helpwanted

I greatly appreaciate any advice and guidance. And I'll try to make a long story short but a Lexus advocate is baffled I own two 2000 Lexus AWD RX300s. I bought one new at Germain Lexus Dublin, Ohio (83K mi.) and the other at Metro Lexus Cleveland (111K mi.). Both vehicles have been serviced from date of purchase to current by Germain Lexus of Dublin, obviously very well maintained gently driven. I've been very satisfied with Germain Lexus of Dublin to date. Of course, I've paid a lot in service over 10 years but... My 83K mi. RX wouldn't shift in the middle of a busy intersection w/ my 2 kids. My wife called me crying and I went to rescue them in the 111K mi. RX and the brakes seemed to have gone out. Towed to Germain Lexus and told 83K RX needs new transmission and after trouble diagnosing the 111K RX and a tech driving home for the night, I was told it needs a new rear axle, bearings and sensor, etc. Over $5,000 for the transmission and over $3,000 for the other RX. After reading helpful posts on this site and many others about these known problems and others' success with Lexus customer service, I called Lexus Corporate customer service and tell them how I'd only let Lexus service my 2 RXs (including tires, brakes, etc.). After 2 weeks (I called after a week and eventually got "I'm still reviewing it and I'll be in touch"), today I was called and told by the "specialist" that Lexus would pay 25% for parts on the transmission and nothing on my other RX. Then, I get a voicemail from the Lexus dealership that "I was instructed that I need to wrap up your paperwork and you need to return the loaner vehicle as soon as possible". Again, I'm looking for any help or advice. Obviously, with 2 RXs I've been a champion of Lexus and the dealership has up to this point treated me very well but now I'm in a situation I never imagined.
A specific question: So I could have traded in both vehicles and recieved good trade-in value on another Lexus but now are both issues in the computer system and I end up screwed? Is there anything I can do to make the transmission hang in there to trade in (I had a Lexus flush/fill a couple months back when it was shifting rough and it shifted perfectly afterward)? Thank you for any help...

code58

Helpwanted- indeed I think you need it. I don't think I have to tell you that you need to get BOTH of the RX's out of that dealership posthaste! Surely you have GOOD independent Lexus OR Toyota shops in your area that can do the work for about a 1/3 of what the Lexus dealer wants. I would say find the best independent (mom and pop if possible) trans. shop in your area. Anyone who works on Toyota's can do the work on your Lexus's for a LOT less. Possibly if you find a good independent trans. shop, they could also do the rear axle work. Get busy looking for that shop. In this area there are definitely good independent shops but I would caution you that if they are MECHANICAL shops that the SPECIALIZE in T/L, not just all brands. It's worth having them towed a little ways if you can find a good honest competent shop. I would stay away from the national chain shops (A*MCO). Good Luck!

salimshah

Since you asked for any advice .... [Keep in mind the base warranty is around 60k miles]

First try to separate the two issues. If you combine the two, your mind will be focusing on the $$$$$ to repair.

111k RX [rear axle, bearing & sensor]: Age related failure. Earlier than normally expected but cant expect Lexus to provide any assistance on those. May be the suggested repair is an overkill, but the cost for sure is. Also no one can second guess a qualified Lexus' mechanic diagnosis. Suggestion: As code suggests, go a an independent and save.

83k RX [transmission]: Certainly a premature failure (again out of warranty ... so you are at mercy of Lexus goodwill). Work out the numbers 25% savings vs going to transmission shop. Factor in the trust, warranty and convenience. If the difference is close, then go with Lexus. You may like to go back to Lexus and ask for a higher contribution .... like you pay labor only.

Once the repairs are done, you don't need to worry much about history log. The transmission repair if done through Lexus [imho] may help in selling/trading-in your RX.

Selling/trading in as is weakens your negotiating position. But you have to do the cash outlay to fix them.

Salim

spine911

iTrader: (4)

im sorry to hear your predicament...i completely agree with code, and salim on this one.

i would definitely shop around for a good indy shop that specializes in Toyota repairs, then compare your options (including the 25% Lexus goodwill repair discount).

i personally would expect issues (big or small) appearing in ANY automobile post 80k miles, let alone +100k miles....IMO, the 25% repair discount Lexus corporate is offering you is quite generous, considering both autos are out of warranty.

goodluck.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

I agree that you should separate the two issues. I would go back to Lexus as they have paid 50% in some instances or have supplied the transmission with you having to pay only the labor. Certainly some inconsistencies in their handling of these "goodwill" repairs, especially as you have TWO Lexus cars and both have been dealer serviced since new - make sure you reinforce this point when you call them back. Get the rear axle issues fixed somewhere else (toyota dealer, independent, etc) - it's an expensive repair but not $3000! Search for some recent posts on this repair on this forum.

helpwanted

Thanks for your responses. Any advice on finding a good independent repair shop with a strong trusted history (that specializes in Toyota/Lexus) ? I don't have any good contacts. Obviously, I can search online and see what I get but are there any specific websites that would help with this search? I'm in the central ohio area (suburb just north of columbus). Thanks again!

profitwho7

These guys are right get your ride off their lot quick! I got mine done for 1400 after tax!