Does everyone have their LS serviced at Lexus?
12-18-03, 09:53 AM
#1
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Does everyone have their LS serviced at Lexus?
My 90,000 mile maintenance is coming up. The dealer told me the 90K service includes changing the timing belt and costs around $900. Does the timing belt really need to be changed at 90K? I am sure I can get the same service done at a reputable shop for less, but I wonder how many people have done that..
12-18-03, 11:35 AM
#2
I only go to the dealer for warranty claims. This is not an issue for my 10 years old LS.
Through my racing I've met several mechanics specializing in different things (engine, brake and suspension, tires and alignment.) They get our maintenance and repairs business for all of our cars. I always buy OEM parts via the 'net and drop off the car with a box of parts, including fluids, for maintenance.
In this way, I save at least 30% off of the dealer cost (parts and labor).
Through my racing I've met several mechanics specializing in different things (engine, brake and suspension, tires and alignment.) They get our maintenance and repairs business for all of our cars. I always buy OEM parts via the 'net and drop off the car with a box of parts, including fluids, for maintenance.
In this way, I save at least 30% off of the dealer cost (parts and labor).
12-18-03, 04:04 PM
#3
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I always bring my 91 (150K) to Lexus because there's not much difference on labor charge to justify otherwise. Regarding parts: OEM parts at Lexus are expensive but availability of aftermarket parts is very limited anyway.
tvd51
tvd51
12-19-03, 07:33 PM
#5
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I get my Lexus serviced by an infinity technician. Ask around about who the best techs are at the dealership. If you can find one, they will always do the work for about 1/3 to 1/2 of the dealership cost. Not as convenient since he generally does the work after he completes his work during the day, but one heck of alot cheaper.
12-19-03, 07:35 PM
#6
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One other thing, I also have an alldata membership. Costs something like $25 for the first year then $15 for each year thereafter. Alldata is perfect for any tech that works on your car since it goes into excruciating detali about each procedure.
12-20-03, 01:40 PM
#7
Originally posted by gs400998
I had all my major services 60K, 90K done at the Lexus service. I don't have any shops in my area that is familar with Lexus vehicles.
I had all my major services 60K, 90K done at the Lexus service. I don't have any shops in my area that is familar with Lexus vehicles.
From past experience, your statement would be absolutely true for Saabs, as an example of a regular (i.e., not exotic) car that would be difficult to service at a car repair shop.
I'd also agree that for issues with the air suspension or with cabin controls and engine management, the dealer would be a better place to fix them. Besides, such issues maybe the subject of a TSB or other action and could be partially covered by warranty or Lexus good-will.
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12-21-03, 05:35 PM
#8
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The 90K change of belts has been widely debated/discussed in the maintenence forum. My bottom line is the major service interval requirements are like life insurance. You pay the premiuim to protect from what could happen. My understanding is if the timing belt goes, it takes out alot more than the total $900.
As the old commercial used to say.."Pay me now, or pay me later"
Murph
As the old commercial used to say.."Pay me now, or pay me later"
Murph
12-21-03, 09:04 PM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
When I first bought my car I brought it to the dealer for an oil change. They found many other needed repairs but the cost was through the roof!!! I took my business to an independent mechanic. Now I do everything myself that I can. I've got a factory repair manual now and feel that I can do most things myself. This will save you tons. It's not the parts that get you, it's the labor 
.
.
12-22-03, 03:03 PM
#10
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like in other posts..
buy the OEM toyota/lexus parts online for the discount and go to GOOD toyota import specialist.
Should save you $200 or so - but $900 for 90K service is a Good Price. My local lexus dealer charges about $1500 for the 90K on my 99LS!
buy the OEM toyota/lexus parts online for the discount and go to GOOD toyota import specialist.
Should save you $200 or so - but $900 for 90K service is a Good Price. My local lexus dealer charges about $1500 for the 90K on my 99LS!
12-22-03, 05:26 PM
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Very smart man you are... That how I do everything. Theres a man who owns a shop specializing in import cars only, I always go to him and pay about 55-60% of the cost of a lexus dealer. Take the 60K miles service at hoffman lexus: $1,200... with Bill spinney: $700. Saving tons of money feels great. It took me not so long to learn how to be really economical without compromises.
Originally posted by panos
I only go to the dealer for warranty claims. This is not an issue for my 10 years old LS.
Through my racing I've met several mechanics specializing in different things (engine, brake and suspension, tires and alignment.) They get our maintenance and repairs business for all of our cars. I always buy OEM parts via the 'net and drop off the car with a box of parts, including fluids, for maintenance.
In this way, I save at least 30% off of the dealer cost (parts and labor).
I only go to the dealer for warranty claims. This is not an issue for my 10 years old LS.
Through my racing I've met several mechanics specializing in different things (engine, brake and suspension, tires and alignment.) They get our maintenance and repairs business for all of our cars. I always buy OEM parts via the 'net and drop off the car with a box of parts, including fluids, for maintenance.
In this way, I save at least 30% off of the dealer cost (parts and labor).
12-25-03, 03:41 PM
#13
Lead Lap
this is for sc400-v8: first your nick is redundant. second balise lexus in west springfield charges 600 for the 60k service. it says so right in the rate schedule brochure you can get for just asking for it.
12-26-03, 04:14 PM
#15
timing belt change
My Lexus dealership charges 300 to change the timing belt. I haven't reached that mileage yet but I asked because I plan to keep both cars a long time. To keep from paying a lot for the service packages, I get something extra done when I go in for oil changes. For example, last visit I had the brake fluid changed. That way, I won't have to fork out 1500 for the 60000 mile service, when it comes.