Here's my car's info:
Model Year: 2002 SC430
Price when Bought: $64000
Where Bought: Charles Barker Lexus, Virginia Beach :chairshot:
Length of Ownership: 3 years, 49000 miles
Problems:
13000 mi -- Run Flats worn out -- rims damaged but still usable
-- no help from dealer -- replaced with Michelin Z-rated tires (non-run-flats)
Cost for tires: $260 per tire
14000 mi -- Pot hole on interstate blew front left tire :( and
bubble in rear left tire -- rims damaged -- rims were straigtened
and repainted with power coat paints to match original paint.
Costco replaced tires for free. Rim cost: $300
25000 mi -- Hit and Run on the interstate by a stolen car
where the theives took off running during rush hour and nobody
else paid attention -- I testified against the driver (17yo) and he
was sent away to jail.
-- stolen car was totaled while my car just needed the bumper
shell replaced and repainted. I hope there wasn't some hidden
issues I don't know about.
38000 mi -- Complained to dealer about vibration from wheels;
Dealer blames it on the tires and would not help me although
I'm convinced there is something else wrong with the car.
48000 mi -- both rims on right side bent to the point they could no
longer be balanced :cries: -- rims on right side were straitened and
repainted -- next step is replacement tires to prove to the dealer
there is something else wrong before warranty runs out.
49000 mi -- Battery is dead and all auto parts places don't carry
a replacement -- only the dealer does. :cries:
(Note: The auto parts places do carry batteries for any other car.)
-- Brakes are failing like there is air in the line -- pedal goes to floor
-- Need to pull all wheels to get the tires balanced without
adding more miles to the car before the warranty expires.:cries:
All in all, I'm sad to say this...but my experience with Lexus has been hell.
I loved the car for the first 14,000 miles...and have had nothing but
a rough ride and problems ever since. The car just doesn't stand up to the level of quality and support I was expecting from the dealer for the price I paid.
Any advice whether I can ever get the quality back that I had
when I first bought it or am I chasing a lost cause?
Where can I get a replacement battery?
Is there a good source for TSB bulletins and recalls?