Lexus Recall Prompts Some to Consider Renting Luxury Autos

According to consumeraffairs.com, “Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 49,000 Lexus cars sold in the U.S….because of a faulty fuel pipe that could lead to fuel leaks.”  Included in the recall are “the Lexus GS350, Lexus IS250, Lexus IS350 and Mark X sedans manufactured between December 2003 and December 2005.”

 

Although there have been no injuries caused by the recalled Lexus models, the faulty fuel pipe could have resulted in cracks, corrosion, and even a fuel leak.  In Japan, there have been 39 complaints to the company.

 

Problems like this sometimes plague owners of luxury vehicles.  Owners get the fun of driving an elite sport car or luxury sedan, but they also have the burden of keeping track of recalls, paying for expensive repairs on luxury cars, hassling with insurance and titles, and worrying about theft. 

 

However, some companies, like DFW Elite Auto Rental, are making it possible for car enthusiasts to have the best of both worlds.  When auto enthusiasts rent a Bentley in Dallas, rather than buy one, they not only save themselves thousands of dollars, they also avoid the headache that comes with owning an elite car. 

 

Other options for driving your dream car include becoming a member of a car club like DFW Elite Car Club or taking part in a dream tour like those offered by DFW Drive Your Dream.  Dream tours give participants the chance to drive several amazing exotic sports cars in a single day.

 

Toyota, usually known for making reliable cars, has experienced quality problems in recent years.  According to USA Today, Toyota recalls doubled in 2005 when the company recalled 2.4 million vehicles, including the Prius, 4-Runner, and T-100. Most analysts feel this sudden drop in reliability is due to Toyota’s need to ramp up production to keep pace with the strong worldwide demand.  Toyota has yet to comment on the Lexus recall, but the company will likely repeat that it intends to put greater emphasis on quality control.

 

Owners of affected Lexus models, which include both rear and all-wheel drive models, will receive notices in the mail in December and can take the recalled cars to their local Lexus dealers.  Dealers will install redesigned fuel pipes at no charge.

 

 

Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer living in the Twin Cities.  Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services. For more stories by Kate, visit our exotic car rental news page.