vipermann1

Well, recently my friend took her 2002 LS430UL to the Lexus dealership in Los Angeles (OC area) for an estimate for repairs.

Here is what she was quoted:

New Starter: $1,744
Sub woofer (replace 1 sub-woofer on Rear Shelf): $892
Rear Brakes: $450
Replace 2 Caster Bushing in front suspension (see photo): $883 (for both)
Timing and Belt Drives: $1128

GUYS, I told her to wait until I hear from my CL buddies.
What are you guys paying for this repair?

honeygee2

First of all go to a toyota dealer or local independent. Last summer in Pa i paid $890 total with a senior citizen discount. I received water pump, timing belt,complete coolant flush, new thermostat oil change, and brake pads installed on all 4 wheels and a car wash. The prices you got seem awfully high to me.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Go to an independent in the area. Where in So. Cal are you located? The So. Cal section has a variety of mechanics/shops with two being Vinam and Dynamic in Midway City. Their estaimate will be much nicer to your wallet.

airtime

For the Sub, you can go aftermarket or fix the existing sub yourself if it just the baffling that tore. Way cheaper than $892.. Write up is listed.

For the rear brakes, just look up the very easy to do writeup in the pinned subject above in the forum. If its just the pads, cost would be under $100 and an hour of your time.

Most of the common easy to do is in the write ups which can save significant amount of money.

As for your other issues, that's beyond my mechanical skills

votru

iTrader: (7)

If no check engine and car still drivable then I will try to get rid of it versus putting in 5k into services.
Do shop around as mention above, some are DIY or any local shop can do it.
Our vendor here do offer huge discount on OEM parts so do a quick check list and compare.
Side note: when do timing belt , remember to replace the seal also. Or when open up for starter, check spark plug or gasket for replacement since they're right there.........save you money in the long run.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Some similarities as far as work and times:

Starter for mine was $676.
Caster bars plus alignment $210
Full brake job including turning rotors $250
Timing belt with water pump, cam seals, idlers $873

AlexusAnja

Sad, but figure near LA and Lexus dealer, those prices are about right... just slightly high. If you're mechanically inclined, brakes are 10 job and save $$$.

Lynzoid

Moscow prices:

New Starter: about 300bucks or repair old for 200
Sub woofer (replace 1 sub-woofer on Rear Shelf): 300 i'd say
Rear Brakes: 200
Replace 2 Caster Bushing in front suspension (see photo): bushings are 60usd each
Timing and Belt Drives: 500 is fair

Ty419

You can do the sub yourself. It's quite easy if you follow the DIY on this forum. Most people seem to replace it with a Kicker 10c88 sub. It fits in the factory spot and has similar output.

For the suspension bushings and the brakes, you can have that done at any of the national chains like Belle Tire, Midas, et cetera, and it will be much cheaper for the same work. There is nothing special about those parts that would require a Lexus dealership to do the work.

The only stuff that I would want Lexus to do would be the starter and belts, but like someone else suggested, the Toyota dealership might do it with the same parts and quality of labor for much less. Also, that might be something that the aforementioned Belle Tire or Midas could do. Just make sure that whoever does it will warranty the work the same way a dealership would.

LS430Lexus

You may try ordering OEM Lexus parts from Sewell or other dealers that sell parts online. Then find an independent shop or Toyota dealer to do the work. When I do this at a local Toyota dealer it generally works out 35 to 50% cheaper than the Lexus dealer. You don't get a loaner but it is worth it.

That said, I would only do it for the engine and possibly the suspension work. The Kicker subwoofer is $50 at Crutchfield and you can do it DIY or a local audio shop. The brakes can be done anywhere and if you are particular, provide your own Toyota or similar (Akebono) pads. With a little time, effort and help from your CL friends, you can save substantially on repairs.

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

Ouch! I dont know about the others, but the Caster and Rear Brakes I've fixed myself. The rear brakes are pretty simple if you have jack, but you may want to have the rotors re-surfaced. Pads are ~60 for the rear set (off sewell w/ clublexus promo)

I have managed to swap out the caster bushings myself..Off sewell they're each about 70 a pop. if you DIY, its easier to complete with access to a press and an air ratchet to tighten down that bolt. If I recall correctly, it has ~110ft/lb of torque on it. Make sure to note your current camber settings so you wont have to take it in for another alignment.

Take a look at this photo (http://lexus.sewellparts.com/images/...500/481190.jpg) you have to remove the brakes, and the part # 43330K. I needed to use a ball and joint separator to get this part off. I would suggest taking a look at the service manual to see what you must remove to fix it.