RX400h MOT repairs exceed value of car. How to proceed?

[James F]

Just been quoted £4000 to get RX400h through the MOT - 2007 model with 116,000 on the clock. Needs new rear subframe, suspension arms, parking brake etc. So it's a financial write off. I'm devastated as it's a lovely car and not had it that long. Wondered if anyone can advise on best way to sell it on. Is there much demand for Lexus enthusiasts buying MOT write-offs for spares? Or is it just a case of selling it for scrap? Any advice gratefully received. 

[NemesisUK]

It's not just how much the car is worth ...

How much will it cost you to purchase a suitable replacement?

[katabrontes]

Looks pretty devastating and pretty bad luck.  My 2006 RX 350 has sailed through all its MOTs so far and all I have had to do is replace a few suspension bushes.  I have often spent more on servicing than the car was worth (for my old Saab 900 turbo and Toyota Surf) but I liked them both a lot and until the aircon front radiator went on the Surf (£1,000 just to have the part made as none available) I regularly spent more or nearly what they were worth as the cost of replacement was very much higher.  That said there does come a time when it's time to let them go and I guess you have reached that.  You should be able to replace it for very little more I would think.  Good luck  with your search but be sure to get the subframes etc checked carefully on the next one.

[James F]

Thanks. There was no mention of corrosion on the previous MOT. It seems the rust got going inside the subframe before erupting on the surface. 

[Malc]

get a second opinion on the likely costs involved ....  and maybe a fresh MOT Advisor too

Malc

[Pielight]

Is it possible to weld/plate the sub frame? In today's throwaway society replacement is default, but depending on the extent of the damage a good car restorer/welder may be able to do a satisfactory (safe (repair) and reduce the cost of that element considerably. 

If you could find another write off/scrapper  or parts in breakers that might also save the situation?

[Herbie]

2 hours ago, James F said:

Just been quoted £4000 to get RX400h through the MOT

Is that from a Lexus dealer or an 'ordinary' garage?

There's nothing 'Lexus-specific' about the parts you mention and any good mechanic will be able to do the job for a lot less than Lexus will charge.

[PCM]

15 hours ago, Malc said:

get a second opinion on the likely costs involved ....  and maybe a fresh MOT Advisor too

Malc

+1 !

Was it a Lexus dealer who gave you the quote?

Definitely get a second opinion/quote... !

[James F]

The subframe can't be welded as its too close to damageable parts. The quote for the subframe is £1700 for a new Lexus part. Could get a used one for £1000 less but that's still a £3,000 bill. A second mechanic has looked at the car and agrees with the MOT tester. It's generally a rotten mess all over underneath - I've seen it. So don't want to throw anymore money at it. How best to get out of situation? Sell for spares/try and trade in/scrap?

[Malc]

20 hours ago, James F said:

suspension arms, parking brake etc.

BluePrint for these maybe NOT Lexus ....  so what's the    etc     part of the equation maybe ?

Cant see £3k for those other bits from a factor tbh  ...  not necessarily OEM or maybe from Amayama . Rockauto for OEM at a sensible cost

Malc

[Barry14UK]

Agree look for alternative source of parts before scrapping. 

It is a salutary reminder for me and perhaps others who intend to keep their cars for some years, to get under them in good time and treat rust and apply protection including in box sections.  A pain to do but if it defers scrapping worth it.  There are specialists who will do this and I will investigate this but doubtless not cheap.  So that looks like a project for next summer,

[plastic orange]

We got rid of ours due to water ingress and rust. They really aren't well protected underneath at all. If it's still got an mot try moving it on through one of the car buying sites. However, if it's got a fail against it, that won't work as they'll check. Can you do the work yourself as that will save a lot of money?

 

Pete

[bis in die]

Feeling sympathy having just purchased an rx450h 8yr old 35k mileage, I gave this to a friend who has his own garage and looks after my cars, we still have a gs300 16yr old, the report back was disappointing, in that the underside was badly corroded, in fact far worse than the gs300. This is my 5th Lexus and have never encountered such a bad underside, it is going to Lexus to have a towbar fitted next week and I will certainly be raising this with them as I feel it is not synonymous with what is expected from Lexus.

I will let readers know how the conversation went.

Interestingly there is a specialist not far from me who charges £500 inc vat and provides a car for the week whilst they sort out the underneath, so that will be happening irrespective of the conversation. 

[VFR]

Can you give us the details of this specialist please as it may well pay to have ours done ?

[bis in die]

south west rustproofing based in westbury wiltshire

[Russell Wheeler]

I am having similar problems, albiet not as bad as yours. The subframe (both front and rear) have corrosion, I applied loads of waxyoil last year. I may need to get new subframes. You can get the parts second hand https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234108019432?hash=item3681ece2e8%3Ag%3AzssAAOSwnixhARmp&LH_ItemCondition=4

I am guessing the 4k quote is from Lexus, try a reputable specialist. Mine was main dealer serviced, and corrosion not mentioned at all, until it was serious enough to be mentioned on the MOT.

[kenhall]

In my experience of many cars applying Waxoyl to exposed underbody parts where corrosion has already started is a waste of time because corrosion will still continue unseen under the Waxoyl.  The best use for Waxoyl is to spray it hot inside box sections and sills to dispel moisture.  

As an aside, looking at the front subframe for sale pictures does anyone know what the purpose of the rectangular block of steel mounted in the middle of the rear cross section?  Seems odd to have a vibration damper in such a position if that is what it is for?

[welland]

On 11/8/2021 at 4:29 PM, James F said:

Just been quoted £4000 to get RX400h through the MOT - 2007 model with 116,000 on the clock. Needs new rear subframe, suspension arms, parking brake etc. So it's a financial write off. I'm devastated as it's a lovely car and not had it that long. Wondered if anyone can advise on best way to sell it on. Is there much demand for Lexus enthusiasts buying MOT write-offs for spares? Or is it just a case of selling it for scrap? Any advice gratefully received. 

In its present state it is almost worthless. Spend £4k to fix it (or less after some economising) and you have a great car.  Can you get something else comparable for £4k?