rwallican

What do you think?

My wife was given an 06 es loaner for about a week. You can definitely tell the difference in the drive and the interior space. It's not nearly as quiet, smooth, or fast.

When I first saw the LS460 at the Taste of Lexus, I was like "it looks like a bigger ES". Now, I see the difference. Some people will say, why spend the extra money for a car that is similar? Well, the difference is that the LS has many more options, more space, more performance, a better ride, etc., etc., etc. If I could afford the LS, trust me, it would be in the garage. I think the ES was a genius idea. They are spectacular buys for the money.

As long as you get a certified pre-owned from the dealership, you should be ok. They usually warranty them for 3 years/100,000 miles. I agree with Darrell J. You take a chance with any vehicle......but it's usually in your favor that you won't have any problems if you buy a Lexus that has been well kept and maintenanced.

Nice. Funny how new wheels can make you feel like you have a new car! Just think, you have a new Lexus for a lot less than actually buying one. I just put a set on mine and I love it even more. Congrats!!

Sounds like you got one that someone neglected. I'd say that 143k is low and you still have lots of mileage left in the vehicle. Plenty of people here have 200-300k on their odometers. Cosmetic stuff happens to all cars. I'd find a good independent shop and have them do a once over. Do you have maintenance records? If not, I'd go ahead and get the 90k service done (timing belt, water pump, fluids, filters, etc.). ($1500-1800). Trust me, the investment is worth it. These are some of the most reliable and dependable vehicles ever built. And you definitely don't have to worry about not being able to get parts for it. I hear you can still get Datsun parts!

My mechanic cleans the throttle body and replaces the thermostat as well. You can also call a dealership and ask what all they do for the 90k service.

I love that ls of yours sk! I'm thinking about getting those clear lights next. Mine definitely need upgrading.

I guess we'll just have to see. I'm not sure exactly what the mechanic told my neighbor. I haven't had ANY problems with my 96 ls400 and i'm at 105k. I guess quality issues are just a matter of chance.

I'll see what it looks like. The shop owner says if I don't like the way they look, it's no problem to do something different. Acutally, the picture was of the deep dish rim (the ones they use on the rear if you stagger them). The regulars are not that bad. I didn't want to do the staggered thing because you can't rotate them and that dish definitely looked too deep. I should have them mounted this week.

I think you're not supposed to leave it in your oil. Run it through right before you get an oil change.

Dealer told me to expect 15-20k miles on the original tires. You would think that they'd put better tires on the new cars.

Both my wife and next door neighbor have the 04 GS. Both were purchased brand new at about the same time. My neighbor recently had to get his master cylinder replaced (some kind of defect). Then his CD player and 2 speakers went out. Luckily, it was still under warranty. My wife started out with annoying rattling near the parking brake release. After about 4 different trips to the dealer, it was finally fixed. There is also weird a weird noise coming from the tires or suspension that the service dept hasn't been able to diagnosis. And my neighbor's service guy told him that he expects that the suspension on his model will go bad around 100k miles????? Just checking to see if anyone else had had any problems with this particular year.

The wheel/tire package was $3000 tax included. I bargained a little bit. He started at $3200 + tax. The Lexus dealership wanted $5k additionally for the set (just shows you the markup on this kinda stuff!). You have the same body style as mine (96 ls). You won't need to lower your car. The rims on that benz were 22" I think. I bought the wheels from JRs Custom Auto in Irving, TX. All of the Dallas Cowboys and stars go there to get their work done. Actually, he took me around his shop and had Emmit Smith's Mercedes and a few other athletes cars. They put 22" rims on their cars with 245/25/22 tires! That's no sidewall!! You can go to www.exewheels.com or http://www.axiswheel.com/ to find a distributor near you. Like I said, I was worried about the ride as well but you can barely tell from the stock wheels when you're driving. Good luck!

Just had a custom shop order a set of these wheels in the 20" version for me. http://www.exewheels.com/images/s550_sm.jpg http://www.exewheels.com/images/sclass_closeup_sm.jpg I saw them on a gs350 on the showroom floor at a Lexus dealership and just had to have them. I love them because they are classy. The dealership also had an ls430 with some nice wheels on it as well. I went to the shop that does all of their work and ordered them. I initially went there to get some of the 18" ls430 wheels but after seeing the EXEs, I had to have them. My buddy put some 20s on his 98 ls400 and I couldn't believe how well it still rode! 245/35/20. The owner of the shop told me that tires make all the difference. He had the best luck with the Toyo Proxes 4 and T1Rs so I ordered the Proxes 4. Check out the wheels and let me know what you guys think. I'll post pictures later. Also, anyone else have 20s on their 400? Isn't it amazing how well the car still rides and handles??

Welcome to the 96 club! I've put 60k on mine and not one problem. You've got a gem with only 36k on the dash. Take care of it, keep it clean and maintenanced and you won't be disappointed. If I were you, I'd get all the fluids, plugs, and filters changed just in case. It hasn't been driven much and, if you don't have maintenance records, you may need some new blood in it. That thumping sound may also be because of the lack of driving. Let a dealer or shop that specializes in Toyota/Lexus take a look at it. A lot of people on the site use independent service centers. Start a good relationship with one and you'll save yourself a lot of money! Good luck.

Nothing like being content nc211, huh? That's the great thing about these cars. I've never seen so many people with older cars so content with their performance and reliability. A true testament to the Lexus brand. I gotta say I LOVE my 96ls. The way it handles on the freeway and that 270 hp is plenty. I never want to get rid of it, just add to it. It's by far the best car I've ever owned. You rarely hear people speak as highly of their older cars (Caddy, BMW, Mercedes) than Lexus owners. I plan on getting that 460 one day.....but I'm going to keep my 96 for everyday driving. I sat in that 460L after contemplating whether my next vehicle would be an SUV (Can you believe I actually considered a Range Rover!?!?). That L is luxurious and SUPER big on the inside. So now, it's a goal. Definitely content for now but plan on moving up in a few years.

I'm with you. Caddy vs. Lexus. I think we've covered that topic a few times over the years. I think the conclusion is still the same.....Lexus wins!!!

I'm seeing them from 45-50 in Texas. Check out cars.com and see what they are actually selling for in your area.

I'm finding several low mileage 2005 430s for $40-45k. Do you think they are so cheap because of the new body style? I like the new 460 but will probably wait a couple of years to buy. Think they'll be in that same 40s range? I would LOVE it if they were.

My buddy lives in Ft. Worth and goes to Lexutech. Says they do great work (only service Toyota and Lexus) and back everything with a 12 month warranty. Says it's near downtown. Hope this helps.

Try Ebay. Or you can google ls400 cd changer. I had the same situation 2 years ago. Put an fm modulated cd changer in and was VERY disappointed. The factory is the way to go. I found a junkyard through google and they shipped me a factory for about $250. Still going strong!!! Good luck.

Some have used aftermarket masts and they rusted, were too short, etc. I spent the extra money and got one from the dealership ($50)

I drove one today at the Taste of Lexus. Wow! And to watch it park itself is amazing. I'm not all that concerned with the L version either. Plenty of room in the back. My dealer said he's had a deposit on 80 of them for 6 months!!

I don't know how many of you have had this problem but the paint on the sides of my windshield is coming off. I notice that it's chrome underneath. Anyone just remove the paint once it starts peeling? And if so, how'd you do it and how does it look?