David0831

I know there are 1000 posts on this thread but I thought I would share my experience.

After alot of research I found out there is a 90k mile service completely different then the water pump/timing belt service that I originally thought was needed.

Anyway I received a quote from Lexus of Tampa Bay today. $2000 for 90k service w/timing belt and water pump. Are you kidding me? Toyota said they would only do the timing belt/water pump for $1160.

I am having my mechanic do the 90k service, water pump and timing belt for $800 all in.

I can't believe the upcharge these dealers charge.

dkpnkc

But you get a free loaner! You mean that's not worth $1,200 to you?

ALAN553

should have told Lexus. They might have met the price, given you a loaner and washed the truck...it worked for me.

HOFF89

I just recently had this done on my 05' GX. Had the work done at a Lexus dealer here in Houston. Work done:

$200 roughly from parts geak - Timing belt kit: https://www.partsgeek.com/lrhvpw1-le...iming+Belt+Kit

Oil change and oil filter
Cabin air filter
Coolant top up
Brakes checked
Car was washed and vacuumed
Tire pressure checked

Total Cost $1200 roughly after tax.

I also had several quotes from other shops ranging from $950-$1350

Hope this helps.

David0831

To be fair I haven't actually had the service done yet.

I'm wondering if it's cheaper to buy parts from Rock Auto and just pay for labor.

Then again they're not really genuine Lexus or Toyota parts...don't wanna get screwed on some Chinese parts.

I may call Lexus and try to bargain

YotaMD

I just completed my timing belt/water pump job myself and was surprised at the cost of the "extras". I think good shops would be aware of these and would hopefully not quote their customers the bare minimum. It's a bait and switch at that point because they're going to dive in and find a dozen other parts that should be replaced.

The core components of the t-belt kit and water pump are available for under a few hundred, if I recall correctly. However, that doesn't cover a good number of components that *should* be serviced or replaced at the same time. Every. Single. Bearing of mine was worn and needed replacement. The fan bracket bearing only comes in the large casting - that's a cool $100+. The idler bearing for the serp belt is only available with the pulley attached - another $100. The fan clutch should be replaced, but doesn't have to be in all cases - that's another $100-200 if you chose to replace. The thermostat housing is commonly broken upon removal because some mechanics use a sealant instead of an O-ring. That's another $100.

Doing 100% work myself, here's how my costs broke down:
Timing belt kit: $178.95
Misc parts not included in kit, but needed for typical 90k service (hoses, serp belt, tensioner, fuel filter, seals, rad hoses): $389
Ilder Pulley, Coolant housing, Antifreeze: $295.01
Radiator and Fan Clutch: $263.03
Fan Bracket: $113.60
Oil change and Rad Cap: $50.00

TOTAL: $1289.59 for parts only. (Radiator was extra and not needed for most 90k jobs)

I didn't touch wheel bearings, which should also be greased at a minimum, spark plugs which should be changed, gear fluids and a hand full of other small items. I post all this to say the pricing can vary wildly and the best shops might be the ones quoting the nearly $2k figure. Slee Off Road, arguably the best shop on the planet for this job on this motor, charges $2k for their normal 90k service. Most dealerships probably have a list of parts automatically included in their T-belt, water pump jobs that are non-negotiable. I hope a Toyota or Lexus mechanic/shop wouldn't do a t-belt job and literally replace only the timing belt and water pump. Anyone that's done one of these knows that's a waste of labor. A generic mechanic on the other hand could certainly do just that and re-use the 5-15 worn out components because they haven't failed yet.

After going through that myself, I wouldn't want any shop doing that job, including parts for $700. They're either skipping a HUGE list of parts that should be changed or they're paying the mechanics less than a babysitter. I wouldn't touch the job myself for less than $1500, but I'm thorough with my work.

17gx460

I paid ~2000 for this work to include a new radiator (was leaking). I felt this was major open heart surgery on the car and felt better that at least qualified Lexus technicians were doing the work, and I got a free loaner. Plus my kids raided the snack bar (value of at least $20!!! LOL).

My car now has 110K miles, and the only thing that is likely to start going is the alternator (I think). I will do the plugs maybe this summer since the engine still runs smooth and gas mileage is fine (I guess the oxygen sensors will fail at some point as well).

ALAN553

i am on my second GX 04 and 09...timing belt, serpentine belt, water pump, coolant change, that was it both times, no extra parts, o4 had two timing belt changes before being traded.......