mhawkin1

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2008&zip=46250&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&maxPrice=15000&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=%5BLEXUS%5BES350%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&vehicleStyleCodes=SEDAN&modelCode1=ES350&photosOnlyActual=true&showcaseOwnerId=0&makeCode1=LEXUS&startYear=2008&searchRadius=10&minPrice=14000&listingId=386480904&Log=0

So HHI Lexus calls and says "you have a sealed transmission so we will not service it." Right. Then they say I need a fuel system flush and an AC refresh. My moonroof also leaks a bit too much and they say I need a new seal. So, I told them to do none of it and picked the car up. I bought some rubber lube for the moonroof seal. I will either just drive on or if they offer the 2015 Camry Hybrid in white with solid black interior I might just be tempted by that....and I can tell you having a Lexus Platinum warranty is nothing like having a Lexus factory warranty.......nothing.

Stupid question, but, does it really do much? Meaning, how much really is replaced and how much is mixed with the old? Sidebar - there is a 2008 RX 400h for sale near me with 22,249 miles!

Well..based on this an another thread I asked my Lexus dealer about a drain/fill on my transmission. They said it does not need changed, ever. So... I called Hilton Head Lexus where I will be next week (nicest dealer/building I've ever seen for Lexus). They also said it is not needed. They then said "but we do them all the time - it is $157 out the door." So I will have this done on vacay next week. Then I should be good go 150k (I hope).

Hi Thunder. Sorry to hear about your issues. There are many opinions about the transmission fluid in the ES; many from folks much more knowledgable than me. If you read the owners manual you notice the system is sealed and does not require changing or flushing - ever. I know....it is blasphemous! Anyway, my Lexus dealer pretty much refused to touch mine and said if they did it would not actually change all of the fluid anyway. I cannot imagine Lexus would call this a sealed transmission and recommend against touching it if it would not last a long long time. It makes no sense to me, but I have 101K miles and have not touched it. I am going to leave it and see what happens as an experiment. If I drive the car to 150K it will be a miracle anyway. If you pick services a la carte at Lexus (at least my dealer) it is not much more costly than others shops. I can only speak for Indy, but I would never take my car to Goodyear here....for the exact issues you reference. Good luck.

Congrats on the new CPO Gap. You are so right about car loans......I took my first loan on the Lexus because of the low interest rate.....and paid it off in 16 payments because I did not like the feeling - never again.

Well, here we are a year and a half since my last post. The ES is going to flip 100K miles today. I cannot believe it - still very happy with the car and in mild shock that I have not replaced it. I will answer my own question about the Michelin Defenders - do not buy them; the Michelin Primacy MXV4 is definitely the way to go. SW do you have thoughts on changing the transmission fluid? There are differing opinions online but I am torn. I cannot imagine Toyota advising that the transmission is sealed if there were going to be problems before 200K, and my dealer will essentially not change it because it is not advised by Lexus. Hope you're all doing well.

Ive done all of that except the trans flush. Why hasn't the dealer mentioned that and why is it not listed in the maintenance schedule?

In 2008 it was mostly the UL models with that seat. My rags have about the same effect. :)

Wow - 195K miles! I've been having nearly the same conversation with myself and I just hit 98K! I thought I would be replacing the struts etc., soon. Apparently not!

Well.... I am at 98K miles now..... third set of tires.... and third set of brake pads.....still the first set of rotors. I am amazed that I still have this car.... and it is funny to read my posts from six years ago.

This story is rather funny... but I feel I must share. I have had a 2008 ES for nearly seven years now.... and 100k miles. I really like the car, obviously. One of my only complaints has been the driver's seat..... the front of the seat, even when I have lowered the back of the seat bottom all the way down, and raised the front of the seat all the way.... still does not quite give me enough support under my thighs. I nearly traded the car this week. But after reviewing the trade in value, price of the new car and realizing my car looks exactly the same as when I bought it, I passed. I then thought, I am going to get this seat fixed, even if I have to take it somewhere. When I was closely examining the seat, just under the front seat bottom, there are two holes in the fabric under the seat (there is a liner protecting the innards of the seat). If you press hard you can feel a lip inside the seat within the two holes. I literally wedged a dish cloth in each of these holes, on each side just over the lip, and it gives me the exact front support I have always wanted. It sounds so funny... but, I wish I would have realized this.... I don't know.... seven years and 100k miles ago!

Michelin Defenders..... totally worth the money.

Congrats on the new ride. Ive had mine about six years now and enjoy it more every year. I had satellite installed at the dealer about three years ago and it has worked flawlessly. There are always ways to do this or that but i like my dealer and do not have a lot of time so i generally go to them and they always help me when they can. I have almost 87k miles now..

If those items are not excluded, then they should be covered. I have a 125k Platinum and I cannot tell you all of the odd items they have covered e.g., new hinges on my trunk.....and hinges are supposedly excluded. Good luck.