dhamaka127

Hey guys,

My 2004 RX330 is nearing the 90k service. I talked with Lexus and they said that this service requires a timing belt change, all fuild changes, water pump change. Also they said that they could do the spark plugs but it is not necessary since they are iridium spark plugs.

This service is going to cost me 1400 bucks. I was wondering what did you guys pay and what was done at this service. Also did you do it at 90k or some other mileage?

Also do you think it is worth it for Lexus (1.5 hrs away) themselves to do it or can i take it to my local Toyota dealer (5 miles away)?

Thanks,

veleno

iTrader: (3)

How much is the Toyota dealer charging you? I'm going to guess around the same if not more. $1400 is pretty fair considering the amount of work that has to be done, and this is even cheaper than other cars I know of that need the same thing done to it. That being said, I'd take it to the Lexus dealer.

Maybe you can save on parts? Try getting parts quotes from the Lexus vendors that frequent our forum (Carson and Sewell) and maybe you could save a little in that regard. Actually, once you find the cheapest price see if your local Lexus dealer will price match, hopefully they'll work with you to get your business.

I'd change the spark plugs since it's near 100k miles, it's one less thing to worry about.

968racer

My experience with a Toyota dealership is about half the cost of Lexus for a timing belt change. They should be much less on the other service items as well. If you have not got a quote from them, I would try them. +1 on the spark plugs. If you don't change them now, they may get seized and be tough to remove in the future.

mandyfig

Get the parts you need and hand them over to Toyota. Toyota should be familiar with our cars. It is the same as the Highlander V6.

Get your parts from Sewell or Carson, save on parts.

Check our approved vendors, one of the above.

Good luck.

dhamaka127

ok cool..

i will check with Toyota and see what it comes to.

I also have to take into account for the pursuit points that i have racked up. (~$400 bucks worth). So that is going to save me quite a few.

I will find out if Lexus will price match.

Thanks for the advice guys!

cdnewton

I had the timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, Iridium spark plugs, air filter and a transmission fluid exchange on our 2004 Lexus RX330 done at around 91K and the total price was ~$700.

I went ahead and had the spark plugs replaced even though they clearly could have waited; they looked to be in really good shape -- I saved a bit on this portion because they were doing all of that work at the time.

This was done at an independent that specializes in Toyota/Lexus and only uses Toyota parts. I definitely would not pay $1400 for the timing belt service, although that does get you an expensive car wash that you won't get with the independent .. :-)

mowmow

$1400 is way too much !!! I just had my V6 Camry water pump and timing belt changed
for $320. Now my family have been taken our Toyota dealer for a number of years, we know the managers there so they do take care of us but still $1400 is no where being reasonable or cheap, $500-$700 maybe.

intermec

expect to pay more at Lexus dealership, after all, your car is "LEXUS"

But Lexus owners aren't suckers! Even those the dealer look at it that way.
I will never let them told me what to do. You make your decision. We all know, Lexus part is from the Toyota bin. The engine is the same (99%?) so why $1400? Because they see SUCKER spelled on our forehead.
Unless you have too much money to burn, I really don't see any reason why anyone want to be fool by those high service cost. Dealer want you to think if you don't do this and that to "protect" your car, the bill will be higher and higher as you wait. But then think about how they low ball you when you try to sell/trade.
Why drive miles away to tell the guy "please take my $". Just go to your nearest Toyota dealer. Save the money and spend it with your family.