dcrupp74

Out of the two regional stealerships, Silver Springs is by far the BEST in the area. I have never had a problem with them. As for Pohanka Lexus of Chantilly, They give new meaning to the word incompetant.

Good Link Does that work on a 97 ES??

I am also looking to tint my windows. I am not going to DIY, I also am anal and DONT have a steady hand. I am too worried about those little bubbles, that would drive me nutz. So I am looking into getting it done by a "proffessional". One thing that being a Virginia Resident you need to be aware of is the cops will pull you over and ticket you just for having your windows tinted too dark. Friend of mine got a ticket, what he missed and the "Professional" missed was that when you are tinting (lets say 50% on the side windows) that it goes on top of the cars own light tint. Thereby making it over the Virginia Max and that is not an exuse that the cops will accept. Just FYI. Also Anyone in the No. VA area that has gotten their windows tinted, could you recommend anyone?

I had the same issue with my CPO 1997 Es 300. Manual included, but no scheduled maintenance. So when I took my car in for it's 100k check up, I asked where I could get one. Long Story short, I called Lexus Main office Customer Service to file a complaint against the idiot at the dealership . I mentioned I don't have the Supplemental Service manual that holds all the scheduled maintenance. They sent me a new set for free :D . The Number is: [B]The Lexus Customer Assistance Center Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PT Phone: 1-800-255-3987 prompt #4 I hope this helps. By the by The Haynes is extremly helpful!! Good Luck.

Ahhh I just got my pre-inspection 100K done, and as of right now they will not fix any interior trim issues. I smelled buring oil and had them check the engine. The mechanic told me that nothing was wrong. He then told me that there were no service extentions on any engine or exahust issues with my 1997 Lexus ES 300. And if anything goes wrong that it is on my dime. I pulled the flag out. Thankfully I have a clue and Called the 1-800-255-3987 (press 4 for Lexus corporate customer service). They agreed with my flag and have noted it on my file so that if anything does go wrong that they will cover it. I also am paying for an indenendant inspection next week to ensure that dealer mechanic did not miss anything else. And sending that to the Headquarters. I personnaly hate the Pohanka Lexus in Chantilly, Virginia. They have cruddy customer service, and less than a clue....point comes down to don't just take the dealer's word for it Get the second opinion.

For me, A chick, I will admit prior to buying my ES 300 I test drove everything on the market, why....cause I did want a 3 series coupe. But I found when I got in one it was too small (I am semi tall) and on top of that, it seemed too similar to a Jetta for my liking. So I went with my bank check to buy my second choice, Mits Spyder Eclipse. On the way was a Lexus dealership...I stopped and told my hubby that I have to test drive everything, prior to buying anything. I drove that ES 300 no more than 1/4 miles before I fell in love with the car. Smooth drive, powerful engine (For the price range). Trunk that can fit two adult bodies :P . So I held off...went home and researched the crud out of the lexus. All my male friends and Male family members told me go ahead its a chick car, they laughed. So I did buy it, not cause it's a chick care, but because it has a powerful engine for its class, strong saftey ratings, fits four adults comfortably (7 uncomfortably), etc...that and black with black leather interior looks hot! So all the Male friends and family who laughed at me and told me to go and buy the "Chick car"....they love driving it and no longer call it a chick car .... especially when I take their crappy cars off the line.

well...I am glad you got your's fixed. Some of us have not been as lucky. I have a 97 ES 300 my cup holder, in the rear, seems to have a life of its own. Every couple years it signs the emancepation papers, provided by the car judge and leaves me. Oh it leaves a few pieces here and there, but never as it was. Sometimes it leaves its twin (the other side) but sure enough the twin signs it's emanicpation papers too, and leaves. The peices left behind are not enough to put humpdy dumpty back together again. So I go to the BIG MEAN DEALERSHIP, They say for me to get my cup holder back I have to pay 150 in alomony and 1 hour court costs. Problem is I did this before, and he just.....*sniffle* left me again.... So I puzzle, do I Smoke Crack :snoooorrrtttt: and pay the dealership to bring back my beloved?? Or do I leave his spot open, incase he is ever to return on his own....

I would like to add to branshew's comment, only from the feminant (yea I'm a chick) point of view...Knowing the look and smell of fluids is absolutly valid. Personnally I have done alot of mechanical work in the past : Three engine rebuilds (2-VWs, Toyota Corrolla), Timing belts, alternaters, starters, water pumps, radiator, gas tank cleaning and replacement, rack n pinion installation....etc....I have found a few things to be the most helpful... Mechanics that get paid to do it. I am all for project cars and learning and if that is truely what you would like to do here is what you need... 1.) Chilton's on the Lex. 2.) One set of Craftsman tools (Metric and English units), ONE C-Clamp (brakes), Hydrolic jack, Jack stands, wheel ramps...mechanics creeper is nice 3.) Time: don't try to do it all at once... -start with changing the oil, find the pep-!Removed! -Air filters, knowing what they look like bad is great -do the little things...that is what to start with.... 4.) have a friend who does know what is going on incase you get in trouble...some mechanics are cool and will help you 5.) Listen to your engine. -it sounds funny but you can isolate and identify the true fault in an engine more by sound and feel than you would think....Smells too, but there is already a thread about the smelly front right of the engine... 6.) oh and one set of Work Clothes In regards to my 97 ES 300 Personally I have 0 time, so all I will do is brakes, oil changes, A/C Drain fix....that is about it. then again that is all I have had to do (Under warrenty) I hope it helps...even if it is not about Synthetic v. regular ( I Vote synthetic...Peace of mind)

What are the specs 2??/??/R1? I know that you can fit about any size on the ES as long as you get the "low Profile" tires and the proper width (unless spacers are used) so they don't rub the wheel well... Radius wise they will work, I personally am looking at putting 17" rims on my ES (Victoriatire.com).. That is what matters....other than that I am SO Unaware of the GS series, except they made good loaner cars. :D

Zach..Thanks for the link, one tone looks sharp.... Latoilette Posted on Mar 18 2004, 12:56 PM ebay has some of the stuff you are looking for. but as far as quality.. i have no clue if they are worth the money. as for the purchasing wood panels, check local junk yards. they are all transferable. they are held by clips or screws or adhesive. All Lexus' have a bit of wood (Again mine is kinda nicked) but not all are fully paned...do you all think it is possible to take a minimmally paneled ES and rack it out....?? Just a thought, since I have to do the fix anyway. I know these sound like cosmetic issues, but honestly other than the A/C Drain line getting plugged up I have not had any issues with my lex...(**knock on wood Panelling**)

ES 300 1997 (owned since 2000) Black/Grey--Black interior approx. 95K Current Modifications: None (Certified Warrenty is up in 5k miles) Planned Modifications: Too Many to list I have been reading many of your posts and have found a few things, so thank you... but... I would like to know where you all are buying this aftermarket items. There are so many out there... I am seeking a Lexus Aftermarket place that carries: Wood Paneling (previous owner was not all that nice to the limited panelling I have) Wood Steering wheel (HEATED? just kidding) New "Lexus" floor mats Sun-roof Ventashade I have found my Rim place...17" Chrome Also anyone have pic of a 97 ES300 with one tone paint...want to make mine one tone.... When I start I will post my car's pic...until then it will be the poor realation no one talks about... Thanks for you help