giran01

Hello,

During my last oil change; I was advised by the service writer that my car would need the following repairs:

• Break Fluid Flush - $189
• Oil Pan Gasket - $470
• New Battery - as the original is still in - $239

As a female, I often hesitate giving the service writers a thumbs up because I know they're not always needed. I did however, noticed traces of oil in my garage when I took it out on Monday. The battery, I know I can get for a lot cheaper somewhere else.

In a separate thread, many recommended that I find a reliable and trust worthy mechanic to work on my car. The car has 58000 miles.
Based on the fees I was given on the first two bullets above, am I being ripped off? I don't want to delay any repairs. I am also working on finding a mechanic through friends.

I appreciate your feedback.

Thanks,
Angelica

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

1. Have you ever had the brake fluid changed? If not, I would recommend getting it done. Brake fluid absorbs water over time which can reduce its effectiveness (boiling at a lower temperature).
2. If it's leaking, then yes, you should get this done, especially if you're noticing oil in your garage.
3. Battery I would only do if it was testing weak. I wouldn't do it based on time alone.

All 3 of these sound reasonable, though if you shop around you may be able to find better pricing.

Jeff

giran01

Thank you for your feedback Jeff Lange.

No, I don't recall having the brake fluid changed since purchasing the car almost six year ago.

I appreciate your response.

MikeyK02

iTrader: (7)

Id also suggest looking into lexus independent shops...or getting the work done at Toyota

Mrfix

Here are some thoughts.

Break Fluid Flush - $189

Are they going to do a flush? Where they bleed the whole system at the wheels and replace 100% of the brake fluid? Or are they going to just suck out what they can from your Master Cylinder and refill it calling it a flush. It's important that they be clear about what they are going to do. A bottle of Brake fluid is about $10-$15 so they need to make sure the price justifies the work.

Oil Pan Gasket - $470

I'm not positive but some folks say you have to loosen the motor mounts and some say you can remove it without loosening the motor mounts. The dealership will probably not need to loosen any motor mounts and remove the pan and re apply the sealant but of course charge you for he full 3 hours labor or whatever it is even though it took 30 minutes.

I am curious why it is leaking and would it be covered under a power train warranty?

New Battery - as the original is still in - $239

This is expensive. Costco might be able to install a new battery for far less. Probably no more than the cost of the battery (about $100 -$120 for an Interstate Battery). You don't want a weak battery since it can cause issues with the Engines Computer, etc. If you don't have a Costco Membership, try a Autozone or a place like that, that will test your battery while it is in the car and let you know if it's good or bad. You can always get a battery there also.

Do a Google search on Independent Lexus Dealers for your area or on Google maps. See if there are any close to you. They typically are more reasonable when it comes to prices. The only other thing I can suggest is date a mechanic or a guy who is handy with cars.

giran01

MikeyK02 and MrFix - Thank you both for your feedback.

MrFix - your thorough thoughts on each bullet are greatly appreciated. My focus at this point is to get the oil pan gasket replaced. I agree that this is a need. Unfortunately, not covered under warranty. I feel like nothing is usually covered under warranty. Again, thank you for your feedback.

LOL on the dating a mechanic or guy that is handy!

whitebeast

iTrader: (5)

Why don't you just give cooperation a call and tell them the problem you have? They use to be willing to help you out event your car out of warranty. At least they could give you some welfare (they did help some member on board already) to lower the repair cost. Customer services of Lexus is the best.