gDub

Hi gDub, If I may, what is your deductible on your auto policy? The damage to your hood should be covered regardless of which way you choose to repair the damage. The Lexus had nothing to do with getting the dent in your hood. "Don't shoot the messenger". lol Also, what else did you have done beside changing the oil when you took it in for service? I pay $60. for an oil $ filter plus all fluids, tires checked, all other usual checks and wash. That is about $30. more than I used to pay for an older American car I had. Paul Hi Paul, I understand and agree that the dent is not the fault of Lexus, and of course I can't blame them for the fact that the protection package won't cover the damage. The frustrating part, however, is that it seems like a somewhat harmless dent becomes not so harmless because of the cost of parts and labour. My Insurance deductible is $500 so it doesn't make sense to go that direction. As for the oil change, yes it was not just a regular oil change, but it was only the 2nd routine maintenance check that's been done. The maintenance included the typical inspections, fluid top ups, as well as a battery test and new cabin filter. $346.91 including tax. I just put on new winter tires before going in, so they were not rotated, and because I left the wheel lock key at home (duh!), the brakes were not inspected. Seem a little high, or is it just me?! Don't get me wrong - I love my RX450h, and still look forwarding to driving it every day...just venting my frustration. ;)

So apparently the dent is not covered by the protection package, and I was told that the metal used on the hoods is softer than the rest of the body, so I would have to take it to a body shop, and even then they can't guarantee the quality of the finished product (unless the hood is replaced). Seriously?! The dealer said it would be about $350 to 'try' to repair it. I've already had to replace a $1,200 windshield from a stone chip, and now this - I'm starting to regret my decision to buy into the 'Lexus' experience. :( It also didn't help that I just got back from the dealership with a $350 oil change. WTF!? I expected the cost of owning/maintaining a luxury vehicle like this would be higher, but I'm not feeling very good about it thus far.

Thank you so much for making the recording. I really appreciate it. So it pretty much sounds like my car. I guess that is just how the Lexus Rx450h sounds. I think the sound from your car is more consistent than mine, but it is the same. I am really surprised the engine sounds like this. You would think that it would be quiet as this is a Lexus! Thanks again! -Pete No problem. I agree that it could be quieter, but for a V6 it doesn't seem too bad for me. It also helps that the cabin is so tight - I find the engine noise and road noise to be minimal. Cheers!

When I first got my 2010 RX450h I could playback from both an iPod Touch (2nd Gen, I believe) and an iPhone 3G (even though iPhone support is not mentioned). Now it rarely recognizes my iPhone and when it does, the sound is distorted. Also, it occasionally has difficulty recognizing the iPod. Definitely disappointing. I think I'll try a new cable next time, and bring it up with the dealer if it's still an issue (at least with the iPod).

Here is a recording of my 2010 RX450h, purchased in Dec of 09. I am standing beside the front passenger side wheel, and I start talking at about 00:28 for comparison. Hope this helps. [oops - forgot to attach the file the first time around] 2010rx450h.wav

I think you nailed it with this statement! I upgraded to the Ultra Premium Pkg on my 2010 RX450h, and the Mark Levinson system is at the top of the list for reasons I love this vehicle so much. I've had it for about a year now, and still get giddy everytime - I can crank it to a bearable level and the sound is crisp and deep, and envelopes you. But then, I listen to music almost every second I am awake, and I LOVE listening to it loud. :) Problem is, I have nothing to compare it to, but the JBL system in my wife's 07 Camry Hybrid (and that is NO comparison). Not sure if this helps?

Thanks for the responses! Thankfully it doesn't look like there has been any damage to the paint, so hopefully you're right. :) I guess I'll find out when I take it in!

Came out of the mall yesterday to find a massive dent in the hood of my RX. I have no idea who, what or how, but I am *BLEEP*ed, to say the least. I have the Titanium protection package which should cover paintless dent repair, but I'm not 100% certain they would cover this size of dent. [see attached photos] Does anyone have enough experience to guesstimate the amount of work required to repair this dent, and the potential cost? Thanks in advance for your input. Cheers!