Attention '04 owners...

[NMuzj100]

I don't know if the VVTI engine and AHC suspension qualify as only 5%...

VVTI - 2005 LC = 320 ft-lbs @ 3400 rpm (Don't have 1998 figures)
2006 LC = 332 ft-lbs @ 3400 rpm w/VVT

320 -> 332 only a 3.75% improvement so less then 5% (Hard to use the top end when they speed limiter the new models to 112 mph anyway - mine's been faster)

AHC - I call it even with advantages and disadvantages. A 1998 LX has it if you really need it. They should really have the Kinetic Dynamic Supension System (KDSS) like the GX470 for the 2006. KDDS Demo and Video on this page

VSC,A-TRAC and the 5-speed are the "real" improvements and hard to upgrade into a 1998.

 

[dclee]

VVTI - 2005 LC = 320 ft-lbs @ 3400 rpm (Don't have 1998 figures)
2006 LC = 332 ft-lbs @ 3400 rpm w/VVT

320 -> 332 only a 3.75% improvement so less then 5% (Hard to use the top end when they speed limiter the new models to 112 mph anyway - mine's been faster)

AHC - I call it even with advantages and disadvantages. A 1998 LX has it if you really need it. They should really have the Kinetic Dynamic Supension System (KDSS) like the GX470 for the 2006. KDSS Demo

VSC,A-TRAC and the 5-speed are the "real" improvements and hard to upgrade into a 1998.

Agreed, for the most part.

However, he has a 99 Land Cruiser (not LX, therefore has no AHC). And as you say, VSC and TRAC are nice as well. Plus, you forgot one other spec which is important to some people: 230 hp vs. 275 hp = 16.4%

Anyway, we're both wrong. He wants a used 2005. I just didn't read that far back. In that case, I think it's debatable either way as to whether or not he should upgrade.

 

[SWUtah]

Starter started to go today I think I pissed my LC off me even thinking about trading her in.

 

[Gohawks63]

Update on this.

Despite the TSB stating that the headunit needed to be replaced, the warranty company directed the service department to send the unit out for repairs. While I normally whouldn't have an issue with it as long as it is fixed, the dealer said that based on their experience, the repair could take as long as a month if not longer. During that time, I wouldn't have a radio and the rest of the navigation may not work as well.

Unacceptable as far as I'm concerned.

I called the warranty company and they told me that it wasn't their problem that it could take weeks for the repair. It was their perogative.

Again unacceptable.

I went back and spoke to the service writer who helped me with my NAV screen problem earlier this year. He spoke to his manager and they asked me to bring it in to try and duplicate it. Believe it or not I was able to recreate it.

The service manager took down my information this morning. Around 4:30pm today, he calls me. Tells me that he had to basically fight with the warranty company ALL DAY telling them it was ridiculous that they expected that I would have to drive a vehicle with a dismantled center stack for over a month.

Finally after numerous back and forth calls, the warranty company relented and authorized a new headuni

I truly appreciated the efforts of the service manager, after all it doesn't really benefit him either way.

Radio is on order and it should come in within the next few days.

 

[SWUtah]

Update on this.

Despite the TSB stating that the headunit needed to be replaced, the warranty company directed the service department to send the unit out for repairs. While I normally whouldn't have an issue with it as long as it is fixed, the dealer said that based on their experience, the repair could take as long as a month if not longer. During that time, I wouldn't have a radio and the rest of the navigation may not work as well.

Unacceptable as far as I'm concerned.

I called the warranty company and they told me that it wasn't their problem that it could take weeks for the repair. It was their perogative.

Again unacceptable.

I went back and spoke to the service writer who helped me with my NAV screen problem earlier this year. He spoke to his manager and they asked me to bring it in to try and duplicate it. Believe it or not I was able to recreate it.

The service manager took down my information this morning. Around 4:30pm today, he calls me. Tells me that he had to basically fight with the warranty company ALL DAY telling them it was ridiculous that they expected that I would have to drive a vehicle with a dismantled center stack for over a month.

Finally after numerous back and forth calls, the warranty company relented and authorized a new headuni

I truly appreciated the efforts of the service manager, after all it doesn't really benefit him either way.

Radio is on order and it should come in within the next few days.

Just shows that you should never by after market warranty, if it is not a CPO vehicle or manufacture warranty it is not worth the $$$

 

[Gohawks63]

Just shows that you should never by after market warranty, if it is not a CPO vehicle or manufacture warranty it is not worth the $$$

Wrong, this is the Platinum Toyota/Lexus warranty I bought through the dealer when I bought the vehcle new.

and I did get my money's worth.

Multi-function/Nav screen - $5000
New headunit - $800

I paid $1,400 for the warranty and I still have 50K miles to go.

 

[SWUtah]

Wrong, this is the Platinum Toyota/Lexus warranty I bought through the dealer when I bought the vehcle new.

and I did get my money's worth.

Multi-function/Nav screen - $5000
New headunit - $800

I paid $1,400 for the warranty and I still have 50K miles to go.

I don't understand then when you are talking about the manager arguing with the warranty company and that it's not the service managers problem??? I bought a certified Lexus vehicle that comes with the extended 3 year 100K mile bumper to bumper warranty. If I have any problem, just take it to any Lexus dealer and they fix it. No warranty company involved. Why would there be any warranty company involved if you bought a Platinum Toyota warranty? Based on your problems you did the right thing buying that extended warranty.

 

[dclee]

I don't understand then when you are talking about the manager arguing with the warranty company and that it's not the service managers problem??? I bought a certified Lexus vehicle that comes with the extended 3 year 100K mile bumper to bumper warranty. If I have any problem, just take it to any Lexus dealer and they fix it. No warranty company involved. Why would there be any warranty company involved if you bought a Platinum Toyota warranty? Based on your problems you did the right thing buying that extended warranty.

Most OEMs, even Toyota, are subbed out to a third party company specializing in the extended warranties.

 

[SWUtah]

Most OEMs, even Toyota, are subbed out to a third party company specializing in the extended warranties.

The Lexus CPO 3 year 100K bumper to bumper warranty is through Lexus.

 

[dclee]

That's good to know. CPO is sometimes different from "factory extended" that you buy at time of purchase.

On our SAAB, bought as a CPO, CPO warranty is through SAAB, but if you get the OEM SAAB extended warranty when you buy the car new, it is done through a third party company.

Platinum Toyota OEM "extended warranty" is also done through a third party. I have no idea how they do their CPOs.

 

[Jim_Chow]

The Lexus CPO 3 year 100K bumper to bumper warranty is through Lexus.

My CPO warranty docs were mailed from Lexus Financial Services. The CPO warranty covers warped rotors, which the new vehicle warranty doesn't.

 

[Gene3x]

I have an 04 I bought for a good price just out of warranty (60125 miles) At the time I was not worried because of how "great" toyota reliability is stated as being. I have had no problems but am offically worried now. So if the Nav screen goes out there is no other option but to spend $5000 to have my AC controls back? Screw that. I am actually thinking of selling the vehicle now.

 

[LXPearl]

The Lexus CPO is handled through Lexus/Toyota Financial Services. I have noticed that a number of Toyota dealers offer Gold and Platinum extended warranties that are handled by 3rd parties. One has to read the deeply buried fine print to determine that it is not Toyota backed. I was burned once by the practice. I now insist on an official Toyota Financial Services backed warranty if I decide to get one. You can also get the extended warranty from Toyota at any time while your car is still under the new car warranty with the new car provisions (no need to buy it immediately on purchase).

Actual coverage varies with Toyota versions (new/used, gold, platinum, deductible or none) and the 3rd party versions. Claims and adjustments tend to be a pain with the 3rd party versions. Interestingly, a dealership never offered a no deductible warranty in their presentation, yet it only costs $50 more (one time) from Toyota than the one with a $50 deductible per incident.

Dealers make a lot of money on the extended warranties, so it is best to be prepared as a consumer. Go to the Toyota and Lexus websited to see the various offerings they have before talking with the dealers. You will know what to look and ask for in an extended warrrany. Insist on Toyota Financial Services as the carrier of the warranty. The price is negotiable also.

 

[Jim_Chow]

I believe you can also buy the platinum warranty from any dealer in the country (make sure it's underwritten by toyota/lexus finacial as LXPearl mentions). This means you can shop around on the web just like when buying a car. Guys on the 4runner forum were doing this w/ their 4th gen's.

 

[Gene3x]

So....... I have had no problems but am offically worried now. If the Nav screen goes out there is no other option but to spend $5000 to have my AC controls back?

 

[SWUtah]

So....... I have had no problems but am offically worried now. If the Nav screen goes out there is no other option but to spend $5000 to have my AC controls back?

That is what I understand. On my Lexus SC430 the Nav system is separate from the other systems. Why did they integrate the controls on the LC/LX Nav ??? what a pain in the ASS.

 

[Gohawks63]

So....... I have had no problems but am offically worried now. If the Nav screen goes out there is no other option but to spend $5000 to have my AC controls back?

If there was I'm sure the warranty company would have thought about it. Another option is to find a salvaged vehicle, but if that vehicle has the old version, you could run into the same situation.

 

[Jim_Chow]

So....... I have had no problems but am offically worried now. If the Nav screen goes out there is no other option but to spend $5000 to have my AC controls back?

In the LX electrical FSM, it shows two configurations for the LX. One with nav/dvd and one without (probably Canadian, as the manual covers North American spec LX's). So in theory, one could "rebuild" a US-spec LX w/ A/C separated from the nav.

 

[hoser]

Siglo's 2004 LC:

rig:

 

[Gohawks63]

Siglo's 2004 LC:

rig:

I can't imagine that's going to be much cheaper. You obviously need a new headunit. The headunit in the Nav equipped versions is at least $750 as mine was recently replaced (TSB as well) because of a Bluetooth problem. Add in the changes to the wiring harnesses, new switchgear and faceplates, it's not going to be much cheaper.