Need advice: Dealer or independent shop?
06-01-18, 12:42 PM
#1
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Need advice: Dealer or independent shop?
Hi all, new member here, I have 2004 RX330, don’t drive much, only have about 62k miles on it. Owned this car from new. It has always been serviced at the Lexus dealership. Recently I did 65k maintenance service and I was told I need to replace radiator, brakes, trans fluid, brake fluid and valve cover gaskets. Price tag for all this was more than I can afford right now, my options are:
1. Go to independent shop and do it for less, or
2. Stick with Lexus dealership and pay through the nose over time. e.i. Repair what I can afford now and repair rest down the road little by little, or
3. Do some at the dealership and some at the shop.
What do you guys think? Will any of the above mentioned services be safe to do at the independent shop? Any recommendations? Thank you
1. Go to independent shop and do it for less, or
2. Stick with Lexus dealership and pay through the nose over time. e.i. Repair what I can afford now and repair rest down the road little by little, or
3. Do some at the dealership and some at the shop.
What do you guys think? Will any of the above mentioned services be safe to do at the independent shop? Any recommendations? Thank you
06-01-18, 01:05 PM
#2
Driver School Candidate
There are a lot of articles on this forum for regular maintenance, i would look around, they list time lines for what should be replaced when at what mileage. That being said, i would get a second or even third opinion cause it does sound like A LOT of stuff for not that many miles. The cars Manual can also be a guide to use for recommended service. Overall, when it comes to old cars, dealer service doesn't really exist to "save" any owner any money. 
06-01-18, 06:43 PM
#3
Driver School Candidate
My thought is that if you have an unusual car or relatively new model of the vehicle, then perhaps dealer is a better choice. But with the RX being out there for 10-15 years, most mechanics have worked on them (or their toyota counterpart).
The trick is finding someone who works on them and are good. Perhaps your friends maybe able to give you a good recommendation.
The trick is finding someone who works on them and are good. Perhaps your friends maybe able to give you a good recommendation.
06-01-18, 07:03 PM
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Thank you for replies. I did ask around and a friend recommended a shop she takes her BMW to, she said they are the best.. I looked them up and they have 98% 5 star reviews on yelp. They advertise they have Lexus specialists, (and other makes too, mostly European) and only hire certified technicians. I did stop by and shop looks clean and new, not a run down place. I’m just not sure if the shop will use same quality replacements as Lexus dealership would use? Radiator and brakes especially.
The following question will sound pretty stupid and I apologize but I’m not very informed about cars and repairs. If done at Lexus, will they use “Lexus brand” or Lexus/Toyota “approved” radiator/brakes/fluids as opposed to whatever other brand the shop will use? Or is it all the same?
The following question will sound pretty stupid and I apologize but I’m not very informed about cars and repairs. If done at Lexus, will they use “Lexus brand” or Lexus/Toyota “approved” radiator/brakes/fluids as opposed to whatever other brand the shop will use? Or is it all the same?
Last edited by 04330; 06-01-18 at 07:11 PM.
06-01-18, 09:42 PM
#5
Driver School Candidate
My experience is that car makers do not make the fluids/parts but they have vendors that make them. For instance, I believe there are only a few battery and light bulb makers in the US but there are multiple brands of them. A lot of times, the car maker may provide a specific specification in addition to what the oil or fluid requires. In those cases, the manual indicates it and you would use it. I have a MB Sprinter and it calls for a very specific type of motor oil in addition to being a 0w-30 (MB 229.16 or something like that). I don't have to use Mobil 1 but any manufacturer that claims that is OK.
You can check with the shop and have them provide you with the empty containers that they used for it. If they refuse, then maybe that is not the right one.
Hope that helps.
You can check with the shop and have them provide you with the empty containers that they used for it. If they refuse, then maybe that is not the right one.
Hope that helps.
06-02-18, 03:33 AM
#6
1. Go to independent shop and do it for less,
Indy shop all the way. they tend to charge 50% what the dealership charge and their estimates tend to track pretty closely with what online repairpal estimates for vehicle service costs.
2. Stick with Lexus dealership and pay through the nose over time. e.i. Repair what I can afford now and repair rest down the road little by little, or
No, I wouldn't even think about taking a 14 year old out of warranty RX to the dealership. All of their service cost are based on higher labor rates that would make sense on a new $50,000 vehicle but would eat up a large % of the value of a 14 year old Lexus
3. Do some at the dealership and some at the shop.
You can always do what I do and learn some DIY maintenance and leave the difficult stuff to the indy shops.
Oil changes, tire rotation, fluids cost less than $30 and an hour of your time if you DIY. Other repair maintenance items you can leave to the indy mechanic.
What do you guys think? Will any of the above mentioned services be safe to do at the independent shop? Any recommendations? Thank you
Based on my experience, most reputable shops should be able to handle almost any routine maintenance or repair item that might crop up with a 2nd gen RX, keep in mind are very similar to the 1st gen Toyota highlander and share their engines and transmission with the Toyota Camry and Toyota Sienna from that era, meaning that there are millions of cars with similar engines, transmissions, etc.
I would look for an indy shop that specializes in Toyota/Lexus and a reputable one that has been around for a few years and mostly positive online reviews.
06-02-18, 03:39 AM
#7
The following question will sound pretty stupid and I apologize but I’m not very informed about cars and repairs. If done at Lexus, will they use “Lexus brand” or Lexus/Toyota “approved” radiator/brakes/fluids as opposed to whatever other brand the shop will use? Or is it all the same?
My indy mechanic allows me to bring parts and items (i.e. brakes, timing belts, etc) for them to install.
I think most indy shop separate costs between labor and parts on their bill (i.e. cost of labor $600.Cost of OEM parts $150) so that you can specify the shop use only OEM parts.
If it's a shop that specializes Toyota/Lexus, they should be able to order OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer - the brand originally used by Toyota/Lexus) and install it on your vehicle.
My indy mechanic allows me to bring parts and items (i.e. brakes, timing belts, etc) for them to install.
I think most indy shop separate costs between labor and parts on their bill (i.e. cost of labor $600.Cost of OEM parts $150) so that you can specify the shop use only OEM parts.
If it's a shop that specializes Toyota/Lexus, they should be able to order OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer - the brand originally used by Toyota/Lexus) and install it on your vehicle.
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06-02-18, 04:20 AM
#8
Intermediate
Another alternative is to go to a Toyota dealership. They will use genuine Toyota parts which is the same as Lexus. Lexus is just a high-end Toyota, Acura is a high-end Honda and Infinity is a high-end Nissan.
06-02-18, 07:33 AM
#10
Locally, Toyota does not want to work on Lexus "as they can't provide same level of warranty". I think it's corporate bs, but they refuse to take them in.
As of long list of expensive things to do on a 65 000 mile vehicle. Oh how am I familiar with this, as inlaw has Corolla always serviced at Toyota. EVERY time he comes back with list of intended repairs ranging from $500 to more. EVERY time I examine his car and toss that paper.
OP, so question to you. Sorry for bold. DOES YOUR CAR REALLY NEED ALL THIS TO BE DONE? Or, you are simply being had for Dairy Queen job using your ignorance? Your car has to be inspected by a half way decent mechanic for honest opinion. Lexus at that little mileage does not really sounds like all that bacchanalia of parts to be replaced.
As of long list of expensive things to do on a 65 000 mile vehicle. Oh how am I familiar with this, as inlaw has Corolla always serviced at Toyota. EVERY time he comes back with list of intended repairs ranging from $500 to more. EVERY time I examine his car and toss that paper.
OP, so question to you. Sorry for bold. DOES YOUR CAR REALLY NEED ALL THIS TO BE DONE? Or, you are simply being had for Dairy Queen job using your ignorance? Your car has to be inspected by a half way decent mechanic for honest opinion. Lexus at that little mileage does not really sounds like all that bacchanalia of parts to be replaced.
06-02-18, 09:54 AM
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Thanks again for replies, My car drives and performs very well, I don’t have any problems with it whatsoever. Dealerships always tend to sell me services I don’t need. They have been pushing fuel injector cleaning for $180, but I’m not even sure I need it, I’ve always used highest grade gas. Can I just use Techron full system cleaner in my gas tank instead, at recommended intervals? Also I checked my brake fluid last night and it doesn’t seem dirty at all. It’s amber color, seems translucent and no burnt smell, but they said I need to do a brake flush. They also said radiator is leaking coolant, if that was the case, would I see any leaks on the ground under the car? Same with valve gasket covers, they said it’s leaking oil, but no signs of any leaks on the ground in my garage. The independent shop would cost 40% less than what Lexus wants for all the services and the independent shop said they will check everything before replacing, they told me just because Lexus told me I need to replace something doesn’t mean I need to replace it. They also confirmed that all parts will be genuine OEM Lexus parts and they give 12 month or 12k mile warranty. I guess my main concern here is radiator, is replacement a complicated process?
06-02-18, 02:13 PM
#12
Racer
Radiator replacement isn't that complicated. But the why of you need a new radiator needs to be looked into. If an automobile's radiator goes bad, that means that it is leaking the engine coolant. There is no other way it can be bad.
So, do you have any antifreeze leaking and causing a puddle under the car? If it is leaking, even if you did not notice any water puddle, the coolant level would be low and the car would overheat.
I really question this replace radiator thing.
So, do you have any antifreeze leaking and causing a puddle under the car? If it is leaking, even if you did not notice any water puddle, the coolant level would be low and the car would overheat.
I really question this replace radiator thing.
06-02-18, 02:47 PM
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Sory this post ended up long, but its why I gave up being a motorcycle mechanic...then a auto mechanic. Im now working on company owned equipment. I will be homeless before I ever work as an auto mechanic, again.
It's a different mindset when you work on people's equipment, as a profession. When we work on our own stuff, we might see small issues, but choose to overlook them, or postpone changing things until the next paycheck.
It is not like that when you hire me. When you work like this , "professionally", you soon realize many people are insane.
I remember doing the front brakes for a person. Apparently, three days later a radiator hose burst. The next thing I know, I am being trashed for not catching this as part of my brake job. Was it my fault ? It really was. I should have quoted an extra hour of labor, just so I could check everythinf about this car, and not just the brakes. Or, maybe spend an extra 30 minites, free, with each car? You know how that works. Don't we al work 12 hour days,and get paid for 8. (Sorry, managers probably do!)
Then again, that's a lose-lose thing since I might be the a hole who was asked to do brakes , and tried to pad the bill by adding radiator hoses as well as a flush and fill. Of course, I damaged the hose just to earn more money...right? Many people really don't appreciate you catching problems, before they happen.
God help you if you find over 2 issues. People don't understand how their cars work, or how parts work, but if you show 3-4 problems, it looks like you are running up the bill.
Get to know this independent shop, and show them you are not insane. Odds are, your costs will drop and you'll start getting comments like, "you know we should look at changing those hoses, next visit...,,the manual says 65,000 and the one is not in great shape."
When you show up at a busy shop, I really can't waste my time by selling you needless service. I've got customers, with broken cars to fix. My bay cant be plugged with me replacing perfectly good radiator hoses.
I'll finish with preventative maintenance. Think about what that means. Prevent...do early.....do before it's "really" needed.
It's a different mindset when you work on people's equipment, as a profession. When we work on our own stuff, we might see small issues, but choose to overlook them, or postpone changing things until the next paycheck.
It is not like that when you hire me. When you work like this , "professionally", you soon realize many people are insane.
I remember doing the front brakes for a person. Apparently, three days later a radiator hose burst. The next thing I know, I am being trashed for not catching this as part of my brake job. Was it my fault ? It really was. I should have quoted an extra hour of labor, just so I could check everythinf about this car, and not just the brakes. Or, maybe spend an extra 30 minites, free, with each car? You know how that works. Don't we al work 12 hour days,and get paid for 8. (Sorry, managers probably do!)
Then again, that's a lose-lose thing since I might be the a hole who was asked to do brakes , and tried to pad the bill by adding radiator hoses as well as a flush and fill. Of course, I damaged the hose just to earn more money...right? Many people really don't appreciate you catching problems, before they happen.
God help you if you find over 2 issues. People don't understand how their cars work, or how parts work, but if you show 3-4 problems, it looks like you are running up the bill.
Get to know this independent shop, and show them you are not insane. Odds are, your costs will drop and you'll start getting comments like, "you know we should look at changing those hoses, next visit...,,the manual says 65,000 and the one is not in great shape."
When you show up at a busy shop, I really can't waste my time by selling you needless service. I've got customers, with broken cars to fix. My bay cant be plugged with me replacing perfectly good radiator hoses.
I'll finish with preventative maintenance. Think about what that means. Prevent...do early.....do before it's "really" needed.
06-03-18, 06:29 AM
#14
indie shop
unless you are in a real small town, find a toyota only indie.
or a toyota / lexus only indie.
dealers are really disorganized and have too many players in your repair, your words on whats wrong may never get to the mechanic
as in my new toyota, took in for excessive inside front tire/toe wear at 3000 miles from new.
work sheet said only "check alignment" no mention of the true problem. by chance I saw the mechanic in parking lot later when I picked up the car, , told him, he said no body told me there was a problem, so bring it in early early next morning and he redid it. poor communication by service advisor.
next dealer issues another new toyota, needed inside driver door panel. they ordered it, it came in, I went left car, went back at 5 PM they said when the openned the box it was torn inside the packaging. do over, next time they reordered, service manager called me, said part was there. and parts guy had inspected it, took car, left it - went to get car, the part sent was the wrongcolor do over again
or a toyota / lexus only indie.
dealers are really disorganized and have too many players in your repair, your words on whats wrong may never get to the mechanic
as in my new toyota, took in for excessive inside front tire/toe wear at 3000 miles from new.
work sheet said only "check alignment" no mention of the true problem. by chance I saw the mechanic in parking lot later when I picked up the car, , told him, he said no body told me there was a problem, so bring it in early early next morning and he redid it. poor communication by service advisor.
next dealer issues another new toyota, needed inside driver door panel. they ordered it, it came in, I went left car, went back at 5 PM they said when the openned the box it was torn inside the packaging. do over, next time they reordered, service manager called me, said part was there. and parts guy had inspected it, took car, left it - went to get car, the part sent was the wrongcolor do over again
Last edited by edwardh11; 06-03-18 at 07:06 AM.
03-05-21, 07:11 AM
#15
Racer
independent shops may be just as good as dealers ad will be a lot less $ imo. I use a chain here that is a independent and have had great luck.