Joined the club, 2007 GS350 RWD
01-16-13, 12:17 AM
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Joined the club, 2007 GS350 RWD
Got a good deal on a very low mileage original owner and dealer maintained 2007 GS350 RWD in obsidian/tan. It only had 22,700 miles. No navi, rear camera, or levinson so assume it's a base model. It does have sunshade and rear spoiler. Owned by eldely man and barely drove it, I believe he got sick and eventually passed. Wife sold the car. Also came with 18" OEM chrome wheels with stock Dunlops. Valve spring and fuel line recalls already done per service records. Interior and paint in like new condition.
Additions so far:
30% tint all around
Bridgestone Serenity Plus tires
2 Britax car seats in the back seat
Pros:
RWD
Power
Looks
Decent gas mileage
Ride
Cons:
Expecting it to be quieter, test drove a 2005 LS before getting this car. LS was a vault.
Tire noise on freeway but likely due to almost worn OEM Dunlops.
Numb steering but it's a Lexus not a BMW so expected it.
Engine idle noise, even wife asked why it was so noisy.
Small trunk opening
LED lighting up center consolde when headlights on, already put electrical tape over it.
Chrome wheels but slightly growing up on me due to all the other chrome bits on the car. I may get it powdercoated gunmetal next year.
and lastly...
DASHBOARD CREAKS going over uneven/rough pavement. Owned non luxury cars and not one of them had dashboard creaks. I just turn up the radio. Any reputable dealer in Bay Area that can do noise kit? Do I pay out of pocket to get noise kit done or is covered by some kind of warranty?
Current cars:
2002 Honda S2000
2008 Mazdaspeed3
2009 Honda Pilot
Last edited by hyperpm350; 02-01-13 at 01:41 PM.
01-16-13, 04:00 AM
#2
If you search on here you can find a few threads on fixing the dash squeaks/creaks by inserting some felt in a couple of areas. My car has zero noise from the dash, but early on it was fixed by the dealer. I also installed Dynamat Extreme in every door, rear deck, trunk and other areas so my car is much quieter than stock. It is not quite LS quiet, but it is noticeable.
Getting rid of the stock run flats should have helped as well, but I find in general that the tires make a good bit of difference as to noise and ride quality. You may be hard pressed to get the dash noise fixed under warranty given the age of the car, but may be worth a shot.
Getting rid of the stock run flats should have helped as well, but I find in general that the tires make a good bit of difference as to noise and ride quality. You may be hard pressed to get the dash noise fixed under warranty given the age of the car, but may be worth a shot.
01-21-13, 07:14 PM
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So found thread to fix dashboard rattles but figured I'd call Lexus to see what they say about it. Was quoted $1100 to address issue by removing dashboard. After I said I'll do it myself, service advisor suggested the putting some insulation between exterior plastic cowl that touches windshield. If you run your fingers along cowl edge against windshield, there's a gap where in some spots. Stick insulation or double side tape in there. So here's what fixed my dashboard rattles and creaks.
1) Fill in exterior plastic cowl gaps between windshield with double sided tape.
2) Stuffed 3.5 ft x 6 inch black felt between dashboard and windshield. Carefully use screwdriver to tuck felt in.
3) Stuffed small pieces of felt where bottom of center console touches ashtray. Stuffed on each side of ashtray container.
1) Fill in exterior plastic cowl gaps between windshield with double sided tape.
2) Stuffed 3.5 ft x 6 inch black felt between dashboard and windshield. Carefully use screwdriver to tuck felt in.
3) Stuffed small pieces of felt where bottom of center console touches ashtray. Stuffed on each side of ashtray container.
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02-01-13, 01:43 PM
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Thanks all! I think the only thing I'll mod is get new set of rims. More than likely Enkei Raijins in gunmetal. Staying with 18's since just got new tires plus this is the daily for the kids
02-04-13, 05:35 PM
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So prefer to having ECT Power enabled when driving, any negatives besides gas mileage? With it enabled, it makes it feel like I'm driving a 300 hp sports sedan. Disabled it feels like I'm driving a Camry. Also there is vent button with air going through some kind of like this:
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: ->
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What is this button for? Sorry too lazy to pull out manual.
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What is this button for? Sorry too lazy to pull out manual.
