rwallican

I prefer the dealership as well. It's just soooo much more convenient. I just bought an 05 ls430 about 4 months ago. Prior to that I had a 96 ls400 for 6 years. I took THAT car to a dealer alternative and to Toyota a couple of times. In that last year, I took it to the dealership. What a difference!!! No waiting around in uncomfortable lobbies. Cleaned and vaccumed car when they're done. A loaner if I need it. Yeah, you pay a little more but I think it evens out. All of those free car washes and internet usage and high end service pays for itself. If you change your oil 3 times a year, you pay about $150 at the dealership. Some other place, you'll probably pay about $90/year. That's just my opinion.

Sweet! Are those factory rims?

Immaculate!

I have a set on my 05 LS. I don't have any problems. I had them on my 96 LS400 then I sold it and kept the wheels. Toyo Proxes 4 tires (245-35-20). No rubbing, balancing issues or alignment problems. You just have to be careful with potholes.

I bought an 05 LS430 for 29k at the dealership last month. It had 31k miles. Has navigation, park assist, the whole package! These are the most reliable cars out there. Nothing to really look out for. I like the 04's better. That is when they changed the body style a bit for the better. The only real thing to know is that the big service is around 90k miles and it costs about $1800 at the dealership!!!! I try to dump them before then. Good luck!

Nice. Are those 20s?

Check the "rubber" and suspension parts (knuckle bushings, motor/transmission mounts, strut rods, etc.). They probably need to be replaced if not done yet. Mine wore out around 120k.

DArustik, I sent you a PM with a few questions.

I'd like to see pictures. You can email them to me at rwallican@hotmail.com. Wife has an 06 GS300 and she really wants to upgrade the rims.

My problem was motor mounts and transmission mounts. Definitely want to have them looked at.

The LS is a VERY reliable car. Probably the most reliable car out there. Take a look through this forum and you'll see people with absurd mileage on these cars with very few problems. Of course sometimes things are just going to happen because they're man made. But, overall, you can't buy a better product. Browse through a few magazines (Consumer Reports, Car and Driver, etc.) and see what is always at the top of the list as far as reliability is concerned.....Lexus. Sometimes batteries just don't last long. My last battery (a Sears Die Hard Gold) only lasted 2 years. It was under replacement warranty so I didn't pay a dime for the new one. Let us know if the battery was truly the problem and welcome to the Lexus family!!

Original battery? If so, that's it. That was the problem with mine and they usually go out around 50k. Give it a jump. If that works, take to it to the nearest spot to get a new one.

I sent you a personal email.

Congrats on the new purchase. 1. I would say find a good independent mechanic that specializes in Toyota/Lexus in the Milwaukee area. Establish a relationship with them and take your car there for all service. That would be the best way to determine what the real problem is. 2. This is a big debate on the forum. I've used regular or premium throughout the life of my 96 LS (have put 100k miles on it myself in 5 years) and haven't noticed a big difference. I had my throttle body cleaned at 120k and my service guy said it was pretty clean. I'll run about 2-3 tanks of regular and then a tank of premium. 3. Try some Pledge furniture polish on the woodgrain. It gives the wood a nice shine. 4. Not sure about this as well but you can go to www.tirerack.com to find out. Good luck!

Welcome to the club. There are also very good independent shops that specialize in Lexus vehicles in certain cities. It'll save you a few bucks to go there. Lots of people on this forum use them. At that age, make sure they pay special attention the "rubber" parts like the motor and transmission mounts, knuckle bushings, etc. Happy driving!

Michelin Primacy's. They have worked wonders on my 96 LS. I've tried Toyos and Yokohamas and have went back to the Michelins. They may cost a bit more but it's worth it in the end.

Sweet! How does the LS ride on those 20s?

That Highlander sorta reminds me of the new Lx570 (a very condensed version of course). I'm thinking the shape may resemble that (wide and muscular looking). The current GX is tall and slim (if a SUV can be that). However they make it, I know it will be nice. I love that new LX. It looks 100 times better than the previous in my opinion.

My salesman says 2011. Says it'll be a total redesign! I'm thinking it'll favor a larger Highlander.

You might want to check out the rubber parts as well (rear knuckle bushings, motor and transmission mounts, and suspension parts). Mine started to wear out last year (I have a 96 LS). Everything's good now. Welcome to the club.

Beautiful! You need to open a detail shop!! I am a Meguiars fan myself. I've heard that there are better products out there but I doubt it. I've been using this for years on my black LS and people are amazed to find out it's a 96.

I've seen them between $33-36k. Up to $39k at the lexus dealerships.

Ended up purchasing the 05 LS430 with 34k miles fully loaded (nav, Mark Levinson, bluetooth, backup camera). Got it for $29k! It still has about 7 months of warranty left. Bought it at a BMW dealership of all places! I had my service friend at a Lexus dealership run the VIN number and it was purchased there. He ran all the service records and it was meticulously maintained! He said they had the same car on the lot for $39,988!!! In 3 years when I selll it and buy the LS460, I should make a nice penny off it.

I've read that over and over again online and in Consumer Reports. I think I'm going to stick with the GX. I even called a dealer on it and spoke with the head service guy. He said, "if you get one, make sure it has a warranty". He said people buy them because of their name and the status they hold, not for reliability. He said that they aren't bad cars, they just require a lot of maintenance????? Never understood that line! I currently have a 96 LS400 that's been nothing but a joy. I've put 100k miles on it myself with no issues. I'll keep it as my 2nd vehicle. Thanks.

So I informed my buddy that I was in the market for a GX470. He says look at the 2004 Range Rovers. I don't know a lot about these vehicles. I see that they are around the same price. Actually, Lexus is a little higher. All I know is that I see a lot of entertainers/athletes driving these. Anyone have experience with them? I've seen some bad reviews online. My buddy bought his brand new in 04 and hasn't had one problem out of it in over 60k miles. I like the way they look.