My 99 SC400 is due for the 60K service. Every Lexus recommended service to date, other then oil changes has been completed by Lexus. Is it worth the $1,200 my local Lexus dealer quoted/estimated for the 60K?

The following items are replaced at the 60,000-mile service:
-Engine oil and oil filter
-Engine air filter
-Spark plugs
-Engine coolant
-Brake fluid

The following items are inspected:
-Engine valves
-Drive belts
-Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
-Fuel tank cap gasket
-Charcoal canister
-Exhaust pipes and mountings
-Brake: linings/drums and brake pads/discs
-Steering linkage
-Rack and pinion assembly for leakage
-Ball joints and dust covers
-Drive shaft boots
-Transmission and differential oil
-Body

 

What a coincidence, I called my dealer today to see about the service as well. They quoted me a few dollars over $1k, I wonder what the difference in price is.

 

I live in Las Vegas, there is only 1 Lexus dealer within a 250 mile range.

 

there's always a difference

mine was $650 but ended up being $1k after they did some other stuff they claim i needed once they inspected.

to put it simply, is it worth it? to most ppl, answer is NO
the stuff they did is NOT worth the $ u spent.
however, it is possible that u want to get it done at the dealer for future resell purposes. it assures the future buyer that it was properly taken care of and such...

otherwise, find a certified mechanic (even toyota) to do the work.

 

The dealer here Bay Ridge Lexus quoted me $1,500. That includes timing belt change. I asked the guy twice about that. He said they replace it at 60K even though the manual says it's recommended at 90K. Go figure

Ed

 

It is $700 in my area. A lot of the items in the 60K service list (oil change, brake inspections, tire rotation,...) can be done by other shops or yourself. However I would let my Lexus dealer change the timing belt and water pump at 90K service because majority of shops in my area don't deal with Lexus much.

 

I did mine at local Toyota dealer for substantially less.

 

Timing belt change at 60k when the manual recommends it at 90k??? These dealers (especially Bayridge which is the king of hustlers) really insult your intelligence. Search the site for the threads about timing belts and just pay for what you need bro.

 

here is my take:

of the car is till under warranty, try to get the least expensive lex dealer to do it so they will not give yoiu the "gripe" when certain items need to be covered under warranty...

if no more warranty, get the parts you need a a discount and find yourself a good tech guy

 

It's really sad that the Lexus dealers overcharge so much for their services. Let's look at the 60K serive that you mentioned.

You said --
The following items are replaced at the 60,000-mile service:
-Engine oil and oil filter (Filter $10, Oil $10)
-Engine air filter ($15)
-Spark plugs (Platinum Plugs $10 each, $80)
-Engine coolant (Antifreeze $15)
-Brake fluid ($5)

and I say maybe --
- Fuel Tank Gasket (($15)
- EFI Fuel Injector Cleaner ($15)
- Rotate and balance four tires. (Weights $5)

So the total parts cost is $170. Keep in mind that I've estimated using Lexus prices not Pepboys'.

The following items are inspected:
-Engine valves ---- How can it be done without removing the valve covers, which they are not doing?
-Drive belts
-Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
-Fuel tank cap gasket (Some dealers replace this.)
-Charcoal canister
-Exhaust pipes and mountings
-Brake: linings/drums and brake pads/discs
-Steering linkage
-Rack and pinion assembly for leakage
-Ball joints and dust covers
-Drive shaft boots
-Transmission and differential oil (Personally I would have liked the tranny to be flushed out and refilled)
-Body

And, definitely no timing belt change at 60K. The owner's manual says at 90K and even that is pretty conservative. My dealer says you can even go to 120K.

This checklist seems impressive but in reality a technician will do all of it in a matter of minutes. All and all I would estimate that a good technician can do all of the above jobs in a matter of 2-3 hours.

So, what's their hourly labor rate? What the he#%, let's say $250 for parts, then the charge is $950 for labor. If the labor rate is $80/hr then it will take a technician almost $12 hours to do this job?

Hey, it's just my observation and I could be wrong. I think It makes sense to get the service done by a Lexus dealer so you have a record of it for resale. But, can you find a reasonable and honest one? In my opinion a fair price for the above services would be aroubd $500.

Good luck no matter what you decide!

 

Screw the lexus dealerships...

Unfortunately some of us arent rich and need to be more economical. I have a private mechanic who deals only with Japanese and German cars... nice guy. Did the entire 60K service from top to bottom for $600.... not including brakes unfortunately. Still, half the amount of a lexus dealer. Even a toyota dealer would have been about 750... theres no reason to bother with a lexus dealer if you don't want to.

 

LC1338

Thanks for putting the real dollars to line items. I just might contact the Lexus Corporate office.

 

<<Thanks for putting the real dollars to line items. I just might contact the Lexus Corporate office.>>

I called the Lexus "800" telephone number about what I felt were totally unreasonable charges for a 15K service and got the stock answer that Lexus dealers are independently owned and operated and it's up to the Lexus owner to just say NO when offered unreasonable maintenance. Anyway, that's my experience.

 

Traded my '99 before 60k to save money!

MY RX manual too says tbelt change at 90k, what's going on??

 

What is a good 'net source for maintenance parts - preferrably on the west coast? Thanks!