forestnj

Has anyone tried using regular unleaded fuel in their GS300? I've been using it for about a month and my car runs fine and actually is getting 3 more miles per gallon. It does even better on fuel with 10% ethanol. I've read that any modern car's computer will adjust to the fuel you use and the only negative to using regular is that it's not as favorable to the environment. So I'll plant a tree, (I actually did...LOL) but what do you think about using regular when the manufacturer calls for premium?

I was thinking about going to a Jiffy Lube or Pep Boys type place, but since the car is so new it doesn't seem like the best choice, at least for the first 60K or so. It seems from reading the responses to my question that the thing for me to do (since I don't have the training to work on the car myself besides adding fluids and changing wiper blades) is go to the dealer for service, but I'm going to select only what seems essential. I'm just going to go for warranty service, fluid and filter changes, tire rotation, hoses and belt replacement and the like. I'm not going to pay for them to look at things, tighten screws, go for a road test, or top off my washer fluid. I'll also be buying my tires from another place when needed. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts on this matter. Keep 'em coming. They're not only entertaining and informative, but will be saving me (and hopefully anyone who is new to the luxury car market and reads this thread) thousands of dollars over the long haul. You would think that the dealer would have your best interest in mind when setting up the service schedule, but obviously they're a money-making business and are going to try to get as much as they can.

Do you go to a local mechanic or a service garage of some type or do the work yourself?

I just got my 15,000 mile service and was floored by the price for what was basically an OIL CHANGE: $452.00! Here's what was done in addition to the oil change: replace engine air filter, replace wiper blade inserts, replace cabin air filter, inspect: ball joints and steering gear, brakes, drive axles and exhaust, stored codes, tire pressure and condition; top off fluid levels, rotate and balance tires, perform road test. I don't think one tool was needed for most of these extra items. And inspect means "look at" to me. I really don't think all this is needed at only 15K. They told me that this service list is done EVERY 15K. I see an additional item on the 30K service is "retorque drive shaft flange bolts". To me this amounts to tightening a screw. I was told that I could select what I wanted done if I wanted to. I just don't think I need to pay a trained mechanic over $120.00 per hour to change my wiper blades and add washer fluid. Do you get the "recommended" service done on your car or do you only request service that is necessary?

You probably have a dark colored car. I have a black one and swirl marks are inevitable. You can only really see the marks in direct sunlight. I've always had it hand washed and it still has the marks. The only way to get them out is to use a fine compound, then a very good wax. Unfortunately they will keep coming back and regular compounding will wear down the finish. The best thing is to use a very good wax by hand. It will give you the best finish. I know that there are also products that create a permanent thin coating on the car as a protectant. You'll have to research that one. I think 3M makes it.

This car is a dream to drive. I only have one complaint. When the navigation system is giving audible directions it doesn't say the street names and occasionally doesn't even say the highway names. It just says to turn left or right. If the sunroof is open the NAV screen often has glare and is unreadable. Sometimes there are a number of possible turns in a short distance. Further if I'm about to make a turn the last thing that I want to do is take my eyes off the road to look at the map, especially if I'm crossing oncoming traffic. Does a NAV upgrade JUST upgrade map data OR does it also upgrade the GPS software and if so does the upgrade provide audible street and highway names? I called my local Lexus parts department. They said they were pretty sure it does upgrade the software as well as the maps. "Pretty sure" is as good as "I don't know". I called the Lexus customer service number and the Lexus representative said she wasn't sure, but she'd ask the gal next to her who had an 07 Lexus IS with NAV. She said it didn't have audible street names. I still don't have a solid answer from someone who has experience with a NAV upgrade. I can't imagine I'm the only one with a concern about this issue.

My GS300's windshield chipped and cracked when an approximately 1 inch rock hit it going at about 50mph. The rock came from a truck that was in the lane next to me. It seemed to hit it at an angle and didn't make a very loud sound so it seemed odd that it ruined the windshield so easily. I assumed it must have had a sharp edge. The windshield was covered by insurance though. Lexus did a perfect job replacing it. The replacement is undedectable.

This happened to me too, both mirrors. I asked the Lexus representative if this was a common problem and he said, "No." Maybe he wasn't aware of it. The problem was fixed under warranty.