Bocatrip

Yes, that certainly makes sense, however, after 5 years of ownership, I truly don't know how much longer I will be keeping my car as I have already been looking to update to an 04-06 if the right car comes along.

ceedub53

A dealer provides labor for parts you bring them? WOW, that is very unusual. I understand the concept of saving money by buying the parts yourself and having a third party install them. My problem, where I live is that there are limited shops with experience to even do the work and they supply parts. I found one shop that would provide labor but they would not guarantee the job when finished. If the new part malfunctioned, it was on me. You are fortuneate to live in an area that provides access to shops who are willing to provide labor only, especially a dealer. That is unheard of here where I live.

sade04

iTrader: (1)

Slightly off topic but I'm also in the same boat where 1 front strut on my 06 is leaking and my toyota dealership recommended that I should change both front struts. Quoted me close to a grand with alignment which I declined. I've found that the 01-03 struts are WAY cheaper than the 04-06 from lexus.

...So, is there any difference between the 2 model years? KyB lists the same part number from 01-06. Lexus lists 2 different part numbers with the 01-03 being much cheaper. Lexus parts guy refuses to acknowledge this and says the parts aren't interchangeable.

I've tired to search this but didn't come up with anything conclusive.

Any suggestions?


3/25 UPDATE:
I called the guys at MyLParts.com (I forget who I spoke to). He was really helpful.

First he explained that the OEM replacement strut which I can buy off of the KYB website is not the same KYB strut which originally came with the car. Not that the KYB replacement is an inferior product, its just not built to the same specs as Lexus originally designed. Again, not inferior, just different. With that, I was convinced that I should stick to buying factory Lexus struts.

Second, he said that the struts between all of the years were in fact interchangeable. I.e. the 01 part would fit on an 06 and vice versa. I asked about the significant price difference between the 2 gens. He said there was probably a design update and (01-03) strut would most likely provide a different ride than the (04-06) strut. I was really looking for a definitive answer on this one but didnt get one.

In the end, I didnt want to cheap out and get something not designed specifically for my car so I ended up with the (04-06) sport struts. Mine originally came with non-sport. Ended up paying $199 for each strut. With CL discount it was $360 OTD.

Hope this helps anyone stuck in the same boat.

-E

Bocatrip

FINAL UPDATE: I picked up my car from Lexus after leaving it there for almost a week. I did get a brand new RX350 with 1800 miles as a loaner. Again, I brought the car in for a from end creak as well as numerous miscellaneous noises that drove me crazy. I was getting a ton of feedback from the forum with regards to lower control arms bushings and strut mounts. I could not begin to categorize the kind of different noises being made but they were coming from the same side as the diagnosed bad strut. I had both front struts replaced and ALL NOISES AND CREAKS are gone. The ride seems a little firmer and as a bonus they accepted a $100 coupon I received in the mail which brought down the grand total to $734 for both front struts. Even if I were able to save a few bucks from a local independent, I would not have gotten the loaner or be absolutely sure they would have found the problem. As mentioned, struts do not go very often on our cars and mine was not leaking or performing badly other than the noise. In addition, if the problem was not resolved to my satisfaction the car would stay until it was. I might not be able to say that about every independent shop . Anyway all's well that end's well and FYI our struts can go bad!

Legender

You did whwat was best for you and in the end...that's all that matters. And your ride is new and improved. Thank you for the update.
I too have used Davenport motors in the past for the convenience of the free loaner and not having to arrange pick up and drop off.
Good deal on the coupon use.... wish Sewell would do that...