steviej

nice rims and scratches go together. It comes with the price. We fall into two groups, 1. those of us that have scratched a rim and 2. those of us that will scratch a rim. It is only a matter of time. steviej

Any tire chain store that offers Michelin tires regularly can order them from their distributor. I got mine at Sullivan Tire (big MA/NE chain) and it took about 5 days for them to come in. If you look at the advertisements for tirerack.com and discounttire.com in R&T, C&D and MT, they don't even list the MXV4 anymore and the S8 usually only display 3 or 4 sizes. Doesn't mean they don't carry them, just means they ain't pushing them in periodicals. steviej

It was actually cheaper for me to buy the plugs right at my Lexus counter. The online price plus shipping made them more expensive then buying them local + tax. I think I paid $11.99 each. steviej

Funny, Sewell Lexus in Dallas TX, (www.lexus-parts.com) lists the filter as 87139-YZZ05 for $25.00 Thompson Lexus in PA, (www.irontoad.com) lists the filter as 87139-YZZ03 for $24.00 Pull the current filter out and see what the part number is on that filter. steviej

The S8 was supposed to have a better tread design for better light snow traction. Problem was that many customers complained that it was noisier than they expected. I had recently read, forgot where though, that the S8 was being discontinued. If they have them available, check out the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S. Smooth, very very quiet, awesome rain traction and cheaper than either MXV4s. steviej

The thread on oils and the other thread on filters are both pinned in that forum. steviej

Maybe Carla is doing it to get a rise out of you. :P sj

smells like neighborhood pranksters or parking lot kids. steviej

the 2002 ES factory service manual shows pictures for both set ups, single and dual pistons. I have the dual piston type up front and singles in the back. steviej

fluids (oil and filter) should be changed on time and not mileage. At least every 4 months. I would get the car out on the highway for at least 30-60 minutes at least once every two weeks to help reduce the moisture build up in the crankcase and tranny. keep an eye on rubber drive belts and CV boots. Timing belt should be done by 7 years instead of mileage. Rubber belts dry and crack and usually start to show breakdown at about 5 years. make sure you get the low mileage discount from your insurance company if they offer one. steviej

this should be pinned for a while. steviej

Idle Air Control Valve and Throttle body need a good cleaning. Search on IAVC and or throttle body. Also check the acordian-like rubber hose that goes from the air filter box to the throttle body. Look for cracks and holes. It may need replacing if there are any holes or cracks that let in more air than the MAF sensor thinks there is. steviej

Oddly enough, in MA it is the opposite of what Toys said here. If you have the same address as that on the registration of the vehicle and you are related to the registered owner, you MUST be listed on the insurance policy. Mind you, you could be listed as a 10% driver, but you must be listed on the policy for that vehicle. So, india, I would check with the company that insures the vehicle as to the specific requirements for you while you live under your parents roof if you plan to drive their vehicles. steviej

I can't speak to the product, but I can vouch for EBC. Excellent brake product company, however my experience with EBC is limited to motorcycle brake products. steviej

If they are covering all of it under warranty, let them swap it all our and recut what they want. Maybe the first tech that looked wasn't as thorough as the second tech or maybe they couldn't duplicate the problem on the first evaluation. Did you ride along on either? steviej

I thought with Lextech, you take out your panel and send it to them. I thought they installed the needles. You just go dash panel-less for a week or so. steviej.

The 120 was balanced, new stem and mounted on car. Protection plan was another 12 or 15. Disposal of the outgoing Dunlop was another 5. I can't answer the snow question because I haven't riden on the LS-V ever and haven't driven the Exalto in the snow yet. Sorry. steviej

My buddy has the TTs on his 98 Avalon and they were great last winter in what little snow we had. I opted for the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S and absolutely love them. Sorry, got them in March after the snow. If you got a Sullivan Tire near you, check them out. The price wasn't bad at all, I think they were $120 each. steviej

KYB are the OEM shocks for Toyota. steviej

but if I know Herbie, all his IS's will have those standard options so you will be hard pressed to find a sub 30k IS on his lot. steviej

that is odd for Lexus to not cover those questions in the owners manual. You will need the ML system to watch DVDs and the car has to be in park. if you search on "watch DVDs" three threads come up. here is one of them. steviej

grab the seat down lown where is meets the carpet behind your calf. Give a good tug at each end and in the middle. This should release it from the clips. Then lift up and out away from the back of the seat. Connect the seat belts to help them stay up out of the way and then replace the bottom part of the seat making sure are three sets of seatbelt parts are still above the seat part going in. Sometimes a second pair of hands is helpful. You may have to smack the cushion of the seat again to get the clips to secure. or you could just reach down in between the cushions and fish around, it can't go far. steviej

perchance is there anyone at the door? sorry, I couldn't resist. have you read the manual, it must mention something in there. steviej

dude, it is under warranty. Take it in, eat their donuts, drink their coffee and be comfortable. But before you take it in, check fuse, it may be two different spray motors. Also, stand by the engine bay with the hood up and have someone else give it a squirt. See if there is any fluid spraying in the engine bay. A hose may have come disconnected. steviej

after your warranty is up, until then, take it to the dealer. I don't think JPImpotz is warranty authorized, but I may be wrong. steviej