Dark Horse

Thank you for the input, I'm grateful.

Any suggestions on most effective, easy to use windshield shade for FL?

Are there any known TSB's for premature cracking and discoloration on 10-11 RX350's by the factory (Lexus)?

To all board members: Through my own research I found significant information regarding options for extended warranties on used Lexus vehicles. Amazing there was no feedback on this matter, or purchase tips regarding what to be concerned about on specific models. I'll construe that as 2010 Lexus products are trouble free, which is encouraging. Not the experience I had with the 2000 LS in our household. If the 10 RX I am purchasing doesn't measure up, I won't buy another.

Hello, Can anyone recommend a reputable extended warranty insurance company for vehicle registered in FL? I found the vehicle I plan to purchase, but it is not at a CPO from aLexus dealer.

Planning to purchase a 2010 RX350 for wife as soon as possible. Is there anything I need to pay close attention to that is problematic? Wanted a CPO, but dealers in SW FL tend to mask all the wear. Such as dying seats, that won't be covered by the warranty when the dye wears off. Not to mention ruined clothing. Any extended warranty companies to recommend also? Much appreciated. D. H.

Can anyone recommend a quality independent shop for brake work, etc... in the Sarasota / Bradenton area?

Hello All, I am contemplating trading my 2000 LS400 with 111K miles for a 2004 LS430 with 48K miles. Can anyone recommend a quality extended warranty? Any thoughts for what I should expect on a trade in value? Jade / Ivory - HID Lights, CD Changer, Moonroof, clean Carfax, no paint work, tires 50%, well maintained.

I would like to thank all of you for your support and feedback . Two days after the severe temperature variance the power steering noise has completely subsided.

In no way was I attempting to slight you, or anyone else on this forum. Perhaps, Lucas needs to communicate better between Tech Support and Customer Service. I thank you for the clarification. Although, when I plugged in my current zip code no retailers showed up. If the noise is still there when it warms up, I think I will have someone change the fluid for me. Best, Dark Horse New Club Member, The Lucas site says "Compatible with all power steering systems and fluids, petroleum or synthetic" I even called tech support @ Lucas in CA and chatted with a service tech. I asked specifically if their power steering fluid/conditioner was compatible with a Lexus LS400 and he said "Yes, no problem". Do as you like with your power steering. I certainly do not endorse Lucas products, but I am done trying to answer with your contemptuous attitude. Guru

Landmar, That was my thought as well. Everything was fine up until this morning. Typically, the Lexus is in a garage, but we are in the process of relocating and lost interim housing we had for 3 months. 111,000 miles on this 2000 LS400. I shall let it sit until tomorrow afternoon when the temp should reach 70, then start it and turn the wheel and see how it reacts. I surmise a Toyota dealer would not be cognizant of an idiosyncrasy on a Lexus. I have a Camry too. The conversation with the local Lexus dealer about there thoughts on a remedy based on my description of the complaint was a real downer. Thanks to all for your thoughts. By the way, Guru, for your edification, I contacted Lucas Oil in CA. Their power steering treatment is not compatible with Lexus products according to customer service. I hope all returns to normal tomorrow.

Guru, I just had the car serviced at the dealer last week. There is fluid on the stick of the cap. So, I don't think it is a low fluid issue. We did have a 30 degree variance in temperature within the last 24 hours. How would it get air bound if the fluid is full? The fluid is dark, but not thick so I would rule out an occlusion. I wish I had more faith in the dealer, but I don't. I am grateful for using you as a sounding board. I just may trade it. I know of no independents where I am currently situated. Do you think there is a thermal connection? It is suppose to warm back up tomorrow.

Hi all, Can anyone recommend a quality additive that would subside the groaning noise on the power steering pump on my 2000 LS400? The pump has fluid in it, so I surmise the bearing is wearing. I got quoted $1,450.00 plus tax to replace the pump (new) and pressure hose including labor from the dealer. Arg!!!!

Prix, Thank you for the input. I am grateful. I was hopeful I could find someone who actually transacted and felt comfortable about referring me based on their experience. Best, DH

Hi, Happy New Year to all? Can anyone recommend a reputable independent in the Sarasota area for maintenance and repair on our 2000 LS400? I am in need of impending brake work and the dealers seem sky high. I would use OEM pads though.

Hi, Can anyone recommend a quality, reasonable, independent, service facility for maitainence and repairs in the Orlando FL area? Thank you in advance. D. H.

Hi All, When I purchased my wife's 2000 LS400 it came with one key. It is a remote key. Recently, I have noticed the base of the key near the housing is loose. Can this be fixed? Also, I would like to purchase another remote key for a spare. Can someone please tell me the most cost effective approach? Regards, Dark Horse

Hello Raym, Are you referring to the directional and light swith stalk in the 9 o'clock position? So, if the high beam detent is engaged it will shut off the dash lights when the parking or headlamps are turned on manually? I did not think of this. However, I don't see why my wife would touch this. Regards, D H Hello DH, No, I'm referring to the dial that will be on the dash probably right behind the light switch stalk. It should be right next to the "Security" LED. That dial controls the brightness of the instrument panel and center console. Remember too that your LS is equipped with automatic brightness control for the instrument panel, so if it's bright outside and the switch is set all the way to dim, the instrument panel will still light up, it will just be slightly dimmer. If it's dark then it will allow you to dim the instrument panel to dark. Like JC said, many people over look this. Hope this helps :) Ray To Ray and JC, A thousand thanks. My wife said she did not remember adjusting the dimmer knob. That must have been it, as it is working OK now. Either that, or there is some electrical glitch somewhere. However, I have no other problems (knock on wood) outside of some of the numerical digits on the clock are not illuminating. I am very grateful to this board. I look forward to reciprocate. Regards, D H

Hello Raym, Are you referring to the directional and light swith stalk in the 9 o'clock position? So, if the high beam detent is engaged it will shut off the dash lights when the parking or headlamps are turned on manually? I did not think of this. However, I don't see why my wife would touch this. Regards, D H

Hello all, This morning as my wife was about to leave for work (2000 LS400 94K miles), after starting the car, when she turned the headlights on the dash lights turned off. So, with the headlights off all appears to be normal. However, if you turn the parking lights or the headlights on the dashboard lights shut off. Recently, (about a month ago) parts of the clock digits stopped working. Anyone have any idea on cost to correct this? Can anyone explain to me what has happened and advise me on the remedy/cost is to correct it? Thanks in advance. DH

Thanks to all for the input. I forgot to mention it is a 2000 model with 92,000 miles. There is no noticeable scoring (grooves) anywhere. The issue is they want to resurface the rotors to remove the lip on the outer circumference of the rotors. Today or tomorrow I will physically check to confirm there is such a lip. Assuming there is, will the lip be an impediment to even pad wear, or noise should I just have them replace the pads? By the way, can anyone tell me what is a reasonable price to pay for replacing rear pads on this LS400?

Hello All, Two months ago when my wife's car was having the timing belt replaced, I was advised to have the rear pads replaced (10% left) and resurface the rotors. To cut the rotors alone is $80.00. I am not experiencing any steering wheel shake or pulsation in the brake pedal when I brake. I know when you take metal off the rotor there is less thermal mass, which will cause the rotors to distort in less time. The shop indicated there was a "lip" on the outer edge of the rotor and if they were not resurfaced the new pads would not wear correctly. I do not want to resurface the rotors unless it is really in my best interest. Would anyone who has been in this situation share their thoughts?

This was recommended to me when I had the T-Belt done on my wife's car (91K). It is $103. Does anyone have any experience with this procedure? Will it improve fuel efficiency?

Today I'm having an independent in the Orlando area change the timing belt on my wife's 2000. Check with me in a couple of days. Hi Dark Horse.I just had Lakeland Toyota change it for me yesterday.I also had them do the waterpump and both tensioners.Along with a fresh thermostat and replacing the cam seals too which were starting to leak.They charged a little over $1300 which I thought was high but they were convenient to me and gave me a loaner car for the day.I was nervous about driving it with the original belt on it. Hopefully I can get another 100000 miles out of it and can complain about changing it ;) again CJ, I had a great experience with the independent I took my wife's car to. Real pros, did everything by the book and reasonable (I should know, I was in the business for 15 years). I will go back to them again, and recommend them without reservation (assuming they they are consistent). Let me know if you need more information. I am grateful to have found them. P.S. they offered me a loaner. D. H. /d.h. what is the name of that shop?thx The name of the shop is Z Tech.