Joining the ranks
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Hi all. Just introducinging myself. I'm Dexter, and the proud new-to-me owner of a 1998 GS400. I picked it up yesterday from Carmax, and I can't stop smiling.
I was previously a '00 BMW 323Ci owner, but was ready for something bigger, smoother, and faster; perfect match! And quite a large bangfor the buck I might add....
Before the BMW, I was a 96 es300 owner, so I am not completely new to Lexus.
The GS4 is all stock, new Dunlop tires (will replace soon probably), beautiful deep blue color, I think its spectra blue (?); this blue was very hard to find around this area, so I had to jump on the opportuity.
I've never driven a car that is so effortles, but still has the gusto just waiting to be pushed! I'm still figuring out all the little intracasies of the car, and plan on detailing it today complete with wax job.
I'll be reading a ton of info here, but if anyone wants to add to my comments of new ownership, I'd love to hear them. Have a great GSunday.
I was previously a '00 BMW 323Ci owner, but was ready for something bigger, smoother, and faster; perfect match! And quite a large bangfor the buck I might add....
Before the BMW, I was a 96 es300 owner, so I am not completely new to Lexus.
The GS4 is all stock, new Dunlop tires (will replace soon probably), beautiful deep blue color, I think its spectra blue (?); this blue was very hard to find around this area, so I had to jump on the opportuity.
I've never driven a car that is so effortles, but still has the gusto just waiting to be pushed! I'm still figuring out all the little intracasies of the car, and plan on detailing it today complete with wax job.
I'll be reading a ton of info here, but if anyone wants to add to my comments of new ownership, I'd love to hear them. Have a great GSunday.
Driver
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
welcome
dexter,
welcome - i am also new to this site (not a new owner) and let me tell you all the guys here are great. they will help you any way they can and lead you to the right direction. i also have a 98 gs4 and started to do some aftermakert conversions. i recently bought RMM front grill and RMM exhaust from a member of clublexus so keep your eye out on the classified area if you are planning to modify your gs4.
ernie
dallas
welcome - i am also new to this site (not a new owner) and let me tell you all the guys here are great. they will help you any way they can and lead you to the right direction. i also have a 98 gs4 and started to do some aftermakert conversions. i recently bought RMM front grill and RMM exhaust from a member of clublexus so keep your eye out on the classified area if you are planning to modify your gs4.
ernie
dallas
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Aarrgghhh - 'Don't Wax'
ahh shoot; I feel like Daniel-son, and my arms are about to fall off from 'wax on / wax off'; granted this was the first wax job on this car as mine, so I took extra care examining the paint and finish.
Yep, I've heard of Zanio, but haven't used it yet; I went with Meguiars today, and have been using it for a while with other vehicles. Probably the next time around I'll use something a little better for the deeper colors; actually a polish, like Zymol.
I used Zymol on a black 94 Honda Accord I used to have, and it always made it look better than brand new; mind you it took quite bit of time to get it that way, but most thngs worth doing on your car are worth the time....
Thanks for the tip, and keep em coming!
I'll have some pics up soon
Yep, I've heard of Zanio, but haven't used it yet; I went with Meguiars today, and have been using it for a while with other vehicles. Probably the next time around I'll use something a little better for the deeper colors; actually a polish, like Zymol.
I used Zymol on a black 94 Honda Accord I used to have, and it always made it look better than brand new; mind you it took quite bit of time to get it that way, but most thngs worth doing on your car are worth the time....
Thanks for the tip, and keep em coming!
I'll have some pics up soon
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 0
From: CLUBLEXUS USA
Originally posted by Dexter
The GS4 is all stock, new Dunlop tires (will replace soon probably), beautiful deep blue color, I think its spectra blue (?); this blue was very hard to find around this area, so I had to jump on the opportuity.
The GS4 is all stock, new Dunlop tires (will replace soon probably), beautiful deep blue color, I think its spectra blue (?); this blue was very hard to find around this area, so I had to jump on the opportuity.
That is my favorite color man ! I wanted that when I bought my GS, but the waiting list was ridiculous 
Welcome aboard.
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 11
From: Ontario, Canada
Welcome aboard Dexter.. Good colour choice.. I also have a Spectra Blue GS and even thou its a high maintenance colour I wouldn't have ordered it any differently (Really stands out among all the Silver and Black GS's in my neck of the woods).. How much mileage did your GS have on it before you got it and how has the paint held up??
Diesel I know what you mean by the wait time on the Spectra Blue GS.. I think it was 3 1/2 months I waited for that colour back in '99..
BTW does anyone know if there is a Canadian distributor for Zaino??
I blame all of you guys for me wanting to try this stuff.. However I still think Meguiar's Deep Crystal System does a great job but i'm willing to put the time in with Zaino to compare.. When the SC arrives I will do side by side panels with Zaino & Meguiar's just for ***** and giggles (sorry was just watching Austin Powers.. LOL)
Diesel I know what you mean by the wait time on the Spectra Blue GS.. I think it was 3 1/2 months I waited for that colour back in '99..
BTW does anyone know if there is a Canadian distributor for Zaino??
I blame all of you guys for me wanting to try this stuff.. However I still think Meguiar's Deep Crystal System does a great job but i'm willing to put the time in with Zaino to compare.. When the SC arrives I will do side by side panels with Zaino & Meguiar's just for ***** and giggles (sorry was just watching Austin Powers.. LOL)
Last edited by 2SAVVY; Jul 8, 2001 at 02:37 PM.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Mileage & Xpel Page
Mileage = 35K
thats a huge 'oh yeah' on the color; I hardly ever see any, but see a lot of whites, golds, and blacks
My primary objective today with the wax was just some protection; the finish is in really good shape for a 98, but you could almost hear it squeak when you ran your fingers over it. The bumper is kind of pitted, but I did the best I could do.
I'm thinking of using some xpel pieces for the body and lights to protect what I have left.......
http://www.xpel.com/paint/product.as...=3&image1.y=11
thats a huge 'oh yeah' on the color; I hardly ever see any, but see a lot of whites, golds, and blacks
My primary objective today with the wax was just some protection; the finish is in really good shape for a 98, but you could almost hear it squeak when you ran your fingers over it. The bumper is kind of pitted, but I did the best I could do.
I'm thinking of using some xpel pieces for the body and lights to protect what I have left.......
http://www.xpel.com/paint/product.as...=3&image1.y=11
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Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 11
From: Ontario, Canada
Thanks Dexter for posting the Xpel site for Lexus (I've been looking for this for 2 months).. I negotiated the 3M kit which I think is this one for the SC.. Dealer is using my car when it arrives as a guinea pig for carrying this product in their parts store and i'll get getting this put on for FREE..
If you are curious as to how the bra looks on a GS here is a pic of my car..
If you are curious as to how the bra looks on a GS here is a pic of my car..
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Dexter/Owners of a magnificient vehicle,
Thanks for the link to Xpel. Has anyone tried these products? I, too have a Spectra Blue Mica GS400. Definitely a head turner, but the rock chips is killing me.
How does the Xpel compare to Stongard (which is rather pricey)?
If anyone has any experience with either, please do tell. Should I apply touch-up paint before I have either Xpel or Stongard installed? Or should I skip the touch-up paint and protect what's left? I'm always wired on Starbucks, maybe I should just skip the paint.
Again, thanks for the info!
Thanks for the link to Xpel. Has anyone tried these products? I, too have a Spectra Blue Mica GS400. Definitely a head turner, but the rock chips is killing me.
How does the Xpel compare to Stongard (which is rather pricey)?
If anyone has any experience with either, please do tell. Should I apply touch-up paint before I have either Xpel or Stongard installed? Or should I skip the touch-up paint and protect what's left? I'm always wired on Starbucks, maybe I should just skip the paint.
Again, thanks for the info!
Pole Position
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Yuck..
Purely a subjective opinion, but that bra makes your GS look very cheap. I would never deface such an elegant and graceful automobile. Rock chips and bug marks make nasty blemishes. The bra does protect the car from such injuries. However, if you always keep the bra mounted, how can you enjoy the belle tournure of your GS?
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 11
From: Ontario, Canada
You know I wouldn't say it looks cheap but I agree it does take away from the front end styling of the GS.. I do a great deal of highway driving and the front end over 2 winters looks like someone sand blasted the thing.. The nose mask won't cost me a thing since 2 people in my area want it for their cars so I will get back the $100 bucks I dropped on this item when my lease is up in September..
Overall IMO it doesn't look that bad on the car and I always take off the bra before I wash my car and make sure nothing is underneath that might dig into the paint.. A little more work involved with having a bra but I didn't listen to my sales guy when he suggested the 3M treatment to the hood and bumper.. Oh well live and learn I guess..
Their are a few more pictures of the front end with the bra on in Need Your Opinions On These Different Kind Of Tint Ideas!!
One of the reasons why I love this forum so much is people tell you how they feel on whatever subject..
Overall IMO it doesn't look that bad on the car and I always take off the bra before I wash my car and make sure nothing is underneath that might dig into the paint.. A little more work involved with having a bra but I didn't listen to my sales guy when he suggested the 3M treatment to the hood and bumper.. Oh well live and learn I guess..
Their are a few more pictures of the front end with the bra on in Need Your Opinions On These Different Kind Of Tint Ideas!!
One of the reasons why I love this forum so much is people tell you how they feel on whatever subject..
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 11
From: Ontario, Canada
I'll take some pics tomorrow.. BTW the complete wood kit and your Ivory interior looks incredible.. I had it installed on the black interior to break up all the black and give it a bit of elegance over sport..
Alot of guys here have the wood kit for their car and if they view this I am sure they will be kind enough to post some pics for you..
Alot of guys here have the wood kit for their car and if they view this I am sure they will be kind enough to post some pics for you..
Last edited by 2SAVVY; Jul 9, 2001 at 03:35 PM.