My 2006 Lexus GS 300 falling a part?
12-01-13, 07:35 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
My 2006 Lexus GS 300 falling a part?
I bought a certified 2006 GS 300 back in 2010. For the most part this car has been good. At 86K miles. The car starts using oil. Most know the story…Free engine repair through lexus. ( Dealership says its an $7500.00 repair if I had to pay)
While, the Lexus dealership had my car they found other repairs needed…New plugs, leaking water pump, broken motor mount, cracked injectors and new radiator cap. Fast forward two weeks….Now the car needs a new alternator at $1459.00 plus tow fee. My wife drives this car very gently and I maintain it very well. Bottom line question...Are the 2006 GS 300 problem cars or did mine turn into a Lemon?? All opinions are greatly appreciated!! BTW…This car still looks gorgeous!!
While, the Lexus dealership had my car they found other repairs needed…New plugs, leaking water pump, broken motor mount, cracked injectors and new radiator cap. Fast forward two weeks….Now the car needs a new alternator at $1459.00 plus tow fee. My wife drives this car very gently and I maintain it very well. Bottom line question...Are the 2006 GS 300 problem cars or did mine turn into a Lemon?? All opinions are greatly appreciated!! BTW…This car still looks gorgeous!!
12-02-13, 04:38 AM
#4
Are you guys serious? Normal wear and tear??? Maybe for a VW/AUDI/[insert VAG here]
If this is Normal wear and tear, I think its time to sell mine, and go back to my 90's loving Toyotas!
My Landcruiser, with 333,000kms drives just like it did from factory, it has had a hard life, towing my race car around, off road, beaches, fishing trips etc.
My Supra, same thing, standard engine, 550rwhp, track raced and reliable as!
I really doubt, that this is normal wear and tear guys.
If this is Normal wear and tear, I think its time to sell mine, and go back to my 90's loving Toyotas!
My Landcruiser, with 333,000kms drives just like it did from factory, it has had a hard life, towing my race car around, off road, beaches, fishing trips etc.
My Supra, same thing, standard engine, 550rwhp, track raced and reliable as!
I really doubt, that this is normal wear and tear guys.
12-02-13, 05:38 AM
#5
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
We also have a 2006 Dodge minivan with 150K miles. NEVER
Changed alternator, water pump, plugs, motor
Mount or injector. HOW does and old minivan
Last longer than a Lexus GS??
Changed alternator, water pump, plugs, motor
Mount or injector. HOW does and old minivan
Last longer than a Lexus GS??
Last edited by nickeltime; 12-02-13 at 05:50 AM. Reason: Forgot miles
12-02-13, 05:55 AM
#6
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Dealer has lowered the alternator replacement
From $1459.00 to $729.00 after complaining. Not sure how they slash the
Price in half? I wonder how many people lay over and pay the $1459.00??
From $1459.00 to $729.00 after complaining. Not sure how they slash the
Price in half? I wonder how many people lay over and pay the $1459.00??
12-02-13, 06:18 AM
#7
Take your car to a mechanic, you can have the alternator brushes replaced for $20. Then just pay the labour to the mechanic, maybe he will charge $100 bucks. Its a very simple fix, and maybe you can diy.
As far as water pump, plugs, motor mount, radiator cap. These are maintenance items! You can purchase these items off ebay or Sewell and give them to your mechanic. Water pump $100 Plugs $100 Motor Mount $75 Radiator cap $15. Labour to install all I would say around $250-450
As far as the injector broken, that sounds like something your dealer broke when they did your motor rebuild. I would complain and see if they can fix for free.
As far as water pump, plugs, motor mount, radiator cap. These are maintenance items! You can purchase these items off ebay or Sewell and give them to your mechanic. Water pump $100 Plugs $100 Motor Mount $75 Radiator cap $15. Labour to install all I would say around $250-450
As far as the injector broken, that sounds like something your dealer broke when they did your motor rebuild. I would complain and see if they can fix for free.
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12-02-13, 08:15 AM
#8
I bought a certified 2006 GS 300 back in 2010. For the most part this car has been good. At 86K miles. The car starts using oil. Most know the story…Free engine repair through lexus. ( Dealership says its an $7500.00 repair if I had to pay)
While, the Lexus dealership had my car they found other repairs needed…New plugs, leaking water pump, broken motor mount, cracked injectors and new radiator cap. Fast forward two weeks….Now the car needs a new alternator at $1459.00 plus tow fee. My wife drives this car very gently and I maintain it very well. Bottom line question...Are the 2006 GS 300 problem cars or did mine turn into a Lemon?? All opinions are greatly appreciated!! BTW…This car still looks gorgeous!!
While, the Lexus dealership had my car they found other repairs needed…New plugs, leaking water pump, broken motor mount, cracked injectors and new radiator cap. Fast forward two weeks….Now the car needs a new alternator at $1459.00 plus tow fee. My wife drives this car very gently and I maintain it very well. Bottom line question...Are the 2006 GS 300 problem cars or did mine turn into a Lemon?? All opinions are greatly appreciated!! BTW…This car still looks gorgeous!!
12-02-13, 09:18 AM
#9
Are you guys serious? Normal wear and tear??? Maybe for a VW/AUDI/[insert VAG here]
If this is Normal wear and tear, I think its time to sell mine, and go back to my 90's loving Toyotas!
My Landcruiser, with 333,000kms drives just like it did from factory, it has had a hard life, towing my race car around, off road, beaches, fishing trips etc.
My Supra, same thing, standard engine, 550rwhp, track raced and reliable as!
I really doubt, that this is normal wear and tear guys.
If this is Normal wear and tear, I think its time to sell mine, and go back to my 90's loving Toyotas!
My Landcruiser, with 333,000kms drives just like it did from factory, it has had a hard life, towing my race car around, off road, beaches, fishing trips etc.
My Supra, same thing, standard engine, 550rwhp, track raced and reliable as!
I really doubt, that this is normal wear and tear guys.
GET WITH THE TIMES! **** IS MADE CHEAPER NOW... it's sad, but look at any landfill or 'sales' in store. As a world we've gotten to the point of replace and throw out. In the previous decades car manufacturers were building things with pride and made them last, since their reputation is on the line...
Now? Printers for a home computer go on sale for 20$, yet ink is 50$ so.... why bother replacing ink? It's easier to consume and throw out. Same with cars today I'm afraid. Although compared to the lot, the Lexus is still reliable, regardless of such quirks as OP is facing.
Take your car to a mechanic, you can have the alternator brushes replaced for $20. Then just pay the labour to the mechanic, maybe he will charge $100 bucks. Its a very simple fix, and maybe you can diy.
As far as water pump, plugs, motor mount, radiator cap. These are maintenance items! You can purchase these items off ebay or Sewell and give them to your mechanic. Water pump $100 Plugs $100 Motor Mount $75 Radiator cap $15. Labour to install all I would say around $250-450
As far as the injector broken, that sounds like something your dealer broke when they did your motor rebuild. I would complain and see if they can fix for free.
As far as water pump, plugs, motor mount, radiator cap. These are maintenance items! You can purchase these items off ebay or Sewell and give them to your mechanic. Water pump $100 Plugs $100 Motor Mount $75 Radiator cap $15. Labour to install all I would say around $250-450
As far as the injector broken, that sounds like something your dealer broke when they did your motor rebuild. I would complain and see if they can fix for free.
A reman alternator for OP's car is 305$ before shipping from Rockauto for a DENSO unit, there's cheaper ones than that... and after a core return, it ends up costing you 240$ for an OE unit, plus labor at an indy shop. With full warranty where no one will warranty a rebuild on an alternator since the parts are never OEM, but reman brushes...
12-02-13, 09:30 AM
#10
Actually, the '06 is the only 3rd Gen GS with unreliable motor (as per say Lexus Master techs) told me. Its an in-between year. In 2006, they stop using the previous Inline-6 Motor (2Jz) and in 2007, they used the 350 V6 that in all the cars up to present. Sorry, but this was an mistake on Lexus to use this motor only made for 1 year.
12-02-13, 10:32 AM
#11
Actually, the '06 is the only 3rd Gen GS with unreliable motor (as per say Lexus Master techs) told me. Its an in-between year. In 2006, they stop using the previous Inline-6 Motor (2Jz) and in 2007, they used the 350 V6 that in all the cars up to present. Sorry, but this was an mistake on Lexus to use this motor only made for 1 year.
Mid-year GS300s got stronger valve springs that 'cut' the carbon better and are less prone to failure.
I should know... I have one. Just had my 100k service at the dealership... no sign of carbon buildup issue, and no excessive oil burn-off.
The 300 motor was just underpowered for the US market. You can find the 300 engine in other parts of the world up to the last 3GS in 2012.
Apples to apples... the GS350 engine has its flaws, but they are not covered by a no-questions asked warranty. The GS300 engine is not perfect, it is underpowered, has flaws, but really isn't a 'bad' engine.
Last edited by Simmsled; 12-02-13 at 10:36 AM.
12-02-13, 12:19 PM
#12
BUT... its not the accessory items that fail. Its the carbon issue that is the issue (valves/piston rings)
Mid-year GS300s got stronger valve springs that 'cut' the carbon better and are less prone to failure.
I should know... I have one. Just had my 100k service at the dealership... no sign of carbon buildup issue, and no excessive oil burn-off.
The 300 motor was just underpowered for the US market. You can find the 300 engine in other parts of the world up to the last 3GS in 2012.
Apples to apples... the GS350 engine has its flaws, but they are not covered by a no-questions asked warranty. The GS300 engine is not perfect, it is underpowered, has flaws, but really isn't a 'bad' engine.
Mid-year GS300s got stronger valve springs that 'cut' the carbon better and are less prone to failure.
I should know... I have one. Just had my 100k service at the dealership... no sign of carbon buildup issue, and no excessive oil burn-off.
The 300 motor was just underpowered for the US market. You can find the 300 engine in other parts of the world up to the last 3GS in 2012.
Apples to apples... the GS350 engine has its flaws, but they are not covered by a no-questions asked warranty. The GS300 engine is not perfect, it is underpowered, has flaws, but really isn't a 'bad' engine.
12-04-13, 06:04 AM
#15