2003 LS Needs Engine
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: MD
2003 LS Needs Engine
Here is the deal, drove my 2003 LS with 81.5K on it last Wednesday. Saturday morning started it and heard noise coming from under the hood. Shut it down, try restarting, no start. I get out and see smoke, smells like burned rubber. Since she is a 2003 certified LS with 81.5 on the odo with 7 months remainin, I called Lexus roadside assistance and have her towed in. BTW, I just had it serviced at 80K a couple of months ago. Advisor calls this evening and tells me they think it threw a rod and will probably need an engine. WTF? He says, "I've never seen this in all of my 5 years working here.". He will phone some type of inspector in the morning to get authorization to do the work. He also told me a new engine from Lexus in the crate is 25K. I know that's not going to happen. He has already located an engine with 65K on it, just waiting on the authorization. Glad my car is certified and that I've kept up with the maintenance. I can only imagine what this bill would have been when it's all said and done. I am just concerned if I will have the same ride, quietness, etc. Has anyone had an engine replaced?
Last edited by ewhite; Oct 26, 2009 at 05:47 PM. Reason: Changed Title
If the wrench spinning monkeys don't damage the motor mounts when replacing the motor, and line everything up right and don't break off any connectors while doing the wiring harness, it should ideally be just as good as before. If I were you, I'd demand a new engine because you're in warranty. Unless the warranty states that they'll put a junkyard motor in your car if the existing one fails, it doesn't seem fair to want to put someone else's junk into your expensive, certified pre-owned vehicle.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 16
From: NY/NJ
For something major like an engine or transmission, there will probably be provisions for "comparable" mileage replacement or "new" in which case they'll go with used. I would think for other things like starter, power window actuators, etc. they would use new and not used... 
Imagine getting a CPO vehicle and having a whole bunch of used parts put in eventually....
Imagine getting a CPO vehicle and having a whole bunch of used parts put in eventually....
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: MD
UPDATE: The warranty inspector told the dealer to tear down the engine to find out what happened before they will give them authorization to replace it. I was told the inspector just has to make sure this issue is no fault of my own, i.e., "I let someone do engine work and they left a bolt or something in the engine and that is what caused the problem." I also called the warranty company and was told the same thing. Dealer and warranty company basically said this is just formality. However, the dealer did tell me that it costs $1250 to break down the engine and if for some reason it is determined that the engine will not be covered I will be obligated to pay. This particular Lexus dealer is the only one that has touched the car since 55K and all of my maintenance has been done on time.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 16
From: NY/NJ
Okay, for those that do their own oil changes... who is really keeping the receipts? Plus, what if you buy "bulk" and have receipts for your mass purchases. How do you then prove that you changed it on schedule?
I hate warranty companies... I know it's their business to make sure there is no fraud, but some times it's just too much.
I hate warranty companies... I know it's their business to make sure there is no fraud, but some times it's just too much.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 697
Likes: 5
From: NC
I have never heard of a pre certified car owner having to accept a used engine or parts. If that turn out to be the case I would never do business with that dealership again, especially since they have done all your work.
I keep a detailed journal on all the work done on my car. I change the oil myself every 3,000 miles. My dealership says my handwritten journal is all the proof they need. If the element of trust doesn't exist we don't need to be doing business.
I keep a detailed journal on all the work done on my car. I change the oil myself every 3,000 miles. My dealership says my handwritten journal is all the proof they need. If the element of trust doesn't exist we don't need to be doing business.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 15
From: MI
In my son's case, he didn't keep receipts but always had his oil changed at Firestone in the town where he lives. His step-dad was able to go to the store and get a printout which he faxed to the dealership.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: MD
Another Update: Dealer called today and said before they started to break down the engine, the mechanic started the car and it didn't make ANY noise. To make a long story short, they think it may have had carbon build up, even though I had that service performed in 2008. They want to keep it over the weekend for an extensive drive (50- 60 miles) to ensure everything is ok. I don't know what to think now. However, I do not drive the car too much. I only put 10K miles on it in the las 15 months. Will this problem rear its ugly head once the warranty is over in May 2010?
Frustration With Lexus