Levinson Amplifier And Customer Service

[grassypond]

I have had an LS430 for 2+ years and 50k miles. Picked up used (36k) and I am second owner. Well the amplifier for the Levison radio shorted and now no sound. This has been a long known TSB. I inquired with Lexus C/S if they would help me......no help cost to have dealer replace $848.00. Lexus C/S informed me that since I do not use thier dealership for routine maintenence that there would be no help. This was after a conversation with the Service Manager at the dealership where I have taken the car in the past. I will admit that I do not get regular service with the dealer and have been out of warranty for some time. I have used the dealer to replace the laser device in the front bumper for the guided cruise control....>$1500.00....and true I do not use the stealer for routine care....I must ay that the car has been previously bullet proof with no needs but basic service.

My point:

Known problem (though not a recall)

A little help would have been nice

Solution:

Should be able to pick up an amp on ebay for about $400.00, and I should be able to replace the dead amp and it should be a plug n' play solution. Before I get the amp off ebay, I will check with some of the internet dealers for their prices.

FWIW: My Porsche dealer has always been there for me with the mother ship....maybe I need another p-car :P

[RFeldes]

Perserverence pays and I would call Lexus service "national" and not deal with the local...absolutely not right!!

Have not had a TSB on mine but if you are correct, I would appreciate the TSB #.

[SW03ES]

I'd keep working on them, I bet you can get them to cover it.

BUT, the car is out of warranty. The TSB is not a recall, they don't have to take care of it. When you routinely patronize a dealership they'll work with you, but its a lot harder to make that case when you don't have a working relationship with anybody.

This is why everyone should go through the TSBs and have them all done at 49k.

[dcfish]

I have had an LS430 for 2+ years and 50k miles. Picked up used (36k) and I am second owner. Well the amplifier for the Levison radio shorted and now no sound. This has been a long known TSB. I inquired with Lexus C/S if they would help me......no help cost to have dealer replace $848.00. Lexus C/S informed me that since I do not use thier dealership for routine maintenence that there would be no help. This was after a conversation with the Service Manager at the dealership where I have taken the car in the past. I will admit that I do not get regular service with the dealer and have been out of warranty for some time. I have used the dealer to replace the laser device in the front bumper for the guided cruise control....>$1500.00....and true I do not use the stealer for routine care....I must ay that the car has been previously bullet proof with no needs but basic service.

My point:

Known problem (though not a recall)

A little help would have been nice

Solution:

Should be able to pick up an amp on ebay for about $400.00, and I should be able to replace the dead amp and it should be a plug n' play solution. Before I get the amp off ebay, I will check with some of the internet dealers for their prices.

FWIW: My Porsche dealer has always been there for me with the mother ship....maybe I need another p-car :P

What year LS430 ? I may be able to get an amp for you.

[grassypond]

I have a 2001 LS430.

I'll go back and get the TSB#

I agree a good relationship with the local dealer gets you someone willing to help. My local dealer doesn't care for me. My visits are treated as an annoyance to them....they have been quite dismissive. That induced me to seek routine care elsewhere. I guess I do not carry the right swagger. I got a geat P-dealer that can't do enough for me, and P-dealer reputation is horrible in general......whereas Lexus is oh-so-swell......go figure.

[3son_dad]

I got a geat P-dealer that can't do enough for me, and P-dealer reputation is horrible in general......whereas Lexus is oh-so-swell......go figure.

I just purchase a 01 through Carmax. I purchased their extended warranty, so they have to deal with Lexus on repairing anything. I will not step foot in a N-ly dealership again and of course they are closest Lexus dealer to my house. Who does your routine service? I notice you are in Roswell ... what is a P-dealer?

[grassypond]

I got a geat P-dealer that can't do enough for me, and P-dealer reputation is horrible in general......whereas Lexus is oh-so-swell......go figure.

I just purchase a 01 through Carmax. I purchased their extended warranty, so they have to deal with Lexus on repairing anything. I will not step foot in a N-ly dealership again and of course they are closest Lexus dealer to my house. Who does your routine service? I notice you are in Roswell ... what is a P-dealer?

First off, congrats on the '01 LS430....you'll love it. Overall, mine has been bullet proof.

Second...agree about the local N@#$%Y stealer...I mean dealer.

Third... I service at Chequered Flag, local shop with reasonable prices and great service. He does not promote himself as a Lexus specialist. But I have only needed basic service.

P-car and P-dealer is Porsche. I have a Cayenne (the Lexus is the wife's), and the Roswell Porsche dealer has treated me fantastically. B)