I have no complaint, basically, about the lack of full map coverage. My complaint is when this thing successfully computes, plots, a route, and then somewhere along the line it "bails" for lack of coverage. Up until this past weekend I had only seen the above case, at least three times now.
This past weekend I had a case wherein there was a lack of map converage wherein it "successfully" computed a route, but then told me, immediately, that there were gaps in its coverage along the computed route.
In all the previous cases I didn't know it was going to lead me out into the wilderness and turn me loose on my own until we arrived at the lack of coverage area.
We have all heard, I'm sure, that Arafat declared a unilateral cease-fire shortly after the WTC incident, and the Israelis agreed to go along with it for their part.
Then the question becomes what will either of these entities do if some "criminal" attacks the other party, say a palestinian suicide bomber, and 20 Israelis are killed.
What should Israel do in response if the earnest goal is to sustain the cease-fire. My response was that the Israelis should immediately lift the work visas of 200 Palestinians. 200 Palestinians would lose their source of income immediately.
My "Barber" immediately turned that around on me and said "no, it should be Arafat who lifts the visas.
If the people of Palestine got the idea that it would be they who would be punished, by their own government yet, for criminal acts of this kind, couldn't that help sustain the cease-fire?
Is the Black Ultra Luxury interior nice or is the wood too purple colored. I think I've only seen it once but I can't remember. What about the Bordeaux interior?
It appears to me that the "color" of the wood accents, while mostly conforming to some standard, is actually somewhat random, apparently based on how Lexus feels the day that particular vehicle comes off the assembly line.
This forum has become schizophrenic in the wake of the WTC traged. Plaintive inquiries about luxo packages mixed in with discussions of foreign policy. I'm glad to see that there are some participants who are sophisticated enough to realize that we are not entirely the innocent victims in this situation. Obviously, there is no condoning the acts of terrorists. But to understand why it happened, we have to honestly look at things. We have to acknowledge that the Islamic World are people like us, and they have many good reasons to be pissed. Striking back in blind anger would be foolish and non-productive. Studying our enemies and dealing with their grievances is the only productive approach. This is a complicated world and a nasty situation. If we want to stop terrorists, we have to address their grievances honestly. I fear that the American rulers (I refer to them thus because our skeletons in our closets are thoroughly bipartisan} have too many vested interests in the kinds of acts and behaviors that have led us to this point, and therefore will not honestly attempt to deal with those grievances. What do you guys think?
It really is time to get back to talking about cars. There have been some folks here who have tried to get this discussion back on course, and I - and many others, I'm sure - really appreciate that.
We can continue to pursue this in the Roadside Cafe discussion which is pretty much a free for all, nothing is off-topic there. Of course the Membership Agreement applies, but it's a great place to pursue subjects that are not germane to the subject of the discussion.
I really do think we need to get back on topic here - at least for now. Okay folks?
We are s'posed to be talking about cars. As in the Lexus LS?
I don't - I really don't - want to start removing off-topic posts, because I do believe very much more is to come and I want for us to be able to talk about it then, and I do understand that we all have very intense feelings about what has already happened.
However, right now we are in a lull (uncomfortable lull, indeed, since we are all waiting for the next shoe to drop) so for now let's try to stick to the topic and remember that our environment is a car site and in no way a political message board.
You folks surely realize Town Hall has given you very wide leeway here - please respect what we've done (given the dramatic circumstances) and listen to what we need for you to do now and go back to our defined purpose. When things get very heated again, which seems to me inevitable, we won't have issues with everyone discussing those things, but for right now, getting back on topic is what we need to do.
Pat - respectfully I think you should let this go on for at least a week more, but you're in charge so no more posts on the terrorism and response from me for now.
OK, here's an 'in between' question - folks, if gas were $5 a gallon, i.e., $100 or so for a full tank in an LS, would it affect your decision to own one?
Countries elect heads of state to do the international "listening" and negotiating on behalf their constituents. The countries that are the subject of the present crisis all have such heads of state (some elected, some via government coup). Such international diplomacy has proven to work around the world with very positive results. Those of you driving Japanese cars are doing so as a result of such diplomacy in the name of international trade.
Your post would suggest that we "listen" to the grievances of these terrorists. Are you kidding? They only know of one way to communicate with their chosen adversaries, and it is unacceptable by any of the world's standards of human relations and diplomacy. These people cannot be reasoned with with words alone, they have proven that.
If some arsonist burned down your house with your family in it and killed them because you pissed them off at one time and "god" told him to do it, would you "reason" with him and talk out his grievances? Give me a break! You'd want to see that person rot in hell probably, but at the least be served justice and go to jail for the rest of his life. This tragedy is essentially the same thing on a larger scale.
To say that we "are not entirely the innocent victims in this situation" and use such subtext to indicate that it is our fault, and we asked for it, or we deserve this crime being committed against, us is an outrage. Good grief!
This will be my final word on the subject because I agree that it's time for this forum to go back to it's original purpose, that of discussing things about the LS. Thanks for your input, robh3, but I don't think you read me accurately. Of course we cannot deal with the terrorists themselves. But they are the extreme manifestation of the feelings of millions upon millions of people who hate us, but would't dream of committing terrorist acts. It is those people I am concerned about reconciling with. You are reading into my comments a "bleeding heart" attitude which is not there. To use your arsonist analogy, by dealing with the particular arsonist who burned down my house would not stop the crime of arson, or even begin to address the issue.
Now, about my LS430. It's now 3 months old. It's actually quieter than my '99 LS400, which I didn't believe was possible. But as I live with this car and become acquainted with it's subtleties, I have this feeling that it's not put together quite as well as the '99. It's little things here and there that I cannot quite name. For one, when I close the moonroof cover it makes an unpleasant metallic sound instead of the soft quiet sound and feel of the previous car. The only real problem I have with the car is a persistent squeak/rattle in the driver's door. I'll be going back soon to the dealer for the 3rd. time to try to solve this problem. I know this is not a serious problem compared to what some of you have exprienced, but I just wanted to share it with you in our quest to get a sense of what this car really is.
I have the "stripped-down" model. I don't really like features in a car that take control away from me. For instance, I'd never go for the radar that slows me down when I get too near to another car. That would drive me nuts. As for the nav, I'd only need it once or twice a year. Not worth $12,000 to me. Back seat heaters and massagers? Give me a break!
Some of you might remember way back in the spring when I asked you all if you had the "throttle tip-in problem with your LS 400s that I had with my '99. I'm happy to report that the problem has been solved with the LS 430.
I find myself, surprisingly, quite pleased with our President. It begins to appear that he is bright enough to know to "rattle the sabers" for all those Hawks out there that simply want to hitem where it hurts immediately, and in the meantime having serious talks with his advisors in the background about what is really the most appropreate action(s).
Maybe it's his advisors who have the whole thing clamped down and not under kneejerk control but he was the one who hired them, so...
I own a silver ultra with black interior and bordeaux wood trim. I consider this combination the most luxurious combination. I will tell you that it is the most comforting environment I have experienced. My bordeaux trim is devoid of purple. Find one, sit in one and relax. Drive it and the quiet beauty envelopes you and peace descends. You are now driving the best car in the world.
I also own a silver Ultra with the black interior with the bordeaux wood trim. I really like it. I agree completely with post 1968. I does have a very luxurious look. A drawback is that dust shows more readily against the black interior than lighter colors. You will want a black interior to be very clean. I think is also tends to make the care heat up more when it sits in the sun. Good for MN, bad for AZ. I live in CA and would still order the black interior if I had to do it over again.
The dealer finally had a "Lexus approved" fix to once-and-for-all remove the horrible steering wheel retraction motor groan. I can happily say after two weeks it seems to have worked. I can now happily remove the key without having to worry about hearing the terrible moan.
I also got confirmation from Lexus corporate that the next (or first) DVD upgrade will be available in November or December. They said they are only planning on upgrading the DVD's yearly, contrary to their website and the owners manual. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
I figure a dollar towards a Nav DVD upgrade and another dollar's worth of paper towels to wipe off the inside of your windshield when it gets misty - and we can get back to the vital topics like coordinating exterior and interior colors.
Whoops, forgot the OAT electrical mods, resistors, et al. There goes another buck.
The heck with it - you're right. Better off with the Red Cross; hope to see you there.
at least I now know that somebody has been paying attention.
If our government wants to help the airline industry AND get our economy up and going then for every ticket purchased until the "funds" are exhausted allow businesses to deduct 100% of the cost of those tickets from income taxes due in 2002.
Immediate "payout", likely an immediate confidence building affect on airline security, very likely a quick economic payback. Other than granting the tax "credit", NO goverment paperwork involved.
I saw this on another site and can't vouch for the accuracy, but thought it might be of interest here (not copyrighted, host):
From the TSB: The 2001 phone was relaunched 7/31/2001. The 2002 phone was launched 8/20/2001. The 2002 model is about $900 more in cost. The reason is that the integration with the Nav. system is much improved. I have the 2001 model and I'm very disappointed. More on that later. The phone is manufactured by Qualcom with Denso writing the phone software. Denso also generated the S/W for the Sprint Touchpoint 2100/2200 model phone which is exactly what the Lexus phone is. Lexus chose Sprint PCS for the following reasons; a-Technology (1.9 Ghz) b-increased capacity resulting in least amount of dropped calls c-improved voice quality d-enhanced privacy and security e-average transmitted power reduced f-reduced number of calls dropped My disappointments are as follows: 1- the phone will not transfer more than 10 digits of a number to the car. If you are calling a number that requires you select options or extensions you are out of luck. 2- you will lose the volume control for the sound system located on the steering column. It is replaced with buttons for speed dial. The speed dial is limited because there are only so many combinations you may generate using 3 numbers. 3- you may dial from the touch screen when stopped but once you press call you may no longer use the touch screen to send pin codes, enter ext. or passwords, etc. Note, the 2002 model will allow you to send pin codes, ext, through the screen after the call has connected. 4- the phone is located in the center console arm rest. It is not convenient by any means to use the buttons on the phone if need be.
As reported by drcomputer, Lexus apparently has found "the" fix for the groan. It has been more than 2 weeks and I am pleased to say I am groanless.
Re: the apparent fact that with the 2002 phone you can apparently use the touchscreen to enter pins etc while the car is moving, I am simply amazed that Lexus would do such a stupid thing. People will be dying for this feature; you can count on it.
Balderdash, I agree completely about surrendering control of the automobile; I have a non-NAV ML and find it has all the technology I want or need. Perhaps twice a year I would need the NAV. Just not worth it. As for your arsonist analogy, I agree you can't end arson by stopping one firebug, but if a particular felon is setting fire to homes in your neighborhood, one after the other, don't you think it makes sense to stop him first and then develop a more global plan for reducing incidence of the crime overall?
Anyone have experience/opinion on the virtues or vices of these tires for the LS430? I am thinking of buying the Michelin MXV4 Energy Plus and want to keep the quiet ride. I was also considering the Pilot series, but think the MXV4 might be a better touring tire with all-season capability. Thoughts? Other manufacturers?
I switched from quite noisy Pirellis to Michelin Pilots on my Porsche and the Pilots are just as loud but better at staying on the part of the roadbed that I select.
Since buying my first Lexus in late 91 I have not found a quiet all season tire.
Flint, you may check with tirerack.com. Their best tire perfomance and survey rating lists the Bridgestone Turanza Rwvo as leader of the pack. Those will be my next tires. (It's rated in different categories, such as quietness, traction, snow, wet, and dry,etc.)
If you order these from Tirerack be sure and tell then you don't want the Turanza with the Lexus tread. I have been running these tires, selected primarily for quietness, since they first became available.
A friend of mine ordered them from Tirerack and ended up with a completely different, noisier, tread, apparently a "special" one for Lexus.
Sorry, I misspelled REVO. Bridgestone makes the Turanza tire and a Turanza Revo. These are two different tires and not to be confused. The Turanza Revo is much superior according to the quidelines.
Thanks all. Yes I saw the reviews on tirerack and went to a local dealer as well. My LS430 came with Bridgestone Turanza E33 made for Lexus. I have heard good things about the Revo's, but the Z rating makes me wonder about quiet and durability. What I really wonder though, is whether I really need the tires at all. I was also concerned with legal issues during "snow emergency" days, but the local dealer told me that here in MD. and the surrounding states, just steel belted radials qualify as "snow" tires. Lexus calls the OEM tires "summer", and I wonder just how much better the "all season" version would really be for traction. I guess another option is true winter tires or just gut it out this season and see how it works out instead of spending nearly a grand on 4 tires that offer only marginal improvement.
I noticed in the Edmunds review of the 2002 IS that it has the NAV system appears to be fully independant of the radio and climate controls. I understand that the same is true for the SC430. Does this mean that this configuration is destined for the LS? I certainly hope so; if it does, I might even consider the NAv system in my next LS!
My suspicion would be that the next AWD from Lexus will be the GS. It seems to me that the LS is just too much of a "luxury boat" (not meant in any demeaning way) for AWD.
Does anyone else think it is odd that the ls430 only offers 6 airbags while the S-class haas 8 and the new 7 series will offer up to 14. Even lower models such as the a6, 5 series, and e class either offer 8 airbags have them standard or optional. The ls430 is missing the rear side airbags that most of those cars have. Does this make the car less safe?
You guys really think Lexus would put an awd in the GS? I would think the ES or IS would be the beta test. Heck Toyota can even start testing it with the Camry. I ride fairly often in an A-8 and definitely notice a noise coming from the Quattro system or at least that's where I believe it comes from. I also noticed it when I test drove the car last year. I can't imagine Lexus will let anything interfere with the LS430's great ride. I know we've hyped awd as possible for Lexus here before but aside from suv's how many awd's are really sold in the US. I thought, but could be wrong, that most BMW's and MB-E's sold are the base cars and not the awd models. A while back I drove an E-430 4wd but was told unless you change the tires to snows in winter the 4wd doesn't do much. I was surprised but perhaps it's because MB puts performance tires on the E-class.
I finally got to ride in a BMW 7 the other day and while I hear so much about the handling I certainly did'nt find that the ride was anything special nor was the car all that quiet. But it did have a great BMW phone I must say. Lexus has to get there! Both the S and LS430 give me a much heightened sense of luxury over the 7 and everyone knows my preference of the two. But if I had only MB, BMW or Audi to choose from I'm definetly an MB buyer. Has anyone experienced the new Q?
By the way expensive repair bills aren't limited to German cars. I bought what I was told at the time was the worlds best dishwasher - in 1995 - a German Miele - which broke down last week. The estimate to fix it is about what most mid-grade dishwashers cost. I'll go with the top of the line Kitchen Aid on this go round.
is it true, that the high intensity headlamps on the ls430 use a high intensity bulb rather then xenon gas(like the xenon lights on bmw and mercedes)hence the name high intensity headlamps? I always thought that the lexus ones were also xenon, but just had a different name..but i guess not.
All HID lamps, Lexus, BMW, Porsche, etc, use an electric arc (high intensity discharge)just as movie theatre projectors have for many years. It doesn't really matter what gas is inside the lamps, as long as the gas will aid in forming an ionization path for thr arc.
I'm in the market for a 98/99 LS 400. Despite it being one of the most reliable automobiles out there, I'd like to purchase an extended warranty. I'm finding some very attractive deals on private party purchases - does anyone know if Lexus will certify (and thus provide their 100k mile warranty) to a car I purchase from a private party. Even if the cost were over $2000 I think I'd come out ahead on a private party purchase. Thanks for any feedback!
Lexus dealers can provide CPO bumper-to-bumper warranty only on vehicles of a certain age and mileage range that they resell (or lease) to the public.
I bought a '95 LS400 this way from a Lexus dealer; it had 44k on it when purchased in 1998 and Lexus provided a full warranty until 3 years from the date I bought it or 100k miles on the odometer, whatever came first. So the warranty was actually 36 months or 56k miles, whichever came first. And I used the warranty coverage about 4-5 times in the 30 months I had this vehicle.
I sold it earlier this year; it had a few months and 16k miles left on the CPO warranty - but as soon as I sold it, the CPO warranty went away for the new buyer - poof.
I replaced it with a '98 LS400 from a private party; it had just 23k miles on it. No CPO warranty available, but the remainder of the original bumper-to-bumper 4-yr/50k mile factory warranty still applies. And because the vehicle was a month past it's 36-month age limit, there aren't many factory extended warranty plans available. In fact, I think there's only one and it's for 12 months/12k miles.
My understanding of Lexus' current extended maintenance policies towards used vehicles sold by private parties - if the vehicle is less than 36 months old (from date of original sale or lease) AND has less than 36k miles on it - they will sell you their almost-as-good-as-CPO extended warranty which I believe is called the Gold Plan.
There is also Lexus factory list pricing at this site; shop a dozen dealers and you'll get a lot of different prices. And the Lexus dealer selling you the plan can be located anywhere in the country.
Good luck - the 1998-2000 LS shows a big improvement in handling and speed over the earlier generations. Just don't drive the LS430 for comparison sake!
Buy your Lexus anywhere you like and then pop over to a Toyota dealer and purchase the Toyota extended warranty from their "deal closer". Part of the warranty markup goes into his/her pocket so they will be glad to "deal".
I am in the market for a another car and have norrowed my choices to these two vehicles. I currently drive a 96 avalon with 151,000 miles(80% highway) that i am looking to replace as daily driver.Both cars have around 35,000 miles the asking price for the q is $29,500 and $32,000 for the ls ,both private party. As objective as can be in LS400 room which one is better value.
"...pop over to a Toyota dealer and purchase the Toyota extended warranty (for an LS400) from their 'deal closer". Part of the warranty markup goes into his/her pocket so they will be glad to 'deal'."
Just a couple of small points to consider:
1. Unlikely the Toyota finance guy that sells you the extended warranty will be the one paying any attention to you when your LS repair runs into a problem with analysis, a mechanic that's never seen that problem before, components aren't covered, etc. 2. In most cases, unlike a Lexus dealership, they won't have the parts 3. In most cases, unlike a Lexus dealership, they won't have decent no-charge loaners available 4. Even though many components are identical or at least similar between Toyota and Lexus models, the LS in particular has lots of expensive parts that are unique to that model
In fact, what you are proposing is a small step up from worthless 3rd-party maintenance policies, but nowhere near the excellent results that would result from a plan under the Lexus letterhead.
Kinda like your genius idea to buy a Canadian LS430 for the electrically-heated windshield and then have it dealer serviced under warranty in Seattle, eh?
Did I say to have it serviced at the Toyota dealer? NOT!
But Sorry, leaving that point out was a serious oversight on my part.
The Toyota extended warranty you buy from the Toyota dealer allows you to take it, whatever brand, to Ford if that's what's to your liking.
I've only done this twice but as far as I know Lexus never turned away any level of service under a Toyota warranty. I think, not really sure, that if you look at the extended warranty you buy from Lexus it is actually the same Toyota extended warranty.
Sounds like you have had some bad experiences buying a vehicle from one dealer and having it serviced by another. I think you'll find that now wwe are in the age of buying over the internet you'll see more dealers changing that attitude.
Not that I personally have ever encountered this problem. One of the LSes I bought from a third party I went directly to Lexus and bought the extended warranty, no questions, other than mileage verification, asked!
Next time you buy a new car you might take note that the dealer will have you sign a release disclaiming any responsibility of the dealer to provide ANY warranty, or service under any warranty. The disclaimer typically says warranty service is the sole responsibility of the manufacturers.
Obvious they will provide the warranty service, but only under contract with the factory.
So the dealers don't care where you bought the car, they just want the warranty service revenues.
1. Buy an extended warranty from a guy at Toyota 2. He refers you to a guy over at a Lexus dealer who will then take care of your problem 3. Even though Lexus never received any of your money for the extended warranty 4. Which means they would have to get reimbursed from another guy, somehow, through an inter-departmental transfer of funds
Hey, that's a MUCH better plan than just buying a policy from the folks that will do the work!
That when you put a dollar into Lexus' jacket pocket the label on the jacket says Toyota?
Cute response but it appears to only confuse the issue.
You pay $2000 for a Toyota (or brand X) extended warranty, you take the vehicle to any dealer for warranty service under that warranty, the party (Toyota) from which you purchased the warranty re-emburses the dealer who does the warranty work.
Not unlike buying collision insurance from State Farm and having brand x do the repair work, re-embursed by State Farm of course.
If you purchase an extended warranty directly from your Lexus dealer the money you pay for actual warranty coverage goes directly to TMC. If you never require warranty service they get to keep all of it and spend it as they will.
Comments
This past weekend I had a case wherein there was a lack of map converage wherein it "successfully" computed a route, but then told me, immediately, that there were gaps in its coverage along the computed route.
In all the previous cases I didn't know it was going to lead me out into the wilderness and turn me loose on my own until we arrived at the lack of coverage area.
We have all heard, I'm sure, that Arafat declared a unilateral cease-fire shortly after the WTC incident, and the Israelis agreed to go along with it for their part.
Then the question becomes what will either of these entities do if some "criminal" attacks the other party, say a palestinian suicide bomber, and 20 Israelis are killed.
What should Israel do in response if the earnest goal is to sustain the cease-fire. My response was that the Israelis should immediately lift the work visas of 200 Palestinians. 200 Palestinians would lose their source of income immediately.
My "Barber" immediately turned that around on me and said "no, it should be Arafat who lifts the visas.
If the people of Palestine got the idea that it would be they who would be punished, by their own government yet, for criminal acts of this kind, couldn't that help sustain the cease-fire?
Can we apply this same thinking to our situation?
We can continue to pursue this in the Roadside Cafe discussion which is pretty much a free for all, nothing is off-topic there. Of course the Membership Agreement applies, but it's a great place to pursue subjects that are not germane to the subject of the discussion.
I really do think we need to get back on topic here - at least for now. Okay folks?
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
"Studying our enemies and dealing with their grievances is the only productive approach."
And how many people are we prepared to let die while we're studying them? And what if they don't want us to 'deal' with their grievances?
Exactly how do you think we can do what you propose?
I don't - I really don't - want to start removing off-topic posts, because I do believe very much more is to come and I want for us to be able to talk about it then, and I do understand that we all have very intense feelings about what has already happened.
However, right now we are in a lull (uncomfortable lull, indeed, since we are all waiting for the next shoe to drop) so for now let's try to stick to the topic and remember that our environment is a car site and in no way a political message board.
You folks surely realize Town Hall has given you very wide leeway here - please respect what we've done (given the dramatic circumstances) and listen to what we need for you to do now and go back to our defined purpose. When things get very heated again, which seems to me inevitable, we won't have issues with everyone discussing those things, but for right now, getting back on topic is what we need to do.
Really.
I appreciate everyone's understanding.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
OK, here's an 'in between' question - folks, if gas were $5 a gallon, i.e., $100 or so for a full tank in an LS, would it affect your decision to own one?
The LS "stream" can continue and be strictly confined to the LS, and those of us who wish to can go to the new "post" without losing the "thread".
Your post would suggest that we "listen" to the grievances of these terrorists. Are you kidding? They only know of one way to communicate with their chosen adversaries, and it is unacceptable by any of the world's standards of human relations and diplomacy. These people cannot be reasoned with with words alone, they have proven that.
If some arsonist burned down your house with your family in it and killed them because you pissed them off at one time and "god" told him to do it, would you "reason" with him and talk out his grievances? Give me a break! You'd want to see that person rot in hell probably, but at the least be served justice and go to jail for the rest of his life. This tragedy is essentially the same thing on a larger scale.
To say that we "are not entirely the innocent victims in this situation" and use such subtext to indicate that it is our fault, and we asked for it, or we deserve this crime being committed against, us is an outrage. Good grief!
Now, about my LS430. It's now 3 months old. It's actually quieter than my '99 LS400, which I didn't believe was possible. But as I live with this car and become acquainted with it's subtleties, I have this feeling that it's not put together quite as well as the '99. It's little things here and there that I cannot quite name. For one, when I close the moonroof cover it makes an unpleasant metallic sound instead of the soft quiet sound and feel of the previous car. The only real problem I have with the car is a persistent squeak/rattle in the driver's door. I'll be going back soon to the dealer for the 3rd. time to try to solve this problem. I know this is not a serious problem compared to what some of you have exprienced, but I just wanted to share it with you in our quest to get a sense of what this car really is.
I have the "stripped-down" model. I don't really like features in a car that take control away from me. For instance, I'd never go for the radar that slows me down when I get too near to another car. That would drive me nuts. As for the nav, I'd only need it once or twice a year. Not worth $12,000 to me. Back seat heaters and massagers? Give me a break!
Some of you might remember way back in the spring when I asked you all if you had the "throttle tip-in problem with your LS 400s that I had with my '99. I'm happy to report that the problem has been solved with the LS 430.
Maybe it's his advisors who have the whole thing clamped down and not under kneejerk control but he was the one who hired them, so...
Three cheers for George W Bush !!
I also got confirmation from Lexus corporate that the next (or first) DVD upgrade will be available in November or December. They said they are only planning on upgrading the DVD's yearly, contrary to their website and the owners manual. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
How did you reach "Lexus Corporate"?
"I also got confirmation from Lexus corporate that the next (or first) DVD upgrade will be available in November or December."
Please...
I figure a dollar towards a Nav DVD upgrade and another dollar's worth of paper towels to wipe off the inside of your windshield when it gets misty - and we can get back to the vital topics like coordinating exterior and interior colors.
Whoops, forgot the OAT electrical mods, resistors, et al. There goes another buck.
The heck with it - you're right. Better off with the Red Cross; hope to see you there.
If our government wants to help the airline industry AND get our economy up and going then for every ticket purchased until the "funds" are exhausted allow businesses to deduct 100% of the cost of those tickets from income taxes due in 2002.
Immediate "payout", likely an immediate confidence building affect on airline security, very likely a quick economic payback. Other than granting the tax "credit", NO goverment paperwork involved.
From the TSB: The 2001 phone was relaunched 7/31/2001. The 2002 phone was launched 8/20/2001. The 2002 model is about $900 more in cost. The reason is that the integration with the Nav. system is much improved. I have the 2001 model and I'm very disappointed. More on that later. The phone is manufactured by Qualcom with Denso writing the phone software. Denso also generated the S/W for the Sprint Touchpoint 2100/2200 model phone which is exactly what the Lexus phone is.
Lexus chose Sprint PCS for the following reasons;
a-Technology (1.9 Ghz)
b-increased capacity resulting in least amount of dropped calls
c-improved voice quality
d-enhanced privacy and security
e-average transmitted power reduced
f-reduced number of calls dropped
My disappointments are as follows:
1- the phone will not transfer more than 10 digits of a number to the car. If you are calling a number that requires you select options or extensions you are out of luck.
2- you will lose the volume control for the sound system located on the steering column. It is replaced with buttons for speed dial. The speed dial is limited because there are only so many combinations you may generate using 3 numbers.
3- you may dial from the touch screen when stopped but once you press call you may no longer use the touch screen to send pin codes, enter ext. or passwords, etc. Note, the 2002 model will allow you to send pin codes, ext, through the screen after the call has connected.
4- the phone is located in the center console arm rest. It is not convenient by any means to use the buttons on the phone if need be.
Re: the apparent fact that with the 2002 phone you can apparently use the touchscreen to enter pins etc while the car is moving, I am simply amazed that Lexus would do such a stupid thing. People will be dying for this feature; you can count on it.
Balderdash, I agree completely about surrendering control of the automobile; I have a non-NAV ML and find it has all the technology I want or need. Perhaps twice a year I would need the NAV. Just not worth it. As for your arsonist analogy, I agree you can't end arson by stopping one firebug, but if a particular felon is setting fire to homes in your neighborhood, one after the other, don't you think it makes sense to stop him first and then develop a more global plan for reducing incidence of the crime overall?
Since buying my first Lexus in late 91 I have not found a quiet all season tire.
I've had MXV4's in the past, on an Acura Legend - good tire.
Yokohama dBs might work too... VERY quiet tire.
Toyo Proxes FZ4 might be good too... very nice tire. I have the sportier T1-S on my GS400... great tire.
A friend of mine ordered them from Tirerack and ended up with a completely different, noisier, tread, apparently a "special" one for Lexus.
I finally got to ride in a BMW 7 the other day and while I hear so much about the handling I certainly did'nt find that the ride was anything special nor was the car all that quiet. But it did have a great BMW phone I must say. Lexus has to get there! Both the S and LS430 give me a much heightened sense of luxury over the 7 and everyone knows my preference of the two. But if I had only MB, BMW or Audi to choose from I'm definetly an MB buyer. Has anyone experienced the new Q?
By the way expensive repair bills aren't limited to German cars. I bought what I was told at the time was the worlds best dishwasher - in 1995 - a German Miele - which broke down last week. The estimate to fix it is about what most mid-grade dishwashers cost. I'll go with the top of the line Kitchen Aid on this go round.
I bought a '95 LS400 this way from a Lexus dealer; it had 44k on it when purchased in 1998 and Lexus provided a full warranty until 3 years from the date I bought it or 100k miles on the odometer, whatever came first. So the warranty was actually 36 months or 56k miles, whichever came first. And I used the warranty coverage about 4-5 times in the 30 months I had this vehicle.
I sold it earlier this year; it had a few months and 16k miles left on the CPO warranty - but as soon as I sold it, the CPO warranty went away for the new buyer - poof.
I replaced it with a '98 LS400 from a private party; it had just 23k miles on it. No CPO warranty available, but the remainder of the original bumper-to-bumper 4-yr/50k mile factory warranty still applies. And because the vehicle was a month past it's 36-month age limit, there aren't many factory extended warranty plans available. In fact, I think there's only one and it's for 12 months/12k miles.
My understanding of Lexus' current extended maintenance policies towards used vehicles sold by private parties - if the vehicle is less than 36 months old (from date of original sale or lease) AND has less than 36k miles on it - they will sell you their almost-as-good-as-CPO extended warranty which I believe is called the Gold Plan.
Check it out at:
http://www.lexus.com/showroom/protection/gold.html
There is also Lexus factory list pricing at this site; shop a dozen dealers and you'll get a lot of different prices. And the Lexus dealer selling you the plan can be located anywhere in the country.
Good luck - the 1998-2000 LS shows a big improvement in handling and speed over the earlier generations. Just don't drive the LS430 for comparison sake!
"...pop over to a Toyota dealer and purchase the Toyota extended warranty (for an LS400) from their 'deal closer". Part of the warranty markup goes into his/her pocket so they will be glad to 'deal'."
Just a couple of small points to consider:
1. Unlikely the Toyota finance guy that sells you the extended warranty will be the one paying any attention to you when your LS repair runs into a problem with analysis, a mechanic that's never seen that problem before, components aren't covered, etc.
2. In most cases, unlike a Lexus dealership, they won't have the parts
3. In most cases, unlike a Lexus dealership, they won't have decent no-charge loaners available
4. Even though many components are identical or at least similar between Toyota and Lexus models, the LS in particular has lots of expensive parts that are unique to that model
In fact, what you are proposing is a small step up from worthless 3rd-party maintenance policies, but nowhere near the excellent results that would result from a plan under the Lexus letterhead.
Kinda like your genius idea to buy a Canadian LS430 for the electrically-heated windshield and then have it dealer serviced under warranty in Seattle, eh?
But Sorry, leaving that point out was a serious oversight on my part.
The Toyota extended warranty you buy from the Toyota dealer allows you to take it, whatever brand, to Ford if that's what's to your liking.
I've only done this twice but as far as I know Lexus never turned away any level of service under a Toyota warranty. I think, not really sure, that if you look at the extended warranty you buy from Lexus it is actually the same Toyota extended warranty.
Sounds like you have had some bad experiences buying a vehicle from one dealer and having it serviced by another. I think you'll find that now wwe are in the age of buying over the internet you'll see more dealers changing that attitude.
Not that I personally have ever encountered this problem. One of the LSes I bought from a third party I went directly to Lexus and bought the extended warranty, no questions, other than mileage verification, asked!
Obvious they will provide the warranty service, but only under contract with the factory.
So the dealers don't care where you bought the car, they just want the warranty service revenues.
So your idea is to...
1. Buy an extended warranty from a guy at Toyota
2. He refers you to a guy over at a Lexus dealer who will then take care of your problem
3. Even though Lexus never received any of your money for the extended warranty
4. Which means they would have to get reimbursed from another guy, somehow, through an inter-departmental transfer of funds
Hey, that's a MUCH better plan than just buying a policy from the folks that will do the work!
Incredible that no one else thought of it.
Cute response but it appears to only confuse the issue.
You pay $2000 for a Toyota (or brand X) extended warranty, you take the vehicle to any dealer for warranty service under that warranty, the party (Toyota) from which you purchased the warranty re-emburses the dealer who does the warranty work.
Not unlike buying collision insurance from State Farm and having brand x do the repair work, re-embursed by State Farm of course.
If you purchase an extended warranty directly from your Lexus dealer the money you pay for actual warranty coverage goes directly to TMC. If you never require warranty service they get to keep all of it and spend it as they will.