Zichichv

I am looking to find a qualified mechanic to service my vehicle at a more reasonable rate than a Dealer would charge? Specifically, I am at 100,000 miles and want the timing belt and water pump replaced, the radiator fluid changed, and replacement of any worn belts other worn parts they see as part of the timing belt replacement.

Does anyone have a recommendation as to how to locate someone with this skill???

mylexbaby

You might try looking here

https://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files

It helped when I was far from home with a strange noise from the front suspension.

05RX330AWD

Usually a mechanic with experience with Toyota vehicles should do the trick as many Toyota vehicles have Timing Belts.
There are plenty of Toyotas on the road therefore shop around for a mechanic in your area.
The mechanic who did the Timing Belt on my RX330 never worked on a Lexus previously but plenty of Toyotas, had no issues to complete the job & only charged me $150. labor.
I supplied the parts which I purchased as a kit, be sure to also change the Tensioner & other related parts as well along with the Timing Belt & Water Pump.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

If a Toyota independent mechanic is hard to locate, consider Toyota dealerships over Lexus, same service for a cheaper per hour rate. Parts should be very similar if not identical.

ToledoRX

Find an indy (independent) garage that specialize in Toyota/Lexus. A lot of them may even be operated by retired Toyota or Lexus mechanics.

They usually cost less than the Dealership because of lower overheads. These days most dealer's aren't making a lot selling new cars, so they use their dealership service department to support their overheads.

Just make sure you find a garage with a good reputation (by word of mouth or online reviews). Whatever you do, avoid the Lexus Dealerships - they will bend you over a table on routine maintenance costs.

edwardh11

agreed. most cities have shops that do only Toyota and lexus work. some charge close to dealer prices but dont add on unnecessary work
. lexus dealers , from my neighbors experience , really are expensive, on parts and labor.

ToledoRX

The problem I've had with Lexus dealership service is that routine maintenance almost never ends with just an oil and filter or fluid change but almost involves the service manager telling me that I need the brake discs and rotors replaced, or that I need the radiator and hoses replaced, or that I need some other expensive service that will cost several hundred or several thousand dollars.

In retrospect, and after looking through this forum, I think a lot of those were just unnecessary.

Best option would be learn to do your own maintenance - oil and filter change cost no more than $20-30 and take up an hour of your time.

I've noticed lot of dealerships simply won't bother dealing with routine maintenance issues, unless they can also upsell on some other expensive and unnecessary replacement or maintenance work.