User 41924

I got a $140 quote from the Lexus dealer, for a 4 wheel alignment on my 2011 IS 350 AWD. I also got a quote from a local BrakesPlus store for, at $60. I understand that you often get what you pay for, but this is an alignment. Can anyone help me understand what value the dealer could add to a simple alignment, that would make it worth an extra $80? Or even $40 .... or $20? I can't think of a single thing.

WylieKylie

iTrader: (2)

Well you can ask the dealer what they are giving you for $140. Just an alignment is not worth $140, but they may also calibrate the steering ECU after alignment. Whether or not this is necessary is up for debate, I lean towards not necessary, so I'd get the $60 alignment.

eplugplay

I'd just save the money and get the $60 alignment. I got mine done at a very reputable shop and they had all the correct gear to do it and I can tell right after I drove it. Lexus quoted me the same thing while waiting for a 20,000 maintenance done from warranty but I told them naw. Very happy with my $60 alignment. The place I went to here in Houston Texas actually shows you the improvement numbers on each wheels after the alignment has been completed.

ISland350

Best bet...go back and ask exactly whats involved for the $140. Just an alignment? Not Worth it IMO.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Ask to look at the equipment the "budget-friendly" shop uses and ask what they use to hold the steering wheel straight doing the alignment process.

My local Lexus dealership has an in-ground state-of-the-art Hunter rack with all the latest and greatest gadgets for it. Heck, they do alignments for the $130k Porsches for the dealer next-door. Good enough for 911 turbos, good enough for me!

Just how I see it.

Kd0t

iTrader: (17)

^ what he said. Those new Hunter racks are so cool!

On a side note, after I got springs installed by Tommy @ musicbox, I went to get an alignment. No changes were necessary. Even after I got coils installed by Tommy, I got another alignment and to my surprise, no changes were necessarily made. Does this say something about the installer?

carlos3366

go to one of those shops that do lifetime alignments for $140 or so. With the IS you will need alignments every 6 moths for sure.

is250916

iTrader: (1)

Really????? Every 6 months? Why is that and is this true?

carlos3366

In my opinion - bad Lexus design. That's one thing I don't like about my Lex. Let's see what others say

88IS350

I run a shop in North Houston (Conroe Area). We do our alignments for 89.99 and most alignments we also re-calibrate the steering angle sensor (if applicable). $140 is way to much for a basic alignment. Just my opinion.

rawr2is250

Noted around here as stealerships for a reason!