bam

So we took our RX in for a 180k service and it was due to belts and water pump and our SA was kind enough to inform is that it might not be worth doing the belts and water pump because on average, he's seen the RX last to about 220k, which he said at that time, the trany dies. Please keep in mind, he said this was an average not an exact for certain thing.

Have you guys replaced your belts and water pump and has any of your transmission failed? I'd be curious to know because there's no benefit that I can see for him to recommend to NOT do a service.

Any thoughts?

jimmouse

I did belts about 180k. Now it passed 232k.
Not sure if I should replace one of the rear struts.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Ah, don't you just love the concept of "average". The average human has 1 breast and 1 ********!

Seriously, though, the 90k recommendation is based on an estimated MTBF of some arbitrary failure percentage (maybe 0.0001%). Which means that 99.999% can go longer than 90k without failure. Trouble is, who is to say you will be the 0.0001% camp or the 99.999% camp? I think most people on this board change their belt between 90k and 150k. At 180k, I'd probably get it changed (the RX300 is an interference engine which means the entire car is junk if the belt breaks).

ExPatBrit

I don't know what year of RX you have.

If the rest of the car is in good shape I would change the belts.

220k miles on any auto transmission is pretty good actually.

salimshah

Yeah, the real question is for the owner ... what is the Rx's worth to you? I would spend an extra $500 to $800 to keep it running.

Salim

bam

***Funny you mention the $500 to $800 because that's what I thought it would cost as well but my SA quoted about $2200 to include replacing the water pump. Obviously, we said no because that was way too expensive. Our car is a 2002. The car is in great shape for an 8 year old car with 180k miles but I don't want to spend $2200 to replace something when the car might just fail in a few years. My SA said the first thing that goes is the transmission and he said that's about $5k to repair so he said, if you really want to keep the car for a very long time, then paying for the belts and possible transmission may be worth it. If not, don't do it because your car is probably worth about as much as the cost of the repairs and just ride it out.

ExPatBrit

Your SA has high expectations from your wallet.

$2200 for timing belt and water pump, WT*?

Shop around for an independent Toyota/ Lexus repair facility. Many people have had that work done for less than $700.

bufferdan

Learn to fix things yourself and be a winner forever

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Your service adviser is a moron or a crook! As someone else said, the Lexus dealership price for a timing belt change is about $500-$800, depending on what else needs to be done (idlers, cam seals, etc). If the water pump needs to be replaced too, you're looking at a total of $1000-$1200.

Find another Lexus dealership or try a Toyota dealership.

hypervish

He makes you pay out the as* if he charges that much...you should definitely go find another dealership and I'd tell the service adviser to go f*** off next time he gives an estimate that high.

salimshah

I think the SA did a favor. When you are past your warranty, it makes more sense to go to an independent. Shop around.

Salim

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

Yea when im out of my extended warranty and prepaid maint im def switching to the toyota a few blocks down. I can still rely on their work and its alot cheaper.