Retractable hard top

Tiny
RLDUNCAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 LEXUS SC 430
  • 71,000 MILES
I had my vehicle to the Lexus dealer and the report said the left side (driver) top motor for the top is worn out and it would cost $7,000.00 to repair. It has been nine months and I have had the top up and own numerous times with no issues. The part they say needs replaced sells for $300.00 to $400.00 but I am not sure of the labor cost! What are your thoughts? Vehicle has been great with no major issues!
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 1:58 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I would recommend getting a second or even third opinion. I attached the parts cost and labor times. It only pays around 3.3 hours. So if there labor time is around $100.00 per hour that would be less then $400.00 after fees and tax.

Clearly there is a disconnect between the price they gave you and what I am seeing. If you want to post their estimate, I am happy to review it because I am sure we are missing something because I have seen some dealers/shops overcharge but not by this much.

A second or third opinion and letting us see the estimate may help figure this out. Thanks
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:02 PM
Tiny
RLDUNCAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you for your prompt response, they gave me a copy of the Lexus service report which I am attaching for your info. It is mentioned as a "Caution" item on page 8 of the colored part of the report. I simply told them "no thanks" since it sounded absurd to me. I have owned 4 BMW's previously and I did have some warranty work on a 740 series but it was in the $3,000.00 range and the warranty covered it all since it was a manufacturer defect! I tried to attach a copy of the report but it tells me it is not allowed, looks like I can only add an image or video. Thanks!
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. Yeah. Unfortunately you would need to take a picture of it and attach that. They limit us to photos or screen shots just due to the type of site this is.

If you want to take a picture of the specific page that would be fine also. However, if the top just stopped working it could be the motor but before spending that type of money on anything, I would get quite a few estimates to see if there is a consciences first on the fix and second how much they would charge.

Let us know if you need anything else or how this turns out if there is any developments. Thanks
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 6:06 PM
Tiny
RLDUNCAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you! No, the top actually works fine and it has never not worked. I had just asked the dealer a question about it being more flush on the right side after it opens and closes than on the left. So I asked what adjustment could be made and I think they called the warranty company thinking they would get more warranty work but was told by them the warranty does not cover convertible/hard top operations!
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Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 9:09 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Oh. I understand. Then clearly I would not pay to repair that. If the warranty company doesn't cover it and it works then I would leave it alone. The only other thing I would suggest is going ahead with another opinion just because that sounds like an adjustment issue not a motor issue.

Is there a chance you can get a video of what it does so that would help us determine other possible causes for when someone else looks at it if you chose to do that?
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Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 6:51 PM

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