Okay, here are a few pics of my ES that I had taken earlier today. Ironically enough, right after taking these pics, it started to overheat...only one place in the little town that I was in would even look at it. First appeared to be the thermostat, then as a result of that, the water pump locked up and now am looking at a new water pump and timing belt. All of this about 80 miles in the middle of nowhere. Not to worry too much, my local mechanic is going to tow, replace water pump and timing belt for a grand total of $360.00. I can't complain about that, just wished the water pump would have been discovered before the mechanic in the middle of nowhere already replaced and billed me $100 for the thermostat.

 

I just found out that my engine is non-interference so the disaster is not that bad. Just the sitting on the side of the highway for 30-40 minutes for the engine to cool in nearly 100 degree heat, so that I could hobble my baby to the local shop.

 

Sorry to hear about your disasterous day, but it could have been much worse. You got some nice pics tho!

 

Thanks, the car will be better off in the long run though...just wished that I brought my digital camera to take some better pics. I was hoping to show just how good the paint and shine really looks, but with the camera on my cell phone, this was the best I was going to get.

 

looks reeaalll clean. how many miles are on the car?

 

So clean! Nicely done.

I still don't know how ANYbody lives without window tint. I felt hot just looking at those windows.

 

Thanks ES3 Ray. 104,000 miles. I have babied it. It still looks showroom new inside and out. I am jealous of your springs from your thread. Looks very good. I will be replacing my springs after I get my new wheels and tires. I am getting a set of 17" IS300 rims later in July. Will post some new pics after they are put on.

 

The bottom left hand corner takes away form the 3rd picture.

 

Your mechanic gave you a great deal, just think what a Lexus dealer would charge you !! Thanks for the great pics, you own a creampuff!!

 

You think I was taking a picture of the car? LOL

 

I couldn't agree with you more about my mechanic. He always gives me great deals since I send a lot of business his way. I try to take great care with my car, especially the paint, since that is what 90% of the people will see.

 

very clean ES...sorry to hear about the overheating mishap...
toyota waterpumps = fail

 

I can't complain too much about the waterpump. It is 16 almost 17 years old now. According to my mechanic, if I didn't have to drive it the 5 miles while overheating (no shoulder, twisty mountain road), the pump would probably have been okay. The thermostat was stuck closed so no water was getting to the pump. Oh well, the timing belt was overdue for replacement anyways, killing two birds with one stone...

 

Just a quick update, just got my ES back today. My mechanic is awesome and gives me great deals, but will take forever to get my car back to me. I had the timing belt changed, new water pump installed, upper motor mount replaced and the power steering & alternator belts replaced. All of this with a tow that was about 150 miles round trip for right at $400.

I really liked driving our RX, but was seriously missing my ES. I am so glad to have her back. Just really needs a bath as she has been sitting in a repair garage for the past 2 weeks.

 

Your ES looks really good. Sorry to hear about the overheating but at least you got it fixed. Now she can go another 104,000 miles easily. Happy driving...