New 2006 second owner
#31
Lexus Fanatic
I was sound on the a part, because a dealer agreed to do it on a 2005 that had 89k, but I'm thinking how can you be sure they really did it, they do slap cheap tires on, so you know they actually care about $200 or $400....and said car had only RF and RR shocks replaced (what about the left side?).... on the b side, I did not consider that after x years (is it 8?), Toyota still recommends replacement....
I would say long story short, consider that $850 is at stake when you go to buy a used LS430. Maybe you can't get the full $850 off the out the door price, so you go for $425, etc. Say they wanted $15,800 for the car, and you got it for $14,700....(my case), it will never end. You can now say well $14,700 is what I'm willing to pay, but now let's deduct $850 for a timing belt since the car is at 81k and will need it, and let's also deduct $350 for LCA bushings, wait, this doesn't work, that doesn't work...it's kind of difficult to cover every base, so you just have to feel comfortable with the deal...
#32
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
First of all - two things: congrats on rebounding from your disastrous decision-making regarding debt and repayment. Not only does good credit make life less expensive, but a good reputation cannot be bought and it's very honorable to pay your bills on-time and how you contracted. Secondly, make considerable effort to live 20% below your means and save at "least 10%" in your company's 401k or a stock mutual fund. Go see a Financial Specialist NOW to get educated or pick up a Money magazine. You can start investing in a mutual fund for as little as $50 monthly. Old age and retirement comes faster than we think (and would have hoped) - believe me.
You've made a good decision in choosing a car that is a fraction of it's original price AND has a stellar reputation in dependability. Do that for everything you buy. Buy used furniture, clothes, appliances - everything except food.
Have a happy life. It's not what you have that counts, it's how you live which makes the difference between being content or wanting.
Now, to the car. I have an '04 ML. The door unlocks when I get very near it - proximity unlock. The button on the door handle is to LOCK the door before you walk away. I have my car set to beep twice on locking and unlocking. Don't worry about mastering the Voice navigation. The system and navi controls are antiquated and your phone's Google Maps or INRX is most excellent.
You've made a good decision in choosing a car that is a fraction of it's original price AND has a stellar reputation in dependability. Do that for everything you buy. Buy used furniture, clothes, appliances - everything except food.
Have a happy life. It's not what you have that counts, it's how you live which makes the difference between being content or wanting.
Now, to the car. I have an '04 ML. The door unlocks when I get very near it - proximity unlock. The button on the door handle is to LOCK the door before you walk away. I have my car set to beep twice on locking and unlocking. Don't worry about mastering the Voice navigation. The system and navi controls are antiquated and your phone's Google Maps or INRX is most excellent.
#34
My 06 the buttons on the outside door handles lock the car. With the fob in my pocket, the doors unlock automatically when I lift the handle.
#36
Moderator
That's right. My 2005 has the same feature, as it's keyless entry. I forgot about that. My wife is the primary driver and I rarely get in that one. There should be a relay that works in conjunction with those buttons when you have the FOB in your pocket.
#38
I checked, and found out it beeps twice and unlocks when I touch the inside of the door handle. Pretty cool feature. My wife loves it has she can leave her fob mysteriously lost in the black hole that is inside her purse.
#39
Lexus Champion
My 04 with a smart key works as follows when you have the key in your possesion.
When locking the car from the outside the car will sense that you have a key but gives you no feedback until you press the external button on any door. The car locks the car, gives you a single beep, and simultaneously flashes the park lights front and rear.
To unlock,as you approach the car it sense that you have the key in your pocket, but gives no signal back to you. When you grab a door handle and the fingers wrap around they touch a sensor on the back of the handle (although you can't see them, you can feel them if you are trying) which then simultaneously unlocks the doors, gives you a beep, and flashes the parking lights twice.
When locking the car from the outside the car will sense that you have a key but gives you no feedback until you press the external button on any door. The car locks the car, gives you a single beep, and simultaneously flashes the park lights front and rear.
To unlock,as you approach the car it sense that you have the key in your pocket, but gives no signal back to you. When you grab a door handle and the fingers wrap around they touch a sensor on the back of the handle (although you can't see them, you can feel them if you are trying) which then simultaneously unlocks the doors, gives you a beep, and flashes the parking lights twice.
#40
Racer
My 04 with a smart key works as follows when you have the key in your possesion.
When locking the car from the outside the car will sense that you have a key but gives you no feedback until you press the external button on any door. The car locks the car, gives you a single beep, and simultaneously flashes the park lights front and rear.
To unlock,as you approach the car it sense that you have the key in your pocket, but gives no signal back to you. When you grab a door handle and the fingers wrap around they touch a sensor on the back of the handle (although you can't see them, you can feel them if you are trying) which then simultaneously unlocks the doors, gives you a beep, and flashes the parking lights twice.
When locking the car from the outside the car will sense that you have a key but gives you no feedback until you press the external button on any door. The car locks the car, gives you a single beep, and simultaneously flashes the park lights front and rear.
To unlock,as you approach the car it sense that you have the key in your pocket, but gives no signal back to you. When you grab a door handle and the fingers wrap around they touch a sensor on the back of the handle (although you can't see them, you can feel them if you are trying) which then simultaneously unlocks the doors, gives you a beep, and flashes the parking lights twice.
#41
when I approach my car the puddle lights turn on before I can touch the door and unlock. might not happen in daylight, but I work at night
#42
Lexus Champion
You are absolutely correct, as my car does the same. I forgot that happened. My excuse: It's amazing how may features this car has. After years with it you seem to forget what it does and just take it for granted. That's as it should be with a great car.
#43
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
To unlock,as you approach the car it sense that you have the key in your pocket, but gives no signal back to you. When you grab a door handle and the fingers wrap around they touch a sensor on the back of the handle (although you can't see them, you can feel them if you are trying) which then simultaneously unlocks the doors, gives you a beep, and flashes the parking lights twice.
Maybe it's a programming thing in the car's configuration...
#44
Lexus Fanatic
Thought needs to go into the design. Car detects fob, if it simply opens up, carjack city....if it allows rear or pass doors to open by touch, with driver at driver door, carjack city...