just wanted to put up a poll because i didn't find much on a search. (if posted before, mods please delete).

please answer the poll and if u want, explain your reasons why.

our gs400 is no longer under warranty. dealer shop rates are huge compared to private, but i'm worried that it will affect resale value... and i'm all thumbs when doing work myself (eg. i can't do a timing belt and i'm too scared to try).

 

Oil changes, coolant flush, tire rotations I wil get done outside, but major services like plugs, , I would get done at the dealer.

 

regular maintenance stuff I get done at local shops, but major services and repairs are for the dealership.

 

My 99 GS400 is no longer under warranty and I don't take it to the dealer for anything.

However, the Lexus Master technician at my local dealer works on the side after hours and I take my car to him for all service and modifications. I have not had to do any repairs yet, just service and mechanical mods like the TC install for instance.

He charges me about 50% of what the dealer charges.

 

eek... is he allowed to do that? i have a friend who works at a honda dealership and he had to sign a statement saying he couldn't do work on the side... not sure if that applied to just hondas.

 

He works on my car whenever I ask him to, so clearly he can. He does not have a biz on the side doing this, he rents a shop when I need work done and does it then.

 

Even though I have an SC, I'll chime in anyway!

I do all my work myself. I am a gearhead by nature so I enjoy doing it, but I REFUSE to pay dealer prices for a tune up! $1200-$1800 for plugs, wires, oil, & filters. No way!!! It cost me roughly $400 in parts and that included changing all the above + new caps & rotors!! Finished within the same day with time left over for a cold beer while admiring my work!

Anyone who tells you that plugs are a major job are seriously pulling your leg! Margional mechanical knowhow and you can do this.

 

I know some dealerships have guidelines regarding "moonlighting". I know several mechanics who also have signed statements prohibiting it.

 

hameed: you're so lucky

mkorsu: egh here is where i put on my dunce cap... i thought the gs400 used distributorless ignition/coil packs?

 

Well, I can't speak for the GS. But we both have the same engine, 1UZ-FE, albeit mine is a 92 and yours is a 99. My engine does use 2 coil packs as well, but they feed into the cap, which then feeds out to the plugs.

 

plugs are easy if you have the right tools

i did a writeup on it

takes about an hour

any local members who need this done on a GS400

let me know ..be glad to help

 

how soon can u fly over to the westcoast?

actually... where is this writeup?

 

Johnny, does the GS use distributor caps?? My SC400 does, along with the coil packs. BenjaminT believes the GS doesn't use the caps. I don't know for certain the correct answer.

 

using the search function

i found this

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ight=sparkplug


and Mark ...its individual coil packs

 

No caps?? Wow, there actually is a difference between the SC 1UZ and the GS 1UZ

Actually, I think it has more to do with the model year.