Hello,

I am looking to lease a SC 430, but I would like to know what changes there will be for the 2005 model year? Its coming soon right? I want to make sure that I dont get a 2004 & then regret it because they are adding a lot of new stuff in the 2005... like the steptronic shifting...?

 

Look through the last several threads for some relevant information. There's certainly nothing substantial that's been confirmed, I don't believe. Everything from an upgraded Navigation System to Bluetooth to rain-sensing wipers have been bantered about in the past. To my knowledge, no cosmetic changes at all.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

No cosmetic changes is a fact; the 'new' Pebble Beach edition has been released by Lexus and looks identical. It has painted inner headlights, but that's exclusive to the PB.

Other than the changes ZXLR8 (what the heck are those initials man?) mentioned, I was wondering about the 6-speed tranny that should be in the car in '05 if previous Lexus practice is followed. Check the price man. If it went up, you might be better off with a discounted '04.

Good luck.

 

LOL. Well... it's XZLR8... or, if you tilt your head ever so slightly to the side after your evening nightcap, "exhilarate."

Hey, you asked!

 

XZLR8 would make a good license plate, although very (and maybe too) similar to the ever popular

IXLR8

which is taken in most states. (I really wanted that one.)

I even tried to get

L84AD8

but that was gone too.

Fortunately, no one in my "extended" family has the recent favorite:

WAS HIS

best (and frequently) displayed on a Porsche, although a Lexus would do.

Have I wandred off-topic? Where were we?

 

Clever, Tim ...

WAS HIS

is already taken in New York, but the corollary isn't ....

 

what does LOL stands for?

 

LOL = Lots of Laughs

LMAO = Laughing My *** Off

 

And I always thought LOL was Laughing Out Loud.

 

It used to be "Laughing Out Loud," but that disturbed too many people working in offices, so it was changed (circa 1998) to "Lots of Laughs."

You must have missed that memo. I know mine was jammed up in the back of the fax machine for weeks, so I was very late in getting the update myself.

 

LOL <no pun intended>

 

My Lexus salesman informed me today that the model `05 SC430 will have, as optional equipment, a "clear" bra for the front-end, head and fog lights, and side mirrors. I don't know the price, but it will be warranted for 4 years. [My after-market XPEL bra has a lifetime warranty.]

 

No way Lexus would do it. Sounds like a dealer's 'side business' to me, just like window tinting. Nothing wrong with that.
Good weekend people.

 

I agree with ELP.

I have never heard of any manufacturer offering a clear bra as an option. The manufacturer does not have enough control over the many variables to get involved with this after-market item.

I am sure this is an arrangement that your dealer has with a local installer. The advantage is that it goes on the car before you get any dings on the front end. On the other hand, you probably aren't sure what film you are getting, and I would guess that you could get better pricing if you negotiated with the installer himself.

I don't have the clear bra, and I don't think I have ever seen one other than in pictures, but for my road trips I do have the standard issue Cooligan model which costs much less and goes on and comes off in five minutes or so.

 

No way. Any defect would require removal and reapplication of the film: VERY expensive and too risky (fresh paint on plastic easily comes off with film, which means a new bumper). Even dirt under the film would trigger a claim eventually; Lexus owners would demand it. Besides, many small and medium sized cities don't even have an expert installer (MINE!); who's going to do the repair job??

Fugetaboutit!! Lexus would have to charge $3K to make it worth their while.

One last thought. This would also open the door for competitors to claim Lexus has a substandard paint, and therefore requires the film. In a way, it's true; it has the softest paint of any other luxury car I've owned, even though Japan doesn't have to comply with the 'no lead' paint. In my case, I use the car so little I'm fine without it; I have the Lexus bra for the rare instances I might need one.

As Leslie said, get the clear bra yourself and you'll even have a 'lifetime' (as long as YOU own the car, that is) warranty. Later.