surfsunset

I'm close to 90K on my SC300; dealer wants over 2K (OUTCH!!) for the 90K maintenence work, which include timing belt and water pump change. Do I suck it up and take the hit with the dealer; or can an ouside shop do the same work for less just as well.

Suggestions and Thoughts, greatly welcomed.

bob2200

I think it would be helpful to mention which part of Calif. you're in, not for me but for folks who might live in your area. Maybe somebody could then recommend a specific Toyota dealer or independent Lexus specialist, or maybe even a Lexus dealer not far away with much better prices.

It's not like you're in Idaho; there should be some credible alternatives in your area.

UTGS400

I just picked up my car from having the timing belt replaced. If you have a few dealerships in the area, call them and see what their prices are. I was quoted $1800 at one dealership and $1300 at another (includes belt, pullies, water pump, seals etc.).

koolaidman

hows this


what u pay is what u get.

kschiu

I am in San Jose and is also looking for a good place to do the 90K timing belt service for my SC 400.
Please recommend any good reliable shop in this area

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

A good mechanic can do both in around 5-6 hours. Not sure of the book time. Not much to it really. Shops are like people-it is a people business-some are good, some are horrible, and the rest work at Purfect Auto and Jiffy Lube. Best bet is to get recommendations from others that have visited the shop you are interest in or contact the Bureau of Auto Repair and ask for the history of a shop. Put another way, if I was into hanging parts for money (mechanic) , I would charge $400.00 + parts as I believe that would be fair. Best of luck.
Lee

CVsIS250

I would think that you could shop around for a better price. The stealer is always higher than everyone else.
CV

koolaidman

dont call it a stealership. u pay for what u get. u can pay some local shop for $50 an hour to do the work. watch them blow up ur engine. working in a dealership my self. i find tons of cars that have been worked on by small little shops. and stuff broken.

for an example
is300 gets a timing belt dont. they are now getting 15 other dtcs and they cant figure out on how to erase it or even fix it. i get the job 4 connectors are disconnected. i fix the problem and another code comes up. for the vvt controler. i take off the front cover. there are marks on the vvt controller. looks like some1 had channel locks and tried turning the puller. needless to say needed a new vvt controller.
in the end. take it to a specialist. and dont call it a stealer. ppl like me and other take offense to it.

surfsunset

Thanks for all the advice guys... This forum is really GREAT!

I live in Southern California - Santa Monica to be more percise. If anyone knows a good place let me know.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The So. Cal Forum has had discussions of various local shops.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/for...s=&forumid=149

sonyman

"u pay for what u get." True, but I think you can agree that $2000 is not justifiable in any way, shape, or form for a timing belt service. There are plenty of highly qualified independent shops that are more than capable of performing a timing belt service. It's all a matter of finding someone who is knowledgeable about the car and isn't going to sacrifice anything to save a buck. On a side note, any shop charging $2000 for a timing belt service deserves to be called a stealership because there's no word better suited for them! Perhaps you and your dealership do quality work, but dealerships have earned that name on their own.

Scott

b1gredek

well if your willing to drive to orange county,,, i have a buddy at a toyota dealer that will do it for half of what the dealer charges..... pm me if your interested

koolaidman

lol ur missing the big picture

that 90k probably includes
lof
rot
coolant
drive belt
brake flush
dif service
trans service
water pump
timing belt
balance tires
air filter
wiper inserts
cabin air filter
more than likly more.
thats y its 2gs.

and besides doing a timing belt pays in my dealership 3.6 hours at 95 for the belt = 450

and before u go off rambling again do some research

sonyman

No, do your own damn research. A timing belt + waterpump service should not cost more than $1000. Everything else you listed shouldn't cost more than a few hundred, certainly not another $1000! As I said before, they're called stealerships for a reason! $110+/hr is rape!

Scott

CVsIS250

I really don't care if you don't like my wording of dealership = stealership. It isn't like I am making a personal attack at your or something like a racial slur or something. You need to chill out. I PERSONALLY have had nothing but problems with the stealer and when I can change the oil in my ride for 1/2 the price as the stealer can. "u pay for what you get," wtf? They jack your car up, flip your wheels, grease here and there, change your oil and charge you an arm and a leg. I know changing that AC filter takes a "specialist"...LOL! Dude, get off your high horse and quit thinking that I am attacking you. The stealer overcharges for EVERYTHING!!!

CV