Audacity

I just called Toyota to get a quote to change my plugs - 2000 ES300.
$90 for 6 plugs & $133 for labor. $223 total.
I guess the plugs are Iridium (sp?).
What plugs should I buy? Where should I buy them? How much do they cost?
Thanks Much - Martin

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I dont' recall the ES300 using iridiums, but if it does, then you can pick up a set of NGK Laser Iridiums at Autozone for $7 a piece. Anyone want to chime on whether the ES300 uses Iridiums or Platinum (I don't own an ES300).

Stick to NGK or Denso.

exxonham

They do use iridium- tipped spark plugs, I have them in my 99 Es300

llcoolpass

this guys es 300 has em [plat were stock i believe[ couldn[t be happier with em

Bill Dowd

the Iridium are far better than the standard plats the three back ones are a trip to put in you might have a tech do for you

Audacity

Bill - see 1st post. I'm definitely going to have Toyota install 'em for $133. I'll supply the plugs rather than pay $90 for the plugs alone!

llcoolpass

some techs dont like supplied parts and/or wont warranty them - something to consider.

Audacity

Toyota told me it wasn't a problem if I wanted to supply the plugs, but thanks for the input.

MikeLex

Any reasonably skilled mechanic would be able to do this job well and without removing the plenum. However, if you have already decided to get the service done by the dealer, it would be wiser to spend $50 more and make them responsible for everything.

angmedic91

iTrader: (5)

I got the NGK Laser Platinum Plugs, dual tip. The OEM plugs are dual tip, wanted keep it OEM, but with a better plug. I had the Lexus dealer install them and they charged me about $110.00 for an hours labor. The plugs I got from Kragens/O'reily's, much cheaper than getting them from the dealer.

Specter

Why not go to your trusted neighborhood mechanic ? They would be cheaper.

Audacity

Specter - If I wanted somebody who'd never done this job to do it I'd do it myself.
MikeLex - You've got a good point. I think I'll just buy the plugs from Toyota.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

You might even want to get the job done at Toyota instead of Lexus. Many Toyota dealers around here are able to work on the equivalent Lexus models at a much lower rate.

Specter

We are talking about spark plugs. I'm sure local mechanics have worked on Lexus or Camrys for that matter.

Audacity

Thank you Specter, but here's my thinking - I've done plugs on many different vehicles myself including a few older Camrys. After looking at this particular job it's clear to me that it would take me a couple hours and I'd have to pick up a couple tools I don't have. The people who have done this job 10 or more times in the past know exactly how to do it in the least amount of time with no mistakes/problems. The neighborhood mechanic doesn't fall into this category and neither do I. The labor is only $133 so it's a no-brainer for me. I will also need a four wheel alignment so I'll have Toyota do that as well while they have the car.
G-Steg - If you look at my first post on this topic you'll see I've been talking about taking it to Toyota from the beginning. I never mentioned going to a Lexus dealer. I wouldn't even THINK about using Lexus service unless I was dealing with something very specific to Lexus vs. Toyota.
Thanks everyone for all the input.