How important is 90K service on GS430
01-28-10 | 08:07 AM
#16
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: NY
well, just giving my two cents and i'm not saying this is true for all garages... but my horrible experience:
i had my engine seals, water pump, timing and drive belts, tensioner replaced at a local independent garage for $900. i've been going there for service for years and the mechanic is a good friend of mine. unfortunately, they don't specialize in japanese/toyota cars so they didn't secure my cam gears, which lead to huge knocking sounds because they were unsprung, NOT COOL... i had to bring it to shop that specialized in japanese cars to get them retorqued which cost me even more money.
lesson learned, when it comes to the simple stuff you can go to the independent shops... however, when it comes to engine internals, complicated fixes, best to go to specialty shops or the dealership for "warranty" purposes.
i had my engine seals, water pump, timing and drive belts, tensioner replaced at a local independent garage for $900. i've been going there for service for years and the mechanic is a good friend of mine. unfortunately, they don't specialize in japanese/toyota cars so they didn't secure my cam gears, which lead to huge knocking sounds because they were unsprung, NOT COOL... i had to bring it to shop that specialized in japanese cars to get them retorqued which cost me even more money.
lesson learned, when it comes to the simple stuff you can go to the independent shops... however, when it comes to engine internals, complicated fixes, best to go to specialty shops or the dealership for "warranty" purposes.
01-28-10 | 02:32 PM
#17
When I bought my GS, I told the buyer that I would pay for the Lexus pre-owned vehicle inspection and he could pay for a Lexus dealership to replace the recommended parts. So i spent $150 for the inspection, and the dealer wanted $2,600 to replace the timing belt/serpentine belt/water pump/cam seals, and some BS like the cigarette lighter and door actuator etc. and the seller just took off the "Lexus" repair costs, and I had it done for $800. You could try the same thing? Lexus inspectors always find allot of BS that adds allot of money. Good luck... oh and don't wear a tie. I hate ties.
07-24-11 | 12:57 PM
#18
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 854
Likes: 10
From: UT
I'm in the same boat with my '02 GS430 w/85K miles. Before plopping down the big $ at the stealership, I've checked out two local independent garages that "specialize" in Lexus / Toyota. The first looks totally dodgy and I won't be going there! The second is clean, owner sounded knowledgeable and actually had some Lexus being worked on while I was there.
The owner of the second shop told me to pass on the belt and pump unless the pump was leaking (in hindsight, this might be the classic bait and switch pricing scheme to get my business!). He said that I wouldn't need the belt done until 110-120K miles because the 90K replacement is overkill, but would do whatever I decided. I'm dubious.
In comparing a Lexus dealer and a local independent garage, would the liability protection from an improper service be the same? In other words, would the Lexus dealer be any more likely to offer the buyer protection from a job gone bad?
Even after reading lots of searched threads, I'm still second guessing my path forward. I plan on keeping my car for another 1-3 years, so I'm inclined to protect my investment, but get that distinct feeling that it's not necessary because we're not seeing / hearing of broken timing belts. $1-1.5K for that good feeling - even with a free loaner?! [I think I need to get that $150 off coupon from the dealer!]
The owner of the second shop told me to pass on the belt and pump unless the pump was leaking (in hindsight, this might be the classic bait and switch pricing scheme to get my business!). He said that I wouldn't need the belt done until 110-120K miles because the 90K replacement is overkill, but would do whatever I decided. I'm dubious.
In comparing a Lexus dealer and a local independent garage, would the liability protection from an improper service be the same? In other words, would the Lexus dealer be any more likely to offer the buyer protection from a job gone bad?
Even after reading lots of searched threads, I'm still second guessing my path forward. I plan on keeping my car for another 1-3 years, so I'm inclined to protect my investment, but get that distinct feeling that it's not necessary because we're not seeing / hearing of broken timing belts. $1-1.5K for that good feeling - even with a free loaner?! [I think I need to get that $150 off coupon from the dealer!]
I'm good to go!
For more details, check out my other post:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...replace-2.html
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