Dango

Wow, makes my dealer (Charles Barker Lexus) look cheap. All they did was wash and dry the car and send me on my way without even a free oil change. It was a bit disturbing to later find out that the invoice on a new SC430 is $45000 while the sticker price is $65000.

You mentioned a 'side door rattle'? I had a rattle like metal-on-metal when sometimes closing the passenger side door. I only heard it when people are getting in and out of the car and, of course, it didn't happen at the dealer.

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?