140KGS300

OEM radiator recently failed - plastic tank - just above the outlet. Toyota Dealer wanted $500 for aftermarket radiator and $400 labor. Unfortunately, we had 96K miles, and the dealer was unwilling to honor warranty replacement.
Checking several parts supplier websites and various posts on this website, was unsure of best value. Could not determine the best quality of the three aftermarket radiator manufacturers, where pricng ranged from $225 to $400. Also, could not determine if the radiators for 2005 RX330 universally fit the Japan, Canada pre 5/05 or Canada post-5/05 models. Was set to pay approx $350 for Koyo radiator based on CL:comments.
LexusPartsNow identified radiators for each of the three 2005 models. But Sewell had better price.

Elected to purchase an OEM radiator from Sewell, partially based on assured fit. The $275 price with the CL member discount was surprising. Had never considered Sewell based on my assumption that "10% off twice the price is no bargain."

Installation difficulties included removing and replacing the two bolts at the base of the radiator. Terrible design. You can pry the base plate and radiator & AC condenser up to access the bolts. You do not have to disconnect the AC condenser. Broke the head off all the plastic push studs that hold the plastic members above the radiator in place during the removal.

Appears even dealers are trying to drive additional service. Local Toyota dealer listed $5250 needed repairs to my 2000 GS300 that needs NO work. The dealer that had the RX300, said the water pump was leaking and suggested a timing belt replacement. Challenged them how they could tell it was leaking with water everywhere due to leaking radiator. He had no comment.

dandg

Just in the process of having a Radiator put in my 04 330,its the 3rd replacement (4th total counting the one it had when it was new) @121,000 miles. The first 2 Lexus paid for (@43k and 87K) but this one I am eating so I took it to a radiator specialty shop. It failed just under the fill neck were the core meets the tank-bad weld.He did mention the AC Condenser-he is not taking it out,issue.Should be ready Monday,good for another 40k or so,more would be nice,what a POS design !

dandg

Just picked my RX up this morning and the Radiator shop,he showed me the "old" one and you could see the failed weld right were the core meets the tank under the fill.
The one he put it was welded a good bit more at the cooling line and upper/lower hose connections.

All done for $445,can't beat that ! (well if the ones Lexus put in would last that would be better !)

Rudy602

dandg - I'm in NH, too. Where did you go for a new radiator? My 2004 with 78K miles is also leaking up at the top. Anyone know how much of a job it is to change?

Carver

Have any of these defective radiators been the heavy duty ones in the tow package?

Rudy602

Mine doesn't have the tow package.

dandg

The place were I had mine done was in Lebanon nothing fancy but he did good work for reasonable price.

B& R Radiator service

lexus114

on my second radiator too. but this one looks different. a total new design.

Rudy602

lexus114, Is that a lexus radiator or an aftermarket? I'm looking for a good replacement if anyone has any suggestions or which ones to avoid.

lexus114

They told me it is a Lexus radiator.

Gordonrx

Hello where did you get your radiator done for $445? Thanks

dandg

A radiator specialty shop in Lebanon NH,no wifi,no fancy leather couches in waiting room,in fact no waiting room.Just good old fashion repair replace shop.


That was the 3rd one I had replaced,the first and second replacement were TM done at Lexus dealer under warranty.

mandyfig

How long were the extended warranty on these radiators? I received one but forgot. Was it mileage and/or time?

RX330inFL

Been discussed previous:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...extension.html

Gordonrx

Thank you for the reply, NH is a little far from the bay area. My radiator replacement was $700.