Honestly, if I could get out of the lease, I would. Was quoted $36.5K on a trade for the car (buyout on the lease is $47K). Therefore, I'm stuck with this car for the next 2.3 years. My only other hope is that I like the new GS and Lexus helps me out of the lease early.

As I mentioned, I am going to ask if the dealer will replace the injectors on the one side (since I'm not sure their tech's are competent enough to find the bad one). If they won't, it is off to Lexus customer service. As the weather turns colder here in Chicago, the noise has gotten worse every day.

I do agree that cars made off the assembly line can vary greatly - I'm sure I got a Monday morning one or maybe a Friday afternoon one. Several of my friends have had GS400s and they loved them and thus they talked me into getting this car over a G35.

 

The G35 is a helluva car and was my number 2 pick behind my GS. The G35 doesn't have near the fit and finish as the Lexus (but it is a great bargain).

I doubt the dealer will replace the injectors based on a tick noise. You may have to do some persuasive arguing with Lexus upper service management. Let us know what happens..

 

The lease price of the GS was $140 more per month over the G35. I figured for that amount, getting a V8 and a bigger car, it was worth it - the dash of the G35 also was cheap.

Are you thinking that I should go straight to Lexus customer service on this one?

 

I'm thinking "yes"...since your dealer hasn't made you happy at this point. Good luck.

 

Talked to the dealer last night about an unrelated tire problem. Asked him if he thought I should go straight to Lexus Customer service on the issue - his response was that maybe they should take another look at the car.

Dropping it off tonight. We shall see.

 

Good approach. The dealer does NOT want you to call customer service and tell them the dealer didn't satisfy you. Good luck Doug, I hope it works out for ya.

 

if your unhappy with the gs, i think you will be even more upset with the g35, drove one,, and i was surprised they wanted almost 40g's for it. i was surprised

 

Not to turn the thread into a GS430 vs. G35 thread but I was very impressed with the G35, from both a performance and handling standpoint. The interior was the only disappointment IMHO.

 

G35, nice car (I've driven a G35 coupe 6 speed), but no low end torque compared to the Lexus V8. Interior is certainly no Lexus either. But like an Acura TL for example, you usually get what you pay for.

 

update
Dealer had the car for two days. They called today and said they compared it to a 01 GS430 and it also had engine ticking. They said mine was louder but that the 01 did still have it. They say it is the injectors and if they replace them, it could get louder.

I told him that I really didn't want a car that ticked like this and asked for his advice. He offered up his service manager's name and then said that maybe a call to Lexus customer service would be in order. Of course we hung up 1 minute after Lexus closed.

I am so disappointed in this car and this company.

 

I wish someone else on CL could hear your car to see how bad they think it is. Could you hook up with someone? TerryTCL maybe?

 

That's a good idea. I'll jump over to the Chicago area and hook up with one of the Chris guys.

 

Doug,

Post it on Chicago Lexus Club forum. Maybe bunch of us can meet with you to see if we can come up with some ideas.

 

enableing doug to love his lexus would be the best christmas gift ever.

lets all hope that santa can pull this off.

 

Thanks Ivan - it would be a great Xmas present, that's for sure.

Of course, since I picked it up from the dealer this afternoon, it has yet to make the noise. Maybe Santa came early to IL?