2005 Rx400H Exhaust Blowing

[kayin]

Hi, first post here so apologies ind advance if break any rules (unitentionally).

Have owned my 2005 RX400h since early 2008 and it has never missed a beat, it has been serviced by local Lexus dealer and has been one of the best cars I have ever owned. It has 87,000 miles and looks as good as new

Noticed yesterday that the the exhaust was blowing and so took it into the dealership and they confirmed there was a crack in part of the system. As I have the Lexus extended warranty they are going to try and claim on that policy on my behalf but if it is not sanctioned then the bill will be £1,300 !

Preparing myself for the worst I was wondering if anyone had any experience of using third party, bespoke stainless steel system as these seem to be around half of the cost.

Thanks

[teejaybee]

Sorry to put a dampener on things but I'm pretty sure the Lexus Extended Warranty doesn't cover exhausts...I hope I am wrong.

If I was in your shoes I think I would look seriously at other exhaust options other than Lexus. When you come to sell the car unless you get a complete "anorak" buying it is there anyone who is actually going to ask what make of exhaust you have or inspect it? Get some quotes from Exhaust specialists and ring round some Lexus Dealers as well and see what figures are involved. Good luck!

[katabrontes]

I would press your claim. If this is a crack as opposed to corrosion you can reasonably argue it is a failure of the component and not due to wear and tear. Quite a few specialists will make a bespoke exhaust system in SS which although expensive may be a lot less than the price you quote from Lexus. Alternately in view of the overlap between them have you thought of trying a Toyota exhaust? (not sure if there is a Toyota equivalent but it seems from other postings that there is quite a lot of crossover in parts between Lexus and Toyota as you would expect.)

[mcleish]

If you have no luck with the Lexus Warranty, then please at least get a quote from http://www.longlife.co.uk/ , they have branches all over the uk and are hand made from top grade T304 Stainless steel and are guaranteed FOREVER . A few years ago I had one made by these guys at their branch in Basingstoke and it was far cheaper than a main dealer supplied and fitted exhaust.

[Alun H]

If you have no luck with the Lexus Warranty, then please at least get a quote from http://www.longlife.co.uk/ , they have branches all over the uk and are hand made from top grade T304 Stainless steel and are guaranteed FOREVER . A few years ago I had one made by these guys at their branch in Basingstoke and it was far cheaper than a main dealer supplied and fitted exhaust.

Maybe you'll have better luck than me - they just ignored my request for a quote (on an LS430).

[kayin]

Dear all, thanks for the input thus far.

Just been contacted by the dealership who have raised this as a warranty claim with Lexus and they have asked me to take car back in order that they can take photographs to email the warranty department to prove that the pipe is fractured.

So, fingers crossed (as they have not dismissed this out of hand) that things will go in my favour.

Will keep you all posted

[ihpj]

Doesn't the RX have a stainless steel exhaust system from factory? I'm sure my RX300 (MKII) had a SS exhaust from factory.

But I agree, if it's SS exhaust system then any failure should be deemed manufacturing related as it shouldn't fail.

However, read the T+Cs of your warranty, what does it say about exhaust and related systems?

[kayin]

LATEST UPDATE:

The dealership called this morning saying that someone from the Lexus Vehicle Inspection Team wants to view the RX in person on Friday.

So, things still seem to be moving forward in a positive manner but will continue to keep fingers crossed.