We purchased a 2008 RX-350 in April of 2007 from IRA Lexus in Manchester, NH. It has a VIN# beginning with 2T2, so we are pretty sure it was built in Canada. Further model #'s are 9424A and GSU35L CWAKA. A couple of years ago, during a replacement of faulty A/C unit, the dealership somehow managed to break the windshield into the cabin,
damaging the steering wheel and the sliding center console. IRA Lexus
did agree to replace the steering wheel, the windshield and the center console; however, we are convinced that the replacement parts are not the actual original equipment. After much back and forth, the dealership now maintains that all of the replacement parts are "within the correct specifications", according to Lexus.

Our replacement console is lower and does not slide; our replacement windshield (rain sensing) is lighter in tint than the original; and the steering wheel is lighter in color (not the same wood) and does not have the same feel as the original. We bought this car largely because of these three features, and it has been irritating to be told by IRA Lexus and, one assumes by extension, Lexus itself that we are wrong.

In the case of the glass, for example, I have researched that there are actually two OEM parts, one which is our "Lexus approved" replacement and another which has Canadian specs and appears to be darker (like our original). Does anyone know if this darker tint is indeed the glass that would have come with a 2T2 RX, Canadian build? In the case of the console, it seems to me that there ought to be at least one original black sliding console left on the planet that IRA could get for us. Same with the steering wheel.

Thanks for any help or advice!

 

This all happened a couple of years ago ?

Why would you allow it to continue for so long and just now start questioning the repairs? I don't know what can be done now, years later. I think you might have to live with it.

 

Welcome from another "live free or die" resident. I reluctantly go to IRA only when I have to,the last owners where that dealership where much better IMO.
We are unfortunately stuck with just one Lexus dealer here in NH and not much choice except drive south to get competitive rates on service.

I agree that after this long you are pretty much stuck with what they gave you as far as parts for the damage they caused.

 

Thanks for the replies. I did leave out of the original post all of the unpleasantness that has happened with the dealership, seemed like a cheap shot. Suffice it to say that it has been bad enough that, even after two years of this, they have expressed willingness to fix everything free of charge; however, they are now saying that they have already installed "original equipment". I need to find proof that this is not the case; hence, my asking here, especially about the windshield.

 

Have you actually contacted Lexus directly and explained your concerns? What are the remaining items not to your satisfaction?

 

Hi Mandyfig, that will be the next step. The new IRA general manager was shocked to hear the difficulties we had been having, and he gave us his word he would try to get the car back to original equipment. We are trying to give him a chance to do that; however, to hear him say it, Lexus is saying we are wrong. If that turns out to be his way of washing his hands of us, well, look out, Lexus! I do need to get real info on the parts, though, to go after them. It's the windshield, the center console and the steering wheel.

 

JM2C:

1. Windshield, everything available out there will be aftermarket, no original Lexus replacement.
2. Center Console, thsi will have to be OEM. Whether it is brand new or used, that's the question.
3. Steering wheel is the same as # 2.

You expectation of getting the replacement components AS NEW, is understandable.

Good luck and allow some patience.

 

Thanks, Manyfig. Looks like the stonewalling at the dealership is going to continue: I presented the GM with proof that there are several windshields available, even now, and I'm getting the I'll get back to ya routine, all under the guise of "exceptional service". They had subbed out the replacement - who knows what I have on the car? Any pointers on how to approach Lexus directly - phone, email, letter?