Took my 05 in for the 80k mile service. This is the first time that I have had the car looked at, therefore, I was interested in seeing what they would find. This place is non-dealer, but advertises as an independent Lexus specialist. The bad news is that they said that the water pump is leaking, the rear brakes need work, and one of the rear shocks was leaking. They did show me the water pump and there was a "crusty" looking something that was evident. They recommending changing the timing belt as part of the water pump repair. This made sense to me, as I would be doing it in 10k miles anyway. Doing the work together should save some money. The brakes are all non-OEM, and this place only uses OEM parts, therefore, would be brought back to specs. The fronts were still ok. They also said that I could wait on the shocks, but should expect the other to start leaking at some point in the future. I went ahead and told them to do the water pump, timing belt and rear brakes. The quote was around $1200. Does all the above make sense? Should I go ahead and get the shocks/struts done while they have the car? As far as I can tell, the car is as smooth as it can be.

 

i would only replace the one leaking, changing all of them wont save any money really (unless he is discounting you in labor if your rotors need to be worked) but the prices sound about right if he is using all oem parts. i think a tune up at lexus is like 800, did he check your spark plugs?

 

I'm going to say no, they did not check the spark plugs. They state that they follow the published maintenance schedule. I looked at the list of what they did, and everything matched except for the a/c filter. I showed them the printout that I had gotten from the on-line maintenance schedule, but they said they do the A/C filter at 15k increments. So there is a slight discrepancy there.

On the shocks/struts, they said that if they only do one, then the other would probably fail (I forget their exact words). I have to tend to believe this because on my previous lexus (RX300), I did try to only replace one, and the other did fail within days.

 

which repair shop? Clear Choice in Houston?

 

If it were me I'd replace shocks in pairs.
Kinda like tires. You never replace just one.

 

Yes, Clear Choice. First impressions were good and I'm really hoping they work out. It would be great to have an alternative to the dealers!

 

I too vote for changing you shocks in pairs to retain a balanced chassis response. With that said, a little shock oil showing is not enough of a reason to panic and start replacing shocks. Now, if the shock is dripping oil, okay. If your tires are showing signs of unusual wear because the shock is not dampening properly, okay. But a little oil mist on the shock body is not enough of a reason unless it just makes you feel better and you would rather do it preventatively.

 

wow 1200 bucks,

I had my mechanic do the whole water pump, T-belt, idler, and all the other mumbo jumbo in the 90K maintenance for $700 bucks, and he only used original Toyota parts.

so unless a rear brake job is 500 bucks I would suggest shopping around.

Oh and always replace shocks in pairs, it makes absolutely no sense to only change one.

but hey what do I know, its not like I'm a mechanic...

 

Wow is right! $700? I had the 90K service and antenna repair on my RX back in 07 and it was almost $1700. This was at the dealer.

They must see me coming.

 

One of my old neighbors is a mechanic there and I've known him for 15 years.
They do quality job, so your car is in good hands.

They charge higher than the average shops in southwest area but lower the Lexus dealerships.

 

I've had good experience with clear choice, but they ask too much for some services. For example, they quoted me $274 for rear brake job. Call Antonio at Don McGill Toyota service dept. I had my timing belt replaced there for less than $400. Water pump should be around $250 more? not sure.