Gang:
I just thought I would provide you guys with an estimate to fix any rear liftgate rust you may have (I'm still 'working' with Lexus to try and have this fixed under warranty) and I also have a question. I went to my current Lexus/Toyota combined dealer as well as a second Toyota dealer that sent me to 'their shop' - an interesting contrast
My dealer's shop is in perfect condition, very clean and tidy and professional. They provided me with two written quotes driven by 'Mitchell'. The first is a repair (11.5 hours or work) and C$266 in parts (more on this later) for a total of C$1,000(~US$700) (with taxes) :tear:. The second option is for a rear hatch replacement (9.6 hours) for C$2,380 . They mentioned that there are no clips where the rust is (bottom of glass, about 4" in on both sides, size of quarters) and that water just accumulates at this point. They also noted that 4 Runners suffer from this - which, I think, bolsters my warranty claim?!
The second place was a total dive (I'm amazed that the dealer uses them for repairs - not good for the brand). A mom and pop kind of shop, with about 6 cars stuffed into a very small garage, lots of cars and car parts littering the parking area and 2" of dust on everything. He jotted down a quote of C$700 before tax (no part by part), but I do have to give it to him for his seat of the pants accuracy! I'm willing to spend the ~20% premium to use the dealer.
Now my question - My dealer noted that I will need new rear emblems on my hatch as they are not reusable (eg LX450 nameplate, 4WD, etc) for a parts cost of ~$200 and labor ~ $30. If I could get Lexus to pay $500 and I reuse the nameplates, I'm only out ~$250. I thought that I've seen posts indicating that they can come off using a heat gun, fishing line, etc? What should I use to reattach (one of the 3M sealers, marine bedding compound,...)?
Thanks for any help!
Cheers, Hugh
I just thought I would provide you guys with an estimate to fix any rear liftgate rust you may have (I'm still 'working' with Lexus to try and have this fixed under warranty) and I also have a question. I went to my current Lexus/Toyota combined dealer as well as a second Toyota dealer that sent me to 'their shop' - an interesting contrast
My dealer's shop is in perfect condition, very clean and tidy and professional. They provided me with two written quotes driven by 'Mitchell'. The first is a repair (11.5 hours or work) and C$266 in parts (more on this later) for a total of C$1,000(~US$700) (with taxes) :tear:. The second option is for a rear hatch replacement (9.6 hours) for C$2,380 . They mentioned that there are no clips where the rust is (bottom of glass, about 4" in on both sides, size of quarters) and that water just accumulates at this point. They also noted that 4 Runners suffer from this - which, I think, bolsters my warranty claim?!
The second place was a total dive (I'm amazed that the dealer uses them for repairs - not good for the brand). A mom and pop kind of shop, with about 6 cars stuffed into a very small garage, lots of cars and car parts littering the parking area and 2" of dust on everything. He jotted down a quote of C$700 before tax (no part by part), but I do have to give it to him for his seat of the pants accuracy! I'm willing to spend the ~20% premium to use the dealer.
Now my question - My dealer noted that I will need new rear emblems on my hatch as they are not reusable (eg LX450 nameplate, 4WD, etc) for a parts cost of ~$200 and labor ~ $30. If I could get Lexus to pay $500 and I reuse the nameplates, I'm only out ~$250. I thought that I've seen posts indicating that they can come off using a heat gun, fishing line, etc? What should I use to reattach (one of the 3M sealers, marine bedding compound,...)?
Thanks for any help!
Cheers, Hugh