sktn77a

I used to do this when I was younger but I'm getting too old for those contortions now! ;) But DO NOT TAKE IT TO BEST BUY!!! Take it somewhere that deals with high end installations and insist on references and pictures of their installs by the guy who will do yours. I added an amp and two 10" subwoofers to the stock system in my 2001 BMW 530i and was stunned by the transformation! I'm trying to accumulate information to do the same with my IS250 but I would prefer two low profile subs under the rear deck (to retain trunk space). The existing "sub" isn't - it's just a woofer!

Yep, pads are fine and the tires look like they were under-inflated.

Agree: It's amazing just how much apparent "volume" and "oomph" a powerful sub can add to a stock audio system.

Usually takes 15-30 sec for the bluetooth to pair, so it might be the parrot.

I just paid $33700 for my 2008 with the same options (18", HIDs, NAV, Premium Pack, mats, net, locks, etc). So you're probably looking around $30,000 private party.

You can get the Lexus Platinum 7yr/100,000 warranty for dealer cost ($1265) or just a little more when you buy the car (I paid $1300) - not sure how much bargaining power you have after-the-fact. MSRP is $2205.

Is it more like a knocking sound in the steering column? I noticed this a couple of times but it's infrequent and not too loud.

This is where you can let the dealer actually earn their pound of flesh! Take it in for a diagnosis - could be a coil(s), MAF, TPS, etc, etc. Just one thing - make it very clear to them that if they don't cure the problem, you don't pay for it. Otherwise they will just swap out parts until they get lucky (ay your expense). At Lexus prices, they can earn their $120/hour service rate!

Shock absorbers are always an iffy warranty item. Most manufacturers consider tham a "wear" item and don't cover them (like brakes and clutches). However, modern shocks/struts should be good for 100,000 miles. Lexus have a "oil leak" criteria for replacing shocks (see LexusTIBs) but it doesn't say anything specific about warranty coverage. This sounds more like a shock mount or spring isolator. I'd have your dealer do the diagnosis and see what they say.

New one to me!

I have the Valentine 1 but I have no more problem with false alerts with this than my previous BEL (which was also very highly rated). Either way, you're scr_wed if the local Gendarmes have laser! :(

The brake TSIB is valid throughtout the 4 year/50,000 mile warranty period. Just take it in and complain about the brake dust and squeeking. If they don't offer to replace the pads under warranty, tell them you saw a message on the internet about a brake technical service bulleting from Lexus and ask them if they can look. If they still say they won't do it, ask them to call Lexus. And if that doesn't work, YOU call Lexus and complain about the brake dust and squeeking!

People test drives new cars from the lot now - "demonstrators" are a thing of the past. I guess, depending on the turnover of the dealer's inventory and the appeal of each vehicle, a car could get a couple of hundred miles put on it before it sells. (EDIT: Mine had 70 miles on it when I picked it up)

Wow, what a deal! You're da man! :)

I just got that same car (with the Lexus navigation system/bluetooth/backup camera option already on the car) with the same MSRP but the invoice was more than you paid. Did you get the Lexus Nav unit or an afternarket Nav? And did they sell it to you below invoice?

Take it to the bank - it's a non-interference engine - the Gates catalog is wrong. Still, you should be looking at changing the timing belt at 90,000 - 120,000 miles. The failure rate at this mileage is still very low but do you want to be the 0.1% that gets stranded with a broken belt (in the middle of rush hour on the freeway, perhaps)?

How many miles? The RX 300 does tend to roll more than your average sedan or a german SUV so unless there an obvious problem, don't go overboard! If you decide to replace the shocks, I strongly recommend OEM (find out what they are and DON'T buy them from the dealer). It's very difficult to duplicate the factory ride with non-OEM spec shocks.

So, a little over $300 plus 9 hours of labor. What did Lexus want to replace them?

I think Lenore is talking about the attachment of the metal rod to the headliner. I don't know if your problem is the same as mine but my sun visor keeps slowly lowering itself - it's loose (ie won't stay "up") where the visor attaches to the metal rod, not where the rod attaches to the headliner (?) The only fix I know for my problem is to buy a new sun visor which, with the lights, mirror and homelink, cost as much as the car is worth!!! ;)