I brought in my car to the dealer for the oil and brake fluid changes to finish off my 30k maintenance (did the filters myself) and to do the 3 recalls. Service tech told me a front end alignment would be included in the steering recall. He talked me into a promo rear wheel alignment for $39.95. I suspect this is just extra profit for them. But, I went ahead with it anyway. I had a nice surprise when I picked up the car - GAS TANK WAS FULL!!! It had only a quarter when I brought it in. He said it was the dealer's (maybe Lexus') policy on recalls to fill the tank in exchange for the inconvenience of having to bring the car in. So, if I did get ripped off for the rear wheel alignment, I broke even on the gas.

 

I don't think there is anything as a 'front end' alignment anymore. With computerized alignment machines all four wheels are taken into account when doing the alignment. There are different levels of four wheel alignments. Some cars have actual adjustments like the front...others don't, but are still referenced when doing the overall alignment. I don't know if the IS has an adjustable rear setup or not. I suspect it does..so money well spent...assuming the recall didn't cover it in the first place..

When I got my 3x recalls done they gave me a free tank of gas as well and got the same reason from Lexus of Portland..I appreciated it but would have liked to known in advance as I track all my fill ups and record mpg..also no idea if they used premium or not..But thats kinda looking a gift horse in the mouth

 

Lmao, i guess that's how lexus keeps their good name for service department. Get you to pay for ur own full tank of gas!

 

when they do the fuel line recall they have to empty your gas tank.. so they fill it up for you..

 

the rear alignment was a rip...im sure they would make the adjustment anyway but since the tech makes money off each service, he was just trying to make some extra.

 

To the original OP, you may have gotten rip-off, but it's only $40 so no harms done. My SA also called me when they did the 3x recalls to tell me that my front tires need to be change out, and they would do the alignment but never mentioned anything about the rear wheels alignment. Anyhoo, besides the free tank of gas, I got a chance to check out the new 2010 RX, IS-F, the 09 SC430 with the usual free drinks and stuff so the experience was good. Even if I had lost the $40, I would not have mind (lots of work was done on the car, and it's cost me nothing).