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Jul 13, 2004 | 07:27 PM

scrim67

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From: nj

biting the bullet

In 2002, I bought my 98 gs 300 with 90k miles second hand and had it inspected by a lexus dealer before I shook on the deal.

i've been more than happy w/the vehicle but got somewhat sticker shock when I brought my now 130k vehicle into the lexus dealer.

I need to replace:

both front caliper housings as they have seized up
front pads
rotors total $1,043

rear brakes 295

both front ball joints 564

both front strut rods 670

after I almost passed out the manager agreed to take 10% off the above prices to arrive at 2,318.

I have no reason to believe that there is any ripping off going on as I called my local mechanic and he concurred while expensive, they are not totally unreasonable.

then I asked to have the original timing belt replaced which they quoted me 450 + labor.

i'm figuring this whole deal is going to run me over $3,000.

would it be wise to pay for the repairs on this vehicle that has a market value of 12-13k?

Jul 13, 2004 | 07:37 PM

lexusk8

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From: Florida

That's definitely some sticker shock, but you must ask yourself if you plan on keeping the GS for a long time (like at least another 2-3 yrs) or not. If not, then it may be wise to not give into the quoted repairs.

But if the original timing belt has never been replaced, I'd definitely get that done first. Brakes are also important and should be done at the same time with the t-belt. Some people here opt to save money by going to a Toyota dealership for service repairs since the parts are relatively the same and the rates are cheaper.

Jul 13, 2004 | 07:57 PM

scrim67

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From: nj

I do plan on driving this car another 2-3 years as I usually have kept my cars up to 175k-200k miles.

My philosophy is to let the dealer do the important repairs and let my local mechanic to the regular maintenance.

When the service advisor quoted me originally I called and spoke with the manager directly and he agreed to knock off 10% which I felt was a reasonable gesture.

My local mechanic explained that the cost of the parts if he did the repair would be pretty similar but the labor would be somewhat cheaper. After doing some thinking I may as well let the lexus experts fix my brakes as they are relatively important.

The brakes def. needed to be fixed as I had to pretty much put the brake pedal to the floor to get the car to stop. Not a good sign!!!! Manager said the brakes were 95% gone.

Jul 13, 2004 | 08:06 PM

ntran18

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From: sOCal

Have you tried checking with Carson Toyota to see if you can get the parts for less? Some dealers mark up the parts quite a lot.

Jul 13, 2004 | 08:11 PM

lexusk8

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally posted by scrim67
The brakes def. needed to be fixed as I had to pretty much put the brake pedal to the floor to get the car to stop. Not a good sign!!!! Manager said the brakes were 95% gone.

I don't doubt you on the importance of fixing the brakes. I ran into the same situation with the rear brakes on my ES before taking it in for the 90K service. Both calipers seized up, and so the dealership replaced the rear brake assy ($1,370 for new pads, anti-squeak shims, rotors, and caliper/cylinder assy). The braking was noticeably better afterwards

Jul 13, 2004 | 08:16 PM

scrim67

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From: nj

thanks for all the timely feedback.

atleast my dealership gave me a beautiful '04 rx 330 as my loaner.

I'm going to end up having it for 4 or 5 days which would have costed me a couple of hundred if I would've had to pay to rent a car myself.

hmm...do I have to give back the loaner??? guess so hence the name