here is an example of a rip-off

here is your filter for $6

here is the best transmission gasket for $7

that comes up to $13, not $96, find a new mechanic!

 

Please do not go back to this "mechanic". The only thing he will fix is your bank account.
$800 for brakes is outrageous. He is taking advantage of you.
I am not exaggerating - I would report him to your state Bureau of Auto Repair.

 

100% agree

 

What's interesting here is that the local Lexus dealership quoted me $800 for a brake job a few years ago. I am lucky that my brother is a professional mechanic and he taught (and supervised) my son how to change the brakes on my car as well as his own, so I saved a boatload of money, but I think that they see a woman and think CHA-CHING! I told them thanks but no thanks, I'd get it taken care of myself.

 

$800 for brakes????????????????? That's insane!!!! I did the rotors and pads and it was about $200 for all 4.

That mechanic is trying to rob you!!!!

 

Well, I received a message sending me to another mechanic. Went by to see him today and he quoted me $800 for TB/WP and $250 for brakes/rotors, but after looking at them said they were good for now and he wouldn't recommend doing them for many thousand miles. Forgot to ask him about the transmission fluid change but will ask him when I drop the car off Friday.

I am feeling very relieved to find a more reasonably priced mechanic. He is a bit of a drive but well worth it to save a thousand dollars!

 

sounds like you have found someone with fair prices and he seems honest, now if he is competent in his work you will be all set!

I would inquire about what kit he his using for the timing belt/water pump (you want the Aisin kit because it contain the real Toyota parts) - perhaps he would let you supply it (it costs only ~$200 online)

I would also have him look at some of the other things on the list I supplied:

strut bar bushings
lower EGR pipe
transmission mount
motor mounts
PS leaks (which kill alternators)
upper control arms (UCA's)
+ side battery terminal

of particular note to do right now would be the strut bar bushings using the real Toyota part (cheap) and the transmission mount using the real genuine Toyota part (cheap) and checking for power steering leaks, as the odds are that all three of these extremely common problem areas are deficient.

if you don't specify genuine Toyota parts, mechanics will slap on cheap Chinese junky parts, making your Lexus no longer a Lexus in terms of how it drives and reliability and safety. . Be very picky about the parts!