Geo

I work for a newspaper out here in CA. Mid level flunky. 15 years !... I got to get out of here !!!

George

You guys sound WAY to desperate !! :D

George

Man, you guys must have lots of money to burn ! 400 bucks for a muffler just because you like the sound ?! Its a Lexus, a ES 300 at that, maybe on a 71 Chevy Chevelle or a GTO but a rolling sofa ? Oh, well. Just my opinion. George

OK, I know any thief can disable any alarm for the most part so I don't expect perfection. I have a 01 ES300 and it came with the standard alarm/key chip thing. I always liked a disable feature on past alarms. I don't like aftermarket systems since they never really work right and they often screw up the electrical.

How good are the Lexus alarms/theft prevention chips ? Is it enough ? Is there a easy upgrade ?

George

Is there a place that could get a storage thing instead of the lighter/ashtray ? I'd rather have a little place to put change, registration papers, etc. It's a 01 ES300.

Thanks, George

acf: Welcome to the world of being confused on what product to use. Everybody will have their favorite product and this thread will probably end up in a *BLEEP*ing contest between camps.

I'm a new Lexus owner (01ES 300)as well, my advise... Chill. If the car is clean and does not really need immidiate attention relax and don't rush. I have figured that washing a nice car vs a "common" car is basically the same just a little more carefully and with better products. Wash with a good car detergent, use super soft towels/gloves, don't use circular motions while washing or drying or waxing, Dry and wax or polish. Pick a good quality product and dont worry.

You are lucky to have a white car, mine is black and even though it is a super elegant looking car it is a pain in the !Removed! to keep clean. My car is garaged so I'm lucky to get away with the CA duster and a couple of quick detail jobs with the spray on stuff.

As for products... you have to realize that there are guys here that live to keep their cars spotless. They have hours of time to use q-tips on every crevice of their car. Not only do they use one product but a combination of products that would make a chemist proud. Nothing wrong with that if you have the time. For most of us "mortals" following a good common sense washing procedure should be just fine. Again now your washing expensive car so you are more careful and use better products.

This IJMHO. Later, George

Bought a 01 about a month ago... LOVE it !! George

My "navigation system" is in the glove box... Its called a map.

George

Gang: I have used that keyboard air/cleaner can thing and it sometimes shoots out chemicals that are used to compress the air. I have no idea what the chemical is but it might not be good on some finishes. Later, George

Hey, "Old Dudes"... did you guys get newer model honeys after you got the newer model cars ? :whistles: Later, George

OK, I read the thread and it looks like it is geting a possitive review. Anyone else with info. George

Water... defenitely water :P

George

I know Turtle Wax does not have many fans here but has anyone heard anything about this Ultra Gloss Detailer ? George

Guys we are talking about a ES300 not a ricer. With a 210 HP engine and auto tranny a spoiler will add nothing for speed or areodynamics. Do you guys really believe that the spoiler will make the car hug the road any better ?

As for looks?, I don't like them. It makes an otherwise elegant car look silly and cheap. But to each his own.

George

OK, I have read and re-read instructions of how to clean a car. Every other article seems to bad mouth the previous articles use of polish, wax, etc. So in a nut shell, can you guys give me a EASY way or link to get a "how to" or "good" products to get for black cars.

Again, I don't have lots of time to detail. Car is garaged and is dusted clean.

Wash ?

Polish ?

Wax ?

Quick Detail ?

Thanks and sorry to beat a dead horse... I'm kind of dense.

George

SW03ES: Never mind. I must have misread the post or confused it with another one. Point remains, the dealer should be all over this one. George

Gang: If she can see a visible lean of the car and it is real hard to turn the wheel and it vibrates I think it may be more than just tire presure. It maybe something with the suspension. Seriously, I would think tht the dealer would send someone out to check it out. Hope all is resolved. George

I forgot... the lights ! Holy smoke they are bright ! George

Ok, with the risk of being stoned... anyone here or who has a "friend" who has used the Mr. Clean AutoDry Carwash system ?

I'm asking because as sexual washing and waxing a car maybe to some I don't have half a day to make love to my car. Not making fun of you serious detailers but just trying to find a easy way to keep a car clean between the serious detail work.

So is this system good for the "in between" car washes ?

Any similar system that is better ?

Later, George

Well I have owned my "new" 01 ES for a week now. This car is sweet !! Loving it. Some impressions.

It defenitly is not a sports car. Its a heavy beast with a ride as smooth as silk. Some claim its a chick car, I'm leaning to more of a older persons car. I get more of a zippy ride out of my 99 Corolla, but man the luxury of the ES. Black on tan was a great choice, everything just shines. Park it next to a MB or BMW and it can stand its own in elegance. The leather is soft as a womans... nice ! Got the Lexus chrome rims, looking good. Moon roof... excellent ! Can't wait for warm summer days/evenings.

I'm a little disapointed with the stock sound system, not as good as you would expect out of luxury car. The controls are unnecessarily "big". Good but not great. For the intrument panel... the gauges are... un-inspired, plainish.

Getting lots of attention. Some of it good but some of it is bad. Finally getting to see some girls faces but I also get plenty of the "die yuppie scum" looks. I'm the farthest thing from a snob.

One week and glad I got the ES.

George

My "new" 01 ES is onyx black on tan. I have seen many ES's out there and even was tempted to get a white or grey same car but that onyx black is so elegant. It makes all the chrome jump out and shine. Everything looks bright. Like some have mentioned, the upkeep is a b-itch but its worth it. I live in Sacramento CA and the summer will tell the truth about having a black car in the heat. George

nancyb: I would call the dealer up, arrange for a tow and have them look at it. You paid a lot of money for a new car they should make sure that everything is alright. George

Please excuse my ignorence.

If a car is not driven that much does that contribute to gelling ?

Weather related ?

If car has "normal" oil vs. synthetic does that matter ?

Can one drain normal oil and put in synthetic with no problem (mixing of oils) ?

Guys I drove my 1980 Corolla for 23 years, could fix almost anything with a hammer, srewdriver, and a wrench. I changed the oil one a year and never heard of gelling.

George

I guess in the end all that matters is how many "chicks" you'll be able to nail because of the car.

George

P.S. I just bought a 01 ES300.

Thanks for the welcome.

Girls pretty much ignore me. Basically they don't even look my way. Now at least I'll be able to see their faces. I do have a ball and chain so it would not matter anyway.

45,000 miles.

How about a good car cover, its garaged but it can get dusty.

Later, George