Originally Posted by LextacyGS4

Dashocker,

I work at a dealer, not lexus but three multi franchise including European, Japanese and Domestic makes. Our service department is a disaster, I cant even count how many times they fawk up. Its not where, its WHO works on your car that matters. Do I recommend you take it to the nearest Gulf to get your timing belt dont, NO! but there are shops that are skilled with certain makes that will do just as good of a job if not better than the dealer for a fraction of the cost. Jeff and Gazi both know Lexus, which means either way youre fine. I saved more than half from the quote I got at Lexus, not to mention that in addition I wouldve had to pay retail + tax for parts as they wont install your parts. Besides that small CEL mistake, Im very happy with my service from Jeff, everyone makes mistakes but good shops/people answer for them and make things right.

By the way, how you doing Sean?

Originally Posted by LextacyGS4

I did mine at Maximum Tuning in Glen Cove. He was highly recommended here and even more recommended on the maxima.org site that I was a previous member of. I paid $285 for the service of the timing belt, water pump, idlers, tentioners, serpentine belt, coolant flush, oil/filter change, etc. I supplied all the parts as well from a local Lexus dealer and showed the receipt. The only problem I had was I got a CEL code about 20 min after leaving there and waited about 3 months to go back to him when he opened on saturdays (he doesnt work sats during the summer and I couldnt afford another day off to see him during the week). I got there and his computer read a P1346 code but it said misfire. I knew it wasnt misfire and had something to do with the service he had performed because it was too coincedental that CEL came on after his service. I checked here, the P1346 is a VVT problem, when I called and told him that he checked his manuals and acknowledged that. I made an appointment and an hour into the appt, he was done and no more CEL. He said that dirt got into the VVT cam sensor so he cleaned all the prongs and that was the issue. He never charged me any more money than the initial $285 as his work was under his own warranty. Stand up guy, just sorry I had to lose so much time dealing with it and it was such a big concern for nothing.

I heard great things about Gazi's shop too but never had first hand experience. So if I were you, id call both and pick based on price and convinience of schedule.

If you choose maximum tuning, make sure Jeff (owner) is the only person to work on your car as I heard he worked at Rallye Lexus as a master tech for 7 years. I cant vouch for the others.