Todd

Just wanted to give credit where credit is due. A couple weeks ago I posted here regarding my much reported downtube exhaust crack that plagued early model RX's. It is about a $250-$300 repair. Our RX is an early 99 with 60,000 miles. Dealer initially told me the known failure was not covered by the extended emmission warranty since it was part of the exhaust system not the emmission system, a definition that I think is stretching things. However upon expressing my displeasure over Lexus' failure to stand behind a known problem my service writer was able to get the shop foreman to agree to fix the problem at no charge, parts and labor. This is along with the transmission replacement I just posted about over on the engine and transmission section of this forum. I think the message here is treat your service writer with respect, let him know you know what the deal is and ask, not tell him to see what he can do and them give him a couple days to work things out. It worked in my case. This may also be a precedent others might use in getting thrit exhaust problem fixed. I mentioned also that I used this board and was familiar with know issues and resolutions others had reached. Don't know if that had any impact but it must not have hurt.

Hats off to Lexus of Chattanooga for going the extra mile. Will remember this come trade time for sure.

Fern

Its great to hear you had a positive experience with Lexus service.

Did they give you any explanation as to why the exhaust issue was happening so frequently?

I have a bimmer also and even thought there are a number of known issues, ie: instrument cluster pixels fading randomly, Bmw still insists it is resulting from natural wear and tear. I'm not an automotive engineer but know that the instrument cluster is not designed to only last 5 years or 70k miles, especially if it affects the odometer reading.

Once again your example proves that with the right attitude and persistance, most of the time you can get what you want.

Cheers.

Fern

Lexmexico

I have had this issue repeatedly plague me south of the border. Rather than driving it back to the States to fix it, my mechanic welded it shut with some extra metal, and it has held up quite nicely. Toyota in Mexico (we have no Lexus here) quoted me over $500 US.