Good Service, Friendly Dealer & Great Car
09-10-15, 07:52 AM
#1
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Good Service, Friendly Dealer & Great Car
After passing the 101,000 mark in my 2006 LS430, I decided it was time to bite the bullet and get a few of those big maintenance items done that will help keep my wonderful car running down the road for another 101,000 miles - at least.
As I am a retired fiscal conservative - aka cheap with lots of free time - I came up with a prioritized list of the services I desired - (1) timing belt service with all the usual bells & whistles including water pump, idlers, tensioners, thermostat and coolant change; (2) spark plug replacement; and (3) brake fluid flush and replacement.
I sought quotes from my nearby Toyota Dealership (University Toyota) and the closest Lexus dealer (Lexus of Huntsville) about 65 miles distant. Much to my surprise, the Lexus of Huntsville estimate was $600 lower than the University Toyota estimate. This was particularly curious since several months back I had the same services done to my wife's 2004 RX330 and University Toyota was $400 less than Lexus of Huntsville. It certainly does pay to shop around. Perhaps Toyota was just more familiar with the RX330 engine which was widely shared by both brands and could use Toyota pricing. The LS430 engine was used in a few Toyotas, I understand, but the Lexus of Huntsville Service Department, I'm sure, is far more familiar with the LS430 engine.
Anyway, thanks to Tammie Johnson, a Service Advisor for Lexus of Huntsville - and clipping an on-line coupon for a 15% discount on Lexus labor charges to service "old" Lexus vehicles - I was out the door for $1485 which, while not inexpensive, I believe provided a fair price and good service for the money. Thank you Lexus of Huntsville.
And, of course, the LS40 continues to run very well just as it had on the day I brought it in and I still smile every time I open the door.
As I am a retired fiscal conservative - aka cheap with lots of free time - I came up with a prioritized list of the services I desired - (1) timing belt service with all the usual bells & whistles including water pump, idlers, tensioners, thermostat and coolant change; (2) spark plug replacement; and (3) brake fluid flush and replacement.
I sought quotes from my nearby Toyota Dealership (University Toyota) and the closest Lexus dealer (Lexus of Huntsville) about 65 miles distant. Much to my surprise, the Lexus of Huntsville estimate was $600 lower than the University Toyota estimate. This was particularly curious since several months back I had the same services done to my wife's 2004 RX330 and University Toyota was $400 less than Lexus of Huntsville. It certainly does pay to shop around. Perhaps Toyota was just more familiar with the RX330 engine which was widely shared by both brands and could use Toyota pricing. The LS430 engine was used in a few Toyotas, I understand, but the Lexus of Huntsville Service Department, I'm sure, is far more familiar with the LS430 engine.
Anyway, thanks to Tammie Johnson, a Service Advisor for Lexus of Huntsville - and clipping an on-line coupon for a 15% discount on Lexus labor charges to service "old" Lexus vehicles - I was out the door for $1485 which, while not inexpensive, I believe provided a fair price and good service for the money. Thank you Lexus of Huntsville.
And, of course, the LS40 continues to run very well just as it had on the day I brought it in and I still smile every time I open the door.
09-13-15, 04:28 PM
#3
Tammie is great! She takes care of my wife's GS350. You should have checked out Bill Penney Toyota in Huntsville. They only charge $830 for the timing belt/water pump change. While that is a good price, I will do my own as I've got the room, time and knowledge to do it.
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