Chuckinnj

Can anyone recommend a independent Lexus repair shop in Central NJ (Hunterdon County area) or the Bucks County PA area?

Nospinzone

There is a Northeast Regional forum, you might want to also start a thread in there.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/northeast-21/

roshko

I know two in Burlington County, NJ. One is a retired Lexus master tech, and one is a current Lexus master tech at cherry hill Lexus. Charged me 600 for T-belt, water pump, thermostat, coolant, and serpentine belt.

carlISF

can you tell me the info for both?

thanks

roshko

Message me with your phone #, and I will text you both of their contact info.

BlakeLS

Updating fellow members on my experience so far with Doug, the former Lexus tech in Burlington County NJ.

Last November I had Doug replace my valve cover & tube seals. Doug charged me $120 for parts and about $240 for labor. Since labor was low compared to dealer I didn't mind higher parts cost.

This April I noticed all the newly replaced tube seals were leaking and to my surprise Doug used Fel Pro instead of Toyota. I reached out to Doug, because I don't have a second car anymore and didn't live nearby to be able top drop off the car, Doug refunded me labor + parts instead of redoing the job.

Today, with Toyota OE parts ordered from dealer in hand (valve cover gaskets, tube seals and bolt/washer combo) I was in the process of replacing everything. I noticed Doug ground off every single tube seal tab, the Fel Pro tube seals popped off easily and there's plenty of oil between the valve covers and the tube seals. I reached out to Doug, he said it's common practice at Lexus Cherry Hill, and not having the tabs is not the reason every single gasket leaked within 5 months of replacement. Doug also stated he will not pay for replacement valve covers.

Will update as situation develops.

Photo of service Lexus service manual indicating tabs / claws should be bent and put back.




What mine look like:

BlakeLS

Accidentally posted twice, deleting the repeat.

Anfanger

One more reason to maintain cars yourself if possible instead bringing it to any kind of repair shop. Sorry, it happened to you.

Also, I do not buy it that a Lexus dealership would do anything like that. It is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

roshko

I'm sorry this happened to you. I sold my LS400 I took to him a few years ago and have not had him work on my 460. I will think twice of using him again because who knows what was done on my old car, though I never had any issues. I also had a buddy of mine take his LS400 to Doug and have had no issues.