Phat Pat

Hi again, I have just found this: - http://www.smartwax.net/sw0.htm Just fill the questionnaire out and receive free samples of Smartwax products. Not sure what we will get, but something is better than nothing! I've done it, I'll let you know what I get when it arrives. Matt

Hi Guys, Just a quick one this time. Has anybody heard of a product called Smartwax, it’s big in the states and from what I can gather is very good. If anybody has any further details, please let me know. I found a seller on eBay, but I don’t think he/she sells the whole range. Click the link below: - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SmartWax-Extra-Gloss...VQQcmdZViewItem I normally use Meguiar’s stuff and find it OK, but I’m always after that faster/better/ easier product and this stuff looks different!

Hi, Have you thought about eBay USA? There are lots of sellers that are more than willing to post to the UK, and with the exchange rate the way it is, you may well get a better deal than the UK counterpart is willing to give. Just a thought! PS - I'm talking about sparkplugs here...........

Hi Keith, Take a look at this little fella: - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VIPER-ALU-BEESTING-C...1QQcmdZViewItem My only concern is that the radio reception may suffer because it's a bit on the stubby side. I ordered one on Sunday, so I'll let you know how I get on. One thing I did read on the honestjohn website is that the IS has one of the most powerfull radios on the market, so my original concerns may be unfounded. Either way, I'll let you know............

Hi Keith, I didn't take the warranty issue into consideration. My car is on an 04 plate, bought direct from Lexus Hedge End, so I presume it will still be under warranty. I have seen the CA version that you speak of, and very dandy it is too. I do like the idea of the controls being mounted in the gear knob, but don't like the idea of losing my shiny golden ball :) !!!!!!!! I think that it would be a small price to pay considering the "WOW" factor that the unit would bring. I will try a couple of contacts I know in the vehicle electrics trade and see if I cannot get a "trade" discount. I'll keep you posted on the outcome. Thanks for the info. Matt

Hi, Take a look at the link below. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresult....jsp?type=UHPAS I too have been looking for some new boots and came across the above link, I know that it's US biased, but the information must fundamentally be the same. The actual website is very good and provides lots of information, I think I wasted about an hour and a half looking the other night! I really like the look of the TOYO T1-R's, but I would like a tyre that is better in the wet than in the dry, as our summers seem to be wetter than average! I also believe that the IS200 or IS300 (as in your case) does not like snow/ice or very wet roads and being real wheel drive could make life very interesting in wetter conditions. I also found this site that seems to be OK, from a price point of view: - http://www.etyres.co.uk/car-tyres-uk/detail?productId=5162 They have a good range of the TOYO product, if thats what you really fancy. I'd be interested to see how you get on with your tyre choice. Matt

Hi and welcome to the club. Take a look at the link below, as this is where the DOCTOR resides! http://www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk/ From what I have read and what I have learnt recently re. Lexus geometry, I don't think that a trip to the doctor would hurt. I think every Lexus would benefit from trip to the doctors, but the free check up after 2000 miles may be a bit of problem for you considering your location.

Hi all, Does anybody have any information on a good aftermarket cruise control system for an IS200? The system needs to be above all excellent and not some cheap tacky eBay “bargain”! I’m not too worried about the fitting of the unit, as I know some very good vehicle electricians that would have no problem fitting it. I would like ideally something that blends into the IS dash and does not look out of place. As usual, your help is greatly appreciated…………cheers, Matt

Hi Jamie, Is this any good? http://www.hopupracing.com/aeex38.html I assume that US IS300 would be the same as a UK IS200!

I like that one more that the others. He has also added some nice touches too, the drivers armrest especially. I don’t think that the IS ever came with the armrest as standard, but I could be wrong. I think that they are always fitted by owners as an after thought, and most come from eBay. As for questions, well I would like to see if the service book is dealer stamped and just make sure that any big services have actually been done and not glossed over! Other than that, just trust your judgement. Ask the seller why he is selling the car and as you explore the possibilities that the price can be reduced. One thing to always bear in mind, if the deal seems too good to be true, it more than likely is and there may be something dodgy lurking underneath. Don’t be afraid to walk away, as there are more than enough IS’s out there and some very good ones too, you just may have to wait a while before you get one. Hope the above helps……………

Hi and welcome to the club. Before I start, I’d just like to say that I’m no expert on this subject, but from what I can gather the engine on the IS200 is fairly bullet proof, as long as it’s serviced by competent mechanic. FYI, there is a sticky in the IS200/IS300/Sportcross section with all of the specs on the different cars in the IS range. This will tell you everything you need to know. I noticed a couple of the cars you have singled out are automatics, which will be more thirsty than a manual, especially in built up areas as you are stopping and starting in built up traffic etc. Also I believe a couple have the IS Sport pedals, which may indicate that they are indeed Sport versions or they may have been put on by the current owner as an aftermarket thing. If the insurance is so high on a sport, it may be worth while checking with the sellers that they have their information correct before you seriously consider the car. As for the insurance, try “A Plan” in Andover on 01264-365536, they seem to be cheaper than anybody else I have spoken to and may be able to do you a deal. As for my choice out of the ones you picked, I do like the PISTONHEADS one and I also like the one with the aftermarket stereo system. If you look at any car with the CD loading slot at the bottom, it will potentially have error 3 codes, so you may end up changing the system anyway! Anyway, good luck and make sure you post your pictures when you finally get your new wheels.

Hi, Not sure if it's faster/quicker than an IS200, but welcome to the club all the same. I'm sure that one of the guys will be able to tell you for sure the answer to you question. Cheers......

I assume he IS saying they are universal, but doesn't actually know what universal means... Hi guys, Thanks for the kind words re. the LOC club. As for creativeperformance2004, I will no doubt order a set this week and await delivery. I will let you know how I get on. Rory......... Thanks for the question asked re. universal fitting. I get the impression that he is not the brightest spark in the engine (no pun intended), but you'll be the first to know if they fit and work ok. Cheers, Matt

Hi All, Just like to say hello, my name is Matt and I’m new to the LOC forums. I’ve been watching the topics for a week or so and have come to the opinion that you are fairly approachable lot………so please be gently with me!!!!! My first question of no doubt many is this. I would like to upgrade my spark plugs I have on a stock IS200 SE for the Denso IK20’s. Searching through past posts, people seem to be happy getting them from the states. I have found a guy on eBay USA that is offering six for $60 (please see the link): - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-DENSO-IRI...36279QQtcZphoto Can anybody tell me if this guy is reputable and am I going to have to wait weeks for the plugs to arrive. Basically has anybody dealt with him and what have their experience been like. Many thanks in advance, Matt