2008 Ls600hL Hybrid battery removal Diy
01-06-17, 01:25 PM
#16
Rookie
Thread Starter
I am sorry, bud. That's a tough story. You didn't say how long ago you bought the car. But you have driven it only about 4000 miles, and looks like you deal with performance issues or worry about the car every time you drive it. You are still paying it off, and you cannot decide whether to invest the additional 8K. Your experience and CJITTY's are stories of caution for anyone interested in buying an older 600hL, and contrast with riknchar's love story with his 600hL. Good luck!
Last edited by Talidtb; 01-06-17 at 01:35 PM.
01-06-17, 02:21 PM
#17
Instructor
I meant it as a compliment, and was not trying to be funny 
. It is true that many of us have wonderful experiences with our cars, LS or not, while others are not so lucky. I love my loaded 460L, and it comes pretty close to your 600hL in comfort, safety and performance 
Our cars were never meant to be investments; they will always depreciate, some faster than others. The return on our "investment" is the pleasure we derive when getting behind the wheel and experiencing the luxurious sensations of the drive, and the comfort and safety afforded our loved ones while traveling.
. It is true that many of us have wonderful experiences with our cars, LS or not, while others are not so lucky. I love my loaded 460L, and it comes pretty close to your 600hL in comfort, safety and performance Our cars were never meant to be investments; they will always depreciate, some faster than others. The return on our "investment" is the pleasure we derive when getting behind the wheel and experiencing the luxurious sensations of the drive, and the comfort and safety afforded our loved ones while traveling.
I know I probably seem to be a bit of an LS600hL "Fan-Boy," but I totally knew going in that there was a real possibility I'd have to fork over quite a bit to replace the hybrid batteries, and I still think the 600s are worth it (at their greatly depreciated price these days, not at the initial $30K premium). I've definitely loved owning it for the past 3 years and will be happily driving it for another 3. I don't really care too much what the current book value is for the car -- its value to me has not changed one bit over the past 3 years, and I'm happy to say it still looks exactly the same as it did when I bought it (and not much different than it did when it was brand new).
01-06-17, 02:39 PM
#18
Pole Position
I've definitely loved owning it for the past 3 years and will be happily driving it for another 3. I don't really care too much what the current book value is for the car -- its value to me has not changed one bit over the past 3 years, and I'm happy to say it still looks exactly the same as it did when I bought it (and not much different than it did when it was brand new).
1) Looks like you are not planning to keep the car after the 6 year CPO warranty runs out. Well, I hope you will make full use of the 125K coverage and drive it to the max. What's your current mileage? Don't let any miles go to waste
2) Have you posted pictures of your lovely car in and out? Would love to see some.
01-06-17, 04:41 PM
#19
Rookie
Thread Starter
Well said, Comotiger! I appreciate the complement and definitely didn't take any offense (but it did make me smile).
I know I probably seem to be a bit of an LS600hL "Fan-Boy," but I totally knew going in that there was a real possibility I'd have to fork over quite a bit to replace the hybrid batteries, and I still think the 600s are worth it (at their greatly depreciated price these days, not at the initial $30K premium). I've definitely loved owning it for the past 3 years and will be happily driving it for another 3. I don't really care too much what the current book value is for the car -- its value to me has not changed one bit over the past 3 years, and I'm happy to say it still looks exactly the same as it did when I bought it (and not much different than it did when it was brand new).
I know I probably seem to be a bit of an LS600hL "Fan-Boy," but I totally knew going in that there was a real possibility I'd have to fork over quite a bit to replace the hybrid batteries, and I still think the 600s are worth it (at their greatly depreciated price these days, not at the initial $30K premium). I've definitely loved owning it for the past 3 years and will be happily driving it for another 3. I don't really care too much what the current book value is for the car -- its value to me has not changed one bit over the past 3 years, and I'm happy to say it still looks exactly the same as it did when I bought it (and not much different than it did when it was brand new).
01-06-17, 06:40 PM
#21
Pole Position
i agree, i could careless about resale. I didnt buy this car to sell it back. I bought it to keep it. Honestly if lexus is willing to work with me on the pricing then i will do the battery but if they totally right out decline me then i will let the car go forsale. And sad to say but that will be my last lexus. I wont support a company that wont support there supporters.
01-06-17, 07:10 PM
#22
Lexus Test Driver
i agree, i could careless about resale. I didnt buy this car to sell it back. I bought it to keep it. Honestly if lexus is willing to work with me on the pricing then i will do the battery but if they totally right out decline me then i will let the car go forsale. And sad to say but that will be my last lexus. I wont support a company that wont support there supporters.
Cjitty was different circumstances as his warranty was expiring and they should have done more to help with that. Just don't think you should throw away driving great cars based on this experience.
01-07-17, 04:24 AM
#23
Did you suggest to the SA that you will buy the battery yourself and have them install it? I saw riknchar's post that a new OEM battery can be bought for less than 4K. And if you order online, maybe you won't pay any sales tax. That would save you over 2.5K compared to what the dealer quoted you. I doubt if the dealer will price-match an online site. Plus you would have to pay sales tax. Next, although you could save a few hundred by getting the battery installed by an independent shop (as riknchar suggested), I agree with you that it would be better to let the dealership install it.
01-07-17, 06:43 AM
#24
Rookie
Thread Starter
Did you suggest to the SA that you will buy the battery yourself and have them install it? I saw riknchar's post that a new OEM battery can be bought for less than 4K. And if you order online, maybe you won't pay any sales tax. That would save you over 2.5K compared to what the dealer quoted you. I doubt if the dealer will price-match an online site. Plus you would have to pay sales tax. Next, although you could save a few hundred by getting the battery installed by an independent shop (as riknchar suggested), I agree with you that it would be better to let the dealership install it.
Last edited by Talidtb; 01-07-17 at 06:54 AM.
01-07-17, 06:48 AM
#25
Rookie
Thread Starter
While I agree it can be frustrating to face such a high bill, you bought a $100k + 9 year old car with over 100k miles. You really aren't supporting Lexus. You supported the used car dealer. Lexus was supported by the person who originally bought the car.
Cjitty was different circumstances as his warranty was expiring and they should have done more to help with that. Just don't think you should throw away driving great cars based on this experience.
Cjitty was different circumstances as his warranty was expiring and they should have done more to help with that. Just don't think you should throw away driving great cars based on this experience.
01-07-17, 06:50 AM
#26
Rookie
Thread Starter
Yea i plan on doing that. Nah you can buy it online. These dont come regular mail. Its a frieght delivery and a tractor trailer.
01-07-17, 12:43 PM
#27
Pole Position
yea buy it myself is the best route. Then have dealer install it. Its actually 5k +. These batteries have a core $1,350. NO Sales tax. And they charge up front. when you return your old one they refund you $1,350. It jus **** me off that theres replacements for all other hybrid car batteries except the 600. And there either at a resonable price or aftermartket that has a better price tag then dealer.
I am surprised someone even sells OEM batteries on line for 1000s less. Good luck with the purchase and install.
04-06-17, 10:29 AM
#28
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: wa
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just bought a 2008 LS600hL with 91K a month ago from a used car lot. Paid 24K. I happened to get it at the exact wrong timing before having problems (Battery, Struts, PCS warning light). None occurred during test drive.
The message to check Hybrid system came up a week after having car. Brought to Bellevue WA Lexus dealership. The warranty for battery is 100K or 96months. Service rep said he would contact corporate. Next day he said sorry, they would not help. I have to pay 100% of the parts and labor. It's $6300 after core credit.
Also, a week after having car, I noticed strange noise in front right. Brought into lexus. They said struts had known problem causing 'noise rattle, and ride deterioration'.
There was a service bulletin on this issue, which covered replacement, but this ran out at 50K miles. Lexus Dealership quoted full price for part and labor on this too. No help. I think 2 other struts are making noises too. Need to replace all 4 to be sure.
And lastly, the PCS light is coming on, so according to other posts here, it may be $1000 fix to replace part behind front grill (radar part)
I really believed with this being their flagship car, I would be making a good bet purchasing it. I have always thought Lexus was most reliable brand, and remembered Lexus Dealership experience as awesome from past lexus car ownership experience. (Owned a SC400 previously)
But since the battery is a year out of warranty, original struts had problems, I thought Lexus would at least cut me some break on parts or labor. But no love. I have to pay 100% for all of it.
Wish Lexus had given me something to assist with problems with their Ultimate Flagship.
The message to check Hybrid system came up a week after having car. Brought to Bellevue WA Lexus dealership. The warranty for battery is 100K or 96months. Service rep said he would contact corporate. Next day he said sorry, they would not help. I have to pay 100% of the parts and labor. It's $6300 after core credit.
Also, a week after having car, I noticed strange noise in front right. Brought into lexus. They said struts had known problem causing 'noise rattle, and ride deterioration'.
There was a service bulletin on this issue, which covered replacement, but this ran out at 50K miles. Lexus Dealership quoted full price for part and labor on this too. No help. I think 2 other struts are making noises too. Need to replace all 4 to be sure.
And lastly, the PCS light is coming on, so according to other posts here, it may be $1000 fix to replace part behind front grill (radar part)
I really believed with this being their flagship car, I would be making a good bet purchasing it. I have always thought Lexus was most reliable brand, and remembered Lexus Dealership experience as awesome from past lexus car ownership experience. (Owned a SC400 previously)
But since the battery is a year out of warranty, original struts had problems, I thought Lexus would at least cut me some break on parts or labor. But no love. I have to pay 100% for all of it.
Wish Lexus had given me something to assist with problems with their Ultimate Flagship.
04-06-17, 12:27 PM
#29
I just bought a 2008 LS600hL with 91K a month ago from a used car lot. Paid 24K. I happened to get it at the exact wrong timing before having problems (Battery, Struts, PCS warning light). None occurred during test drive.
The message to check Hybrid system came up a week after having car. Brought to Bellevue WA Lexus dealership. The warranty for battery is 100K or 96months. Service rep said he would contact corporate. Next day he said sorry, they would not help. I have to pay 100% of the parts and labor. It's $6300 after core credit.
Also, a week after having car, I noticed strange noise in front right. Brought into lexus. They said struts had known problem causing 'noise rattle, and ride deterioration'.
There was a service bulletin on this issue, which covered replacement, but this ran out at 50K miles. Lexus Dealership quoted full price for part and labor on this too. No help. I think 2 other struts are making noises too. Need to replace all 4 to be sure.
And lastly, the PCS light is coming on, so according to other posts here, it may be $1000 fix to replace part behind front grill (radar part)
I really believed with this being their flagship car, I would be making a good bet purchasing it. I have always thought Lexus was most reliable brand, and remembered Lexus Dealership experience as awesome from past lexus car ownership experience. (Owned a SC400 previously)
But since the battery is a year out of warranty, original struts had problems, I thought Lexus would at least cut me some break on parts or labor. But no love. I have to pay 100% for all of it.
Wish Lexus had given me something to assist with problems with their Ultimate Flagship.
The message to check Hybrid system came up a week after having car. Brought to Bellevue WA Lexus dealership. The warranty for battery is 100K or 96months. Service rep said he would contact corporate. Next day he said sorry, they would not help. I have to pay 100% of the parts and labor. It's $6300 after core credit.
Also, a week after having car, I noticed strange noise in front right. Brought into lexus. They said struts had known problem causing 'noise rattle, and ride deterioration'.
There was a service bulletin on this issue, which covered replacement, but this ran out at 50K miles. Lexus Dealership quoted full price for part and labor on this too. No help. I think 2 other struts are making noises too. Need to replace all 4 to be sure.
And lastly, the PCS light is coming on, so according to other posts here, it may be $1000 fix to replace part behind front grill (radar part)
I really believed with this being their flagship car, I would be making a good bet purchasing it. I have always thought Lexus was most reliable brand, and remembered Lexus Dealership experience as awesome from past lexus car ownership experience. (Owned a SC400 previously)
But since the battery is a year out of warranty, original struts had problems, I thought Lexus would at least cut me some break on parts or labor. But no love. I have to pay 100% for all of it.
Wish Lexus had given me something to assist with problems with their Ultimate Flagship.
04-06-17, 08:33 PM
#30
Its disappointing to have expensive repairs in a short time after buying your LS. Did you have the option of a extended warranty?