HomieG

I wouldn't sweat not having the NAV in the '06 GS. While it's nice to have a built-in NAV, this one stinks. Besides the lousy screen resolution, it's not particularly accurate in terms of taking the shortest route. I guess all-in-all it may be better than nothing, but in most cases where I really want to rely on a GPS, I take my Garmin and don't bother with the Lexus NAV in my GS.

Good idea and great way to really find out what's up. Keep us up to date on your progress, and best of luck in getting this fixed to your satisfaction.

I totally agree, though what we think is better, may feel different to someone else.

I totally agree!

I had compared the ES and GS and preferred the GS handling, hands down. Firmer, more responsive, less marshmallowy. I imagine the OP may also be feeling the difference between an FWD car (ES) and his GS (either RWD or AWD). In response to highway driving during a test drive, suggest you always test drive the car as you would use it every/most days. I once had a dealer not allow me to take a test drive on the interstate. I stopped, turned around and went right back to the dealership. He said it was against their insurance to allow that, and I responded that it was against my wallet to not be able to test drive a car emulating its use everyday for me. He was stunned, speachless, and now that dealership is also out of business. Anyways, it's good to hear that the OP is feeling better about the handling.

Took the car to work today. It is much improved. No BMW for sure but still driveable and more enjoyable. I still wish it handled better though. I'm at a loss here. Why did you buy the car if you didn't like the way it handled?

I love the Kumho Ecsta Platinum LX's. Check them out.

For the rattle fix, I don't see where 30 miles is unreasonable, so long as there are no more rattles. It would seem to me they really wanted to make sure that the noises were gone. Are they? If so, suggest you move on...not worth worrying about!

You can add my '06 GS300 to the "replace fuel cap" for the P0456 code, with VSC, TRAC and Check Engine lights/warnings on. Cleared it myself a couple of weeks ago after re-seating the fuel cap gasket. But the code got triggered again yesterday. Brought it to the dealer today and they replaced the fuel cap. Interestingly, the service order says "replaced fuel cap, cleared code as per TSIB L-SB-0168-09". I hadn't seen, or missed, any postings of this issue related to a TSIB. Part number on the new cap is 77300-47010 per the service order. Presumably the -09 suffix means it's a 2009 TSIB, but can't seem to find it via search here or google. I'm curious to read that TSIB (L-SB-0168-09). It's my nature to be curious! Anyone have this TSIB and could post it, or a link here?

Odd that you don't have the ES. I looked at both the ES and GS models here. IMNSHO, the ES is marketed to the more comfort/less performance buyer, while the GS is marketed to the more performance/decent comfort buyer. Also, I believe the ES is FWD, while the GS can be had with RWD or AWD. Where I live there are a lot more ES's on the road than IS or GS models.

Always amazes me that dealers don't have stuff like this fixed on CPO's before they put the car on the lot for sale. Seems to me like they'd want the cars in near-perfect condition to sell them, especially at the highly inflated prices they charge on most CPO's. Tell them you'll consider buying the car after you've seen the repair. If they refuse, time to look at other vehicles!

The glass probably attenuates the signal some, but I did do some comparisons with the antenna inside and outside the car, and couldn't tell a difference. The digital signal is either there, or it isn't. Unlike analog radio, you won't get static or other similar reception issues with sat radio. Either you will have a listenable signal, or there will be no audio. Yes. Some call it the rear deck too. I did read a posting about that. I'm not sure this offers any benefit, other than perhaps asthetic in that being a nice symmetrical place to locate the sat antenna.

I mounted mine on the front dash. Used double-stick tape. Works fine and sure made running the antenna cable a whole lot easier.

If the vent is set to auto, it will also react to outside air quality issues. There is a way to adjust its sensitivity, but I cannot remember how I did it (it was not a personalized setting on my '06 GS. I think I used the method explained in this IS post: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...st&p=247142 Of course it's also possible that something is wrong with the sensor and/or electronics.

These were more than just TSB's, the were "campaigns" (recalls). The third one was for new fuel rails to be installed as the old ones could begin to rust. You should be able to regiser your GS at lexus.com, and look to see if your car qualifies, and look at its service history to see if these were done. Here's more information: Special Service Campaigns (SSC) SSC 9LA Certain 2006 2007 GS, 2006 2008 IS and 2007 2008 LS Vehicles Fuel Delivery Pipe Replacement SSC 9LB Certain 2006 2007 GS and IS Vehicles Rear Brake Caliper Inspection SSC 9LC Certain2006 2007 GS, IS and RX 400h Vehicles Electric Power Steering Link (EPS) Assembly Replacement On January 16, 2009, Toyota filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding certain 2006 2007 GS 300/350, 2006 2008 IS 250/350 and 2007 2008 LS 460/460L vehicles. The involved vehicles are equipped with aluminum fuel delivery pipes (fuel rails). Lexus has determined that ethanol fuels with low moisture content will corrode the internal surface of the fuel rails. As this condition progresses the engine malfunction light (MIL) may illuminate. Over time, the corrosion will create a pinhole resulting in fuel leakage. SSC 9LA will be launched to replace the Fuel Delivery Pipes in the affected vehicles. There are approximately 43,700 GS 300 (24,500 2WD, 19,200 AWD), 23,700 GS 350 (14,000 2WD, 9,700 AWD), 85,800 IS 250 (54,000 2WD, 31,800 AWD), 24,900 IS 350, and 36,400 LS 460 (25,500 LS 460, 10,900 LS 460L) vehicles involved in the U.S. Additionally, Lexus is launching two other SSCs. 9LB Certain 2006 2007 model GS and IS vehicles to inspect rear brake calipers. On certain Lexus vehicles, the slide pin in the rear brake calipers may not operate smoothly. If the vehicle continues to be operated under these conditions, the brake pads may make noise. 9LC Certain 2007 GS 450h, 2006 2007 GS, IS and RX 400h vehicles to replace the electric power steering link (EPS) assembly. Certain vehicles may experience a noticeable gradual increase in the steering effort necessary at low speeds when turning the steering wheel to the complete left or right position. This condition may be most perceptible when parking the vehicle. A dealer package including vital information and reimbursement procedures will be sent to dealers (to the attention of the service manager) today. Lexus will inform owners of the involved vehicles with a Special Service Campaign notification letter sent via first class mail beginning in late January 2009. All customer inquires should be directed to the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-255-3987. If you are a dealership associate and have any questions, please contact your District Service and Parts Manager.

Believe it or not, but on some cars, lowering the octane can improve gas mileage. And I've had it happen on several Mercedes. Just try to stay away from anything with ethanol in it.

Check out Kumho Platinum LX's at Kauffman Tire (if they're available in that size, not sure if they are or are not).

Don't just throw parts at it...diagnose it and fix the problem part(s). And experienced mechanic may be needed if you can't find the cause yourself. Throwing parts at the problem does not give a new lease on life, no matter what anyone wants to sell you. And please post your findings here!

I purchased four Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum Series 245/40R18 – W Rated for my GS back in June. I absolutely love them and highly recommend them. I am in GA. They are quiet, and perform well on dry and wet roads. Honestly, I think they're a great value and performer for these vehicles. No cons to report after about 5 months and 5,000 miles.

Sylin, I checked out the OBD-II with 9145 earlier today. Indeed it established the comm link and read the codes (and IM readiness)...fortunately there were no codes :) I remember comparing the two models of scanners when I bought the 9145 last year and liked the realtime data (and freeze-frame) functions...It was something like $100 at amazon. I needed it at the time to troubleshoot our 1998 MB SL500, and figured it would be a good tool to have. Anyways, sorry you're not able to get the link established with the 9135. I wonder if Actron could help out. Did have to do a setup for the Lexus on the 9145 for a "New Vehicle" using "2005-present" setting. Perhaps the 9135 needs the same type of config change. Btw, I am a relatively new GS300 owner myself (and it's our first Lexus, after owning several MB's since the mid-80's). Got it at the end of May. It's been a great vehicle so far and I enjoy the ride. Take care.

Good info to know. I am curious as to the cause of your 9135 not reading the OBDII codes. I have the 9145, and will try it tomorrow on my '06 GS300. Did you have your car in the ACC mode when trying to read the codes (KOEO, Key On, Engine Off)?

Check out "Rhino" ramps at your local friendly auto parts store (most of the national ones carry them).

Go to one of the Lexus parts dealers on-line, like this one: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ind...amp;catalogid=0 Put in the year and model for your car. Search for "chain" and search again for "belt". You'll see that the 4.3L for 06-07 models have a belt. The 3.0L has a chain.

Take lots of pictures when taking things apart, and presuming you have a digital camera you can use them for reference when putting everything back together. And take your time doing it!

Why $2,000. Is the car out of warranty?