RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

When Getting Your RX Serviced............

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Old 02-03-12, 12:25 PM
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GRPFAN
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Default When Getting Your RX Serviced............

................does your Lexus dealership allow you to enter their service bays
and ask questions with their mechanic about your particular RX on maintenance etc.etc.??
Old 02-03-12, 12:36 PM
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kitlz
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Yes but it's typically when they want to show me something. I talk to my SA if I have any questions about maintenance. She knows her stuff If she doesn't know, she'll bring the tech in or take me out to where my RX is in the service bay so I can get the answer.
Old 02-03-12, 12:42 PM
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GRPFAN
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Reason why I'm asking is I own a Honda Goldwing, and when my Goldwing is in back for service,
it's like in order to walk back there you have to give them your 1st. born, and then let their Doberman stiff you first.......................
Old 02-03-12, 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by kitlz
I talk to my SA if I have any questions about maintenance. She knows her stuff If she doesn't know, she'll bring the tech in or take me out to where my RX is in the service bay so I can get the answer.

That's fine, but I've dealt with service writers that use to sell vacuum cleaners door to door........
Old 02-03-12, 12:56 PM
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MX5NES350
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Most dealers (cars or motorcyles) do not allow customers in the service bays due to insurance reasons (I worked for a motorcylce dealership for a few years). You could slip on an oil puddle, have lug nuts fly from an impact wrench, or otherwise find some way to get hurt... then sue. So hence the reason you can't just walk right in.
Old 02-03-12, 01:02 PM
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kitlz
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Yes, wonderful insurance. Also the reason we don't pump gas in Jersey. I peek in through the door to watch them work on my car. I liked it better when they had a window.
Old 02-03-12, 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by kitlz
I liked it better when they had a window.

I know of such a dealership were one complete wall top to bottom is clear glass over looking over the Lexus service area from the elevated waiting room, awesome.
Old 02-03-12, 02:16 PM
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kitlz
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Originally Posted by GRPFAN
I know of such a dealership were one complete wall top to bottom is clear glass over looking over the Lexus service area from the elevated waiting room, awesome.
Sounds nice. The service area at my dealer used to be located in the same building as the showroom but they moved into a separate building nearby that formerly housed an ice skating rink. It's huge with close to 20 bays and commercial garage doors that open automatically when I drive up so I'm not exposed to the elements as I get out of my RX. Even though I can't see into the service area anymore I know my baby is well taken care of. So instead I watch the valets move cars in the two lanes inside with loaner cars and customers coming in and leaving. It can get interesting when it's busy.
Old 02-03-12, 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by MX5NES350
Most dealers (cars or motorcyles) do not allow customers in the service bays due to insurance reasons (I worked for a motorcylce dealership for a few years). You could slip on an oil puddle, have lug nuts fly from an impact wrench, or otherwise find some way to get hurt... then sue. So hence the reason you can't just walk right in.
+1 They're just protecting themselves from YOU
and they don't want us to find out that the "job" they're charging for 4 hours.. can be easily done in 1.5 hours.
i've been to a lot of service centers, especially with my Land Rover, but even with Toyota the procedure is this, the Tech will call the Service Advisor or vice versa and the SA will look for you in the lounge if you're waiting for your car.

The only time i was invited to view the repair/inspection going on was when i brought my 1999 Isuzu Rodeo to Meinike for an oil change, upon inspection of the brakes, they suggested some new ones and showed it to me.
Old 02-03-12, 04:52 PM
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You can watch on TV. They have cameras in the service bays and it's shown on a TV in one of the waiting areas.
Old 02-03-12, 05:50 PM
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I have owned Lexus vehicles continuously since 1994. I have three in my family now. I have not been in a service bay, ever. Yes, there is usually a little glass window where you can watch the action. If you are worried about your car, it is best to tell your service adviser that you are very picky about the condition of your car. When I take my cars in I will prep the car by covering the lower door, floor and door sill with a temporary plastic sheeting that has a adhesive on one side. I buy it at Home Depot and it is about $11 or so a role. I will also completely cover the seat with a cotton sheet that is fastened in place with painters tape. Most exposed surfaces are covered at this point. This stuff can be removed quickly after the service. My service adviser is always reminding me to give him a call when and if I want to sell any of my cars. I have not had any damage to my car at the dealership since I have been using this approach.
Old 02-03-12, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by kitlz
Sounds nice. The service area at my dealer used to be located in the same building as the showroom but they moved into a separate building nearby that formerly housed an ice skating rink. It's huge with close to 20 bays and commercial garage doors that open automatically when I drive up so I'm not exposed to the elements as I get out of my RX. Even though I can't see into the service area anymore I know my baby is well taken care of. So instead I watch the valets move cars in the two lanes inside with loaner cars and customers coming in and leaving. It can get interesting when it's busy.
My service area is in a nice tiled area that has a huge span of floor to ceiling windows which allow you to watch the service techs do their thing... while in massage chairs. Maybe that is old school but so is the owner of the place. Coffee flown in from CA daily. Pastries from a local shop featured on Food Network. And ammenities which allow me to work from the dealership in ways better than I can work from my own office building.
Old 02-04-12, 04:51 AM
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Not allowed without being escorted by a service person at my dealer. I can't blame them.
Old 02-04-12, 07:18 AM
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It is not just the insurance company rules that keep us out of the shop area, government worker compensation rules are also pretty strict here in Ontario. Talking to a customer while working could result in an injury to the technician which would cost the dealer big time in increased worker comp. rates. Last fall while my car was in for an oil change loud screaming erupted from the shop area. One of the techs had caught his hand under an engine while hoisting it out of an RX. That would probably have resulted in an insurance claim for PTSD or something like that if a customer had been watching at the time.
Old 02-04-12, 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by GRPFAN
...then let their Doberman stiff you first.......................
I sure hope you mean SNIFF, or that would be one vicious Doberman!


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