Lexus Nerd

I'm sure Atlantis can even throw in bonnet wrapping, to prevent chipping on the drive down to Melbourne ...

Welcome, Junior. Yes, all the AT IS250s have paddle shifters. Still, the '07 X, with its ML audio, sports trim and other standard features, is regarded as a standout.

I ordered one spare bottle of Ultimate Wax. It usually sells ;)

In the spirit of Japanese innovation, Lexus are asking customers around the world what they'd like to see from Lexus. Submissions close 31 May. http://www.lexusideasengine.com

What's the date printed on the compliance plate/sticker on the inside of the driver's door?

FINAL DAYS - get those orders in!

Hi Nem, It's been a while since I played around with this feature, and I'm nowhere near my car right now. But I vaguely recall encountering the same issue. If the engine is switched off, make sure you start it before accessing the menu. If the engine is already running, try changing into reverse gear.

Now taking orders for another Meguiar's group buy: http://au.lexusowner...showtopic=11068 Delivery possible to Melbourne, Sapphire Cam!

David, just a thought ... luxury car or not, I suspect that, at 81,000 km, it'll be due for a new clutch soon. That's not a reliability issue, but a routine servicing matter to factor into your costs.

Check this out. Possibly different symptoms, but it proves that there is such a thing as service centres over-tightening park brakes: http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10405&view=&hl=&fromsearch=1

For the record, PLZ17, what year is your 250 and how many km's has it travelled?

Orders now close on 23 May ... Now save 15% off US retail prices. That would see you save about another $4 on Meguiar's Ultimate Wax. See top of thread.

NOW TAKING ORDERS - see top of thread.

Like this? http://www.mccarrolls.com.au/shop/boot-liner-rubber

It's a typical issue with the 2IS, but you don't have to live with it. It's most likely caused by the door seals becoming dry, and it happens particularly in cold weather. If you take it to your Lexus service centre, they'll fix it, whatever the cause. If it's the door seals, they just require some lubrication with some special product they have.

Nice car, nice shots - love the plate! Welcome, Kwan.

What a co-incidence - I got an e-mail yesterday that tells me ... At Autobarn stores, there's 20% off Meguiar's car wash products (Soft Wash, Ultimate, Gold Class, NXT) until May 13.

I believe smash repairers will expect you to wait at least two weeks for the spray paint to fully cure, before waxing. After that time, try using Meguiar's COLORx. Gold Class, NXT 2.0 and Ultimate waxes do not contain microabrasive or chemical properties that will "cut" the paint, whereas COLORx is a "cut-and-wax" formula that is supposed to remove light scratches.

Prices can vary significantly, as freight is a significant component and the cost per unit weight drops, the more orders I receive. Exchange rates also affect costs, as does any sale promotions. For the Gold Class wash - it comes in one US gallon (3.79 L) bottles, so it's too heavy to ship from the US. You're best checking out Supercheap Auto ($24.88 online) or Repco (10% off with auto club discount). For the NXT 2.0 wax - at current exchange rates, and assuming the same size order that I had last time, I would expect the price to be around $31 (normally around $45). But this price could vary as much as 20% depending on the above factors.

To avoid any confusion ... I mean to say, while shipping costs between the US and Sydney will be passed onto buyers, I won't charge anything to bring the goods up from Sydney to Brisbane. Hopefully, I didn't mislead anyone.

Atlantis is pretty much on the money. You can take your pick with the Meguiar's car washes, although Gold Class suds a little better than others and this might make things a tad faster. There's no set rule for the frequency of using a clay bar - you only need to use a clay bar kit whenever you feel the surface is too rough for your liking. NXT2 does a good job, but I find that Ultimate Liquid Wax goes on and wipes off easier. If you really don't have much time at all, consider the Ultimate Wash N Wax, with wax infused into the wash liquid. I've never used this new product - and probably never will - but it might help if you never get the chance to wax after washing. For a "prescription" that's tailored to your needs, try this site: http://www.meguiars.com.au/rx-paint-care/

I can get anything in the Meguiar's range, except: Those that aren't sold in the US (there are actually some things produced especially for the Australian market, such as the lambswool mitt and green microfibre glass cloth); and Those that would be classed as dangerous goods and can't be flown to Australia. That rules out aerosols and cleaners marked as corrosive. Items which are relatively low in price, but heavy, are best purchased in Australia (if sold here). That includes car wash liquids, most window cleaners and bulk detailing . Even if the US sold such low-priced items for 40-50% less, the cost of shipment would mean that you'd pay less from a local shop. Items which are small but pricey are best purchased from the US, including waxes, rubbing compounds, specialist cleaners and especially cleaning accessories (e.g. microfibre towels). So yes, I can get the liquids in the tan coloured bottles. But I'd get the big detailing bottles locally - when there isn't a sale, Repco offers 10% off to NRMA members (that's if they sell it).

Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax here too. A number of Meguiar's users have said that the NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0 has a brighter finish on light-coloured cars, but ULW wins hands down on application (doesn't dry white on black plastic), durability and beading. If you need some wax soon, keep an eye out on this thread, as I'll be ordering some from the States soon (and plan to deliver to Brisbane for free): http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11068

Hey thechengman, Welcome! What made you buy from Perth? Was it the price, or did it have some features you couldn't get elsewhere?