puckhead85

I’m a soon to be new GS owner with questions. I special ordered a GS back in January with a delivery date of early April. I’m anxiously waiting for its delivery, although with these past snow storms in the North East I could wait till I know winter is long gone and no more evil salt and sand. Anyways, I ordered Deep Sea Mica with Black interior, Luxury w/ cold weather, Nav, PCS, BSM, LKA, PA, ML (I think that’s it!) . I’m coming from a 2004 ES.

I plan to keep it mostly stock but do have some planned mods (if you want to call it that) for the car but I have a few questions.

First, I’ve seen on here a lot of people complaining about the black paint, how does the Deep Sea Mica hold up? (Hopefully not similar to the black. Yikes!)

I want a built-in radar detector. I don’t want something on the dash because A, I’ll put it away in the glove box and never use it because I don’t want it stolen. And B it just looks ugly. I was looking into the Escort 9500CI. It seems to be the best built in system unless there is something different. I saw online a mod of the mounting the display of the Escort in the rear view mirror. As anyone done something like this? Would you recommend this?

Here is the link - http://www.radar-mirror.com/

I was also looking into putting a clear bra on the car. Has anyone put them on their cars? Does it yellow or peel after a while. Do I need to take special precautions for when I wash her? I plan on keeping the car for at least 7-10 years. Is one product better then another? (The 3M seems to be a favorite.) Besides the bumpers, hood etc, could I apply it on the doors. I hate nicks from careless people and I can’t always park far to avoid them. Will it protect from these door nicks? I was looking at Detailing Dynamics in Mineola NY to do the work. Has anyone heard any pros or cons about them?

http://www.detailingdynamics.com/

I’ve been accustom to having remote start on my ES 330 (aftermarket) I would like remote start for the GS. I definitely do not want the Lexus system. Does anyone have Remote start, if so how is it working out for you?
On my remote start now, my ES is not a push button start, how does it work with the push button? Does a key fob need to be buried in the car for it to work? If I remote start the car in busy shopping center, can someone steal my car, is it locked? Now I need to put my key in and turn it to the on position before I shift into D/R. If I step on the brake before inserting the key, the engine turns off. Will it be similar?

I’m also not a huge fan of the wheels that come with the Luxury package. I really like the F SPORT forge aluminum rims, however I made the mistake of getting chrome rims on my ES and living in NY with harsh winters has ruined my rims. (cosmetically) Will I have the same issues with these such as pitting and the finish flaking off? How will the 19s differ then the stock 18s in terms of the ride quality? Lexus states that they need spline-drive lug nuts. How are those different? Will I have issues when it comes to tire rotation/maintenance if I don’t go to lexus/need to call AAA for a flat? They were posted on the GS part of the website but now I don’t see them? Are they still available?

Besides the usual accessories, what else did your dealer try to sell you?

Sorry for the long post. But I appreciate your input!

Thanks!

Luv2run

please let me know if you get responses I am thinking about the 3m as well. I am in syracuse and I will have to go to Rochester to get it done. I am also thinking about the ding warantee/3m

sydtoosic

the DSM paint is no different from the Obsidian... i know, i had a DSM. do not take your car to detailing dynamics... i've been there with a previous vehicle and they suck. don't waste your money. there's a place on hempstead trnpk, called Movin On, and a place called Precision Installation in Lynbrook on Merrick RD. you'll be fine with the F Sport forged wheels they're nothing like chrome and they're much lighter. i would go with aftermarket remote start instead of port or factory installed. congatz on your new car... be sure to post pics when you get her. we love car **** here.

puckhead85

Thanks I'll look into those places. If you don't mind me asking what was your complaint about detailing dynamics?

Thanks!

sydtoosic

didn't like the quality of there work and just didn't like the place overall. you can get a better quality job done for cheaper at the places i mentioned.

dseag2

I can't answer your questions, but I can share with you that I was at the Lexus dealership the other day getting my new registration sticker put on and was behind a DSM GS. I think it was a Luxury model. In any case, the color was stunning. Hands down, the best Lexus makes. If the F Sport came in that color I would be driving one. Great choice!

LexusVet

I have never had an issue with factory remote start, I had it on a RX, I have it on my GX and I also just ordered a GS in JAnuary and also ordered it with remote start no complaints here. I agree hate the LUX wheels dealer is swapping for F Sport wheels. Congrats

williakz

Detector selection is quite involved based on driving profile, geographic region, LE procedures and equipment, personal preference - just to name a few. There are some things going on in the field right now that you should really get more info on in order to make the right decision for you. I would recommend you hie on over to Radar Detedctor Forum (radardetectorforum.org) and sign up as a new user. The guys over there know EVERYTHING about radar, laser, and countermeasures for both. Give them a try and you'll get just what you need (and for a better price than the general public.) One specific thing to look at would be selection of the Beltronics STi-R Plus over the Escort 9500CI. With its RDR OFF and Band Segmentation capabilities in addition to the M3 antennas, the "plus" is amazingly sensitive AND responds quickly to short bursts of radar (instant-on). It is considered by many to be the best detector in the world at the present time.

Good luck and good listening...

Jr209wa

I got a 2013 GS 350 DSM with gray interior. Color is sick but paint sucks if you look at it wrong you will get scratches. As opposed to my 08 IS 350 Matador Red paint seems more durable. Noticed when my son got out the car and closed the door that there was a scratch or swirl in the paint from his thumb. Order some Wolfs Hard Body from DD hoping it will keep from getting pissed off about my paint. Waiting for weather to warm up to lay down my fiirst coat of WOLFS Hardbody. Can someone please skool me on posting pics?

1111GS

I saw a blue 3GS on the opposite side at a traffic light... I was thinking... Wow that car looked great ... until the light turned green and he left turned in front of me. I could see all the swirling marks on the fender and side. I think I've spent too much time on the pain(t), Syd. I need medication.

1111GS

When you post a reply, there is a button that says "Manage Attachment"... It lets to upload pix from your computer directly. Size is limited to 1200 width or it'll get reduced. You can also upload to somewhere else and add the link to your reply by clicking on the image icon (next to the email icon). And I hope HB meets your expectation. Have fun and good luck.

1111GS

IMO you should give yourself a few months to see if they change your view. I wasn't a fan of these wheels at first either. IMO luxury wheels go very well with the non F Sport model. Two things that I wanted on my car when I got her were the F Sport front bumper and wheels. I have the car for about 5 months now. The want for the F Sport wheels started to fade away after 2-3 months... Now I don't have that want anymore. I love her for who she is. I think Lexus did a great job combining these things. It took me awhile to see this.

sydtoosic

i agree the DSM is a beautiful color, but i can't see putting in the time and effort to keep it scratch and swirl free... it's crazy. as far as meds BN... i'm all out, waiting on a refill.

CincyBrad

Xpel Ultimate is a much better clear bra than the products 3M currently offers. Won't yellow, scratch, peel, etc and I believe it has a 10 year warranty. The only downside is its more expensive. If you're getting the front bumper, partial hood, mirrors and a few other small bits, you can expect $600+.

Call around though, price varies by market.

LexusNN

iTrader: (5)

Congrats on your future ownership, the deep sea mica is more rare but very beautiful. I haven't seen one with black interior yet and it sounds like you got some nice options on it too. The paint is beautiful but will need some nice attention to keep it clean. I recommend the clear bra especially for that dark paint. Just treat the bra like paint and it will stay clear. Wash it, clay it, and wax it when you do the rest of the car. The line will be almost invisible on the DSM. Why do you want to go aftermarket remote start? Because it turns the car off when you open the door? And the forged wheels should handle the weather well and would look amazing on that nice blue color.