timuckun

I just bought a 2002 es300. The car hasn't been used lovingly but it's in pretty good shape and I got a pretty good deal on it.

I could use your collected wisdom about the following.

The car has three types of tires on it. The two in the front are the same but the two in the back are different from each other and the front. They all seem to have different profiles too. Very weird. Three of the tires are almost new too. Should I replace all of them?

The front wheel wells are different than the rear ones. The rear ones have a "fuzzy" lining on them which I presume cuts down on road noise. Would it be possible to get the front ones replaced?

The radio reception is terrible. Can anything be done about this?

I can't seem to make the cruise control work. Is there a switch in someplace other than the steering column I need to push?

Is there a manual for this car somewhere on the web? The car didn't come with one.

The paint is a little dull (maroon). I am wondering if the original paint was shiny or if it's supposed to be that way.

The ride seems a little "wobbly". The car has 73K kilometers on it. How long do the shocks normally last on this car?

I know that's a lot of questions and I thank you all in advance for any advice you can give me on this car.

Thanks.

felixtsine

About the cruise control, I can say you probably forgot to push the column downwards after you pressed the buttom. Give a shot!

timuckun

I'll give that a shot. Thanks for the advice.

Is there a manual on the web someplace? I could not find one on the lexus web site.

bob2200

- Tires. I'd use the odd new tire as a spare and get two new ones to replace the spare and worn tire.

- Radio. The radio should work well. It could be radio, antenna (in windshield, as I recall. It's my mother's 2002 ES300), or connection between the two.

- Manual. I think if you call the toll-free Lexus telephone number, they will send you an owner's manual for free.

- Cruise Control. When you get the owner's manual, you'll know how to use the cruise control.

- Paint. The paint needs help. No car comes with a dull finish. I like Zaino Brothers products. Available only by mail order.

- Wobble. That's 40-50,000 mi. Shocks should last much longer. It could be loose bolt in suspension or almost anything.

EJC

I'd put a matching set of 4 tires on.
Why not go to 17" rims at the same time.


Paint - get the Meguires and the start the buffing & polishing

I just switched to 17" on my wife's ES300

steviej

iTrader: (1)

go to www.lexus.com

click on owners and register you and your car on this website.
You will then have access to the manuals in PDF for and you can request a free copy of the owners manual and supplemental owners manual to be sent to you.


steviej

timuckun

Do you think they will send the manual to New Zealand? That's where I am.

timuckun

How did that effect the ride? Did it make it louder?

steviej

iTrader: (1)

One way to find out, register and request it.

If not, you can print the PDFs and make your own manual.
steviej

EJC

Actually the Hankooks are quiter than the Proxees were.
Very Happy with the swap.

Now thinking of:
Lowering coils and shocks
SS Brake lines
Brembo Rotors and Calipers

timuckun

I tried to take your advice and register the car. Lexus rejected the VIN number probably because I am in New Zealand. The New Zealand lexus web site (lexus.co.nz) does not offer the same service.

Here is the error from teh site.

"Incoming VIN is not a valid TMS VIN. The VIN must be in CCDB. Please enter a valid TMS VIN
We're sorry, your request cannot be completed at this time. Please try again later."


Can anybody in the US get a copy and send it to me?

Thanks.

timuckun

Since I am in NZ I am unable to register the car.

Do you have a copy of the PDF you can send me?

Thanks.

EJC

sorry I didn't respond sooner, but I never got your question.

1- The shift to the 17" wheels and tires actually was quieter than th original. But I believe that would be a function more of the tire selection than going to 17"

2- The ride firmed up a bit. I would guess the slightly lower profile gave a stiffer sidewall. The effect was very positive on handling

3- Since this post i also added Big Brakes and coil overs. Here's the link.
This had a major effect on braking and handling

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...-and-drop.html

Megafast13

Depending on how much money you have,

I would get all of the tires replaced....

Also, The Maroon is the best color I have the same car as you! Mine is very shinny, if you could PM a picture of it, it probably can be polished up fine!

Cruise control have to use the little lever on the steering wheel too.

Also, about the radio I'm not sure about that. Mine has about 1 station it doesn't get well, that my other cars do.

I recommend you taking it to a Lexus Dealer and get a complete tune up...