CO-LS400

I know there are many posts on this topic.
I have a 2000 LS400 just hit 90k.
Car runs 100% knock on wood.

Just got off the phone with Kuni Lexus in Colorado they quoted me timing belt and water pump change for $1248. Should I shop around and go to an independent shop, or is this a fair price?

smokincigs

We have an independent here in Tulsa that does that + the regular belt for $500.00.

CO-LS400

Wow. 500bucks. I better pick up the phone and make some calls.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

seeing as how the water pump, gaskets, idler, and timing belt itself comes out to about 400-500 in parts, i'd pass..

unless that's just labor, in which case it isnt that good.

smokincigs

There is another shop here that just does toyota lexus repair that is in the 650.00 dollar range. The 500.00 is actually 536.00.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

for a 4cyl camry maybe. for a v8, with a good deal more labor, unlikely.
and if they do, its highly doubtful they would be using OEM parts..

ghenley

My indie quoted me less than $600 (I don't remember the exact amount).

Greg

intermec

I called Lexus dealers a few weeks ago about the timing belt. $1200, $1300.. which only for timing belt. And you know most of the time, they will say you should replace the water pump which will be another $400? I think?

So to compare just the timing belt, your quote from Lexus is fair. Is it worth it? that's another issue.
Local shop may want $500-$600 for timing belt.

veritek

That's a pretty fair price compared to Atlanta, where it runs around $1500. I'm with PD, regarding the $500 price. Very questionable since parts alone are close to that already. I did mine for $900, but that was a good friend of mine who's a certified Lexus tech at the dealership near me.

CO-LS400

Thanks everyone! I'll call some local independents also.
I just want it done right at a fair price.

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

buy lexus parts and take it to an independent mechanic that has done it before and has a good reputation. This way you can be sure that they are using lexus parts (since you got them) and you can get the lexus parts off the internet at a discount ( like sewel lexus that gives discount to club lexus members). Of course compare to it being done at a lexus dealer and if the price of the parts you bought plus the labor the independent mechanic that you trust is within 80% then go with the lexus dealer.

3UZFTE

Good advice. However, my friend's dad made the analogy that you wouldn't take a cut of meat into a butcher's shop and say can you slice this for me? Instead you would goto the butcher and purchase his meat/parts, and have him slice/install them. It's a good thing cars and meat are different. Anyways, I buy all OEM stuff, and charge $50 an hour and I've never charged anyone over $600 for a timing belt. Granted all I charged them for is the 4 hours the book charges for labor. Timing belt and water pump should be done at the same time, as it's discussed millions of times. Belt and WP from Sewell Lexus was definitely under $200 with the CL discount, $250 without it.


Now as far as the other stuff, that is up to you. I know that this was the 3rd timing belt on the vehicle, so I decided to replace my pulleys, gaskets, etc. If you only have 90k and it's a pretty clean/decent shape, you could easily just do the belt and pump. Also, you will need to order a the o-rings that go with the Water pump, and some silicone or Toyota's FIPG, which is another couple bucks, but worth it.

Kansas

I paid $780 for a timing belt replacement here in Johnson County, Kansas in 2007 during the 90K service on my 2000 LS400. Only OEM parts were used - belt, water pump, idlers, tensioner, o-rings, etc. The total cost of all the parts was about $250. The work was done at an indie shop specializing in Lexus and owned by a former Lexus dealer service writer I dealt with in the early 90s at the Lexus dealer. The work was done by a former Lexus dealer mechanic. This shop has been taking care of our Lexus and Toyota cars since about 1996 when the shop opened and has performed three timing belt changes for us.

Bill Dowd

when you replace the timing belt replace the water pump both distirbutors caps rotors plug wiring and SPARK PLUGS all idlers inside and outside look at the lower crank seal if it's wet replace it and upper crank seals AND your fan belt USE ONLY FACTORY PARTS DON'T USE AFTER MARKET PARTS THEY WON'T LAST AND SOMETIMES CAUSE PROBLEMS.

Lsportline43

I was quoted $987.00 for timing belt/waterpump and cam/crankseals from Atlanta Toyota. Not sure if there should be more items to complete for the job, but I'd say that's a decent price for timing belt job.

P.S. It was quoted for a 1998 Lexus LS400.