timing chain broke on lexus rx350 2007 do I need a new engine, how much would this cost? just an estimate.

 

Maybe yes, maybe no. If you were cruising at high engine rpms, the odds are good for a yes. If you were just idling, you just might get away with some valves and pistons. You have to open up the engine and see what's what in there.

The price will vary on who is doing the work. A replacement engine at a lexus dealer is something like $6K. A used engine that you put in yourself could be between $1000 and $1500. If the work is done by an independent mechanic, the price will be somewhere in between. If the engine can be repaired, it will be a lot less than replacing the engine. You need to find out how bad it is.

 

So much for lifetime warranty? I'd go to dealer first and sternly inquire how is life time chain influencing cost of repairs.
You need to find out if your engine is interference or not. If it is, it is kaput. Not worth rebuilding. If it's not, you take chance that it will be fine after belt replacement.
That's good lesson for those who think that chain is indestructible. Actually, those chains suck. Very long, very narrow for the job. They stretch and stretch quite a bit. Ill designed tensioner does not help. Run engine low on oil few times, and voila.

 

how many miles on the engine? was the engine oil level ok? this is not a common fault.

 

Unusual for this to happen, definitely some engine damage.
Many debate RX330 or RX350, timing chain or timing belt, at least the timing belt has a maintenance schedule....
as far as lifetime service for a timing chain, unfortunately here's proof that nothing lasts forever.
I would take that up with Lexus Customer Service, hopefully they can approve a Goodwill Repair.

 

That's for sure. If it is made by man, that's a guarantee that it will fail.

 

When it comes to that, its a Big Fix. If Lexus can replace the chain or help with good will cost then okay. If not I would persue alittle Xtra Store credit with the Lexus dealership. They would be happy to adjust the price of a Newer model since yours went through an incident. They would rather keep your business. I wouldent take the car to Independent shop for re-build. Nah too mayn options out there to waste time with greace monkey.

 

FWIW: A friend in France had (still has) a then-12 yr old Mercedes with only about 65K miles. The timing chain broke. He had it trucked to Mercedes dealer, who contacted Germany and they replaced his engine 'free' - it took six weeks (!) but they provided a loaner vehicule. Mercedes simply said "That is not supposed to happen". Maybe Lexus will have a similar attitude - certainly worth speaking to Lexus through your dealer and also directly.

 

Yes, my first thought is plastic guide broken.