Hi all,

Thought I'd share the info for the quotes I'm getting:

1. Riverside (Frank) -- $2,100 (ouch!)
2. Cerritos (Brian) -- $2,045 ==>$1,450 Timing belt + $595 90K Service (yikes!)
3. Crown Lexus Ontario (Anna) -- $1,500
4. Tustin Lexus (Vee) -- $1,150
5. Mission Viejo (Robert) -- $1,000 , (or $648 w/ out plugs-- if done @ 60K)
6. Longo (Mark) -- $966 (includes timing belt, plugs, all fluids).

Considering this service comes with a loaner car, it could easily be worth the drive. I spent the most time talking to Robert (Mission Viejo), who was very straight-forward and helpful. Mark (Longo) went over everything out of the gates and seemed like this was very routine to them. I felt an upsell by Brian (Cerritos). Unfortunately I live in Corona, so it looks like I'll be driving a bit, however I'm okay with this considering my car has been 100% dealer serviced.

Any Suggestions? Should I tell my "home" dealer (Riverside) the info or should I just move on? I'm not sure how much longer I'll have the car, (but I am going through with the servce regardless), so I don't want to make too much out of this...

Thanks for the input!!!

-- Patrick

 

I think it depends with your relationship with your service advisor. I don't have or expect to have ANY relationship whatsoever, so I would simply move on in this particular scenario. Others in CL have a much closer relationship and out of respect they may be candid, reveal the comparison, and try to lower the price just so that the advisor gets the business. It all depends.

 

It won't hurt to have them compete for your business! What's the worst that could happen, you make the drive to the cheapest place and enjoy driving your car with a little extra in your pocket! See if your local dealer would honor the price of the least exspensive service! I recently had my 60k service done and they qouted me around$500.00 . When I walked out the bill was around $1200.(ouch) The car rides 100% better and I have a piece of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong,it's covered under warranty! There were a few extra thing's I needed done (plugs,brakes and serpentine belt), but I feel good knowing it's been done!-wringo

 

Wow. I'd call the local guy back and tell him that Longo is selling it for less than half. Actually, I'd clarify that the service was exactly the same. ASk Longo for a list of services performed for that price, then call back the local guy and tell him what Longo is offering. After offering just go silent on the other end of the phone and see what he says. I wouldn't even try to bargain. If they want the business they'll bargain right away. If they offer up a bunch of excuses just tell them thank you and politely hang up. Then RUN to Longo and get it done on the cheap.
I don't have my booklet here, but I think the full 90k Monte at my dealer was $1200.

 

Before you can determine who's more expensive, you need to get a detailed list of the services provided. Not all dealers do exactly the same maintenance for 60k, 90k, etc. Some dealers follow Lexus schedule while other dealers will add on extra things. The 90K service out here in Charlotte NC is $1007.79 but I'd be willing to bet that the services provided are much different than the services provided by dealers charging 2k . When dealers add on the extra stuff, you need to ask yourself if its something you want or not. Since you have multiple dealers to compare against, get them to quote you on a set number of specific services. Only then can you compare apples to apples.

 

if you want it done at toyota,,,,, i can get you a spanking deal.......

 

Id have to agree with the others, and recommend that you get a list from each dealer to see what their version of 90k service includes. Some may not be as extensive as others, and you'd end up paying more for less.

 

i got my 90k service done for 12k with timing belt and blah blah blah lol

 

I hope you got swap in there for 12K!

 

Im guessing you meant 1,200, cause for 12k you couldve got a whole car LOL!

 

The only item that matters in that service is the timing belt. I had the local Lexus dealer do the T-belt, serpentine belt, and eight spark plugs for about $800.00 Canadian, and that includes taxes of 14%. The other stuff in the service, oil changes, looking at tires, bolts, fasteners, checking the grapple grommets and filbert flanges are all silly things the dealer will jack you around around. Do them yourself.

 

I would agree that the timing belt is the most important thing in the service. However, there are a lot of things that have to be removed to gain access to the timing belt. Things like external serpentine belt..(change it if it needs it, since there is no extra labor charge involved to remove and replace.) I would also look at the thermostat and coolant. Also look at the timing belt driven water pump. It will be a bear to change again if it goes out after the timing belt service. Then you will have to re-do the belt again, and the timing COULD skip when the coolant gets all over the belt.while driving. Bent valves could result on our engines if timing skips.

Make sure that the timing belt change includes the :
1.Tensioner bearing
2. Stationary or idler bearing
3. Hydraulic tensioner
4. Crankshaft seal
5. Water pump

These items are all inside the timing belt cover.

I did mine myself on both of my GS4's and it was not very hard if you have some experience working on these kind of engines.

As someone else also said, the inspections can be done yourself as well. I got ALL my timong belt parts from Carson Toyota, so I saved at least $800.00. I have the satisfaction of knowing I did it, and it is right the first time.

 

wow i'd say go talk to a tech.. by ur parts urself and pay at most with parts maybe $300

 

$352 for plugs? I bought OEM plugs from Lexus for $84, they're charging $270 labor to replace plugs on a v-8 Lex, seems more than a little high. Guess that's why I'm a DIY'er....