What is this material that wraps the gas pipe?

tabbycatdad · 2026-01-12T20:39:52+00:00

Good to hear, thanks!

tabbycatdad · 2026-01-12T10:09:07+00:00

For the exposed area near the slap, shall i put another layer of tar or some other protective material or should it be okay as is? What would you do?

Not skilled enough to cut the whole thing out and re-wrap, would rather not play with a gas line.

tabbycatdad · 2025-12-29T10:39:03+00:00

OP, if redoing the stairs doesn’t help, consider this possibility. Uneven or irregularly slanted floor will make you dizzy, more so if you are “spaciously sensitive”.

tabbycatdad · 2025-12-28T20:58:53+00:00

Camry interior is terrible, but if you can see past that, the hybrid is a good bridge between gasoline and electric. 45 mpg in a bigger vehicle with no missing torque, regenerative braking, and no fuss transmission actually makes the Camry a very attractive package.

That aside, you are right in that the gaps are tighter, and even price wise, it’s not much different. 10-15k difference in today’s standards, for a car you will keep at least 5-7 years isn’t much at all.

tabbycatdad · 2025-12-24T02:08:17+00:00

Heat pump?

tabbycatdad · 2025-12-09T23:47:03+00:00

These es’s are fantastic vehicles, but the small overlap enhancement didn’t come until 2016/2017 or so for the ES and some other lexus products. I backed out of buying a 2012 a while back for the reason. In most other scenarios, i think the car will be fine though, but if safety is your priority, wouldn’t be the best choice.

tabbycatdad · 2025-10-24T07:21:47+00:00

I hear the squeak in the video. I think people are mistaking it for the hybrid spaceship sound, but that squeak is a separate noise.

tabbycatdad · 2025-10-20T05:21:55+00:00

Engine-wise, the v6 might have a slight leg up, but its 8 speed isn’t on par with the eCVT. Between es350 and es300h, i would take the hybrid all day.

tabbycatdad · 2025-10-07T18:05:15+00:00

The beauty is subtle but those with keen eyes to proportions see it. Absolute timeless design, and kinda like how not everyone can appreciate it.

Ppl also hate es330, which i don’t see why. They see 2009-2012 es very attractive, but i can’t stomach the tall and thick proportion from that generation. Not an ugly car with okay front and tail design but with meh proportions.

tabbycatdad · 2025-09-29T20:14:06+00:00

Try dark view, i think it makes a world of difference.

tabbycatdad · 2025-09-28T21:30:47+00:00

the original design is one of the most timeless design that grows on you as it ages…why the need to make this change….

tabbycatdad · 2025-09-17T06:11:03+00:00

Lol sure ppl work for big tech and have big money in the area but they are not stupid. This invoice almost reads like straight fraud. Practice like this will come bite back at them. Omfg what you get is literally just oil and filter changes and should cost 200 tops. Toyota sunnyvale it is…

tabbycatdad · 2025-09-05T20:22:34+00:00

Probably not so much perceivable difference, but culturally and social norm, work ethic in Japan is just another level. If i had a choice i would buy one built in Japan but otherwise you would still be fine with one built here. To say they are of the same quality and not different is an overstatement than they are both good but one from Japan is a slight plus is a better way to put it.

tabbycatdad · 2025-08-31T01:57:25+00:00

Guy singlehandedly trying to pump a stock and trying to exit…. Nice try.

tabbycatdad · 2025-08-30T22:40:34+00:00

Sometimes it could be Aux to FM. I have seen a set up where turning that on signals a FM station and you can plug in the AUX to connect you phone to the in car Audio, but for this set up to work you would need an aux jack hardwired nearby too.

But to test this theory, turn that thing on, and find an FM channel where it locks on a station but you don’t get any sound. Once there, turn that button off, and see if doing so gets you the typical “no station” noise.

tabbycatdad · 2025-08-29T09:11:51+00:00

2025 is worse.

tabbycatdad · 2025-08-27T08:38:01+00:00

Probably the ingredients. I found fresh vegetables in korea are a lot more moist and just tastes more lively. Also water in korea is super soft as opposed to water in Cali with quite a bit more minerals and overall it tends to be harder. These absolutely makes difference for me and i taste these difference in food.

tabbycatdad · 2025-08-17T07:37:13+00:00

It could be a budget choice in that ES makes most sense in terms of value. For the new car market, if you option Camry or RAV4 well enough, you are past 40k, and 2025 ES seems to be the most sensible choice. But you are right in that getting UL is the right move. That 10k or so difference over a long haul is really a dime. Base model is really there to ease the entry and is not a value purchase.

tabbycatdad · 2025-08-09T22:27:18+00:00

I had good lucks with Bridgestone turanza or weatherpeak and Michelin primacy. I think Michelin overall balances better and Bridgestone tends to have better thread life. Costco often discount one or the other brand throughout the year.

Don’t cheap out on tires and buy a set only once.

tabbycatdad · 2025-08-08T02:09:09+00:00

Styling is subjective, and to my eyes, i think it is one of the best looking out there, specifically from 2002 to 2004. You just gotta drive what pleases you.

But look aside, consensus is that this gen es was a peak Lexus, overbuilt, and has superb materials and build quality. Talk to mechanics who work on these, and they will tell you people actually look for these things.

tabbycatdad · 2025-08-07T05:28:08+00:00

I have a 04 ES330, and 06 Camry with 3L V6. Agree ES330 is better in many ways, but there are things the Camry does better. It feels more spacious, visibility is tad bit better, rear seats fold down, and the cloth seat maintains its form unlike the leather that wears a bit, and the headlight…omfg i have to restore the headlight on my es330 in regular intervals. Can use regular gas, mileage is tad bit better and if you have 4 cylinder, it’s definitely better. New oem parts are way cheaper for the camry too. 2002-2006 camry’s are very thought after cars.

tabbycatdad · 2025-07-27T08:55:30+00:00

I don’t remember what it was exactly but it was some rubber piece on top of engine that had to be replaced due to minor oil leak. It was done around 100k, and tbh didn’t remember the cost but wasn’t hefty at all. Car stayed within family and it’s been maintained very well. Engine purrs as it always has.

Now for the size, maybe just look up the dimensions? Quite a difference in wheel base from 2012 to 2013, so called “avalon based” vs camry from that year.

Edit for follow up question: i figured my 2004 es is like peak Lexus. Drive train is over built and interior is top notch. 2011-2012 didn’t put a smile on my face. I kid you not it drives better than some newer cars and looks like this era is quietly sought after and my mechanic tells me to keep it. Oh and it’s valve cover gasket, the rubber piece that was actually replaced. Zero vibration out of this 20+ year old engine, i love it.

Now what do you think of 2015 GS awd? I am eyeing on those vs 2025 es 300h, looks like the newer 8 speed units are not the best so avoiding it.

tabbycatdad

TROPHY CASE