When taking my 2011 ES350 in for service, I pass by a Toyota dealer on the way to the Lexus dealership. Would there be any advantage/disadvantage to getting serviced at Toyota over Lexus?
Thanks.

 

I wouldnt be afraid to let Toyota mechanics work on my ES.

 

no - - and generally, the Toyota part substituted for the Lexus part is less expensive - - -wife had over-filled fuel and charcoal canister was contaminated (don't ask me how) . . .Toyota part was almost $50 less.

 

I don't get this. How can you over fill the tank?

 

Near the top of the gas tank filler neck is a tube that goes to the charcoal canister. It's function is to remove gas fumes and filter it when you shut off the car. The gas tank is a closed system to prevent venting of fuel vapors . If you get to much gas in this small piece of tubing by filling your gas tank to the very top you will get gas in the canister and ruin it. A safe way to fill up the tank is to insert the nozzle all of the way in and after it clicks off gently squeeze the pump until it clicks a second time.

 

Ih ****. Everytime I fill it and I push 1-2 gallons after the click.

 

On overly sensitive pumps, the first click-off can be due to splashing and frothing of the gas. Wait 5-10 seconds, can usually put in another half gallon slowly. At that point, it's done.

You also want to be aware of expansion. If it's the start of the day (cold), it's going to get warmer - and if you don't have a 10-20 mile trip in front of you it could expand into the canister.

 

From the pump where I fill to my house I drive around 15 miles.

Do I have to remove the canister and check for fuel?

 

Honestly, if you're not getting a code and not smelling gasoline after the car is parked, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Pros would be lower labor rate.

Cons toyota doesn't have ability to order Lexus parts even tho they are the same company. You will also have no Lexus history if you goto a toyota dealer which may cause Lexus to decline warranty repairs.

 

If you save your receipts for any work done at a Toyota dealership you should be OK.

Plus, you can login to lexus.com and manually add the services to the service record for your car.

 

Just purchased my first Lexus, 2011 ES350 Pearl White with 47k, Spotless! No Lexus dealer in my small home town. Took it to our local Toyota Dealer to check it out before I purchased. All they could find was the cabin AC filter needed replaced. Next to mine was a 2015 RX getting normal service. The service manager was actually from a Lexus dealership and explained there would not be any problems other than a brief delay for certain parts and then they would provide a loaner vehicle. I had an account set up with them and they seemed very pleased to have my business.

 

I bought my 2010 cpo last august and took it to Toyota for it's 30k mile service about two months later.
Bought it with 28k on it, dealer didn't go ahead and do service and I didn't think to ask.

Toyota was less than half what Lexus wanted and an hour closer.
I pulled the service record and it was the same dealership the prior owner had it maintained at.

I had the car inspected by a third party at purchase and they saw no issues, so I'm satisfied continuing to take it to Toyota.