12-12-14, 03:19 PM
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02-06-12, 12:19 PM
#602
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Hello
I just recently acquired my 1st ls400 (it's a 93 by the way) and I m new to the lexus scene.
Anyway does anyone know of any good shops (lexus specialist) for
- timing belt change and repairs
- regular maintenance
- suspension works
- etc.
I live in san mateo area so anything around would be preferable
Thanks a lot in advance
I just recently acquired my 1st ls400 (it's a 93 by the way) and I m new to the lexus scene.
Anyway does anyone know of any good shops (lexus specialist) for
- timing belt change and repairs
- regular maintenance
- suspension works
- etc.
I live in san mateo area so anything around would be preferable
Thanks a lot in advance
02-06-12, 10:13 PM
#604
Driver
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Earth
Posts: 116
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Golden Auto Care at Campbell, CA
Has anyone been to Golden Auto Care, Campbell, CA
This guy is really cheap. Timing belt package
Lexus Timing Belt Package
Lexus timing belt package include:
1. water pump
2. thermostat
3. cam seal
4. crank seal
5. balancer shaft seal if applicable
6. timing belt
7. balancer belt if applicable
8. all drive belts
9. coolant change
10. valve cover gasket
for 6 cylinder Lexus, 8 cylinder is slightly higher
Golden Auto Care
1386 White Oaks Road, # B
Campbell, CA 95008
yelp page:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-auto-care-campbell
Is this guy for real ... for 6 cyl Lexus (and slightly more for 8 cyl)? for timing belt, water pump, valve cover .... that's the lowest price I have see anywhere by far.
This guy is really cheap. Timing belt package
Lexus Timing Belt Package
Lexus timing belt package include:
1. water pump
2. thermostat
3. cam seal
4. crank seal
5. balancer shaft seal if applicable
6. timing belt
7. balancer belt if applicable
8. all drive belts
9. coolant change
10. valve cover gasket
for 6 cylinder Lexus, 8 cylinder is slightly higher
Golden Auto Care
1386 White Oaks Road, # B
Campbell, CA 95008
yelp page:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-auto-care-campbell
Is this guy for real ... for 6 cyl Lexus (and slightly more for 8 cyl)? for timing belt, water pump, valve cover .... that's the lowest price I have see anywhere by far.
Last edited by RMMGS4; 02-24-12 at 11:04 AM.
02-07-12, 09:33 PM
#605
Has anyone been to Golden Auto Care, Campbell, CA
This guy is really cheap.
Lexus timing belt package include:
1. water pump
2. thermostat
3. cam seal
4. crank seal
5. balancer shaft seal if applicable
6. timing belt
7. balancer belt if applicable
8. all drive belts
9. coolant change
10. valve cover gasket
labor only for 6 cylinder Lexus, 8 cylinder is slightly higher
Golden Auto Care
1386 White Oaks Road, # B
Campbell, CA 95008
yelp page:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-auto-care-campbell
Is this guy for real ... labor for 6 cyl Lexus (and slightly more for 8 cyl)? for timing belt, water pump, valve cover .... that's the lowest price I have see anywhere by far.
This guy is really cheap.
Lexus timing belt package include:
1. water pump
2. thermostat
3. cam seal
4. crank seal
5. balancer shaft seal if applicable
6. timing belt
7. balancer belt if applicable
8. all drive belts
9. coolant change
10. valve cover gasket
labor only for 6 cylinder Lexus, 8 cylinder is slightly higher
Golden Auto Care
1386 White Oaks Road, # B
Campbell, CA 95008
yelp page:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-auto-care-campbell
Is this guy for real ... labor for 6 cyl Lexus (and slightly more for 8 cyl)? for timing belt, water pump, valve cover .... that's the lowest price I have see anywhere by far.
Please, update with your results.
Based on yelp Gilbert works on anything, not Toyota specific.
Can good mechanic really cover any brand?
Last edited by RMMGS4; 02-24-12 at 11:06 AM.
02-10-12, 10:03 AM
#606
Driver School Candidate
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 48
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I am looking for feedback from those of you who have serviced your Lexus at Autotronics of San Mateo before.
Autotronics is at 609 S. Claremont St., San Mateo, CA
90k service $ 6 cyl, $ 8 cyl.
Timing belt: $ 6 cly, $ 8 cyl (water pump, tensioner, idler pulley are extra)
Front pads replacement $
Rear pads replacement $
Brake flush $
Four wheel laser alignment $
Those are very good prices ...
They do have a few good reviews on Yelp, but they don't yet show up on Angies List.
My question is: are they any good for Lexus work? If you have dealt with them before please share you experiences with us. Thank you.
Autotronics is at 609 S. Claremont St., San Mateo, CA
90k service $ 6 cyl, $ 8 cyl.
Timing belt: $ 6 cly, $ 8 cyl (water pump, tensioner, idler pulley are extra)
Front pads replacement $
Rear pads replacement $
Brake flush $
Four wheel laser alignment $
Those are very good prices ...
They do have a few good reviews on Yelp, but they don't yet show up on Angies List.
My question is: are they any good for Lexus work? If you have dealt with them before please share you experiences with us. Thank you.
Last edited by RMMGS4; 02-24-12 at 11:02 AM.
02-13-12, 05:09 PM
#607
Driver
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Earth
Posts: 116
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Four B Auto, a.k.a. 4bauto.com, David Tran
Has any one serviced their Lexus at Four B Auto (owner: David Tran ) near Hwy 101, in Santa Clara?
If so, please share your experience with us. What work was done? give us some feedback on quality of work and price.
web site: 4bauto.com
yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/four-b-auto-service-santa-clara
If so, please share your experience with us. What work was done? give us some feedback on quality of work and price.
web site: 4bauto.com
yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/four-b-auto-service-santa-clara
02-14-12, 12:04 PM
#608
I'll be dropping off my ISF and my Infiniti for regular maintenance at Synergy Auto Works in San Jose.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/synergy-auto...#query:synergy
They've worked on my integra in the past and known these car enthusiast for years and can vouch for their work.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/synergy-auto...#query:synergy
They've worked on my integra in the past and known these car enthusiast for years and can vouch for their work.
02-24-12, 10:10 AM
#610
Driver School Candidate
Bad experience at A+ Japanese Auto Repair in San Carlos
Hey guys,
Just wanted to thank these forums because it truly helped to pinpoint my smoke from exhaust problem I was having nearly a year ago (which was the ACV leak into the exhaust manifold).
I want to warn anyone who works/lives around the San Carlos area to stay away from A+ Japanese Auto Repair, they may look very professional and sound like they know their Japanese cars and all but in actuality they didn't know crap about my LS400 I brought in for its major service... I had asked them to check and see what was causing the smoke from my exhaust on startup and they said that the major service will do a full inspection of my car and they will make any repairs needed.. After a full days inspection they came back to me with a list of what was needed to be done so I ok'd it. After the work was done I came by the shop and started it up and noticed that there was still some smoke coming out of the exhuast (not as much as before I brought in in the shop) and asked about it, the man said "Oh since your vehicle is over 190k, it's gonna have some smoke like that come out.." so I said ok well at least its not as much as before..
Next morning, I start the car up and the big puff of smoke was still happening on cold starts... That's when I said wow, I've been bamboozled and decided to research the problem here on CL.. I came upon the thread about the ACV leaking causing smoke on cold starts and went to a different mechanic with the problem and solution, so that mechanic ordered the part from Lexus and replaced it and 'lo and behold the smoke was gone and has never been better!
Never will I trust the people at that place, they're just a bunch of salesman at the front desk trying to upsell services with mediocre mechanics working in the shop..
And thanks CL for being the go to place for problems with my LS!
Just wanted to thank these forums because it truly helped to pinpoint my smoke from exhaust problem I was having nearly a year ago (which was the ACV leak into the exhaust manifold).
I want to warn anyone who works/lives around the San Carlos area to stay away from A+ Japanese Auto Repair, they may look very professional and sound like they know their Japanese cars and all but in actuality they didn't know crap about my LS400 I brought in for its major service... I had asked them to check and see what was causing the smoke from my exhaust on startup and they said that the major service will do a full inspection of my car and they will make any repairs needed.. After a full days inspection they came back to me with a list of what was needed to be done so I ok'd it. After the work was done I came by the shop and started it up and noticed that there was still some smoke coming out of the exhuast (not as much as before I brought in in the shop) and asked about it, the man said "Oh since your vehicle is over 190k, it's gonna have some smoke like that come out.." so I said ok well at least its not as much as before..
Next morning, I start the car up and the big puff of smoke was still happening on cold starts... That's when I said wow, I've been bamboozled and decided to research the problem here on CL.. I came upon the thread about the ACV leaking causing smoke on cold starts and went to a different mechanic with the problem and solution, so that mechanic ordered the part from Lexus and replaced it and 'lo and behold the smoke was gone and has never been better!
Never will I trust the people at that place, they're just a bunch of salesman at the front desk trying to upsell services with mediocre mechanics working in the shop..
And thanks CL for being the go to place for problems with my LS!
02-24-12, 10:54 AM
#611
Glad you were able to get to the root of your problem.
As for recommendations or complaints, there is a thread in this section. Some of these shops have been repetitively recommended for many years. There is a GOOD reason why that is so. Your experience is one case in point, of where not to go.
As for recommendations or complaints, there is a thread in this section. Some of these shops have been repetitively recommended for many years. There is a GOOD reason why that is so. Your experience is one case in point, of where not to go.
02-24-12, 11:00 AM
#612
I am looking for feedback from those of you who have serviced your Lexus at Autotronics of San Mateo before.
Autotronics is at 609 S. Claremont St., San Mateo, CA
I see they have really good prices :
90k service
Timing belt: (water pump, tensioner, idler pulley are extra)
Front pads replacement
Rear pads replacement
Brake flush
Four wheel laser alignment
Those are very good prices ...
They do have a few good reviews on Yelp, but they don't yet show up on Angies List.
My question is: are they any good for Lexus work? If you have dealt with them before please share you experiences with us. Thank you.
Autotronics is at 609 S. Claremont St., San Mateo, CA
I see they have really good prices :
90k service
Timing belt: (water pump, tensioner, idler pulley are extra)
Front pads replacement
Rear pads replacement
Brake flush
Four wheel laser alignment
Those are very good prices ...
They do have a few good reviews on Yelp, but they don't yet show up on Angies List.
My question is: are they any good for Lexus work? If you have dealt with them before please share you experiences with us. Thank you.
Has anyone been to Golden Auto Care, Campbell, CA
This guy is really cheap.
Lexus timing belt package include:
1. water pump
2. thermostat
3. cam seal
4. crank seal
5. balancer shaft seal if applicable
6. timing belt
7. balancer belt if applicable
8. all drive belts
9. coolant change
10. valve cover gasket
labor only for 6 cylinder Lexus, 8 cylinder is slightly higher
Golden Auto Care
1386 White Oaks Road, # B
Campbell, CA 95008
Is this guy for real ... labor for 6 cyl Lexus (and slightly more for 8 cyl)? for timing belt, water pump, valve cover .... that's the lowest price I have see anywhere by far.
This guy is really cheap.
Lexus timing belt package include:
1. water pump
2. thermostat
3. cam seal
4. crank seal
5. balancer shaft seal if applicable
6. timing belt
7. balancer belt if applicable
8. all drive belts
9. coolant change
10. valve cover gasket
labor only for 6 cylinder Lexus, 8 cylinder is slightly higher
Golden Auto Care
1386 White Oaks Road, # B
Campbell, CA 95008
Is this guy for real ... labor for 6 cyl Lexus (and slightly more for 8 cyl)? for timing belt, water pump, valve cover .... that's the lowest price I have see anywhere by far.
It's going on 3 weeks since these were posted.
Anybody have any ACTUAL experience having work done at either shop please chime in with a response on their quality of work and your ACTUAL price paid.
Until I see some reasonable feedback, the prices quoted will be removed.
Thanks
Last edited by RMMGS4; 02-24-12 at 11:18 AM.
02-24-12, 12:40 PM
#613
Hey guys,
Just wanted to thank these forums because it truly helped to pinpoint my smoke from exhaust problem I was having nearly a year ago (which was the ACV leak into the exhaust manifold).
I want to warn anyone who works/lives around the San Carlos area to stay away from A+ Japanese Auto Repair, they may look very professional and sound like they know their Japanese cars and all but in actuality they didn't know crap about my LS400 I brought in for its major service... I had asked them to check and see what was causing the smoke from my exhaust on startup and they said that the major service will do a full inspection of my car and they will make any repairs needed.. After a full days inspection they came back to me with a list of what was needed to be done so I ok'd it. After the work was done I came by the shop and started it up and noticed that there was still some smoke coming out of the exhuast (not as much as before I brought in in the shop) and asked about it, the man said "Oh since your vehicle is over 190k, it's gonna have some smoke like that come out.." so I said ok well at least its not as much as before..
Next morning, I start the car up and the big puff of smoke was still happening on cold starts... That's when I said wow, I've been bamboozled and decided to research the problem here on CL.. I came upon the thread about the ACV leaking causing smoke on cold starts and went to a different mechanic with the problem and solution, so that mechanic ordered the part from Lexus and replaced it and 'lo and behold the smoke was gone and has never been better!
Never will I trust the people at that place, they're just a bunch of salesman at the front desk trying to upsell services with mediocre mechanics working in the shop..
And thanks CL for being the go to place for problems with my LS!
Just wanted to thank these forums because it truly helped to pinpoint my smoke from exhaust problem I was having nearly a year ago (which was the ACV leak into the exhaust manifold).
I want to warn anyone who works/lives around the San Carlos area to stay away from A+ Japanese Auto Repair, they may look very professional and sound like they know their Japanese cars and all but in actuality they didn't know crap about my LS400 I brought in for its major service... I had asked them to check and see what was causing the smoke from my exhaust on startup and they said that the major service will do a full inspection of my car and they will make any repairs needed.. After a full days inspection they came back to me with a list of what was needed to be done so I ok'd it. After the work was done I came by the shop and started it up and noticed that there was still some smoke coming out of the exhuast (not as much as before I brought in in the shop) and asked about it, the man said "Oh since your vehicle is over 190k, it's gonna have some smoke like that come out.." so I said ok well at least its not as much as before..
Next morning, I start the car up and the big puff of smoke was still happening on cold starts... That's when I said wow, I've been bamboozled and decided to research the problem here on CL.. I came upon the thread about the ACV leaking causing smoke on cold starts and went to a different mechanic with the problem and solution, so that mechanic ordered the part from Lexus and replaced it and 'lo and behold the smoke was gone and has never been better!
Never will I trust the people at that place, they're just a bunch of salesman at the front desk trying to upsell services with mediocre mechanics working in the shop..
And thanks CL for being the go to place for problems with my LS!
02-26-12, 12:27 PM
#614
Driver
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Earth
Posts: 116
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removal of prices from earlier posts
RMMGS4:
IMO you should not be removing prices from above posts that were posted during the past month.
The reason is because everyone can think for themselves as to what is reasonable.
Of course if something sounds too good to be true one should be careful.
All those prices you removed were not unreasonable or out of line. We see many shops posting those prices on the web and on Craigslist. I even visited one of those shops.
For example, labor for timing belt for first gen LS at $499 (or even $399) is entirely reasonable (for 6 to 7 hours of work). That's the price many small (e.g. one man) shops quote for changing the t-belt only and nothing else. This is their way of getting you in the shop to sell you more stuff with it (e.g. water pump, idlers, caps, rotors, plugs, wires, seals, etc.)
Another example is brake jobs. A few months ago I bought a set of front rotors and pads. I brought them to a local one-man shop, the mechanic took one hour to put them in for $75. So, those prices posted above were all reasonable (considering how long it takes someone to replace pads and rotors)
We are all grownups here. IMO, those price points are useful, and good to know, for everyone here on CL.
IMO you should not be removing prices from above posts that were posted during the past month.
The reason is because everyone can think for themselves as to what is reasonable.
Of course if something sounds too good to be true one should be careful.
All those prices you removed were not unreasonable or out of line. We see many shops posting those prices on the web and on Craigslist. I even visited one of those shops.
For example, labor for timing belt for first gen LS at $499 (or even $399) is entirely reasonable (for 6 to 7 hours of work). That's the price many small (e.g. one man) shops quote for changing the t-belt only and nothing else. This is their way of getting you in the shop to sell you more stuff with it (e.g. water pump, idlers, caps, rotors, plugs, wires, seals, etc.)
Another example is brake jobs. A few months ago I bought a set of front rotors and pads. I brought them to a local one-man shop, the mechanic took one hour to put them in for $75. So, those prices posted above were all reasonable (considering how long it takes someone to replace pads and rotors)
We are all grownups here. IMO, those price points are useful, and good to know, for everyone here on CL.
02-26-12, 03:01 PM
#615
Driver
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 103
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I just got my #1 and #2 LCA bushing removed and new ones pressed in at Exact Motorsport in Milpitas, CA. John knew what he was doing and the bushings were pressed in properly. They are a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. I rather pay a bit extra than have a shop who do not know what they are doing ruin my bushings.