Thank you so much for the detailed explanation and advice! I’m really looking forward to having fun with this car and want to do my best taking care of it.

The grab handle on the rear cargo door broke. I bought a replacement off eBay thinking it would just pop in. Anyone have advice on what the installation process is? Do I have to take off the interior panel? Thank you.

As soon as you turn off key it goes down

For an LC500 with the carbon fiber roof, I wouldn't worry too much about the roof itself being the reason to avoid a cover. The concern some cover manufacturers mention is usually not that the carbon fiber is damaged by a cover. It's that heat can become trapped between a dark cover and a dark carbon fiber panel, especially in intense sun, and any dirt trapped under the cover can abrade the clear coat when the cover moves in the wind. For your situation in Northern Virginia, I would focus on these priorities: Breathable, weather-resistant cover, not a fully waterproof tarp. Soft fleece inner lining to protect the black paint. Custom fit for the LC500 so wind doesn't flap the cover against the paint. Cable lock and gust straps if the car will be outside for an extended period. UV protection is important because black paint shows oxidation and swirl marks more readily. A few brands that are well-regarded among Lexus and premium-car owners: Covercraft WeatherShield HP Covercraft Sunbrella California Car Cover Superweave CarCoverWorld Platinum Shield Of those, I'd probably lean toward the Covercraft WeatherShield HP for a daily-driven LC500 parked outdoors. It sheds rain well, dries quickly after storms, and is lighter and easier to use than some of the heavier all-weather covers. One thing I'd caution against: if the car is dirty, don't put the cover on. Black paint plus dust plus a windy day is a recipe for fine scratches regardless of brand. Until you have garage access, another option is to invest in: A quality ceramic coating. A windshield sunshade. A custom outdoor cover for periods when the car will sit for several days. Many detailers actually prefer a ceramic-coated car left uncovered and washed regularly versus being repeatedly covered and uncovered while dusty. For the toasted caramel interior, I'd also strongly recommend a windshield sunshade. It will do more to protect the leather and reduce cabin temperatures than the roof material will. The LC's windshield is large, and the interior can get very hot during Virginia summers. My bottom-line recommendation: custom-fit Covercraft WeatherShield HP, plus a ceramic coating, and don't worry about the carbon fiber roof as long as the cover is breathable and properly fitted. The greater risk is paint marring from a loose or dirty cover, not damage to the carbon fiber roof itself.

On a 2003 Lexus SC430, the factory power antenna normally extends whenever the radio receives the "antenna trigger" signal. With an aftermarket radio, the most common cause is that the installer connected the antenna motor wire to a circuit that stays powered whenever the ignition is on, so the antenna goes up even when the radio is turned off. A few things to try: Turn the radio completely off Some aftermarket radios don't truly power down when the display is dimmed or showing a clock. Press and hold the power button to ensure the head unit is fully off. Check for an antenna mast switch The SC430 did not come with a manual antenna up/down switch from the factory, so there usually isn't a button to retract it. Temporarily disconnect the antenna motor If you can access the radio wiring, locate the blue wire (power antenna) or blue/white wire (amp remote). If the installer tied the vehicle's antenna trigger wire to the radio's amp remote output, the antenna may stay up whenever the key is on. Correcting the wiring so the Lexus antenna trigger is connected only to the radio's dedicated power antenna output will allow the antenna to retract when the radio is off. For the car wash today If the mast won't retract, many touchless washes are fine, but brush-style washes can bend or break the antenna. You may want to avoid an automatic brush wash until the wiring issue is corrected. One question: when the antenna is up, does it retract immediately when you turn the ignition off, or does it stay up even with the car completely shut down? That answer will help determine whether it's a wiring issue or a problem with the antenna assembly itself.