linheart

I recently installed the SL1 into my 2001 LS430. No longer need the cassette tape adapters. I had two. One for the Ipod and one for my Garmin 550 that I use to bluetooth my cell phone into the car speakers. My reason for commenting here is I would recommend installing the SL1 into the arm rest box. I had CDs in there but with a 160gb Ipod I will seldom use a Cd. The wood grain center console snaps in and out. The wire that comes with the SL1 is long enough to reach between the back of the radio and the arm rest box. If you want the cup holder to funtion, you will have to spend more time snaking the wire under and around stuff to avoid interference with the cup holder in the retracted position. So now I have AM, FM, FM1,CD,Tape,MD (with 98 playlist each capable of holding 999 songs) and AUX (playlist 99). The mode switch on the steering wheel will not toggle to the MD emulation disk. I have to use the radio button to select either the MD or AUX. Once in MD I can use the steering wheel controls to toggle through the entire playlist of the Ipod. I can raise/lower volume and toggle through all records on playlist. If a phone call comes in I push FM then Disc to toggle to the Aux. Now I can listen to the caller over the stereo speakers. A bonus benefit of the SL1 is that you do not have to push "Agree" on the GPS screen at each start up. So far I am very pleased with the installation and performance of my Vais SL1. Linheart

$450.00 is a very low price to do the timing belt. If I had an 03 LS430 with only 55,000 miles I would not be thinking about a Timing Belt job for awhile. I purchased my 2001 LS430 in August of 09 with 89,000 miles. I knew it was due for a timing belt at 90,000 so I was able to negotiate the selling price down a bit after telling the used car salesman that a Timing belt/water pump job typically runs $1200 to $1600 in Boston area. I planned on doing the job myself this spring but decided to confirm and compare dealer cost before commencing. So last Thursday I drove over to the dealer to get a quote. The salesman told me that the job (Timing Belt, Water Pump, and Drive belt) normally runs $1200.00. However this month they are running a special for $850.00. And by the way, a FREE loaner (New Es 330) comes with the job. To me it was a no brainer. Let them do it. I made an appointment for the following Monday. Monday 7am, I drive my car into fully enclosed car bay, turned over my keys, signed a couple of forms and was on my way in their car in about 10-15 minutes. This dealership is like a palace. Every thing top notch. I have never had a better experiance purchasing anything in my 62 years. Only time will tell how good of a job they did. My gut feeling is that I got a top notch job done for a fare price. In closing, I would like to say that as far as pricing is concerned on dealership work, what they charge us and what their COST are (markup) is very arbitrary. One dealer (or private garage) will not budge from quoting $650 for the Water Pump and another $650 for the Timing Belt. Where as my dealer, on this occasion, chose to reduce the price. Supply and Demand. My two cents. B) Linheart PS Another side benefit to going to a dealer is that they check everything and write down on the invoice what other work needs to be done. In my case the following applied: Need new air filter. $40.00 Cabin/AC filter and Tray which was found to be missing. $78.00 Front and rear brakes Ok with 5mm left.