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Lexus RX 330

3939 messages,  Last post on Oct 15, 2012 at 9:35 PM

You are in the Lexus RX 300/330/350 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 330, SUV

Messages Page 394 of 394

#3930 of 3939 Re: 2005 RX330 Timing belt/water pump 57,000m by marta3

Apr 13, 2011 (8:23 am)

Replying to: dwightd (Nov 16, 2010 6:28 pm)
Took car to dealer (Manhattan Lexus) for 60,000m checkup. Agent urged me to replace timing belt and water pump-$1,000. Need advice on whether or not this job is really needed now, or overly cautious. Also recommended rear brakes/pads $695. Usually have my own mechanic handle brake, tire and regular service issues. Any reason to let Lexus handle this one, despite high price, this one time? Told dealer I'd get back to him today. Really appreciate hearing from you.

#3931 of 3939 Re: 2005 RX330 Timing belt/water pump 57,000m [marta3] by jbl85

Apr 13, 2011 (9:40 am)

Replying to: marta3 (Apr 13, 2011 8:23 am)
This is from the following website...unless you have very unusual circumstances as to how you drive your RX, then your dealership is trying to make up for lost revenues.
 
http://www.lexus.com/contact/maintenance.html
Then click on the Timing Belt replacement statement, which reads as follows:
 
Our timing belts have been very reliable. However, the timing belt is subjected to severe stress if the vehicle is operated under extensive idling or low speed driving for long distances, such as in heavy commercial use such as delivery, taxi or patrol car. If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stop running and will not restart until it is repaired. While it is possible that the original timing belt may last the life of the above engines, for peace-of-mind, the timing belt may be replaced every 90,000 miles. Also, if major engine work is performed, such as a valve job or engine rebuild, the timing belt should be replaced.

#3933 of 3939 What can I expect from 2004 RX330 w/ 110k by 2004rx330_nj

Jun 25, 2011 (8:38 am)

I bought this 2004 RX330 new and have maintained it well. New timing belt/water pump and tires six months ago. I love the car but am concerned that it might cost me more to maintain it than buying/leasing another car (probably less expensive car than Lexus). I put on about 15k/year now almost all highway driving. Can anyone tell me what costly repairs I might expect in the next 1 to 4 years?

#3934 of 3939 RX330 Headlight Issue by skeeter281

Jul 18, 2011 (11:24 pm)

Hi, I have a similar issue with the moisture in the passenger side headlight. I took it to the dealer when there was moisture but the headlight was still working. The service advisor told me that it was $1500 to replace the headlight and since it was still working, I should just wait til it blows out before I change it. Fair enough. Well, it's a year later and the headlight isn't working but the daytime running light and the high beam is working. I've since moved to a different state and when I took it to my new local dealer to get the headlight fixed, they said is $3000 to fix it and that it's not the bulb, its the ECU in the headlight. I asked them if this can be caused by moisture in the headlight and they said yes. I told them about the previous service visit regarding the moisture and they had it in my maintenance records that I brought it in to deal with the moisture. I called Lexus HQ and told them the situation and they're supposed to get back to me on whether they'll cover all/some/none of the repair.
 
So, my questions are, 1) Does this sound right?, 2) Is this something I can fix on my own? (I have no problem getting a service manual and taking the car apart assuming I know exactly what I have to change.) 3) Should I take it to a non-Lexus repair shop to save money? Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance.

#3935 of 3939 Re: RX330 Headlight Issue [skeeter281] by wwest

Jul 19, 2011 (9:30 am)

Replying to: skeeter281 (Jul 18, 2011 11:24 pm)
There are only 2 components that are likely to have failed, the HID bulb itself or the bulb ballast(/ECU?). Both an easy DIY and less than $100 for both on Ebay.

#3936 of 3939 Re: RX330 Headlight Issue [wwest] by skeeter281

Jul 19, 2011 (11:34 am)

Replying to: wwest (Jul 19, 2011 9:30 am)
Thanks for the info. The dealership said they swapped out the bulb and it didn't work so it's the ECU/ballast. They wanted to charge me $3k to fix it though. That's my biggest complaint about Lexus, love the car for the most part but any service from the dealership is EXTREMELY overpriced.
 
Anyone know/use a reputable seller on eBay on a regular basis? Thanks again.

#3937 of 3939 Re: RX330 Headlight Issue [wwest] by skeeter281

Jul 19, 2011 (2:25 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Jul 19, 2011 9:30 am)
One other question, I just got a part quote or a ballast for $1138 from Lexus. How isn't that I can get one online for $100 but they charge $1100+? Should I look for a certain brand name or anything wen I buy one online? Thanks again. (I guess that's 2 questions)

#3938 of 3939 Re: What can I expect from 2004 RX330 w/ 110k [2004rx330_nj] by darrenlarade

Sep 15, 2011 (5:56 pm)

Replying to: 2004rx330_nj (Jun 25, 2011 8:38 am)
Hi, Just nputting in my 2 cents. I have an 04 RX330 that I purchased new at the end of 2003. The vehicle has 216,000 miles and all is well. It has been the cheapest vehicle for me to maintain. The secret is to take your lexus to Toyota. It is basically a Highlander. I buy my own mobil 1 synthetic on sale at costco and the dealer just charges me for the filter and labor. My vehicle needed a new radiator a while back but other than that it has been trouble free. i only do the required maintenance. Timing belt every 105000 miles.
Good luck

#3939 of 3939 Re: What can I expect from 2004 RX330 w/ 110k [2004rx330_nj] by andy3130

Oct 15, 2012 (9:35 pm)

Replying to: 2004rx330_nj (Jun 25, 2011 8:38 am)
Just stay up on the maintenance, and there shouldn't be any costly repairs. Find a good mechanic outside of the stealer/dealer. Oxygen sensors tend to start going bad, not a biggy, just replace the defective one, not all four as mechanics will try to talk you into. If one goes bad, it could be a year or more before the next one goes bad. Flush cooling system every 3 years not 5, and replace the thermostat too. Lexus dealers are just notoriously expensive, charging 300% over the MSRP for parts, then the labor, ouch. I've owned multiple high mileage Lexus vehicles, truly amazing cars, but I'm a mechanic and do my own work and as with all Toyotas, they are easy to work on. Toyota spends more on engineering under the hood than most manufacturers spend on an entire car.

Messages Page 394 of 394

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