How many is too many miles?
#16
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I bought a 2015 RX350 with 120,000 miles recently for 18,000 CAD. Just replaced the original battery since it didn't start when the weather was below 0. Drain and fill the tranny fluid. It was dark. Just wondering, how long does the alternator last on this GEN? Have anyone replaced theirs?
The question is why the concern about the alternator? Is it because of experience with other vehicles? Some Lexus models have alternator below the steering pump and in those, when the pump leaks, it takes the alternator too.
Salim
#17
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The wearable parts are the brushes and the bearings. I have not come across a bearing issue and the brushes can last 300K miles +. Most likely the failure mechanism would be the diode (s) and they are bulletproof till the battery has a dead cell or two. So as long as your failure of battery is not due to shorted cells, you can expect the alternator to live as long as the expected life of the vehicle.
The question is why the concern about the alternator? Is it because of experience with other vehicles? Some Lexus models have alternator below the steering pump and in those, when the pump leaks, it takes the alternator too.
Salim
The question is why the concern about the alternator? Is it because of experience with other vehicles? Some Lexus models have alternator below the steering pump and in those, when the pump leaks, it takes the alternator too.
Salim
#18
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Most commonly. I haven't known Toyota/Lexus alternators to be particularly prone to early failure (I have an 18 yr old Sienna, 290,000km with original alternator, works fine), but if bad luck hits and you don't want to fork out for a new OEM unit, you could consider a remanufactured one. They are usually quite a bit less expensive. The issue with alternator failure is if you don't have the patience to find a good price, many people just suck up the inflated price when the mechanic gives you the bad news and you just want it fixed fast.
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canuckaudi (02-15-21)
#19
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I found a good alternator/starter repair shop in my general neck of the woods. He can usually refurbish any Denso alternator to better-than-new condition for around $120. If and when the alternator in my wife's 2015 RX350 fails, I will take it to him. He did a great job refurbishing my wife's 2006 Jaguar XK8's alternator back in July 2018 utilizing the proper Denso kit with all Denso parts.
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canuckaudi (02-15-21)
#20
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If you don't have to replace the bearings [you may need a press]. brushes and diode pack are very easy to swap. No soldering required. I think 3rd gen has a tensioner, so very hard to mess up the bearings.
Salim
Salim
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canuckaudi (02-16-21)
#21
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I bought a 2015 RX350 with 120,000 miles recently for 18,000 CAD. Just replaced the original battery since it didn't start when the weather was below 0. Drain and fill the tranny fluid. It was dark. Just wondering, how long does the alternator last on this GEN? Have anyone replaced theirs?
#22
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Salim
#23
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A bench test was performed and we were told the alternator was bad. Prior to the replacement, the battery, which was virtually brand new was not recharging.
#24
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To your question about mileage...I would not be as nearly worried about mileage as much as proof of maintenance. We bought a 2010 used from the Lexus dealership with all the maintenance records. Finding one that has been well taken care of will be ideal....that should be apparent from how the interior has been maintained as well any service records. We have over 185,000 miles on ours (my wife drives it) and it runs just as good if not better than some brand new cars. Good luck on your search!
#25
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i think if you are buying a car that is newer but with high miles (5 years old or less). Let say <100k miles. Really what maintenance is needed? It usually is oil change since Lexus are well built not too much maintenance is needed. After 100k miles you will need other fluids like transmission etc...
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