Battery problem and alternator?

[2ddesign]

My sc430 has stopped running! The fault started with a Battery light on the dash , I returned to go home straight away from the motorway and then the dash lit up with all the warning symbols on,the engine died and then started. I pulled up a slip road as the engine started and stopped. Called for RAC, the RAC man said the alternator is not putting a charge through to the Battery. He fitted a large battery into the passenger footwell, connected to the existing Battery and followed me home.The RAC have a mobile garage repair, they would replace a new alternator for £886 (not OEM), one hours work. Have I other options, what have other people done in this situation. Would a secondhand alternator be available or order from overseas supplier. I have yet to contact my local Lexus dealer for a quote, which could be large!  available

[Malc1]

jack sorry to read of your plight ……. use your usual local mechanic maybe ? 
Replacement alternator would usually be on an exchange basis ……. and would need to be the correct fitting version whichever the make ….. OEM is irrelevant I feel ! 

Your degree of urgency would depend on how much time you have to sort the problem and how much spare ££££ you may have 

RAC offer you an instant solution it would seem 🤔

Others here will have other thoughts I’m sure 

Good luck 

Malc 

[Spock66]

RAC option is over-priced for what will probably be a cheap 3rd party part from the local auto factors at a fraction of the cost.

[LenT]

1 hour ago, 2ddesign said:

Would a secondhand alternator be available…

Probably, but I always feel that’s simply putting off another potential failure.  If you want to go that route, then a reconditioned unit by a reputable company may be preferable.

1 hour ago, 2ddesign said:

I have yet to contact my local Lexus dealer for a quote, which could be large!  

It probably will be large but it should at least be the correct item and covered by a warranty that you can be confident will be honoured.  At the very least, getting a quote will enable you to make a valid comparison with the RAC.

However, it may well be that the convenience of the RAC Home Service will be the deciding factor for you.

 

[Glyn Jennings]

Online the average charge for an alternator repair is £440. Obvious not Lexus or an OEM part  which could be 2-3 times that.

[Herbie]

As Malcolm said above, a replacement alternator is usually done on an exchange basis, so you send yours in and get a refurbished unit in return.

If you can't find anyone with the specific one in stock then you could send yours for repair and refurb.

I live within a couple of miles of this place and you could send it there or there may be a place closer to you who does it. This is definitely the way to go though; no way on earth would I be buying a new unit from Lexus.