tomoleary

I got the 99 RX300 from Carmax (I know, I suck)

It had 97000 when I got it, now I have 107000

It was shaking when I pressed the brake, so I brought it to the dealer and they are telling me the rotors need to be resurfaced and I need a new muffler (total $570) "normal wear and tear" - I drive slow and dont brake hard

Am I in for this for the remainer of my financed term, how often does this need to be done? Shouldn't this have been checked before they sold me the car?

Lexmex

Welcome to the Club.

I have probably resurfaced my rotors more times than I can count, but that is because of the environment that I have lived in for the past 6 years (leaving tomorrow). 100,000 miles would generally be about the first point you need to resurface mufflers if at all. I went from 40K until about 82K until I concurred with Lexus (nice dealer in San Antonio) that they needed resurfacing on the rear and replacing on the front.

Resurfacing isn't rocket science and there are many mechanics other than Lexus that can do this.

Their are aftermarket muffler options that are cheaper than that $570 big tub. We have quite a few California members here and they can give you their personal opinions, as I usually am found at the other spectrum of the muffler equation.

bob2200

I have heard, and I believe to be the case, that the main cause of rotor warping is uneven/excessive torque on the wheel lugs. I'm careful to always make sure that mine are torqued to the recommended 76-ft-lb. with a torque wrench (always, or at least shortly after getting it back from the mechanic).

KeepDaBeat

Um, considering you could buy BRAND NEW, DRILLED AND SLOTTED rotors for $200, and a MAGNAFLOW muffler for $200 or less. And have all of that BRAND NEW equipment installed for about $50, I'd say you're getting ripped off. Just my opinion though. :-)

tomoleary

Thanks a lot guys. It sounds like I'm getting taken a little bit, but thats OK, its automotive, I feel better knowing that this isn't just me.

thomas1

Carmax has a warranty too, Make them replace the rotors. A neighbor did exactly what you are complaining about. Carmax stepped up and repaired it.

tomoleary

They are telling me brakes aren't covered under the warranty. I understand brake pads, but rotors? That doesn't sound like wear and tear

tomoleary

Just got another 'bump call' (term used to describe any last minute change of payment via the phone)

They are saying that my emergency brake shoes are getting in the way of my rear tire! It needs to be replaced, the kit is 39.00, the part is about the same and the labor is 75 (because he has it all apart)

I took it in to have the muffler fixed and the shaking checked out, and now i'm up to $740.00

I'll post again when I get another 'bump call'

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Rotors are a wear and tear item just like brake pads. Personally, I never resurface my rotors as I just buy a new set when needed. Resurfacing is easy and tried and true, just I rather have the new set then a thinner rotor that may be more prone to warping in the future.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I have no idea what they are saying. Perhaps there is just a communication problem here. I can't see how the emergency brake shoe that is enclosed within the rear rotor hat can get in the way of a tire. In the way how? Perhaps they just meant it is binding causing the rear tire to not spin freely as it should?

MellonC00

I got brand new set of ATE pads (front and back) and slotted rotors for 491 and labor for the installation came out to $180. Why bother with the dealer?