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BTW, no one should be buying the old CRT (tube) projection sets these days. They are totally outdated: big, deep, heavy; with a relatively washed out, dark, highly directional picture.
Can't wait to get my LS in August.
Thanks.
sv7887 - good luck with the car. Looks great in the dark navy. Keyless is great - it will spoil you over time. Is it needed - not really - but it is just an extra luxury item that is greatly appreciated when your hands are full.
Gary - re 6776 - deadly accurate post. It's where the smart money goes.
I am going to purchase an LS430 in the next week or two, and many of them have the perforated leather seats.
I'm wondering how one cleans & conditions leather seats with holes in them. I like to use the Lexol about once a year and I have visions of that stuff clogging up the holes and then getting on my clothing later.
Any experience you can share?
IMHO, the direct view [Len, not projection] CRT tubes may have the best picture, but the problem is that if you buy the 34" widescreen version like the KV-34HS420, if you watch a regular non-widescreen program, it is a VERY small picture. That's why I liked the 40" CRT 4:3 Sony XBR, but apparently they are not selling it anymore.
So it depends on the size of your room, and what you watch. If the room is good-sized, and you watch regular TV programs- not just widescreen movies- then I suggest you move up a step in price to a 42-50" LCD projection set such as the Sony KDF-42WE655 [see Len's #6745 about an alternate line] or a Samsung DLP model. The picture is definitely not quite as good, but IMHO the size more than makes up for it.
But Len, I was never suggesting anyone buy a CRT PROJECTION set. As you say, the LCD PROJECTION sets are much brighter with a much wider viewing area. And certainly the flat panel LCDs are the best, but at a big price premium for a large screen model.
After upgrading both CD's this year, I am still very pleased with the Acura system over the Lexus version. I particularly like the ability to use the joy stick versus touching the screen to manuver around the map. Plus I find being able to input destinations while moving a real value vs. the pain there is with having to be stopped. Many times my family and I decide to head somewhere different while on the road and having to be stopped is a real PITA.
My family all agree that if we need the Navi that we prefer to use the Acura's version.
As far as a screen type, I'd like it a bit larger for sure.
This is my 3rd Lexus 400 (91,98,02. Agree with poster regarding dealer servicing. Only minimal warranty work done by dealer.... my local mechanic provides all required servicing.
Just make sure you condition in conditions that will stay 65 degrees or above, and preferably condition at a time when you know you won't be driving for a while. Most standard conditioners, as long as you use them in a very thin layer (less is more with most conditioners save for some professional type products which aren't sold in stores anyway), will be 99% dry within just a few hours, or certainly if sitting overnight.
With the exception of some real junk that has no right to be on leather in the first place (armor all, etc)... leather conditioner will usually not harm or permanently stain your clothes.
Just to add one more tidbit of info... whatever leather conditioners you decide to try, make sure you are buying cleaners and conditioners seperately. All in one products are usually not nearly as effective (just like with shampoos)
All of these are usually mentioned in articles on a subjective level, but when you're reading reviews by 100 different reviewers who all have various moods and perceptions from day to day on random years of random cars... subjectivity is almost useless. This information can be objectified (Motor Trend has started to mention ride characteristics and noise characteristics in their reviews in number/graph format)
What's more important is that these reviewers ensure that they are making these measurements over the same road. Heck... even things like temperature can affect ride quality and noise levels noticably (cold tires and road surface are usually a bit stiffer and louder).
Chassis rigidity is a bit harder to determine unless you're a chassis engineer at the manufacturer's research facility, and those guys are not going to be supplying any numbers like that to magazines unless they're very proud of them (even then, how would you validace them?)
I went ahead and bought the car, perforated leather and all, on Monday. I expect the LS430 will hold up as well as our dear Toyota Avalon with 92k mi on it. :-)
ljflx, "Lexus LS" #6745, 22 Dec 2004 11:00 am
was extremely helpful to me this past holiday weekend. Just what I needed for a planned road trip to Las Vegas. After reading your post, I did a quick research on this unit. All were SOLD OUT at all Wal-Mart locations in the city I live here, and only could order on-line. Delivery would not make it on time to departure date to LV.
With eight of us - two dads, two mums, one grandmum, and 2 kids ages 7, 10 & 12 - on a 309-mile road trip to Las Vegas in our Sequoia, imagine how exasperated the parents were from the constant moaning of the kids *boredom*. On our outbound trip back home, there was no way we could do that trip without some sort of an in-car unit. We quickly sought out a Wal-Mart in LV. Found one on E Tropicana Ave that had 2 units available. Bought both on the spot. Cost was $298 ea. This was the 6.2" dual monitor Durabrand DVD unit. Great unit, btw. Comes with the car adaptor, a rechargeable battery, and in-home adaptor, plus a remote. Outstanding deal !!! Bought several movies - I-Robot, The Elf movie, Men of Honor, and Princess Diaries 2 for the ride, driving back home was the smoothest trip ever ! Not a beep from the kids in the rear seats. Even the mums enjoyed the ride as much as the kids did. The DVD unit fitted perfectly b/w the front console/arm rest area of our Sequoia, while the second monitor was tied to the center headrest of the second-row seat. Outstanding unit, and at a very affordable price too ....
Me and my kids send our heartiest thanks to you.
Pat: Although this had nothing to do with the LS, but it is to show that even when we digress from talking about cars, there is so much helpful information that can be obtained from such otherwise off-topic posts. Let's keep the information flow on this forum wether on- or off-topic; all are useful/can be very useful to others.
Wishing everyone Happy Holidays, and best wishes in the new year !
Your unit probably has a battery as well thus the $20 higher price over what I paid. There was a Walmart by me that had about 100 of them in stock on a shelf near the door. A week later there was only a handful - so they are obviously a big hit. Even if this unit fails at some point you'd have to burn through 6 or 7 of them before you hit the price-point of the ones they install in the headrests. Plus the player is portable, can be moved from car to car (though I'd buy a second one at these prices) and can also be used as a plug-in to the TV in the hotel or condo you rent. It also provides a great picture on the dual monitors. The ability to plug in other devices to one or both of the monitors makes it all the more versatile. Someone said this makes us think of a Lexus as an isolation and home theatre chamber - but in reality it provides entertainment to others so that you can enjoy and concentrate on the driving even more - regardless of what car/suv you are driving.
Something on the level of the Lexol two which, IMHO work as well or better are the cleaner/conditioner pair from Sonus.
If a disc is available, it should not be too difficult to replace it in the car.
By the way, does anyone know where the navigation unit is located?
Thank you for any help.
George
And Happy New Year to everyone!
I purchased the V710 through Verizon of Albuquerque NM the first day it was available for use with my Lexus LS430 Bluetooth capable navigation/audio system. The telephone has worked fine from the very first day: however, I can't find any instructions on how to download the "phone book" from the V710 to the LS430 bluetooth telephone system. I have heard that Motorola was working on a software update to provide phone book download capability. Please advise if you are aware of how to download telephone book from V710 to the LS430 Nav/Audio system.
(MOTOROLA'S RESPONSE)
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for contacting Motorola e-mail support, we appreciate your request.
Thank you very much for your considerations and interest in our products.
Regarding your concern, we regret to let you know that you will not be able to synchronize information from your V710 with your car via Bluetooth. Although the V710 is a Bluetooth enabled phone, Bluetooth is simply the connection that allows two devices to “connect”. Profiles are the software built into devices to enable communication between compatible devices. This is important because if two devices do not have the same profiles, communication will not be possible. The V710 has the Handsfree, Headset and DUN (Dial Up Internet Connection) but it does not have the OBEX profile that allows you to exchange information via Bluetooth.
This means that, due to the lack of the OBEX profile, the V710 phone can only support Bluetooth capability for pairing-up with the handsfree or head device and for using the phone as a modem. It cannot be used for data synchronization like phonebook and calendar, not for media transfer, like pictures and ringtones.
However, we are happy to inform you that later next year, a solution should be available, that should allow you to transfer information from your V710 via Bluetooth.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you.
We hope that you find this information useful and we remain at your entire disposal for future questions you may wish to ask.
If you have further questions or need additional assistance, please contact our Cellular Information Center at 1-800-331-6456. Our business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM CST.
Have you found a way to get a ring tone when you have an incoming call? To me that is the worst failing: I can use the phone to make calls and to receive calls IF I happen to notice on the nav screen that there is an incoming call. There is no audible ring tone, neither from the phone nor from the car. If I have the radio on, then I can tell if there is an incoming call because it mutes the radio (or other sound source). But if I am driving with no sound source on, then I usually miss incoming calls. So if anyone has found a work-arouond for this, would you please post it?
Thanks -- Renny
http://www.palmone.com/us/support/downloads/treo650carkitupdate/i- ndex.html
Sprint now is the only service provider to offer this phone directly, but I have read on other boards that Verizon may offer it as soon as February., or as late as this summer.
For those who have gotten the replacement, is it actually an improvement or a step backwards? I seem to recall seeing a post from someone who thought that there may actually be fewer Points of Interest in the database.
Should I be calling the parts dept. at my dealer and pushing for this?
In the midwest, the database is more up-to-date and with greater details of area features like golf course layouts and hospital campuses. This is another seamless improvement.
I am having mine updated this Friday; I hope it's a big improvement, because my 2001 NAV was much more reliable than the 2004 system.
Yes, the cleaner works fine with the heated/cooled seats. I haven't had any problems and have been using the conditioner since 2002.
At idle, the best is 32dBA by the Honda Accord Hybrid. Our beloved LS430 is at 36dBA. The new Acura RL is 39dBA. All the other ultra luxury German sedans are at 40 or higher.
At 70MPH, the best for cars tested in 2004 were the BMW 645Ci, Chrysler 300C, and Kia Amanti, all at 63 dBA. The worst was at 84dBA by Ford GT.
Paul
What is your overall assessment of the LS given you came out of the S and other lux cars.
By the way - I think the heavier glass on the BMW is the main source of its quietness. I have read in the past that the 12cyl 7's (past gen, not sure about current one) are the quietest cars on the road.
In the 3 years I had the fortune to spent with the 2001 S500 with the Active suspension and ABC, the ride was always quiet, not as quiet crusing as my LS430 is now. At idle, both are about the same, except you may think the S500 is more so, as the front interior space is wider, giving the perception the noise floor is lower. According to C&D measurements, this is not the case.
While driving, both the LS430 and S500 will be quieter than just about anything I have ever driven and riden in, including a few Rolls.
What distinguish the LS430 from the S500 (at least after 12 months in my LS430), is that the minor annoying noise, creaks, and other undescribables, are much less irritating than the big German flagship.
I did drive the 2003 745i for a bit before buying the LS430, also the A8 and XJS. I would rate them as such:
1) LS430
2) 745i
3) A8L
4) XJ8
5) 760
6) S500
7) XJS
The 745 drives virtually noise-free as the LS430 over smooth roads. Over cobblestones, rail tracks, and Manhattan blocks, the 745 as well as the V12 760 can reveal some annoying noise from the cabin, of the un-classifiable variety. In this sense, even worse than the S500.
At speed, say 80-110, the best is still the S500, in my view. I have driven the Benz, both BMW, my LS, and the Jags at speeds up to 100 so far. In Jersey, no less!
Paul
Thanks.
Zaino is my favorite conditioner to use inbetween Leatherique applications as sort of a maintenance/touch-up.
(This is on my 99 GS400 BTW, I don't have an LS)
Are you sure your stat is correct?
They printed it during the review, and reprinted it in the annual "10 Best Issue". You may still be able to get that issue at a local. Ah, what the heck, here it is:
That list just doesn't make that much sense to me. Its a mish mash of cars with such *notables* as Chevy Malibu Maxx, Chevy Aveo, Buick La Crosse, Kia Spectra, Suzuki Forenza (what ?) etc... Good thing the LS is NOT part of that stupid list, imo.
Ever since I have been very careful to buy only summer tires for the LS, and always check the noise level rating at tirerack for the tires I do buy.
That's yet another reason not to buy the expensive ML sound system upgrade. You can "hear" the differnce with these levels of interior noise.
If you want your LS to meet or even beat the low noise levels of competing marques then use summer tires only, and empty a whole can of aftermarket undercoating onto the wheelwell liners of each wheel.
Oh, and moving the climate control blower function into the exhauster port in the bottom of the driver's side rear quarter panel helps tremendously also.
That latter also helps to keep the cabin atmosphere's RH lower and thereby fewer instances of sudden windshield fogging over.
I purchased the V710 through Verizon the first day it was available for use with my Lexus LS430 Bluetooth capable navigation/audio system. The telephone has worked fine from the very first day: however, I can't find any instructions on how to download the "phone book" from the V710 to the LS430 bluetooth telephone system. I have heard that Motorola was working on a software update to provide phone book download capability. Please advise if you are aware of how to download telephone book from V710 to the LS430 Nav/Audio system.
Motorola's Response:
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for contacting Motorola e-mail support, we appreciate your request.
Thank you very much for your considerations and interest in our products.
Regarding your concern, we regret to let you know that you will not be able to synchronize information from your V710 with your car via Bluetooth. Although the V710 is a Bluetooth enabled phone, Bluetooth is simply the connection that allows two devices to "connect". Profiles are the software built into devices to enable communication between compatible devices. This is important because if two devices do not have the same profiles, communication will not be possible. The V710 has the Handsfree, Headset and DUN (Dial Up Internet Connection) but it does not have the OBEX profile that allows you to exchange information via Bluetooth.
This means that, due to the lack of the OBEX profile, the V710 phone can only support Bluetooth capability for pairing-up with the handsfree or head device and for using the phone as a modem. It cannot be used for data synchronization like phonebook and calendar, not for media transfer, like pictures and ringtones.
However, we are happy to inform you that later next year, a solution should be available, that should allow you to transfer information from your V710 via Bluetooth.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you.
We hope that you find this information useful and we remain at your entire disposal for future questions you may wish to ask.
If you have further questions or need additional assistance, please contact our Cellular Information Center at 1-800-331-6456. Our business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM CST.
For information about Motorola products and services, please locate http://www.motorola.com/
If you cannot hipper link, please copy/paste the link into your browser.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be of service to you.
Best Regards,
C&D tested the M45 in the Feb issue. Idle is 45dBA and 67dBA for 70MPH crusing.
I mean in the general stage of progression, just for example, my fiancee's old 99 Accord EX was average IMO in terms of noise. My friends 03 Accord EX was much better. Like almost night and day better. By that same token my GS400 is a night and day improvement over my friend's 03 Accord. And then further progressing, the LS430 is a night and day improvement over my GS400.
So then it just seems crazy to me that despite all of that progression of night and day differences in noise levels (at least in my perception and the perception of my friends), that a Korean econobox is quieter than even the quietest cars in that progression.
But they did give the Kia Amanti good ratings (8/10) for quietness. Then again 25 grand for a Kia would probably buy you plenty of sound deadening wouldn't it? (I didn't know the Amanti cost that much). The quietness rating they gave it was actually roughly on par with the Lexus ES330, and they also stated it was on par with many luxury cars.
But then for the LS430 they give it a 10/10 and say it's one of the quietest cars around, period.
Hmmm...
As much as I love objective stats, I just can't bring myself to terms with this one. :P