mdames

The thumping noise could be coming from the gas tank. This car is known for making a thumping noise from that area when the tank is full or close to it. Once the level of fuel in the tank decreases the sound goes away. Check to see if the noise is there when full or near full with fuel and disappears when you have less in the tank.

You WILL want to replace the run flats. There is no reason to keep them. I replaced my Dunflops with Bridgestone 960 after readings from Tire Rack. Discount Tire replaced all 4 but could not get a good balance. Soon found 3 of the 4 were out of round. I lost all confidence in Bridgestone performance tires and Discount Tire allowed me to switch all 4 to Michelin Pilot AS Plus. No problems since switching to Michelins. I tried to save a few bucks, but soon found out here that you get what you pay for. Hi Guys, For those of you wanting to add the SpaceSaver spare, here are the parts listings I got from the local Lexus dealer: 42611-24430 Wheel, Disc $144.74 90942-05009 Valve $20.81 51913-24020 Carrier Assy, Spare Wheel $29.33 51938-24010 Bracket, Spare Wheel Mtg $54.48 90105-06158 Bolt ( 4 req’d ) $9.48 90541-09101 Cushion ( 2 req’d ) $18.12 90541-09080 Cushion ( 2 req’d ) $13.62 64711-24170 Mat, Luggage Compt Trim, Rear $94.43 64716-24080 Cover, Luggage Compt Trim, Rear $149.77 64771-24040 Cover, Spare Wheel $188.36 There is one more part, a nameplate but I was not concerned with it. So far I cannot find anyone who can supply the actual tire: 145-70R17 Hope this helps, Jerry Baumchen I purchased the entire spare kit (including the tire - premounted) from Sewell Lexus in Dallas. The total cost (including the tire) was slightly less than the sum of the parts listed above. I installed it myself in about one hour. It was fairly easy to do.

The sensors work with any type of tire. I have non-runflats on my SC430 and the TPM's work fine.

I also had this problem, but it has been fixed. It surely sounds like the same issue. My Lexus dealer did some kind of adjustment to the front brake calipers. After they did this, the noise stopped and it has not returned in over a year.

I have VentureShield on my car. It protects very well and is nearly invisible. Great investment. I understand it's the best clear bra available.

I've had an '03 now for 3 years. It has 71,000 miles on it. It still drives extremely well. The only problems I've had were loose brake clips (very minor), bad trunk struts (also very minor), and a failed right rear quarter window regulator. I was told by my Lexus dealer that this is very rare. Other than that, it has run beautifully. The top has never given me a problem. I would highly recommend this car. If you want a smoother ride, I suggest ditching the run flat tires and getting non-runflats. It makes the car ride sooooo much smoother.

I have an '03 with 71,000 miles on it. The only issues I've had are the trunk struts failing, a slight roof rattle, and the right rear quarter window regulator failing. The first two are very minor. The last was covered under warranty. Other than that, this car has been bullet proof. It runs like a dream.

All cruise control units are designed that way. Most only operate over speeds of 40 mph. That's the point behind cruise control. You wouldn't normally use it on streets where the speed is 40mph or less since you can't really cruise there - too much stop and go. You need it on the highway. There's nothing wrong with your cruise control. It was designed that way. The manual should also verify what I'm saying.

I have a 2007 with the standard leather. It is the cashmere color. So it's very light in color. I also use Lexol cleaner and conditioner on my leather. I do the conditioner 4 times per year, and I use the cleaner once per month. I've owned my car for 2.5 years. The leather is perfect. There are no stains or abnormal wear at all. No matter the quality of the leather, if you don't have a regular cleaning and conditioning regimen it will deteriorate. Leather must be taken care of, unlike cloth seats.

About 3 months ago I removed the runflats from my wife's SC430. We purchased the Continental Conti Extreme Contact tires. They were about $700 for all 4, including installation. What a difference. The car is far smoother and quieter. I have no regrets doing this. We haven't gotten a spare. Not sure if I will. Most of her driving is around town, so we'll have AAA tow her to a tire store to get it repaired if we get a flat. If we decide to take it on the road, we may get the spare tire kit.

My 2003 did the same thing. It turned out to be the front brake calipers. My dealership made some adjustments to them (not sure what they did) and that solved the problem.

I don't think it's necessarily the cost of the tires. I put Continental Conti Contact Extreme tires on my 2003. They are a high performance all season tire. The price was good. I paid about $700, including installation for all 4 tires. You can spend a lot more. But these tires are very smooth and quiet. They are far better than the runflats I had. Not sure why you're experiencing a rough ride with the Kumho's. It could be that you're just not used to how the SC430 rides. Or it could be that those particular tires don't work well with the SC. Good Luck.