IamLexus

Hey all I really haven't introduce myself yet and all so lets begin. Call me Stanley I am currently 18 (19 in May) and go to a private college. I received my first car late last year around September. I bought a 2000 Lexus ES300 for 5K (Including all those taxes). Though the mileage was a bit high, knowing Lexus can go over ~300K , the engine blew up so I had it replace. So far I had 3 accidents with this car (NOT MY FAULT!). My friend rear ended me because her breaks were bad, my aunt back-out and scratch the left side of my entire car, and lastly some biker ran into my parked car and the headlight flew off.

Anyway I just got my car back yesterday I had it repaint on the spot where my aunt destroy it. NEXT, I getting my left signal light repair.






So basically I want to mod my car with good looking budget wise exteriors. (I.E. Rims, Lighting, Intakes, Badges, Tinted, etc.)

juvenchan

Hi, I have a 97 es.. and I am 20 (just turned 20).
How much did you pay for painting the car? How big is the scratches?

GoodRevs

Looks great. Plus you have the HID headlights, very nice! Take care of it and it'll last a long time

Lexucan

Wow, three accidents in a little over 6 months!
Doesn't sound like you've had very good luck with your ES so far.
The first thing I'd do to improve how it looks is try to remove that fugly dealership decal on the trunk lid. And for sure get the windows tinted. Not only will it look awesome but it will help to protect your interior from sun damage and will keep the cabin cooler on hot days. Other than that, your ride looks pretty sweet.

IamLexus

the scratches and dents were from my front bumper to the gas tank. cost me around ~1K


How do I remove the dealership decal, and what percentage should I tint my windows?

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

welcome to CL... Nice ES..

IamLexus

Also, anyone know how to change a 00 foglight? I look at the 97" installation guide from LEX ES300 but its little off since I have a 00"

Specter

Welcome to CL.

Looks like you got the HIDs, chrome grill and clear rear lights... nice !

Remove that decal and back window sticker... ugly cheap. Google ways to do so.
I would look for stock chrome wheels. They look the same as what you got now but shiny. It's what I got. I like them better than most all aftermarket ones.
Don't bother with intakes, it's not a ricer.
Tint based on what is legal in your area.

Find more careful friends and relatives.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Read this: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...-no-56k-2.html

I drew up a diagram to make it easier.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

X2. Although i have to contest a couple of points.

The intake isn't "ricer" its just stupid on this car, since any 'gains' are VERY nominal, if at all. And it adds a little bit more noise. You are better off with getting and changing the OEM cottom air filter when its due...

Wheels - tons of options for you. Check the 'wheel thread' on this forum to see what other's have been running on their cars

I have the same stock wheels, they are good for one thing - winter wheels! They look better than steelies.

And the sticker/tint is a good idea.

<---- jealous of your OEM HIDs ...

Cheers,
Mike

IamLexus

Here's my car at night.

juvenchan

Nice HID....
whats your mileage ?

IamLexus

for the engine? ~4K, getting the left signal light fix tomorrow. I also got a question. . . Regular or Premium gas ?

juvenchan

swap engine.... a lexus engine?

91 gasoline..

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Regular 87 gasoline. It doesn't need more.

This has been discussed countless times on the forum, so do as you choose since both work out to near identical MPG/cost per tank.