Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Right?
:-)
Took a bit of a detour to have a look at the AWD Sienna. It does have a couple of points over the RX330 in that it can use snowchains safely, front and rear, and it does have rear window winglets that can be operated from the driver's seat. Goodbye to thw painful helicopter noise.
Still think I'll be buying an RX330 before the next snow. Unless Lexus adopts the Sienna design as an SX330(?).
I admit that I didn't get "it" at the time but a few years later I did realize an anomaly existed in that area of the climate control. According to the owners manual when you manually over-ride climate control functions the "auto" indicator should extinguish. In my 92 LS that is true for everything but the recirc/fresh rocker switch, the "auto" indicator remains on regardless.
Once I discovered the anomaly I took it into Lexus of Bellevue and they acknowledged, in writing, that the 92 LS was unique (did not operate as the manual stated), mine included, in that respect.
Then recently I got to thinking about why the company employee who now drives that car, has for several years/winters, hasn't said anything about this particular failure.
That led me to remember that at trial the Lexus defense attorney made a really big deal out of the fact that the fogging had not recurred. My explanation was that it had remained parked in my garage for the remainder of the winter of 91/92 and by the fall of 92 I had figured out how to avoid the problem.
But on re-reading the transcript it jumps out at me that the Lexus "expert" witnesses, for some reason, seemed to be certain that the problem would not recur.
And.
In the spring of 92 Lexus flew an engineer in, purportedly from Japan, to examine the climate control ecu and make sure it operated correctly to factory specifications.
He removed the unit from the car, took it into and office and appeared to analyze it by hooking it up to an instrument he had brought. The "instrument" was a makeshift "silver box" prototype, clearly not a standard production item.
As I have learned more and more about automotive climate control systems I have given some thought to what might have been changed by reprogramming the ecu, assuming it is reprogrammable.
What if, when the car was shipped from the factory, the fresh/recirc damper/servomotor actually was still in the recirc position, or partial recirc position, even though the "fresh" indicator was lit?
As the car sits today, the ONLY way you can be certain that the fresh/recirc function is NOT under automatic control is to depress the fresh side of the rocker switch, or have personal memory that has been done since the last time the car was started.
The Lexus shop manual makes it quite clear that in automatic mode the system determines the fresh/recirc "mix" according to interior and exterior climatic conditions.
Back during the cold of the winter of 91/92 the windshield would fog over soon after the A/C compressor was shut down automatically or manually. If the incoming airflow were truly (fully) fresh at that time then the likelihood of that happenstance is fairly low.
But if the fresh/recirc damper was predominantly in recirc (due to fairly LOW outside temperatures?) the windshield would fog up almost every time.
So all they needed to do was reprogram the ecu so it moved the fresh/recirc damper to full fresh the instant "defrost/defog/demist" mode was activated. Or maybe even reprogrammed it to also to be biased toward "fresh" as the OAT grew colder and colder.
Just guessing, but now with a good education of/on Lexus automotive climate controls.
Left front oxygen sensor has been only failure. DIY, on board diagnostic told me exactly what was wrong.
Has autospies ever published advanced pix/design sketches of the upcoming GS re-design?
Something is definitely going on with the LS though. I was in for a 45k mile check yesterday and stopped by to see my sales guy. He was complaining that 5 renewing leases were extended 6 months on him in April because people heard about the re-designed front-end and were waiting for the 2004 model year. He again confirmed a re-designed front with a sleeker look and re-designed tail lights. He did say the 2004 looked real sharp and would be a big seller.
I would expect the 2004 LS refresh to have some of that GS/HPX look. Lexus has said they are going to a more cookie cutter design in the same vane as MB and BMW. They also said that the HPX, whether its built or not, has many of the styling cues we'll see on upcoming re-designs. So maybe the GS re-design and LS modification are the start of it.
I still hope they build that HPX. It was a knockout when I saw it in person at the NY auto show.
It does look like Lexus is getting bolder in the design areas based on the HPX, RX330 and these sketches (assuming the latter are on the mark).
Having said that (and except for the now-familiar too-much-grill problem) I LOVE IT. I was driving in this morning lamenting the disappearance of elegence and understatement in the new cars being introduced, and along comes this one. Aggressive, daring, but controlled and sophisticated. It is what the 7 could have been if someone had been there to curb Bangle's excesses. If they build it, I will come.
My initial reaction on looking at it was the same as Tony's. I didn't like it at first glance - and the color chosen by the artist didn't help and may have had a lot to do with that first impression. But the more I looked the more I thought it was a great looking, very aerodynamic car. It's the latter that has me more and more thinking that it might be the refreshing. Lexus wants to have the best aerodynamics in the industry.
So today I e-mailed the sketch to my sales guy. He e-mailed back a short sweet reply which was "No comment but I told you it will be a real sharp car and a big seller". So let's see. I still think it looks like too much of a change for a refreshment. Maybe the back will only have tail light refreshing rather than the change depicted in the sketch.
But that is definitely not the 2006. That totally restyled car (again per my sales guy) is going to have the HPX look and be a bigger GS, a tad larger than the current LS and will have a long wheel base option. The latter will only be available with the V-12 engine.
What did you think of the GS? If you look close you can see the tail lights have an SC430 look. The side is beautiful and I like the front. I'd like it even more if the grille was just a tad bigger. And I mean just a tad. You've got me questioning big grilles now.
http://www.autofiend.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&a- mp;a- mp;sid=63
GS
http://www.autofiend.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&a- mp;a- mp;sid=49
IS
http://www.autofiend.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&a- mp;a- mp;sid=51
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5963
I definitely agree with ljflx about the color selected by the artist for his LS rendering; it is a nauseating shade of green, but the car itself looks muscular but sleek, not an easy combination to pull off. I can't tell much from the LS picture lachua provided. I am still very skeptical that we will see anything like so radical a transformation in the car in the next model year.
As for the GS I would hope the current grill with or w/o a slight modification is put on the autospies sketch. If that is done Lexus has a homerun in that car. I much prefer the autospies version over the one shown in lacqua's link.
Everything I've read or heard has supported the Clemens interview of more similarity in auto design for the brand. You can also bet that if Clemens has gone that far in his discussioon of a $150k upscale LS than the decision has already been made to build the car. The issue will be how upscale - $100k, $125k or $150k. I'll bet it ends up more in the $125k range.
lacqua - thanks for the links.
Other Lexus standings include:
Lexus #1 as a brand
ES 300 #1 in the entry luxury car category
SC 430 #2 in the premium luxury car category
GS 300/430 #1 in mid luxury car category
RX 300 #1 in luxury SUV category
LX 470 #2 in luxury SUV category
The #1 Platinum Award also went to the plant where the LS 430 and GS 300/430 are built. The plant where the ES 300 is built finished #3 of all plants worldwide (the Toyota Prius plant was #2).
What do you know about or think of the 2004 LS430 sheet metal change (or LS500 whatever it is to be)?
1. Revised front and rear styling
2. 18" wheels
3. Revised dashboard
4. New interior wood selections
5. "Many" new comfort and convenience features
6. A "smart" key like Mercedes has
He didn't comment on the engine size or anything else.
Lexus boss Denny Clemens has recently said in the press that virtually all future Lexus models will be offered with all-wheel-drive, but I don't know if that includes the 2004 LS.
Also, Lexus has recently created a board of directors separate from Toyota and added a unique Lexus design center, something it never had before. Clemens has said this will result in future products being far more consistent in look and feel starting with the all-new GS next year. According to Clemens things will change "dramatically."
It sounds like the 2004 is going to be a great car. I'm going to put myself on the brochure list as soon as Lexus makes it available on the website. My lease is up in January. I'll bet the 2004 will be cheaper on lease than the 2001 given the big cut in interest rates.
I am in the mkt for a used LS400 and Edmunds and KBB have removed the old standard 8 page breakdowns of used cars. (Or at least I can't find that feature anymore.)
Anyway, I like the color blue.
Is blue offered 96 - 2000?
What are the other exterior colors offered?
Thanks,
Now Lexus doesn't need to go to the extreme of a chime that makes you think you need to go to a dealer ASAP when all you need is to add washer fluid. Morale of the story - if you hear that chime, and it goes off immediately, check your washer fluid before you do anything else.
Thank you for the Dark Blue answer for 1998 and newer. That is what I will look for.
Any advice from those who have older models? Are your maintenance costs typically high at this stage?
I've been thinking of selling and buying a newish Camry-- I already have a buyer at $7900, but the Lexus is awfully nice and I'm getting used to it! Advice appreciated.
OTOH, selling it and getting a newish Camry may not be a bad idea, but since you've owned and/or driven this LS, you will regret buying that newish Camry. The driving pleasure just ain't going to be anywhere close. Even for a 12-yr old, the LS is a very refined machine, and with your low low miles, you'll drive it for another 100K miles before you need to really get rid of it. That's a lotta miles ahead for you.
Have your mechanic check it out thoroughly. The a/c compressor and the LCD display are frequent trouble spots. Both went out on my 90.
I sold my 90 to get my '01 when it had 125k. It was a wonderful machine, and I am betting that it will be on the road for another 6 or 7 years easy.
The half page story about Toyota changes also confirms that Lexus will have much more of a consistent design in its car models starting with the GS redo. It also seems that they will make major upgrades to the IS.
I didn't know any dealer could print out service history. That's a real help because I'm not so sure about my Dad's dealer: I took the car in for a check while in another city and they told me there were after market parts in the car, troubling since I know it was never serviced anywhere but the dealer, right down to oil changes. (Yes, it was babied!)
By the way, speaking of high maintenance costs, last week my mother traded in her '98 MB E320 and had it inspected (I was considering buying it from her) and the Benz dealer wanted $500 for an INSPECTION of the car. Lexus has been quoting me $100 today. I suppose their cars are quite complex.
Anyway, thanks again.
Before you pay to have the starter replaced, check the wiring connection to the starter itself. I had the the same experience and while checking the condition of the sarter I had wriggled the leads connected to the starter. I then attempted to start the car and and it worked. Alll that had happened is that one of the leads had worked loose somehow. I then tightened all leads to the starter and the it had worked perfectly until I sold the car with 230,000 miles on the odometer. Good-luck.
Ron
Starter solenoid (relay) more likely.
One of the interlocks may have failed, tranx must be in neutral or park. A "jiggle" of shift lever sometimes works.
Anyway, I noticed your post about the 2006/7 LS. Personally, it seems plausible that it would be 2007, since the first gen was 1990, the second 5 years later in 1995, but the third 6 years later in 2001...so the most recent 6 year gap, if carried forward, would make the Automobile mag story come true. I've been waiting for AWD for awhile, which I personally believe will be in 2005 not 2004...and if its 2005 I was figuring just wait for an all new car in 2006. But if 2007 is going to be true, that would change things.
I'm anxious to see what they do with the GS. If they go AWD on that it will be very tempting as a third car if I continue to need 3 cars. The styling looks spectacular. Right now I'm fixated on the new LS and the GX470 (3 people have told me that it is the best SUV they've ever owned and one guy came out of the LX470). This winter was horrible and has affected thoughts of an SC430 I was having. Now if the LS has AWD I may start thinking seriously about the SC again. I love that car.
I do believe you'll see the next true LS redesign as a 2007 model - maybe as a Spring 2006 entry. The trick I believe is to watch the Lexus leases. If they go to 39 month leases in May and June of any given year as their main program it means they want people hanging around to September for the new car.
I'll get more facts on this stuff next Friday. I'm bringing my car in for service and am stopping off to drive the GX470. I intend to find out what is going on with the 2004 and the GS, as well as the whole AWD thing.
Also, for what it's worth, my salesman continues to maintain the all-new GS will have AWD standard.
Syswei - I have the LX and it is fabulous. Couldn't be happier and have been surprised at averaging 16-17mpg in it consistently. What I believe is going to happen here is that the current LX moves to the Sequoia platform in 2005 or 2006 and the GX is made a bit wider at that time. In effect it replaces the current LX.
A 300HP GS430 can undoubtedly be "helped" by distributing some of that engine torque to the front wheels.
Certainly seems to help with my C4 and it doesn't leave its nice warm garage except on "nice" days.
The rep told me that the adaptive air suspension was even better than the stock car; how can this be?
Finally, he gave me about 2 to 3K off MSRP on either the mid loaded and top loaded LS430. I was a little surprised at the 50% residual on a fully loaded LS for 3yr/30K lease.
Thanks all.
The 3 year residual is usually 60-62% in the first 4 months or so of a model year on a 12k per annum lease, but since a sportier looking face-lift is due next year and a total redesign is due 2-3 years later they may be lowering the residuals of the current car. Next years model is going to have options for a 360hp engine, cameras, 18" wheels, DVD entertainment systems (which supposedly will come with all around tinted windows), perhaps night vision and an even more luxurious interior.
I don't know if you saw some of the posted pictures of possible front-end revisions from a few weeks ago but if you are starting to think seriously of switching out of MB you may want to look back to those posts. Next years face-lift looks great. I'd hold off to 2004 - if you can - at this point.
The S500 is a great riding car but the LS430 is just in a world of its own. You may also want to test drive a euro suspension which adds handling but remains just about as smooth and quiet as the stock suspension.
I have the LX470 and it is a great SUV. Good luck if you go that route, you won't be disappointed. By the way - it rides very much like the LS believe it or not. Serene, quiet and very smooth. But they move very quickly. Try Ray Catena in Larchmont NY or Ocean NJ - he's a volume dealer and usually has one or two in stock. But again these SUV's come and go quickly.
Next tested the new Range Rover. Despite what many said about the luxurious interiors, I was not that impressed. The wood looked very much like IKEA's, and the leather was not as nice as the Cayenne's. The vehicle drove like it's 5.6K lbs. The ride was smoother than the Cayenne's, but not as good as my S500, so much worse than a LS430, of course. The 2004 Range Rover comes out in Sept, but no major changes.
Was going to test a GX470 and LX470, but no test vehicles at 2 Long Island Lexus dealerships. The GX470 was too small, and the back seats was just ok in the LX. This is a tough comparison (I know), as the S500 back seat is the roominess in the industry....
Tested the aforementioned LS430 instead. Man, it was quiet, felt like driving with the engine off. This can be dangerous, as I often start the engine after long idles.....
I am still waiting to test the VW Tourneaq, the Audi A8L, and the Benz E55. The latter my wife is protesting after the bad experience with the S500 over the last 18 months.
I had a 1998 ES300 for 1 year before my son was born, and the only thing I didn't like was the wind noise over the pillarless doorframes back then. Lexus has changed that design, and the LS is so wind noise free today at 60+.
I was not that impressed with the radio in the LS test car today, not sure if it was the Mark Levinson. How is the ML radio anyway?
I agree with you, I will wait for the 2004 LS, but I am not certain a 360hp option is in store. The DVD for my son is a God send if available.
Thanks again.
I own an 03 LS 430 Ultra(has air suspension).
I had never tested a regular suspension as I was only interested in the Ultra. I can only tell you that the ride is exceptionally smmoth and quiet. Passengers can't believe, and always comment, on how smooth the ride is and the exceptional quietness of the car.
Allow me to add that since January, when I purchased the car, I have had "no problems". Nothing has gone wrong and all systems work as advertised.
You won't be sorry for purchasing a Lexus.
Best of luck.
Ron
I own an 03 LS 430 Ultra(has air suspension).
I had never tested a regular suspension as I was only interested in the Ultra. I can only tell you that the ride is exceptionally smmoth and quiet. Passengers can't believe, and always comment, on how smooth the ride is and the exceptional quietness of the car.
Allow me to add that since January, when I purchased the car, I have had "no problems". Nothing has gone wrong and all systems work as advertised.
You won't be sorry for purchasing a Lexus.
Best of luck.
Ron
Tony, which version then are you driving? And is the Mark Levinson audio really necessary?
Thanks, Paul.