Purchased a great, low mileage (52K) '04 GS300 in October at a local Boston area Lexus dealer. Took it in yesterday for a 5K service (oil,lube, etc.) and was told it needed $1,700 of work. Besides rear brake pads (which I'm ok with) they said my water pump had a serious leak and they recommended replacing the timing belt at the same time. Two questions. First, not an ounce of fluid in my garage so am I possibly being taken on the water pump? Second, is the timing belt a 60K service item (which I am close too)? Am not happy- thanks!

 

timing belt is 90k service. If you are not losing radiator fluid, I would report the bastards

 

It's a normal thing for dealers to rip people off, just have to know better not to fall for it. Check it yourself and make sure it's not leaking. You'll be surprised how many people they catch like this.

 

thats why they call them the stealership. if you look around on here you will find this is a common practice with all lexus dealerships. to major issues to having you come in and pay hundreds of dollars for a 5 minute fix. I saw recently someone needed there sunroof calibrated (searching my sunroof problem) it was a 5 minutes fix for the delaer and cost the guy quite a bit for that. If you have a local reputable mechanic have him/her look at it usually its free for them jus to take a look and if he/she doesnt see what the dealship saw, as burny said, report the bastards....

 

Timing belt is 90k, but I believe it's every 6 years also. So even if your car only has 52k miles, the timing belt is still 8 years old. The waterpump is not always replaced with the T-belt. If you're not losing any coolant, then your pump should be ok. My GS still has its original waterpump, still running strong (120k).

 

I say be happy; because you haven't spent the money yet.

I was in the same position. Unfortunately I lost out on that one. Research whatever part you plan on diagnosing, and whatever they suggested. Just don't pay before doing so.

You probably already know, but buying your own parts can save money too. Often they'll charge you close to double or more for what the shop originally paid for that part. I learned the hard way.

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Case in point- Research is key.

 

is it possible that maybe the water pump is going up and its just so slow that you haven't noticed a drop in fluid? just because its a 90k service, doesn't meant it hasn't prematurely failed/started the fail.

 

We service Lexus and it is not uncommon for the water pump to fail before 90,000 Miles. I am not standing up for the dealer in no way but if anyone tells you this then ask them to show you the leak. We do this all the time to assure the customer that they are not being taken. If I can't show you then I can't see it.

P-All
www.LEXServiceauto.com

 

There is a tube on the water pump that the coolant leaks out of when the seals inside go bad. See if you can find it. I just changed mine for the first time at 203k and there was some residue in that tube from a small leak

 

get a 2nd opinion. Stealerships stay robbing people. I just got an oil change Friday and they wanted to charge me $60 for a new engine filter.

 

Look around for a good local shop. i had my brakes done on my 04 ES about $175 cheaper at a local shop then the dealer, but the dealer also charged $20 less for fuel system cleaned then the same local shop. Both use the BG system. My Lexus dealer changed my timing belt, water pump and other belts for under $900. Some dealers are good, and some bad. Sounds like a great car. have fun with it.

 

They are trying get ur money if you are loosing coolant and overheating you are fine thats the 90K service