ROUTINE Service advice
#18
Driver
[QUOTE=UCSB;7050325]I live in a expensive part of the San Francisco bay area. My Lexus dealer quoted me $160 for the 10,000 mile service (same as 20,000 mile service). So, if you live in an upscale area in CT the cost is not totally crazy. It is not a great value, but these cars do not require that much service so I wouldn't lose any sleep over the extra $60 a year to take it to the Lexus dealership. I took my Subaru in for its 7,500 mile service (same as 10k service on Lexus); it was $167 (with synthetic oil).
The way that they quoted your service cost was not correct. It was either a miscommunication, honest error on the service persons part, or possibly a little dishonest ... just ask a few more questions in the future.
I agree with all your points. The service doesn't cost that much in relation to the price of the car. The car doesn't need that much service for the average owners who drive 20,000 -24,000km a year. The service writer at your dealership owes zmamou $60. I just had my summer tires installed for my trip to Florida. The service writer forgot to quote me the $35 charge for resetting the TPMS so he took it off the bill without even asking me if I was willing to pay. Honest dealing with customers (guests in Lexus Canada speak) is what keeps people coming back. I would find another dealer if I were zmamou182!
The way that they quoted your service cost was not correct. It was either a miscommunication, honest error on the service persons part, or possibly a little dishonest ... just ask a few more questions in the future.
I agree with all your points. The service doesn't cost that much in relation to the price of the car. The car doesn't need that much service for the average owners who drive 20,000 -24,000km a year. The service writer at your dealership owes zmamou $60. I just had my summer tires installed for my trip to Florida. The service writer forgot to quote me the $35 charge for resetting the TPMS so he took it off the bill without even asking me if I was willing to pay. Honest dealing with customers (guests in Lexus Canada speak) is what keeps people coming back. I would find another dealer if I were zmamou182!
#19
No, I don't play soccer!
Yeah, I don't like that jump in price if you signed an estimate beforehand. Might be time to talk to the service manager to clear it up. It's not worth losing a customer over.
#21
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Thanks to all, I will be asking a few more questions at the next stop for sure.
I was just wondering if even the 170 was in the ball park of what everyone else got charged?
You know if everyone got quoted 116 and paid 116 then I'd be pissed and head on back to the dealer,
But if everyone else ended up paying the 170 wheather they were quoted it or not than I'd feel better about it.
My last RX was a 04 330 and I did all the oil changes on it at one year intervals which was about 7,000 miles.
I know the new oils are suppost to last a lot longer but nobody mentions water ! Everytime your engine goes from cold to hot water or condensation is produced.
My RX doesn't go on long trips often that would burn off the water so I'm one of those safe than sorry kinda guys!
My point was I marked it down on-line every oil change and it showed up when I traded it in at dealer .
He looked at the service records and was happy with it.
I'll be doing all oil changes on the 2010 but when I can time it with a service check up I will, Just easier. :~)
I was just wondering if even the 170 was in the ball park of what everyone else got charged?
You know if everyone got quoted 116 and paid 116 then I'd be pissed and head on back to the dealer,
But if everyone else ended up paying the 170 wheather they were quoted it or not than I'd feel better about it.
My last RX was a 04 330 and I did all the oil changes on it at one year intervals which was about 7,000 miles.
I know the new oils are suppost to last a lot longer but nobody mentions water ! Everytime your engine goes from cold to hot water or condensation is produced.
My RX doesn't go on long trips often that would burn off the water so I'm one of those safe than sorry kinda guys!
My point was I marked it down on-line every oil change and it showed up when I traded it in at dealer .
He looked at the service records and was happy with it.
I'll be doing all oil changes on the 2010 but when I can time it with a service check up I will, Just easier. :~)
#22
Racer
I've always been quoted without exception, an "out the door" price -- parts + labor, at 5 different Lexus dealers I've had service done in 4 different states since 1995. I was surprised at your situation and hopefully mark it up to an honest mistake by the SA, but your post will ensure I triple check before signing my name to the estimate next time.
I don't think your total price was abnormal with Lexus-provided service. Examples here in northern San Diego county on my RX400h (primary difference service-wise from current models is oil change is every 5K, and it takes only 5.0 qts of oil): My last "25K" service was quoted as a whopping $218 (happily comped by the sales department while I'm waiting for delayed new car delivery); 20K was $203, 15K was $247 (included an air filter over the normal 5K service). ...and before people tell me I could have gone to Toyota or done a DIY, I got that, but I like the customer service, had warranty items done at the same time as each of those services, always get a Lexus loaner -- the last two of which were 450h, and could have made use of the free sandwiches, sodas, golf simulator, massage chairs, etc (but I didn't), and declined the automatic or hand wash (my choice) each time.
I don't think your total price was abnormal with Lexus-provided service. Examples here in northern San Diego county on my RX400h (primary difference service-wise from current models is oil change is every 5K, and it takes only 5.0 qts of oil): My last "25K" service was quoted as a whopping $218 (happily comped by the sales department while I'm waiting for delayed new car delivery); 20K was $203, 15K was $247 (included an air filter over the normal 5K service). ...and before people tell me I could have gone to Toyota or done a DIY, I got that, but I like the customer service, had warranty items done at the same time as each of those services, always get a Lexus loaner -- the last two of which were 450h, and could have made use of the free sandwiches, sodas, golf simulator, massage chairs, etc (but I didn't), and declined the automatic or hand wash (my choice) each time.
#23
No, I don't play soccer!
The 20K is considered minor service. I'm not there yet so I can't tell you how much it is. My SA won't let me do anything that isn't necessary though I am there timewise. I pulled up the information on my dealer website and found it was close to what you paid. Take out the oil change and it should not cost more than $50, primarily for tire rotation.
http://xws.xtime.com/xmmmenu/?varian...estimate=false
I've had all my services done at the dealer. When it came to trading in, they took that into consideration. I barely broke 50K with each RX. I know going to the dealer for service is not for everyone. It gives me piece of mind. Discounts and freebies help too
http://xws.xtime.com/xmmmenu/?varian...estimate=false
I've had all my services done at the dealer. When it came to trading in, they took that into consideration. I barely broke 50K with each RX. I know going to the dealer for service is not for everyone. It gives me piece of mind. Discounts and freebies help too
Last edited by kitlz; 02-29-12 at 08:26 AM.
#24
That is a nice usefull list of service times and associated costs to view. I am surprised that there is no mention of "replacing drive belts" other than "inspection" of the belts at 60K and 120K miles. Thus, I assume that is probably the recommended interval to replace the drive belts in most cases.
#25
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The 20,000 mi service says $151, so I was close at 171.00
But Look at the 15,000 does a whole lot more stuff and cost less,
What's that about ??
I also love those service intervals the bloating items:
Check and top off fluids, = 2 mins max
Check drivers floor mat = 1 min, max
Inspect tire thread = 1 min, max
Visually inspect anything =1 min max
Reset maintenance reminder= 1 min, max
Reminds me of a garage trying to justify a high bill to a lady !
I'm surprised they don't include aprice to inspection of the muffler bearings. LoL
But Look at the 15,000 does a whole lot more stuff and cost less,
What's that about ??
I also love those service intervals the bloating items:
Check and top off fluids, = 2 mins max
Check drivers floor mat = 1 min, max
Inspect tire thread = 1 min, max
Visually inspect anything =1 min max
Reset maintenance reminder= 1 min, max
Reminds me of a garage trying to justify a high bill to a lady !
I'm surprised they don't include aprice to inspection of the muffler bearings. LoL
#26
No, I don't play soccer!
The 15K service does not include an oil change. You have to deduct for that. It is considered the first major service with a lot of it being inspect this and that. As you know labor is all preset so it doesn't matter if it only takes the tech two minutes to change the wipers. That's why I leave it to my SA to figure out what's absolutely needed and save me money.
#27
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I guess the best rule of thumb is to go over the list of items your car is up for at service and see which items you can do yourself.
Buying the parts at your local shop or parts store will save a bundle alone.
Doing the simple items like a air filter, cabin filter, topping off fluids will knock the cost down to a more managable level, and get you familiar with your car.
I think once you get to looking around your car you'll be the best to spot a leak or something out of place that needs to be fixed or brought to the dealers attention.
Lets face it, We are all here to learn from each other and save a bit of money too!
If we were the kind of people that just wanted to throw money at the dealer for service and be happy we all wouldn't be on this site in the first place !
That's why they have auto clubs with car enthusiastic people like us. :~)
Buying the parts at your local shop or parts store will save a bundle alone.
Doing the simple items like a air filter, cabin filter, topping off fluids will knock the cost down to a more managable level, and get you familiar with your car.
I think once you get to looking around your car you'll be the best to spot a leak or something out of place that needs to be fixed or brought to the dealers attention.
Lets face it, We are all here to learn from each other and save a bit of money too!
If we were the kind of people that just wanted to throw money at the dealer for service and be happy we all wouldn't be on this site in the first place !
That's why they have auto clubs with car enthusiastic people like us. :~)
#28
Driver
The 5,000 mile interval is for severe service. Those of us in Canada have to follow that schedule and change our oil every 8,000km (5,000 miles) in order to maintain our warranty. I don't know how Lexus defines severe service in the USA but I guess a dealership would be happy to tell you.
#29
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For 15,000 mile service, Tri County Lexus in NJ quoted me $319. Should I cancel my appointment and instead go the DIY route? The 10,000 mile service included an oil change.