DJWLDW

As I posted in my very first intro post I was looking at a 83 year female friend's 2010 LS460 SWB with almost every option. Sticker of $74,311. Tomorrow I am taking it to a Lexus dealer for it's 25,000 mile service. While driving it home (10 miles) I turned 26,000 miles. I will not say where she bought it or where I am taking it. So today I went and picked it up so I can leave early in the morning to make a 2 hour drive. I ran the service history on it the other day through Lexus Driver and she had not had it back to a Lexus dealer since June of 2011 when it had 8,244 miles on it. She get's it serviced at the local Toyota dealership. So I asked her if she wanted me to run it over to the Lexus dealership where she bought it and get the 25, 000 miles service on it. She said yes so I am taking it over in the morning. I said what year did you trade in on this one. She said a 2008 LS460 with less than 20,000 miles on it. Her 2008 was having some kind of electrical problems where it keep draining the battery and it would not start, so she traded it rather then mess with getting the problem fixed ( and it was still under full warranty) She gave $50,000 plus her 08 on trade in. While I had it here this afternoon I cleaned out her glove box. I came across receipts where she paid $767 to have 3 tires balanced. A year later she paid $1,396 dollars to have her 4 tires with 19,822 miles on them replaced. It is so sad to see people take advantage of our elderly even if they do have more money then common since.

As a side note it does look cool to have a LS460 and a LS460 L parked in the garage. Somewhat tight

Dennis

slimjimtel

If they were Lexus receipts...shame on them! That's not how Lexus should be.

My wife had her RX350 in for service and my service advisor called me and said her cabin air filter needs to be replaced. I usually do it myself for a 15.00 fram fresh breeze filter. However, I was really busy with work and travel, the car was there and they gave her a loaner so I just said, "Do it, change it out". When she got home...$85.00 on the bill for the new filter. 30 seconds to replace it...NO more than this.

I called my SA and said "Are you kidding me, 85.00 for the cabin air filter?" He was actually embarrassed, gave me a credit for my next service. BUT, that is the normal charge for this service.

You have to ask for discounts at Lexus, they will give them to you, I've always found if you beg like you have no money and now you can't get the car out of hawk, they work with you some.

Nospinzone

I remember you posting about her trade in experience and how she was obviously taken big time by the dealership. Four tires mounted and balanced for $1396 is not out of line, and it is possible they needed to be replaced if there was unusual wear.

HOWEVER, $767 to balance 3 tires is down right criminal. You know what I would do? I would call, or better yet visit, the dealership and show them the receipt. Then I would ask them if they would like to issue a refund or did they want me to ask the consumers affairs reporter at Channel 4, or 5. or 7 what they thought of their practice of overcharging elderly customers.

I bet you get a refund for the lady. BTW, do not settle for a credit. I wouldn't let this woman within 10 miles of this place, let alone buy another car from them. Heck, at this rate a BMW would be a bargain for her!

DJWLDW

To be fair the receipts for the tire balance and the new tires WERE NOT from a Lexus dealer. They were from the same local tire dealer.

He charged her $261.99 per tire $1047.00
Tire Rack $187.00 each plus $72.76 shipping for all 4 tires. $820.76 (No sales Tax) Price and shipping as of today.

Road Hazard Warranty $$99.96
Tire Rack Road Hazard Warranty $72.76

4 wheel alignment $64.99
4 valve stems $3.00 each $12.00 (You know these were not installed)
Waste Tire fee $2.00 each $8.00 ( You know that these tires with 19,822 miles went on the used tire rack)
Wheel Balance labor $7.00 each $28.00
Wheel Balance parts $2.99 each $11.96
Shop supplies $4.26
Sales Tax $114.94 (9 percent)

Out the Door $1,392.07

She could have ordered the tires, road hazard plus shipping from Tire Rack and paid the local tire guy everything else listed and saved $371.00

I think she got taken for a ride.

Dennis

Nospinzone

Those prices are not out of line. Tire Rack is cheaper than most local tire stores, just like just about every other online business versus a brick and mortar store. Not only could the tires have been bad, but I know a lot of drivers change tires before they are worn because they don't like the way they handle, or make too much noise, or whatever. Hey, if she went in and said she wanted new tires, what is the store going to do, refuse to sell them to her?

The only thing outrageous about that bill is the 9% sales tax. Where is this, Arkansas?

RodT

when i was at my dealer (which i dont care too much for) getting an oil/spark plugs changed a young lady about my age 30-32 purchased 4 tires for her LS460 (18's) mount and balance and the dealer charged her a little under $2300. I felt bad for her because i paid a little under $600 shipped for 22's(staggered) and little under w/tax $200 for mount/balance. Some dealers just like to get over on their customers no matter whats the age, just for kicks. The same dealer tried to add an additional 10K onto my car asking price ( car was located at another Lexus dealership,Lexus of Tulsa to be exact, great people) stating that the extra 10k was for transport fees( the distance was 530 miles) ,storage fee and their dealer fee. I laughed and walked out the office and purchased a $250 plane ticket and picked it up myself and paid Lexus of Tulsa dealer fee of $87.50 and drove it back home.