is too large. The RX300 came with 16" wheels....
  7. Wild guess - does the RX300 have hydraulic valve lifters? [Could be the lifters until they get 'filled' with oil?].
  8. I can't help decide the relative width or rim vs. tire - though I would assume another course of action would be to get (exchange) the 18" rims against 16" ones or even 17" ones... [but I am a believer in OEM sizes of rims for cars, and unles sthere is good reason, I do not favour taller rims which usually weigh more, thus increasing unsuspended weight and have more inertia, which reduces acceleration and braking power].But it might help to know the relative circumferences of tire/rim combinations, and to that end, you might wish to use the following website: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html Good luck!
  9. Car looks great! Congratulations! I hope you enjoy it!
  10. The answer is in your instruction manual. Here in the US they sell bluer-colour bulbs (also halogen - I assume you do not have HID bulbs), often brighter (higher wattage) than the regular bulbs. This is a relatively easy replacement which can be realtively easily be reversed before returning the car. Many people here install such bulbs and think they are 'cool' (pun intended) even though they often blind the drivers in cars coming in the opposite direction. Good luck!
  11. Interesting article from the WSJ: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405...djemTAR_t"
  12. Your owner's manual probably states top speed is governed to 112. Check the book. 112 mph is still fast to hit something. If motor keeps accelerating, I would suggest using the technique outlined elsewhere: slip the gear lever to N (neutral) and use the brakes to stop. In direct response to your question: 'no, I have not read anywhere that Toyota (Lexus) have what some other brands (e.g. MB, BMW, Infinity, Honda etc...) have, i.e. automatic throttling down of engine when the brake pedal is depressed.'
  13. If you are talking about these guys, I can tell you they are well worth the money. http://www.jjproducts.net/jj_products_htm/...yota/index.html My arm used to kill me with that small armrest. The replacement is much wider, and a little longer. Thank you for the link to the site. Did you get the 'one' very large armrest, or the 'two' large ones?
  14. Yes, it is transferable. The warranty goes with the car and the warranty begins the day the car drives off the lot or 50,000 miles which ever comes first. Montana I am looking into buying a used ES350. I can see the mileage on the car, but how do I find out when the car was first sold (i.e., when the car drove off the lot)? Dealers (lexus) have the info. in their computers. If you have the VIN, you can try accessing the info. through Lexus.com on line, but I am not sure you will be successful. https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrive...icle-summary.do Sometimes the "Carfax" info. contains the date. Good luck!
  15. I've always wondered whether the 'wax' they offer at additional price (at touchless washes) should be taken? On the one hand, it may help, on the other, it may coat the windscreen... Any thought or comment?
  16. You might want to go to tirerack.com and read the reviews on the different tires available. It is usually quite instructive, and many owners write about their experience with different tires.
  17. I wouldn't waste my time with the Saab. If your liking the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, then atleast give the Nissan 370 a spin also. It costs more, but it's nice and tight, and they really juiced the acceleration. Crazy enouph, of the list of cars you have in this post, I think I would be leaning on the Mustang. There's been this voice in my head again, calling softly. LOL!!! The front end of the new Mustangs is just so cool lookin! And they are finally getting the interior right! Not to mention all the suspension improvements they have been making to the car which I thought was the weakest point of the Mustang a few years back. But not anymore. The only thing I would change out is the rear tail lights. For some reason the back of the Mustang just doesn't look right. I agree with your taste re: the rear end of the Mustang. 'Something' is just not right. They still have solid rear axle, though, and that is soooo... obsolete. The solid axle does still have some advantages. Particularly with high hp vehicles. Go to the drag strip and see what every car there is running, and keep in mind where the Mustang came from. But that doesn't mean I don't also agree that maybe it's time to atleast offer a fully independant system, even if in the beginning as an optional upgrade. Don't forget, new car today, Frankenstien racer tomarrow. Ford and Chevy still have a responsibility to a whole other class of car buyer to supply usable racing parts for an entirely different market of racers also. So some of what they use has to stay in production or your going to have an uprising on your hands. Agreed. The new 5.0 is getting right with the world again. Unfortunately, our roads aren't as smooth and level as drag-strips. I am sure you have experienced the cutely named 'axle-hop' (I shudder when I think of it as well as feel it!) and tthen the lack of it when you move to an independent-axled car... In my view, with all the improvements that Ford has made, an ultimate one by changing to IRS would complete the work-in-progress. [Of coiurse, improve rear lights/panel as well, esthetically!].
  18. I wouldn't waste my time with the Saab. If your liking the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, then atleast give the Nissan 370 a spin also. It costs more, but it's nice and tight, and they really juiced the acceleration. Crazy enouph, of the list of cars you have in this post, I think I would be leaning on the Mustang. There's been this voice in my head again, calling softly. LOL!!! The front end of the new Mustangs is just so cool lookin! And they are finally getting the interior right! Not to mention all the suspension improvements they have been making to the car which I thought was the weakest point of the Mustang a few years back. But not anymore. The only thing I would change out is the rear tail lights. For some reason the back of the Mustang just doesn't look right. I agree with your taste re: the rear end of the Mustang. 'Something' is just not right. They still have solid rear axle, though, and that is soooo... obsolete.
  19. Usually - 'always' in my multiple years' experience and to my knowledge - the 'recycled' water is filtered, thus eliminating sand and grit. I haven't had any scratches due to the touchless car washes. It's sometimes tough with a soft-top convertible because the water jets can come from 'all' directions...
  20. Worry not. All is OK It may even be that the 'missing' is a rev. limiter. [i don't know if the SC300 has one, though.] Good luck with your new purchase!
  21. Great info! Thank you - and welcome to the Club!
  22. I agree with your opinion on the RX350 armrests. Where did you find the aftermarket ones?
  23. No offense intended, but it goes with having the "SUV Image". You own a very nicely appointed Camry that looks like an SUV. Stuff like spare tires don't fit as nicely. I stored the spare so that the valve is towards tha back of the car. It makes it a lot easier to check/adjust presuure. Just lower the spare wheel, unscrew the valve cap, check/adjust pressure, replace the valve cap (don't lose it beneath the tire!!!), rewind up the spare tire carrier. I would suggest setting the spare at the highest authorized pressure.... it will last longer between adjustments (it takes months to deflate itself to the 'normal' psi), and it is easier to deflate a tire when you need to use it rather than inflate it if pressure is too low.
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