jpwalker

I just acquired a 1997 ls 400. The car has 67k and was last serviced by a dealer at 35k (in another state). I am trying to decide first if I do the 60k service per the manual and second if I begin using a Lexus dealer for service. I question if the 60k service is necessary (the car runs great). My other option on where to take the car is the independent that services my 1994TT supra. He is no bargain but does excellent work. On the one hand I think the Lexus dealer is the better option because they know the cars but I have always been leary of dealers and I have confidence in my supra mechanic. Does anyone have an oppinion on 1) doing the service routine per the manual and 2) dealer v. independent?

mervlink

I know the dealer is always questionable when it comes to price; however keep in mind that you are driving a Lex and if you do the 60K by the dealer you are covered for up to 1 year on the service.

Lexus Corp requires that type of service from all its independant dealership, so if the service is not right return the vehicle until they get it right or file a report with Lexus Corp. They will certainly stand beside their name "Pursuit of Perfection and customer Satisfaction"

I am in no way under-estimating your mechanic, I am only suggesting a bit of peace of mind since Lexus manufactured the car. They will also let you know if any part is not set to OEM standards

Good Luck

jpwalker

Thanks, your comments make sense. I was told that the 60k maintenace done by a dealer would cost $1,600. The car runs great so I am debating whether I need to spend the dollars.

jahummer

Use the dealer! Just got mine back for 60K service. I thought the car was running fine before. It's funny how you grow acustomed to things over time. Suspesion is tighter, engine is so quiet that I can't hear it, transmission shifts smoother, accelerates faster and on and on. Well worth the $1200.00 I paid. BTW, what is your dealer offering for the $1600?? As in what will they be doing?

jpwalker

The $1,600 was from Manhattan Lexus NY and I didn't get a run down of what they would do. I had them check the car before I bought. I will be taking it to dealer in St. Louis so may be cheaper...I hope.

mervlink

$1600 is an outrageous amount for the 60K mile service. If you are in the New Jersey area....go to Lawrence Lexus in South Jersey I got mine done for $1050....save the other $550 for upgrades.

seanl

JP-

Check your owners manual, the 60K mile service on a '97 LS400 is basically FLUID CHANGES and a/c & air filter changes, plus inspecting everything. I don't know about you, but I won't spend $1000+ for fluids and 2 filters.

I just had a local shop owned by a good friend do most of my 60K mile service on my '97 LS400, changing all the fluids, except oil & filter (I do that) and both air and a/c filters. Total cost, $326. The only other fluid he didn't change was the brake fluid, I'll do that when I replace the front pads, as the originals still haven't worn out yet.

I do my own oil changes, so 5.5 quarts of Mobil One 5W30 & Purolator Pure One filter is $33, for a grand total of $360.


Regards,
Sean Lewis
Tampa, FL
'97 LS400 Coach Ed.
'94 Acura Legend LS
'93 Mustang Supercharged 500hp

hschen

I checked with my Toyota dealer and found they have one tech trained for Lexas service. Toy dealer said all Lexas parts are made by Toyota and they can get it as inexpensive as Toyota parts. I'll try them next time. Over $1000 for 60k services which just replace all fluids? I bet Toy guys can do it under $400.

jahummer

My Lexus dealer does more than just change fluids at 60K. It's an 8 page list!

Erfan

I take my car into Toy dealership and they charge alot less than Lexus ever will and they use pretty much the same parts. I agree $1600 is too much for changing fluids and stuff. Goto to a import repair shop and you will save at least $800 to $900