Flat Tire - A First Time for Everything

Yes, it's true - in my over 20 years of driving I've never had a flat tire. Until just last week, when on the way home from Yokota Air Base, my Chinese made "RUPSE" Tire Pressure Monitor System started going bananas.  In the past, on a hot day it had indicated a problem, but when I parked the car and drove on a cooler day, it was fine.

So when the TPMS started flashing again indicating a fault in the right rear tire, luckily I was going slow enough to pull over and take a look. The right rear tire looked fine, but just in case I looked at the other rear tire and... yep it was pretty flat (the sensors had been switched left to right on installation. Oh well). Tire gauge indicated a 1.5 when all other tires were 2.5.

As I was hoping for a slow leak, I pulled into a gas station, had the tire inflated back up to 2.5, and then drove home. The TPMS warning went away, but then as I approached my house I noticed the air pressure number for the right rear (in reality the left rear) tire dropping. And of course, the next morning the the tire was flat with the rim on the ground, with only the rubber of the tire between it and the ground.

So I went off to work, and during the day called the dealer to see if they could help. Their idea was, with a slow leak I could either inflate the tire myself (or mount the spare) and then drive over, and they would see if they could repair the tire. So that's exactly what I did - I left work early, used a portable electric pump and filled up the tire, and drove to the Lexus dealer, thankfully only about 1.3 km away from my house.

After enjoying the free drink and snack, they invited me back to the workshop to check out what was going on.

Super clean, wish the Nissan dealer was like this too...

 Surprisingly, they found a nail in the tire, but that wasn't the cause of the leak. When they dunked the tire in soapy water, they found the source of the leak.

Looks like something wedged in there. 

 Luckily, because it wasn't on the side of the tire, it was repairable.

But look at what it was!

Broken off knife blade!

It appeared to be a broken off utility knife blade.  So they plugged up the leak and told me it was a temporary fix, and sent me on my way.

Now, I DID ask about what tires to get next - the car is on Michelin Pilot Super Sports, and while those are still in stock, for not much more I could get the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, which is the follow on model to the Super Sports. Unfortunately, the dealer wanted about 80,000 yen per tire (or about $800 each!) while I could shop online and get each tire for less than half that price. So guess what I'll be doing soon...

Except of course I have other expenses in my life right now, so as long as this repaired tire holds (the dealer showed me I have about 4mm of tread life left until each tire hits the wear bars on the tire), I'm going to try to hold out...

Suspension Upgrade (Part 2)

Anyway, after I finished drooling over the red LC500, I let them take the IS-F in to have the OEM Tokico dampers replaced with the late model OEM Sachs (ZF) dampers.  I was keeping my fingers crossed, because although the guy on the ClubLexus forum swore it was a worthy upgrade... well, the Internet is only as true as you believe it to be.

This time, no GS-F loaner car. However, they did let me borrow this for the day:

IS300h. 

I still don't like how the rear end looks. Oh, and the wheels look tiny!

The interior... well I DID like the LFA inspired dash...

As I had a few chores to run, I actually drove the car into Tokyo. It's a decent highway cruiser, but after the IS-F, I need more POWER!  As expected, the build quality was great, but without the Mark Levinson stereo, the sound quality was just mediocre. Really!

The next day, when I went to pick up the IS-F, I saw THIS parked at the dealer...

No no, keep it!

 The techs had loaded up all the used parts into the back of my car's trunk:

I like the way that, even though my car has an aftermarket rubber mat, they still "wrapped" everything they loaded up with the large white foam sheet. So Japan...(ZF = Sachs)

And the results? The moment I began to drive to leave the dealership, I immediately noticed the difference. Firm, but way softer. Then, I driving home I noticed how the car was able to absorb small bumps much much better.  

Finally, a few days later on the expressway the car was AMAZING on the curves, the tighter it got, the better. What I mean is that, the car before was stiff. Just stiff. So the car would bounce excessively on bumps, and at speed a loss of confidence as it felt a bit unpredictable. Now however as a curve approaches I can feel the outside front wheel "bite" as the weight transfer happens to the outside. This "bite" gives better road feedback and thus more of a sense of what the car is doing. The car feels flatter too, strangely, and better planted to the road.

Don't get me wrong, the car is still very firmly sprung but I suspect the spring rate is a bit reduced and there is longer suspension stroke, at least in the rear.  So, a very worthy modification if you insist on keeping OEM and don't care about ride height.

Update - I just googled and found this article from Edmunds analyzing the changes made to the IS-F suspension. I am pretty sure that when the dealer did the alignment they did NOT give the car the rear  camber adjustment as per the 2011 model, but I will ask next time I take the car in...

More LC500 Photos

So after the dealer's miscalculation, I had to wait a few more weeks for the correct suspension parts to arrive, and for my schedule to free up.

This time, when I arrived, they had this nice RED LC500 - apparently this one is the gas version while the other is the hybrid? Both are the dealer demo cars, they told me...

Looks even better than the white one I think...

The details are amazing

This time insisted on opening the door for a peek inside.

Wow! Simply WOW.

Ok so the back is a bit TINY but still so nice...

The way the door handle pops out when you hit the unlock on the keyfob...

And again those lights. Damn.

Drool... carbon fiber... wow....

Ok so this was the only part of the car I thought was ugly. These wheels...

Suspension Upgrade + LC500! (Part 1)

Ok ok so I have been very very bad about posting updates on this car - my excuse is that my free time is spent blogging about my GT-R, and getting used to a new job I started in May.  Oh and I was overseas for a few weeks too, back in March.

Excuses aside, after I returned from my trip in March, I decided it was about time I did something about the car's ride. As many know, the early IS-F cars were criticized for having a harsh ride, while some people claimed they got used to it, or that it was the price to pay for the sporty nature of the car.

The problem for me was, I did not want to purchase another set of Ohlins like I have on the GT-R - which as a result was driving more smoothly and more comfortably than the Lexus!  But, while the Ohlins DFVs are superb, they require rebuilding every 2 years or 20,000kms. For a durable car like the Lexus (i.e. Toyota), this was not going to work.

Further, as some of you remember, I been given use of a GS-F as a loaner - and I loved the way that car rode.  Some asking around revealed that the GS-F uses dampers made by Sachs.  Then, I read on the ClubLexus forum that someone had replaced their 2008 IS-F OEM shocks with those from a 2012 IS-F, which also happen to be made by Sachs!  

So I knew a swap could be done, and further, these parts were OEM and thus not as expensive as aftermarket Ohlins! And no need to rebuild! So win-win...

My dealer agreed to do the swap, but told me they could not extend the car's warranty to the shocks, only the warranty for the shock itself would be available. Not a big deal. So I went ahead and ordered, and a few weeks later got the call!

Nothing special about these cars other than the new car smell...

Lexus hospitality can't be beat!

While the mechanics worked to install the suspension, the dealer decided to give me taste of what to expect.

"Go have fun!" they said!

Unfortunately, it was all for nothing. Because a few hours later the dealer called and told me that they had only ordered the shocks and NOT the springs! Oh and something called a bump stop needed to be ordered as well.

Obviously, being the first to try something in Japan means that you have be very patient.  Or, have a sense a humor about the situation, or both.

In any case, I returned to the dealer somewhat disappointed, but then soon forgot about it as I spotted this car, one of the first ones in Japan!

Trust me, looks WAY better in person!

Hard to tell with the black leather, but the interior is ALL leather...and GORGEOUS!

Nice little touch there

My advisor was particularly proud of this touch - the 3-D effect LED taillamps! Hmm, maybe an idea for the GT-R? Lol.

So this initial visit wasn't a total loss - I got to see the new LC500 (and got a free car wash. Oh and got to drive the GS-F around all day...)

GS-F versus IS-F

So when I had the IS-F at the dealer for its biannual shaken, they surprised me by giving me a very special loaner car for the day - this beautiful black pearl GS-F!!

Nice number plate. As if the driver would forget...

As I had a few chores to run, well, why not use this GS-F? So I promptly got on the expressway towards Tokyo, and onto Kanpachi Dori.

This Aston turned some heads. Not me, though, in this stealthy black Lexus...

My destination being, my usual Nissan dealership. I had to pick up some parts for a project I am doing on the GT-R.

This car looks SO much more powerful and aggressive than any Nissan sedan they had there.

Parts picked up, I stopped by Dino's to see what he thought. He had praise for the looks, but again, failed to be impressed by the ride and the transmission. Of course, German cars are better he said.

Fits nicely in his driveway though.

Me, I loved everything about the car. I thought the IS-F had plenty of gadgets, but in between the heads up display and 4 different speedometer modes, I thought the GS-F was very nice.  The ride is MUCH better than the IS-F, and frankly, the car doesn't feel any slower despite the weight gain.  In fact, it felt just as nimble, likely due to better body rigidity.

And since I haven't driven the more expensive M series BMWs Dino uses as his benchmark... well, for me this could be the one. Toyota quality, even though it costs more here in Japan than back home in the USA.

It fit nicely in my garage, too!

Alas, it was soon time to pick up the IS-F.

Side-by-side, the GS-F looks much more modern. Of course, it IS!

My overall verdict is, a logical next step after the IS-F. Actually, the natural evolution of how a new IS-F based on the current model might be.  Except, getting back in the IS-F, I could immediately sense how much smaller and nimble the car felt. Not quite as refined as the GS-F for sure, as it lacks the leather and Alcantara the GS-F has, along with all the gadgets. Problem in Japan is, these are $120,000 cars!  So that will have to change before I buy one. 

Meanwhile, what can I do to further improve the IS-F to be more like this...

Airbag Repaired! And Ludicrous Shaken Estimate...

Well that was fast! Last weekend, took the car into the dealer, they gave me a new Prius to drive around for a while, went shopping, and then when I was done drove back to the dealer where they had the IS-F ready to go, new airbag module installed and the car washed and vacuumed!

Just like this one. Courtesy http://clicccar.com/2015/10/20/334187/

I actually had fun "driving" the Prius, it reminded me how quiet hybrids are, and how it feels like driving a washing machine.... but I digress.  The dealership itself WAS entertaining, however: As the bi-annual shaken is coming up in late September, they gave me an estimate for the work. I can see why these are money makers for dealerships (and why lots of people forgo paying this, and use the money on a new car).  What is required isn't so bad. It's what the dealership guilts/worries people into paying for, that is outrageous!

Here is what the estimate contained for my IS-F:

Fees Required by law (to be paid to the Japanese DMV)
Weight tax: 32,800 yen
Basic insurance: 27,840 yen
Revenue tax stamp: 1,100 yen
TOTAL: 61,740 yen.

What the dealer will charge for taking care of the above:
"24 month Periodic Inspection" - 32,616 yen
"Renewal Inspection" - 9,500 yen.
TOTAL: 42,116 yen.

So, at MINIMUM, I will end up paying: 61,740 + 42,116 = 103,856 yen.

Of course, the dealer is in business to make money. Thus, they recommend the "Lexus recommended periodic inspection parts replacement" which is the following.
1. Engine oil and filter exchange:
Labor: 7,236 yen
Oil filter: 1717 yen
Oil pan drain plug gasket: 86 yen
TOTAL: 9,039 yen (the oil is free as the car is a CPO car, still under warranty)

2. Brake line air removal;
Labor: 10,908 yen
Brake fluid replacement (1000 mL): 1814 yen
TOTAL: 12,722 yen

3. Front window wiper blade (R/L) exchange:
Labor: 1836 yen
RH wiper blade: 918 yen
LH wiper blade: 864 yen
TOTAL: 3618 yen

4. Interior Air filter exchange:
1836 yen (labor) + 2160 yen (new filter) = 3996 yen

5.  Engine key battery replacement - 864 yen (labor) plus 432 yen (battery) = 1296 yen

6. Engine steam cleaning: FREE!

Total for this "recommended" service is 30,671 yen.

The dealer also has provisions for "repairs pursuant to inspection results" - I am scared of this, I get the feeling I will end up paying for something here:
1. Brake cleaning: 1728 yen (part)
2. Headlight aiming 3672 yen (labor)
3. Parking brake adjustment: 12,744 yen (labor)
4. F/R side slip adjustment (wheel alignment): 5,670 yen (labor)
5. Engine coolant exchange:
Labor: 9,072 yen
Super Long Life Coolant: 2904 yen
Radiator drain washer: 205 yen
TOTAL: 35,995

The dealer also told me that it is a good idea to update the Navi software. Not sure why because the car seems to update the maps automatically, but maybe the software is better now? IF so this might be worth it.
Navigation software update: 16,200 yen (software) + 1620 yen (labor) = 17,820 yen

Of course, because this is a high performance engine, I should REALLY consider the following:

The NUTEC Engine Refresh Course (2501 cc and over): 4752 yen for two bottles of NUTEC's NC-901 plus 7668 yen labor (not sure why this is so expensive, probably some kind of engine flush - it's not sold commercially, you have to go to an authorized shop -so no DIY here...).

In addition, the NUTEC Sludge Remover and Fuel Boost - 2 bottles of NC-220 at 3500 yen (this is available commercially - maybe I'll try it myself one day)
TOTAL: 15,920 yen.

Finally, IF I go for the oil change, why not use a higher spec oil?
Engine oil - 9.3 liters for 34,652 yen.

All of this not legally required stuff, costs a TOTAL of 177,174 yen. Oh and plus another handling fee of 10,200 yen.  So a REAL TOTAL of 187,374 yen! (including tax!).

So, together with the legally mandated taxes of 61, 740 yen, I would end up paying a total amount of 249,114 yen!!!

RIDICULOUS!!

As I have a mod coming up that I am asking Ninomiya-san at BeAmbitious to take of, we took a look together and shared a laugh.  In the end, we  eliminated everything except for the legally required taxes and the Navigation software.

So I let the dealer know, and so I'll be back on the 18th to get the shaken done. Aoki-san said "no problem" but did ask for my understanding that, there might indeed be "repairs pursuant to inspection results."  Who knows what stuff they will say is "mandatory" and what extra I will end up paying. Oh well, it will be an experience.

Meanwhile, I dropped the car off at BeAmbitious in order to, once and for all, get rid of that stupid blank switch on the right side panel.

Does anyone else get as annoyed as me? Why Lexus did you leave a blank?

Takata Airbag Recall, Part 2!

So it turns out that, with respect to the latest Takata airbag problem, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MILT) is taking matters into their own hands.

On May 27, MILT published this, which is basically the same information as I posted in my previous post regarding NHTSA and American Toyota's efforts on the Takata airbag recall (that the IS-F is subject to recall):

This is basically a schedule on how MILT will begin issuing recall notices for affected cars.

Then today I got an email from my dealer apologizing for basically not really understanding what I was upset about.  It turns out that today, Lexus Japan posted the following:
https://lexus.jp/recall/2016/recall_160601.html

Hello, yes there is a recall...

Listing all models of the IS sold in Japan subject to the airbag recall.

Interesting for me was, over 4 years they only sold 2638 IS-Fs in Japan??

Yep that airbag assembly thing

What is most interesting is that Lexus Japan says that replacement parts are likely to be available by mid-August. Perhaps it's the low number of cars affected, but that timing seems much faster than what is going on in the USA.

For me, I'm just not going to drive with passengers in the front seat for a while...

New IS200t Loaner!

So after the car's 6 month inspection, I decided to order a few parts to begin the process of improving the car. Just some minor tweaks. Yes, famous last words.

Anyway, because the car was kept overnight they offered me the use of a loaner car - in this case the new IS200t - four cylinder with single double scroll turbo (I think that is what Dino said, anyway).

The white one next to my car, with number plate 200, is the IS200T they lent me.

Since I'm not a motorjournalist, I won't bother with all the photos of the exterior and interior, etc. Just a few thoughts on the car itself compared to the ISF.

First, the car felt shorter than it really is. When I parked the car at home, I discovered that it barely fit in the garage, putting the rear wheels against the same bump stop as the ISF. I read somewhere that Toyota had engineered the car to be welded in more spots, and that they also used a new type of adhesive, in order to obtain better body rigidity. Makes sense, because my GT-R felt shorter once I had improved its body rigidity too.

Second, the engine I think is only mediocre. A car this class, I think, needs more power. I haven't bothered to check how much horsepower the car has, but at low speeds it is very Lexus like, quiet, but once acceleration happens the engine is working hard. Too hard, maybe? Still quiet but not the effortless power the ISF has.

Third, even in Sport+ mode I was not happy with how the car felt. Still overpowered and too light, although I think the suspension does a good job of a decent ride. Brakes were strong though.

Fourth, interior - I do like the new LFA inspired OLED gauges, but I think I still prefer 2 stand alone tach and speed gauges. Keep it simple.  The seats were too soft even after 5 minutes, too.

Fifth, exterior - I do like the way it looks. I do like the modern aero touches that probably came from the LFA, like this A-pillar "fin"... I think I saw something offered for the ISF which I will have to get eventually.

I like the way the front of the car looks. The rear, looks like it wasn't quite finished.  I found this, and if Lexus had offered an ISF based on the new platform and it looked like this, I may have gotten it.

why didn't Toyota offer the ISF in this new model?

Rear looks awesome!

Close up. See, that looks great!

In any case, in my next posts I'll show you what I got, and my impressions. Hint, one IS a TRD part...

Some Year End Cleaning... Part 1

It's a Japanese tradition to clean, clean, clean at the end of each year, so the new year can begin a new, or at least in the cleanest possible condition. Cars included. So while it's now impossible at this date to drop into a detailer to get the car professionally cleaned, most people with cars do take some time to do what they can to clean their cars, whether by machine, or hand.

Now I've already done the wrong thing by having the ISF washed by machine, this time I took the time to do things by hand. 

Right before the year end, I had just picked up the car from the dealership - I had found a slight rattle (a big no no for any Lexus) in the dashboard and they took a couple days to take the dashboard apart, locate and eliminate the source of the rattle.  In any case, the car was freshly hand washed when I got it back, so of course I jumped at the chance to apply some of my favorite car polish/sealant - Zaino (in my efforts to keep my GT-R clean, I have plenty of this stuff at home...gotta use up!).

At the dealership, saw this very nice red IS350, so naturally had to take photo for comparison purposes

Specifically, this time I decided to simply use their all-in-one product, Zaino AIO, because it has some minor cleaning properties, and it also gives the car the Zaino slickness, sheen and protection we know and love.  Oh, and because I wasn't going to spend time eliminating all swirls and then sealing with a clear sealant like Zaino Z-2 or Z-5, because I will eventually take the car to RAPT to get taken care of anyway.  Incidentally, the paint is in pretty good shape (no bumps I can feel using the saran wrap test) so I didn't bother using a clay bar.

From: http://www.zainostore.com/product/Z-AIO.html

I didn't take any photos of the application, but simply used my Porter Cable machine and an orange pad.  Machine apply, hand buff dry, then apply the Zaino Z-8:

From: http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Z&Product_Code=Z-8&Category_Code=shinemaintenance

The car looked like this when done:

This was actually the next day...interesting how the blue looks different when using the iPhone (first photo) and my DSLR. 

I then decided to take care of the interior - beginning with the driver's seat.

First time using this - the Zaino leather cleaner

Used a shoe polishing brush (soft bristles) to get the cleaner in all the crevices

Dark spots are the dirt that got removed - so not as dirty as I thought

What was amazing (and I didn't take a photo) was that the leather ended up with a satin-like sheen - so it looked brand new I guess. But as I was rushing, I then went ahead and applied the Zaino leather protectant.



Application of Z-10 results in the leather feeling softer and supple. Oh, and it smells like a brand new leather interior now, which I personally love (most Japanese cars with leather, do away with the smell because Japanese consumers don't like the treated leather smell).

So now my car looks pretty good (still need a pro to buff out all the small scratches) but the interior is nice and clean, and smells awesome.

But you know what, I wasn't satisfied with this level of clean... so after the New Year's, I decided to really get OCD. See my next post...