OneGuyInCA

Hi folks,

I am in need of some advice/suggestions. I have a 1999 RX300 with about 94,000 miles on it. I would like to keep this vehicle for another 6 years at least. Since I only drive about 9K miles a year, that would bring the vehicle to about 148,000 miles.

I just got off the phone with my local Lexus dealer and this is what they recommend for major service:

• Timing Belt
• Drive Belt
• Serpentine Belt
• Water Pump
• Spark Plugs

Total for the above 5 items is $1179.

And the are in there with everything opened up, if changes are needed (and highly recommend by them)

• Idler Pulleys $89 x 2 = $188
• Cam Seals $223

THEN...

• coolant
• transmission (drain and fill)
• differential
• brake fluids (was done a month ago)
• power steering fluids

Total for the above fluid change is $657

Total between all is ($1179 + $188 + $223 + $657) $2,247


What do you guys think of both the cost and items listed given my scenario???? They will provide a loaner for about 3 days while this work is being done.

Is it possible to get it done cheaper elsewhere?

hypervish

The 90k Service quote sounds a little high but I think it's a good deal as it's being done by the dealer, sure its about a thousand dollars, but timing belt and water pump alone are around $500, spark plugs cost about $100 part's in total and then labor which let's say is about 1 1/2 hr's to 2 hr's is another $200 almost. That's already $800, then the drive belt, and power steering belt which both parts probably cost around $100 total once again, and probably another $100 in labor. That in total is a thousand dollars, all of which can probably be done for $700-800 independently but if you take it to the dealer you know it's being done right.

I don't even think you should replace the plugs this early, I'd wait till about 120k, but it's your choice if it helps you sleep better at night. I'm at 155k on original plugs and coils, I'll be replacing the plugs soon though, probably at 160k. Not doing the spark plugs right now, will save you $300!

But, the fluids are a different story, that's way too much money... Transmission DRAIN AND FILL (NOT A FLUSH), should be $30 fluid, and $30 for labor, the differential + TRANSFER CASE should be $30 fluid as well, and probably $50 labor. Power Steering is extremely easy, you can even DIY this, it should cost no more than $10 if you DIY. The coolant is also easy, but if you don't feel comfortable doing it, it should cost probably one hour labor at an independent shop which is probably $65, and about $30 in toyota coolant. All of this puts you at only $245.

As for the brake fluid you said it's already been done about a month ago, so it's not necessary then, correct? Or, am I missing something?

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

The first 5 items are actually a pretty good deal for a dealer service and I would definitely do the idler pulleys while you're in there. Having spent $1400 already, I'd go ahead and have the cam seals done also. Get all the fluids done at an independent - dealers charge way to much for that. DO NOT let the independent flush the trasmission - just drain and refill.

OneGuyInCA

Why this topic is coming up in urgency now is that on cold weather starts (32 degrees or lower), I can sense and suspect that one of the belt is slipping (squealing noise), causing the charging voltage to drop from a steady 14.4 volts down to 11.X volts. I have a volt meter tool plugged into a lighter socket that gives me the reading. As soon as the squealing noise comes on is when the drop in voltage occurs. All is fine when temperature warms up and the car is driven for a while.


I'm leaning towards getting the work done with Lexus is because Lexus will give out a loaner at zero cost which could equate to a little over $100 in free rental. Toyota or an independent shop won't have that. With a pregnant wife, both of us working, two kids, and a hectic schedule, the loaner is EXTREMELY convienient. I think that's how they get many people's business.

harisowmya

For my 2000 RX300 AWD with tow package

0 to 50K :: $290
50K to 100K :: $4380
100K to 147K :: $3789

How does this compare to the average ?

Thanks
Hari

Bobk528

On my 2000 RX300, my indy mechanic shop changed the timing belt, spark plugs, all the belts and hoses for about $680. I currently have over 125,000 miles on the odometer and still have the original water pump because my mechanic said it will last a long time.

My nearby Toyota dealership replaced all the fluids. I don't recall the exact cost but it was around $250.

There is an Enterprise and Hertz car rental near my Indy shop and Toyota dealership so I am able to conveniently rent a car for $40 a day but I usually will use mass transit since the mechanic is able to complete preventive maintenance work in one day.

Before the RX hit 100k, my Indy mechanic also cleaned the IACV and replaced the Mass Air Flow Meter. After all the years, my RX still feels like a new car.

lamar411

My 2002 has 89k miles and i have been planning on doing the 90k at the lexus dealership. Then the day before when looking at my online service records i find out the timing belt was changed at 65k. So now im wondering wtf. I bought it CPO 2 years ago w/ 67k miles.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

It's the alternator belt that's slipping causing the voltage to vary and possibly also the squealing. It could be just an adjustment is needed. The squealing could also be a timing belt tensioner. Its time for a major service at 94000 miles and if you intend to keep the car for another 5-6 years then it's worth putting the money into it.

Good luck!