kchalasa

Took the car to muffler shop and found a crack in one of the flex pipe. Muffler shop guys cut that part with a saw and put the new part and welded it. They said, If I have to replace the whole pipe/exhaust it will cost around $400. They charged me $105 + Tax. (NOT sure it is the reasonable charge or not). Now the loud noise is gone. Ned to keep an eye on the mileage. Thanks to George_Jetson for pin pointing the exact problem. Thanks a lot.

I have a 1996 ES300 with 182K miles on it. I own this vehicle since 2001 (70K). It has been running very smooth and from the last 5 or 6 months it started making more noise from the engine as if it is pulling a big truck behind it. The RPM needle is at normal state (between 2 and 3 depends on speeds and acceleration). Also the MPG is reduced from 27 to 22. I am sure it is NOT from the A/C unit. I can hear the noise even after I turn off the A/C. The noise is more when picking up the speed from 0 to 60 MPH. I am doing regular oil changes. Anyone please let me know what might be the problem and what should I check/repair? (I did search the form and didn't find any similar problem threads). Thanks, Bobby.

"Pep Boys" are recommending to take it to the Lexus dealer. Toyota dealer is asking almost the same price ($270). Verified the part price on the web ( http://catalog.autopartsgo.com/?make=LX&ye...=1996&x=19&y=19 ) it is around $150. Again I have to take it to the mechanic to replace. It will cost another $100. So I took it to the Lexus dealer and they replaced it in 1 hour and charged me $300. Thanks for all your suggestions. KC

This is my first post and please excuse me if any thing is wrong. I have 1996 ES300. Today I got “Check” Engine light on and I took it to the Lexus dealer (Meade Lexus, Southfield, MI). He is saying that “02 Sensor –Bank 1 Sensor -1” is damaged/gone, it has to be replaced and repair costs will be $300. He is also saying that I can run the vehicle as I used to and I can get it done any time. (Means there is no rush.). The only disadvantage I will have if I don’t get it fixed is I will get lesser mileage Any other problems if I don’t get it done soon? Is this price ($300) is normal for this kind of problem? Is there any other place I can get it done for lesser price? What are my options at this time? Thanks for your advices. KC