Will B.

It definitely comes from the front. It's actually lessened to the point now where I only hear it on rare occasions. The struts did help a lot - I haven't taken it back to the mechanic yet because I'm having a hard time reproducing it consistently. As far as the sound goes when I hear it, it's only at very low speeds, typically when the car is coming to a complete stop. It's typically more audible when coming to a gradual stop than a sudden one.

My 2004 LS 430 has developed a creaking noise when coming to a complete stop. My mechanic replaced the front struts but that didn't fix the problem. I'm going to take it back, but any suggestions I can give him to help diagnose the problem is appreciated. I sometimes, but not always, hear the sound when turning very sharply (e.g. when parking).

I have never actually gotten it done - I don't drive that fast all that often, so it's only been an occasional nuisance.

Oh, I'm not talking about the "turbulence" noise - that's always been with the car and doesn't bother me. I was talking about that whistling noise, which I've never solved.

Is it like this sound?

I have a 2004 and the sound from the road through the tires is definitely there - I noticed it when I first bought the car. I have the Michelin Primacy's as well - they helped quite a bit, but the noise is still there. Overinflated tires definitely made it a lot worse.

After a week or so of not using the e-brake, the noise hasn't happened again so I'm guessing that is something related. Thanks for the pointer - gives me something specific for Lexus to check. The other noise happens regardless of which way I turn the wheel, but it's so faint I can't even hear it when the radio is on. I'll ask Lexus, but won't press too hard on it.

I'll echo the sentiments here - the cooled seats is more gimmicky than useful. It helps a little, but only a very little. Living in Arizona, I can't comment much on the heated seats.

@Landar - Yes, I use my E-Brake for parking at all times. I should mention that really the only time I go in reverse is when leaving a parking spot or my garage. @Micah - I've never heard the clunk while going forward - only in reverse, but then again I rarely back in to parking spots. I'll try doing some turns without a blinker and see if the "ting" goes away.

My 2004 LS is making a couple of noises that I plan on having Lexus examine at my next maintenance (the vehicle is still covered by CPO warranty). Any ideas what it could be? 1) When putting the car in reverse and moving about a foot or so, there will a "clunk" that sounds as if I've run over a rock or something. Might not be a good description, but that's the best way I can describe it. In fact, the first few times it happened, I actually checked to see what I drove over. I have never heard it going forward - only when I've moved a foot or two in reverse, and only then on occasion. 2) There's a small metallic "ting" that's audible on occasion when I turn the steering wheel. I think it happens on occasion both when I turn to the right, and when the steering wheel is returning to center after having turned to the right.

The auto-adjusting mirrors only work when in the right position, so I wouldn't read too much into that portion of your findings thus far.

Don't know if it's changed from 2004 to 2005, but I don't have a fuel door light - just a little painted arrow showing me which side the fuel is on.

How'd the Ford driver fare? Hopefully he/she got out ok as well.

Do you guys happen to know the part number?

I'm missing a couple screws and now one of the covers under the hood is rattling a little. Anyone know where to get more?

$33k for CPO on that car (assuming it's not UL) is a pretty good price, using edmunds.com as a guide.

My 04 LS was the same, and even with multiple balancings it only got marginally better - never went away totally. Finally, the tires got worn and I replaced them with some new Michilen Primacy - now it's gone. It's almost always tire/wheel related when it behaves as you describe, and probably in the front wheels since you feel it more in the steering wheel.

I think your answer can be found here - http://tinyurl.com/ycenzun

If you don't want to buy it, I will, and I'm being totally serious about that. $10k for a well maintained 2003 at 90k is a steal.

Wonder if he was still locked out two years later? :)

I'm a big believer in electronic stability control, and as such I would recommend skipping any LS before 1997 (I believe that's when it was added). I think the GS got it at the same model year, but it might not have been standard then.

Usually these types of things must be programmed at the dealership - for a fee, of course. If you press the "lock doors" button on the remote twice, that will turn off the lights.

Drove to California the other day and this strange noise started happening. It sounded as if it were coming from the windshield itself, but I can't be certain. I think it had something to do with crosswinds - happened most frequently when the winds picked up or when I passed a semi. Any ideas? Is this common? It sounds kind of like someone blowing against a piece of paper or a blade of grass.

Sounds about right for CPO - you might be able to haggle them down a grand or so from there though.

Just my two cents, but I would not purchase a vehicle nowadays without electronic stability control. I believe those were added to the LS in 1997, but I could be wrong. Vehicle safety has come a long way in the last decade.