jpv7774

Was gunna let the pros do my spark plug change so I didnt screw anything up..........well I just got a quote for $499.53 to do a simple spark plug change!!!!!!!!!! Why man......why? That is so crazy I can even fathom paying half of that quote. They can change my oil and do a TSB while I eat their donuts and drink their free coffee......but sorry....I cant afford 5 hundo for spark plugs. I have no idea how they stay in business.

Tom57

Must be a slow day at your "L" dealer.

jimbosr1

they must be some damm good donuts!

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

DIY link https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...with-pics.html

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Buy the plugs yourself and pay for labor only if you don't want to attempt it on your own. I always buy my own parts and this saves a ton.

jimbosr1

i do the same thing....GOOD ADVICE!
if you are able do the plugs yourself.it isnt hard by any means.

volson

Plugs are fine for novice. I wouldn't suggest valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals unless you are pretty comfortable working on cars.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I agree that it's not hard for those that are mechanically inclined. Not everyone is this way nor does everyone have the necessary tools, such as locking extensions and socket sets in general. Don't feel pressured to do it yourself if you are not comfortable with it. A good independent shop should be able to do it for about $200 in labor. Check your local Toyota dealer too.

Bocatrip

Always ask for the old plugs or parts back. In this case you want to make sure they change the passenger side firewall plug instead of skipping over it.

SW17LS

That strikes me as cheap for a Lexus dealer.

You're in Northern VA right? If I remember correctly? I have a great independent Lexus mechanic in Rockville, MD but there is also a very good one in Chantilly. I've never used them, its just too far away for me but I have heard very positive experiences.

Chantilly Repair Center
14049 Willard Rd
Chantilly, VA 20151
(703) 814-7777

http://chantillyrepaircenter.com
Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/chantilly-re...nter-chantilly

I actually drove by it, the place I had the clear bra put on my 460 is down the road. Nice little shop, nothing fancy but thats the kind of shop you want.

jpv7774

Thanks all......yes I am handy with a wrench....I enjoy working on cars, boats, etc. I have been able to perform about a dozen repairs on my 430 thanks to this forum.....door lock actuator and steering wheel telescoping motor being the trickiest. Have plenty of tools even the extensions needed for the plugs near the firewall. You guys scared me with the post about the guy who dropped something in the plug hole and ruined his engine....but i will push right through.......I will take my time and enjoy the project......will report back. Now I will read all of the spark plug threads.....the small shop i called for a second opinion told me to stick with OEM......I think this forum suggests densos? sp? will do some reading and buy me some plugs.

Thanks SWS.....yes I live in Chantilly .....I know the place u are talking about. I will stop by and get a feel for the place. The place that gave me a second opinion quoted me $350.00......he quoted $20 per plug for $160 plus 1.5 hours labor. If it takes a trained mechanic more then 30 min to change 8 plugs I would be really surprised.

jpv7774

Hey Lavrishevo.......what psi are u running your tires at? I was thinking maybe that is helping u get such good gas mileage.....that along with your cleaning of throttle body etc...

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I run 34 or 35 psi. It may help a little. I'm not doing anything extreme. There are other things to consider in the environment. Head or tail wind, elevation, and type of driving. It is fairly flat down here with rolling hills. No major incline or declines. Not really much different from where you are I believe.

I would lean toward the efficiency of the engine. A lot has been done over the last 3 years to keep her in tip top shape. Maybe the UL can get a bit better mileage because it lowers itself on the highway. I don't know but I have always been able to get at least 25 mpg between 65 - 75 mph. I now average between 26 - 30 based on conditions. If your upstream O2 sensors have never been replaced I would personally replace them as well as the temp sensor.

I also might be a bit obsessive by replacing some things just because I wanted to but I also believe this is why my car runs so well. I enjoy working on her. A few things have nothing to mileage but I will list them anyway.

Here is my list:

TB/WP (previous owner right before I purchased it)
Pre-cat or upstream O2 sensors (previous owner right before I purchased it)
Plugs - Denso Iridium
Multiple Maf and TB cleanings
PCV valve
Engine temp sensor
Radiator and fuel caps
New air filter every 6 months - Denso
Front lower ball joints
Front lower control arm bushes
Front and rear sway bar bushes with rear sports bar upgrade
Steering rack bushes
Multiple alignments
Front brakes
Transmission serviced multiple times (drain and refill)
Differential serviced
Driver door lock actuator motor
Replaced subwoofer
Clean engine regularly
Clean and treat rubber molding regularly (Shin Etsu)
I run a fuel system cleaner every 5k miles (Dura Lube big bottle)
I only run synthetic 5w30 with a Toyota filter
I don't cary extra weight in the trunk, remove everything unnecessary
I only run 93 octane fuel

ma61

Spark plugs pay 1.0 hour labor according to alldata, and cost $10.37ea according to lexuspartsnow.com.

So lets say in your area shop rate is probably $120-150/hr?
We'll go worst case at $150.

That means spark plug replacement, and ONLY spark plug replacement should run you $232.96 + tax.

I feel like there are some parts to this story missing.... it doesnt cost $499.53 to replace spark plugs.
Can we have the parts or the story you're leaving out?

SW17LS

What Alldata says is meaningless. The dealer doesn't price jobs according to Alldata, they have their own internal structure for pricing jobs. You're not going to get a Lexus dealer to charge $232 to change spark plugs. They charge that to change the oil and rotate the tires.