Hey all, just thought I'd pass this along as an FYI. I recently purchased an 07 RX350, it's great shape overall with some regular maintenance issues although it's only major shortcoming was a defective cracked dash that is hindering some Toyota product from that era.
The seller recommended an interior specialist to replace the dash cover, I just the got the truck back on Friday and here are some before and after pics. I never thought that a new dash could completely change the look and feel of the interior but I am happy to say it does!

 

Looks like they did a good job. Enjoy. Hope it does not rattle on you. Look to put some 303 Aerospace on there for UV protection.

 

No rattles so far, very happy with it. I'll look to apply some of the 303 Aerospace, thanks!

 

I know this is not an inexpensive job. Care to share the cost of this dash replacement? It would be useful to others with a similar problem. Also, Aerospace Protectant is a great product that is especially useful for vehicles parked outside in hot climates.

 

I had a finished out the door price of $600 no tax/no receipt, they said they would stand by their work for the life of the car, from what I seen I'll believe them. They've been in business for a lot of years. Funny thing, the local lexus dealer in town uses the exact same shop for their clients, price $1100. I would recommend anyone needing this on their lexus or any other brand to check around for shops that specialize in interiors only. Ask to see some of their work. When I took my RX in for a quote, I was lucky there was two other dashes being redone at that time, so I had a first hand account of there work quality. Def steer clear of the dealer for this type of work.

 

What is this aerospace stuff you guys reference?

 

http://www.303products.com/

 

Dash looks great.....definitely worth $600

 

That shop did a great job on your dash for $600. Typical Lexus dealership, send out the car for repair, do no work and double the price!

Another thing I like about Aerospace 303 is that it provides a nice matte finish.

 

303 products are great I use to use them for my convertible tops. But any good interior cleaner and protector will do

 

$600 is not bad to be honest! Looks great now!

Although, stuff like this is unacceptable. Sad that T/L had this issue.

 

wow. What a difference. Thats totally worth $600. DId you do the install work at the dealership?

 

Really great job and good price as well. As a tip for those who might have cracks just starting put super glue at the leading edge of the crack. Use a needle to make sure the glue touches both sides of the crack. It 'welds' the plastic together and stops it from going any further.

 

Read the entire posting. He had the job done at an independent shop for $600. The Lexus dealership quoted $1100. It turns out that the dealership uses the same independent shop. So, the dealership drives it to the shop, picks it up and nearly doubles the price.

 

We need to keep in mind there are several factors working on the pricing here. First, I actually think the dealer price would be closer to $1600 when all was said and done. Was what the price tag was on my dash replacement, though Lexus picked up half the tab. So, I only paid $800 for a dash replacement on my 2004. And yes I used 303 on my dash, used a sunshade, and it still cracked.

The dealer price is more than likely going to be high as they are going to charge retail price on the parts, the amount of labor is going to be calculated by the book rate no matter how long the job actually takes, and their labor rate is going to be on the high side. They are going to use these numbers even if they send the job out to another shop to do the work. Perhaps the $1100 quote includes some form of customer good will or discount for owners having this problem.

As for the independent shop, they get a discount from the dealership when they buy parts for them. Since they do this work for the dealership they probably get a really good discount perhaps as much as 50%. How much the independent decides to mark up the product is up to them. Next, their labor rate is going to be lower and they are going to bill for only those hours it actually took to perform the work. Lower parts costs and lower labor fees means a much lower price tag.

Finally, as was noted this was done without a receipt, no tax and more than likely off the books as a cash deal. I am also wondering if this is not a new dash but rather one that has been taken out, recoated, textured, and reinstalled. A common tactic for repairs on classics. Either way, it still looks good.