drbubba199

We just bought a used 2010 RX450h with 77K miles from Carmax in Tucson. Drives nice, looks nicer.

However, I just registered on the Lexus Drivers web site and see from the service records that this vehicle has had 5 wheel alignments since it was new. I've posted the dates and mileage when these wheel alignments were noted. This seems like an excessive number of wheel alignments in just over 38 months.

02/02/2016 76503
04/29/2015 65809
12/27/2014 60559
04/05/2014 49615
12/08/2012 31078

Carmax gives us 5 days to return the vehicle for any reason and I'm thinking this might be the reason. However, we really like the vehicle and would like to hear opinions form others on this issue before we return it to Carmax.

Thanks

drbubba199

From looking at the records I don't see anything about new tires until 76K miles just before vehicle put on market.

It just seems unusual that 3 alignments were performed in just 16K miles (from 60559 to 76503 miles).

Clutchless

What do the CarFax and AutoCheck reports state? I would also call the dealer where it was done and ask about it. Usually the service folks will remember certain vehicles, especially one that had so many alignments.

lexus114

i only do alignments when absolutely necessary. i am going to try to never have to do it on my 15. although living in pa... that most likely isn't going to happen.

Droid13

Me too. On the 10th anniversary and 100,000 miles of owning my Sienna, I finally caved and got an alignment only "just to see" as there was no issue. Everything was fine, 1 measure was borderline and rest in spec. That was the only alignment I've ever done in my life and not planning one for the RX unless it seems prudent.

My own view is that unless there's an demonstrable issue (or you get alignments really cheap), the ROI on an alignment takes a very long time, if ever.

lexus114

agreed, and ounce you start loosing things up under there. it never stays in spec for very long. meaning unlike the original alignment from the factory which seems to stay in spec a lot longer.

kitlz

I had the alignment checked every year on the '10. It wasn't always needed but last year I had two, one before changing out the tires and then another right after. Some dealers won't charge to check it or have coupons from time to time. To me it's worth it.

drbubba, I wouldn't be too concerned about the number of alignments as long as the RXh is driving fine.

tdott

Maybe they lived in a town that had alot of pot holes and it caused issues? Maybe they hit too many curbs?

or more than likely they were told they should do one and caved, some service people try to tell customers they need one every year.

I like getting a alignment every time i do new tires.