Step Right Up - Get Yer 1500 Brake Job here!

[mcbrue]

Yas sir folks! Only 1500 US Dollars for a brake job at 35,000 miles on
the 2006 Ultra LS 430 ! Step right up and get em here while we still
got em !!!! And the rotors are too thin to be turned and allways need
to be replaced, every 35,000 to 40,000 miles !!!!! What other brake
pads and rotors are available for this wonder car? I would prefer ones
that last a bit longer, but at least that stop it as good as the
present OEM ones do. I just think that this price is way too high. Do
I really have to replace the rotors and not have them turned? They
tell me the rotors cost $200 each. Why does it take 2 hours to do a
brake job now? They used to be a lot quicker than that.

Since I bought this car new (with 500 miles on it at delivery), I have
had $1,805.47 worth of routine costs for the 5000 mile oil changes and
inspections. I have had $9,346.17 worth of warranty parts including
sensors, radar units, air shock hoses, one right mirror, and a key
battery (cash). There has been one set of tires for $1,1295 in the
thin, pimp & drug dealer style favored by car companies now. This is a
total of $22,446.64 for 35,000 miles or $0.6413/mile which is
considerable more than the last Mercedes S Class I drove. I have to
wonder just how long the American public will continue buying this
brand with its obviously severe problems with quality and durability
as well as total cost of ownership.

[David Z]

Lexus cars have the lowest cost of ownership in their class. One can only
conclude that the problem is YOU!

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/784/best-cars-for-the-money/

Best Cars for the Money
By Jamie Page Deaton

The numbers don't look good. November car sales were down 30 percent from
last year. While shoppers are used to doom and gloom sales numbers coming
out of Detroit, the declines are now industry-wide, with Honda posting a 32
percent decline, Toyota sales dropping 34 percent, and even venerable
Porsche reporting a nearly 50 percent drop in sales.

While these numbers obviously spell trouble for automakers, what they mean
for car shoppers isn't immediately clear. The credit crisis has continued
for months and with belt-tightening becoming the new American pastime, car
shoppers are finding themselves adrift in a sea of bad industry news, rising
new car incentives, and little advice for consumers.

That's where this year's U.S. News Best Car for the Money awards come in.
Car shoppers face an uncertain economy and a shrinking ability to borrow.
The key to surviving the current marketplace is to stretch your dollars as
far as they'll go -- but that doesn't mean flocking to the biggest
incentives. It means focusing on cars that are proven winners and offer a
great value over the entire life of the car.

The Awards
The Best Car for the Money awards use data from U.S. News' online automotive
rankings (at www.rankingsandreviews.com) to find cars that are among the
best in their class. The rankings are based on the collective opinion of the
automotive press, which helps to eliminate subjectivity and elevate expert
opinion about each car. The awards also take initial price into account, but
more importantly, they incorporate the five-year total cost of owning the
car. Using data from IntelliChoice, an industry leader in determining new
car values and ownership costs, the awards include how much buyers can
expect to spend on maintenance and fuel, as well as how much of a hit
they'll take from the car's depreciation. As a result, the awards tell you
which cars are the best for your money over the long haul. Read more on the
awards methodology.

The Winners
Across 14 new car classes, the clear winner is Toyota. Five Toyotas won Best
Car for the Money in their classes, with Lexus, Toyota's luxury marquee,
pulling in another three. Chevrolet and Mazda each claim two awards and
Honda and Korean upstart Hyundai each claim one. Five of the award winners
are even available as hybrids - most of which are also great values.

Despite ranging in size from the tiny Honda Fit to the hulking Chevrolet
Tahoe, the winners have a lot in common. They share a high level of build
quality that makes for worry-free and low-cost ownership. One of the reasons
Toyota models take so many of the awards is because of their bulletproof
quality. That not only lowers the cost of maintaining Toyotas -- it means
that they retain value better than most other cars.

The winners have something else in common: they are favorites in the
automotive press. Not because they tear up drag strips or star in music
videos, but because they are extremely livable. Each winner occupies an
automotive sweet spot that makes it an attractive choice for the vast
majority of car shoppers. Take the Lexus ES, the Best Upscale Car for the
Money: it doesn't drive as sharp as the BMW 3-Series and doesn't look as
sharp as the Mercedes Benz C-Class, but taken as a total package, it's very
comfortable to drive and easy to live with on a daily basis -- not to
mention easier on your wallet.

Some winners, like the Mazda5, the Best Compact Crossover for the Money,
take the best of what class leaders like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have
to offer, but pack in an appealing lower price. The case of the Hyundai
Elantra, the Best Compact Car for the Money, proves what many have been
saying for years: Honda and Toyota should watch their backs because Hyundai
is making not just economical cars, but very good ones.

Time to Buy
It's a confusing time to be shopping for a new car. While there are some
incredible deals to be had, many of those incentives are for cars that don't
offer a lot of value in the long term. Worse, a car with thousands of
dollars in cash-back offers may be tough to drive, and laden with features
you don't need.

The U.S. News Best Car for the Money awards cut through fog surrounding the
auto industry to point out the cars that combine value with day-to-day
livability. As scary as it is to part with thousands of dollars in this
economy, by sticking with the cars that offer maximum satisfaction at a
minimal cost, your money will go further and your driving will be happier.
And, who knows? Happy new car buyers may be just the stimulus this economy
needs.

2009 Award Winners
Toyota Camry
Best Midsize Car for the Money

Honda Fit
Best Subcompact Car for the Money

Mazda Mazda5
Best Compact Crossover for the Money

Hyundai Elantra
Best Compact Car for the Money

Toyota Highlander
Best Midsize Crossover for the Money

Lexus RX
Best Luxury Crossover for the Money

Chevrolet Tahoe
Best Full Size SUV for the Money

Mazda Miata
Best Sports Car for the Money

Lexus GS
Best Luxury Car for the Money

Toyota Tacoma
Best Compact Truck for the Money

Chevy Silverado
Best Full Size Truck for the Money

Toyota Sienna
Best Minivan for the Money

Toyota Avalon
Best Large Car for the Money

Lexus ES
Best Upscale Car for the Money

Post by mcbrue
Yas sir folks! Only 1500 US Dollars for a brake job at 35,000 miles on
the 2006 Ultra LS 430 ! Step right up and get em here while we still
got em !!!! And the rotors are too thin to be turned and allways need
to be replaced, every 35,000 to 40,000 miles !!!!! What other brake
pads and rotors are available for this wonder car? I would prefer ones
that last a bit longer, but at least that stop it as good as the
present OEM ones do. I just think that this price is way too high. Do
I really have to replace the rotors and not have them turned? They
tell me the rotors cost $200 each. Why does it take 2 hours to do a
brake job now? They used to be a lot quicker than that.
Since I bought this car new (with 500 miles on it at delivery), I have
had $1,805.47 worth of routine costs for the 5000 mile oil changes and
inspections. I have had $9,346.17 worth of warranty parts including
sensors, radar units, air shock hoses, one right mirror, and a key
battery (cash). There has been one set of tires for $1,1295 in the
thin, pimp & drug dealer style favored by car companies now. This is a
total of $22,446.64 for 35,000 miles or $0.6413/mile which is
considerable more than the last Mercedes S Class I drove. I have to
wonder just how long the American public will continue buying this
brand with its obviously severe problems with quality and durability
as well as total cost of ownership.

[Ice]

I think you are exagerating or are going to the wrong place . I had the
brakes done by the dealer at 35k on my ES, along with oil change, routine
service and a new battery for a total cost of $556 . Maybe the change you
an additional bitch premium for all the whining you do. BTW the trade offer
for the 98 Escort still is available.

Post by mcbrue
Yas sir folks! Only 1500 US Dollars for a brake job at 35,000 miles on
the 2006 Ultra LS 430 ! Step right up and get em here while we still
got em !!!! And the rotors are too thin to be turned and allways need
to be replaced, every 35,000 to 40,000 miles !!!!! What other brake
pads and rotors are available for this wonder car? I would prefer ones
that last a bit longer, but at least that stop it as good as the
present OEM ones do. I just think that this price is way too high. Do
I really have to replace the rotors and not have them turned? They
tell me the rotors cost $200 each. Why does it take 2 hours to do a
brake job now? They used to be a lot quicker than that.
Since I bought this car new (with 500 miles on it at delivery), I have
had $1,805.47 worth of routine costs for the 5000 mile oil changes and
inspections. I have had $9,346.17 worth of warranty parts including
sensors, radar units, air shock hoses, one right mirror, and a key
battery (cash). There has been one set of tires for $1,1295 in the
thin, pimp & drug dealer style favored by car companies now. This is a
total of $22,446.64 for 35,000 miles or $0.6413/mile which is
considerable more than the last Mercedes S Class I drove. I have to
wonder just how long the American public will continue buying this
brand with its obviously severe problems with quality and durability
as well as total cost of ownership.

[ACAR]

On Mar 5, 5:22 pm, mcbrue <***@aol.com> wrote:
snip There has been one set of tires for $1,1295 in the

thin, pimp & drug dealer style favored by car companies now. snip

ya know, I paid about the same for 4 Michelin run flat tires on my
Corvette.

what other stories do you have? this one's kinda lame 'cause its not
likely that someone with sufficient funds to buy a LS 430 would lack
the business sense to know when they're getting reamed.

[m***@aol.com]

OK - let me restate my posting. My 2006 LS 460 has 35,000 miles and
the dealer tells me it needs brakes. The rotors allways need to be
replaced and are never resurfaced. So the total cost they quote is a
bit higher than I am willing to pay.

What brands of pads and rotors are available that are equal to or
better than the Lexus equipment? How much should the job cost? Should
this car really need brakes at only 35,000 miles? As an alternative
question, what does your dealer charge you to do a brake job on your
LS 430 ?

[Anonymous]

Unless the rotors have been scored, I'm a little confused
as to why those rotors need maintenance. At the very
best, it would seem that only a light resurface would be
required.

Your reference - "The rotors allways need to be replac-
ed and are never resurfaced", although quoted, is still
confusing why any vehicle would need new rotors at
35K, unless abused.

Personally, I would look for a second opinion from a
facility that you trust. I'm sure that if you ask some of
your Lexus friends, some may have chosen to move
their maintenance needs to other dealers or specialty
facilities.

Contrary to manufacturer/dealer suggestion, it's not a
spacecraft. They've got calipers and rotors similar to
all other vehicles. They all operate in the same/similar
fashion, and should be serviced in the same/similar
fashion.

Also, I think if I were told my car needed new rotors
in 35K miles of normal use, I'd be looking at filing a
warranty claim. Seems like your 2006 430 may still
be within the warranty coverage, depending on the
mileage.

Post by m***@aol.com
OK - let me restate my posting. My 2006 LS 460 has 35,000 miles and
the dealer tells me it needs brakes. The rotors allways need to be
replaced and are never resurfaced. So the total cost they quote is a
bit higher than I am willing to pay.
What brands of pads and rotors are available that are equal to or
better than the Lexus equipment? How much should the job cost? Should
this car really need brakes at only 35,000 miles? As an alternative
question, what does your dealer charge you to do a brake job on your
LS 430 ?

[j***@hotmail.com]

Brake pads/rotors are wear items. So I don't think Toyota warranties
them.

Post by Anonymous
Also, I think if I were told my car needed new rotors
in 35K miles of normal use, I'd be looking at filing a
warranty claim. Seems like your 2006 430 may still
be within the warranty coverage, depending on the
mileage.

[Anonymous]

<***@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:fc10d01e-c80a-4afb-9b3e-***@l39g2000yqn.googlegroups.com...
Brake pads/rotors are wear items. So I don't think Toyota warranties
them.

Post by Anonymous
Also, I think if I were told my car needed new rotors
in 35K miles of normal use, I'd be looking at filing a
warranty claim. Seems like your 2006 430 may still
be within the warranty coverage, depending on the
mileage.

Understood, assuming normal service. But, I guess the
motor is basically wear item also, but when one gives
up at 35K, I'd say it's time to raise a warranty issue.

I've been through an internal warranty issue on a 430,
concerning a similar wear item(wheel alignment issue).

And I can guarantee that if you have a strong case(and
I believe a 35K rotor replace is a strong case(1)), then
Lexus will get it corrected. Without hesitation.

For the OP's benefit, it's really as easy as emailing the
manufacturer via their site contact. In reasonable detail,
explain the problem/issue, and wait for a response.

Eventually, the justified issue(s) are assigned to some
kind of internal specialist. Perhaps, more clarification
/documentation may be necessary. Round and round
at this level for a while, and if your issue remains
justified, poof.... you wind up attending a dealer
service department visit hosted by the service mana-
ger, where you and your problem are job #1.

You drive home in the loaner, and simply await the
problem's correction. You later return the loaner,
retrieve your fixed vehicle, and live happily ever after.

(1) I'm assuming the OP's fact description(s) are
explained correctly. And, that there's been no brake
system abuse, neglect, or other factor(s) that either
caused, or contributed to the premature failure.

[GIga]

Bad assumptions where Brew-dick is involved.

GIga

Post by j***@hotmail.com
Brake pads/rotors are wear items. So I don't think Toyota warranties
them.

Post by Anonymous
Also, I think if I were told my car needed new rotors
in 35K miles of normal use, I'd be looking at filing a
warranty claim. Seems like your 2006 430 may still
be within the warranty coverage, depending on the
mileage.

Understood, assuming normal service. But, I guess the
motor is basically wear item also, but when one gives
up at 35K, I'd say it's time to raise a warranty issue.
I've been through an internal warranty issue on a 430,
concerning a similar wear item(wheel alignment issue).
And I can guarantee that if you have a strong case(and
I believe a 35K rotor replace is a strong case(1)), then
Lexus will get it corrected. Without hesitation.
For the OP's benefit, it's really as easy as emailing the
manufacturer via their site contact. In reasonable detail,
explain the problem/issue, and wait for a response.
Eventually, the justified issue(s) are assigned to some
kind of internal specialist. Perhaps, more clarification
/documentation may be necessary. Round and round
at this level for a while, and if your issue remains
justified, poof.... you wind up attending a dealer
service department visit hosted by the service mana-
ger, where you and your problem are job #1.
You drive home in the loaner, and simply await the
problem's correction. You later return the loaner,
retrieve your fixed vehicle, and live happily ever after.
(1) I'm assuming the OP's fact description(s) are
explained correctly. And, that there's been no brake
system abuse, neglect, or other factor(s) that either
caused, or contributed to the premature failure.

[ACAR]

Post by m***@aol.com
OK - let me restate my posting. My 2006 LS 460 has 35,000 miles and
the dealer tells me it needs brakes. The rotors allways need to be
replaced and are never resurfaced.

You know this isn't right. So take the car to an independent auto shop
for the work.

So the total cost they quote is a

Post by m***@aol.com
bit higher than I am willing to pay.
What brands of pads and rotors are available that are equal to or
better than the Lexus equipment?

you can find components at The Tire Rack web site.

How much should the job cost? Should

Post by m***@aol.com
this car really need brakes at only 35,000 miles?

Actually, if much of your driving is in town, 35K miles is not
unreasonable.

As an alternative

Post by m***@aol.com
question, what does your dealer charge you to do a brake job on your
LS 430 ?

I haven't used the dealer for brake work.

[j***@hotmail.com]

Sure it's a surprise that you need new rotors at 30-40K miles. Toyota
typically use Aisin brake components on their cars (Toyota or Lexus)
and they should near 100K miles, at least on RX and ES, which are
modified Camrys, before needing work. Aisins are no premium brake
systems, but more than adequate for the job on your Lexus LS.

If you really want premium brake components like Brembo you need to
get a true luxury car like Mercedes and BMW, not a Lexus.

Post by mcbrue
Yas sir folks! Only 1500 US Dollars for a brake job at 35,000 miles on
the 2006 Ultra LS 430 ! Step right up and get em here while we still
got em !!!!  And the rotors are too thin to be turned and allways need
to be replaced, every 35,000 to 40,000 miles !!!!! What other brake
pads and rotors are available for this wonder car? I would prefer ones
that last a bit longer, but at least that stop it as good as the
present OEM ones do. I just think that this price is way too high. Do
I really have to replace the rotors and not have them turned? They
tell me the rotors cost $200 each. Why does it take 2 hours to do a
brake job now? They used to be a lot quicker than that.
Since I bought this car new (with 500 miles on it at delivery), I have
had $1,805.47 worth of routine costs for the 5000 mile oil changes and
inspections. I have had $9,346.17 worth of warranty parts including
sensors, radar units, air shock hoses, one right mirror, and a key
battery (cash). There has been one set of tires for $1,1295 in the
thin, pimp & drug dealer style favored by car companies now. This is a
total of $22,446.64 for 35,000 miles or $0.6413/mile which is
considerable more than the last Mercedes S Class I drove. I have to
wonder just how long the American public will continue buying this
brand with its obviously severe problems with quality and durability
as well as total cost of ownership.

[greg]

Post by mcbrue
Yas sir folks! Only 1500 US Dollars for a brake job at 35,000 miles on
the 2006 Ultra LS 430 !

They tell me the rotors cost $200 each. Why does it take 2 hours to
do a

Post by mcbrue
brake job now?

1500 total
- 400 rotors
- 300 (assuming two hours of labor @ 150 per hour)
- 100 pads

= 700 whining surcharge?

[j***@hotmail.com]

No McBrue. Your LS 430 Ultra brakes are lousy because it does NOT have
a Brembo setup. Brembos are performance systems commonly used on true
luxury cars like Mercedes, BMW, Maserati, etc. However, more inspired
mainstream manufacturers do spend more for Brembos.

Post by mcbrue
Yas sir folks! Only 1500 US Dollars for a brake job at 35,000 miles on
the 2006 Ultra LS 430 ! Step right up and get em here while we still
got em !!!!  And the rotors are too thin to be turned and allways need
to be replaced, every 35,000 to 40,000 miles !!!!! What other brake
pads and rotors are available for this wonder car? I would prefer ones
that last a bit longer, but at least that stop it as good as the
present OEM ones do. I just think that this price is way too high. Do
I really have to replace the rotors and not have them turned? They
tell me the rotors cost $200 each. Why does it take 2 hours to do a
brake job now? They used to be a lot quicker than that.
Since I bought this car new (with 500 miles on it at delivery), I have
had $1,805.47 worth of routine costs for the 5000 mile oil changes and
inspections. I have had $9,346.17 worth of warranty parts including
sensors, radar units, air shock hoses, one right mirror, and a key
battery (cash). There has been one set of tires for $1,1295 in the
thin, pimp & drug dealer style favored by car companies now. This is a
total of $22,446.64 for 35,000 miles or $0.6413/mile which is
considerable more than the last Mercedes S Class I drove. I have to
wonder just how long the American public will continue buying this
brand with its obviously severe problems with quality and durability
as well as total cost of ownership.