More importantly here, need to fix the rodent problem before you get this fixed before you have a 2nd $6k plus bill a month or 2 later....

V.

 

***update:

So I talked to the Geico loss assessment rep today, and he said he hears about this at least 2-3 times a week across all models, not just Toyota/Lexus. He's going to head to the dealership tomorrow to look at the damage and get back to me after for next steps.

The dealership gave me a nice loaner 2017 ES 350, this thing has to be the most comfortable yet uninspiring driving machine I've ever driven. Talk about floating on a cloud out here...I actually aim at potholes every so often to see how well it absorbs them... quite the contrast from avoiding potholes like the plague in my ISF. I'm definitely impressed by the interior of this car and the acceleration is decent considering it's size.

I've also stocked up on Peppermint Oil rodent repellant spray from Home Depot, and have been hitting the engine bay the last couple nights on the loaner car. I'm trying to figure out how to prevent this from ever happening again.Maybe a few Rat traps, getting a few foxes to roam about my yard, arming drones to patrol my yard in the hunt for any wire chewing vermin....let's just say I'm still brainstorming and open to suggestions.

In all seriousness I'm quite concerned about this happening again, and for those of you that have experienced this before...what have you done to address the potential risk?

Thank you all for your input so far.

 

Interesting point, and I'm not aware of anyone in my social circle with wire soldering prowess I've yet to hear about.

I'm always leery of dealerships...you are literally at their mercy at times financially and are blindly trusting them...unless you are highly mechanically inclined and hyper aware of all the parts on your vehicle...which most of us are not.

 

yeah a lot of manufacturer's use the same kind of wire, seem's the wire insulation is soy based and the rodents are being attracted to these wires for consumption, get some dryer sheets and place them around under the hood
seems they don't like them

 

I had mice decide to take up residence in my spare tire well last year. Fortunately the only thing they took was some of the fuzz from behind the carpeting.