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Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Comments
Thanks.
Unless this is the characteristics spark plug wear pattern of the ES300, I would assume something is very fishy during the previous tune up that the previous owner didn't aware.
By the way the spark plugs used were the OEM NGK which is $10 each at the discount automotive stores. Someone may have been charged for the services not being performed. I myself would hate to have thing like that done to me.
I'd never want to use the XM modulator either because: 1) sound quality would suffer, and 2) It doesn't look very good.
was I lied to (it would be available later)?
(p.s. since I really care mostly about ESPN on XM sound quality as if for music isn't as big an issue) thx
And as far as I've heard, Lexus will not retrofit satellite radio in ES330's. If I learn differently, I'll keep you posted
During commute times it seems like they play more ads than real content.
You don't need to listen to all 110 stations. If there are even 10 stations you really like, it's worth it to hear back to back music or other content without investing in a massive CD collection.
You can always switch back to local stations to hear the local weather and traffic for a minute or two, then switch back to XM the rest of the time if you didn't check before you left the house.
Since the Sloara offers XM, I would think the ES330 will have it in a year or so.
If you do not get the nav there is just the 6-disk changer located in the dashboard (nothing in the center console).
anyone know why (I assume car software)?
I'm curious, In car without Navigation what is shown?
thanks
But I don't even know if a special order would allow such a combination. According to kbb.com the nav and ML come together - there is no way to order them separately.
So, my guess is the car you mentioned has ML.
That said, motownusa makes good points in his message.
Good luck.
I appreciate all the info on this board. Has helped a lot with my decision. I'm driving a 2000 RX 300 and am really looking forward to a sedan again. Had an '03 ES 300 loaner for 10 days when our transmission stopped working (it was replaced). Other than a very slight hesitation when upshifting (from first to second gear, mostly), the ES was a perfect car. Although the stereo didn't sound as good as the one in our RX (non-ML). There's no such thing as a perfect car, I guess.
thanks
Sorry to be a pest, but late November is my target purchase/lease period -- thanks.
~alpha
But many people who buy Lexus vehicles want that image or they would get a Toyota instead.
I've test driven the '04 ES 330, but have no prior experience with the ES300, or its transmission problems. I must admit, I had not read all this feedback about shifting problems prior to my test drive, so I was not especially sensitive to shifting irregularity, but none was obvious. As a possible ES330 buyer, any more specific or conclusive feedback would be appreciated...that is in addition to my proposed second, more focused test drive. Does anyone know if Lexus is formally acknowledging problems with the '04? Thanks
There are two 'transmission' problems.
The first is that there's a brief lag when you hit the gas hard. This is actually a drive by wire problem and has nothing to do with the transmission. RPMs remain stable. The lag is brief, but noticeable on all drive by wire cars - including the '04 ES330.
The other is a true transmission problem that a small percentage of people see. The 'fix' is to reprogram the transmission. This improves it for some people but makes it worse for others. This problem's symptoms are a hesitation to go into gear when downshifting - usually accompanied by the engine RPMs going through the roof before the downshift occurs and then a hard clunk into gear. This problem does not appear to happen with the '04s. All the complaints of '04 'transmission' problems seem to involve the drive by wire issue.
I have an '04 and don't have any problems with the transmission at all. The drive by wire lag is only a minor annoyance and isn't even noticeable unless I mash the accelerator clear to the floor - which shouldn't happen if I'm driving with reasonable caution.
The thing that's killing me is that my accountant wife wants me to wait until her vehicle is paid off in June. If that's what it takes, so be it. But until then, I'll keep drooling on everyone else's ES 3xx until I can get my own. ;-)
Thanks so much for the informative reading.
I use the Zaino polymer sealant so it is easy for me to order the Leather Cleaner and Leather In A Bottle. I like the Zaino leather cleaner/treatment just fine, but you might not want to order it.
On the "No Zaino" thread, you can do a search. Poster bretfraz is very knowledgable, so you can't go wrong by doing a search on "bretfraz leather".
I think he likes Pinnacle and some other brand, but I don't remember it right now. Some like Lexol a lot.
Good luck.
Be sure to follow the owners manual. Specifically, if you start up the engine with "Auto" selected, you may have to rotate switch out of Auto and back to get it to work. Also, be sure your sensitivity is set where you want it.
I like the rain sensing better than timed intermittant myself.
Anyway upon returning home I looked at the printout of the service performed and I noticed that it said they added 6 quarts of 10w 30 oil. I know the manual says use 5w30 oil and the filler cap in the engine block says 5w30 oil. So I called up the service rep and he said in Florida {where I live} they always use 10 w 30 for all the Lexuses. Can anyone who lives In Florida or Calif or other warmer climate states if they have had the same experience. Thanks
5W-30 is certainly the "one oil covers all" recommended setting for the whole US. Unless you think you'll be driving in -10 degrees Celcius weather, 10W-30 is just fine. All the name brand 10W-30 oils have pour points of -25 degrees Celcius or colder.
In a warm weather climate which doesn't get extremely hot during the summers, it's really a minor point though. Your peace of mind is probably a bigger factor. So next time, request that they use 5W-30. Their tanks are filled with 10W-30 bulk oil, so they'd rather use that (cheaper and easier for them). But for the price Lexus charges for an oil change, they should be able to accomodate you without any fuss. Whether you actually get 5W-30 is up to you watching them pour the oil into your car.