Reputable Lexus Dealer Or Independent Mechanic In Nj, Anyone?

[1999ls400]

Hi there, finally bought a 99 LS400 with 90500 miles! Need to have some work done, timing belt/tensioner/idler pulleys/water pump/cam & crank seals etc, as well as two front lower control arms.

Anyone knows good mechanics in New Jersey/NYC area that works on lexus?(northern NJ prefered but not big deal) Lower price is good, but not the most important. Honesty and quality of work are the highest priority. I don't think many corner garages have done many timing belt changes for LS400. So would prefer someone regularly working on lexus with adequate experience.

I will consider dealer as well, especially the ones you have had good personal experience with.

Would appreicate any helpful info!

[91LS400vgb]

I'm aware of this one place, though I haven't tried them yet, so I don't know how good they are. You can give them a call and do your own research.

Toy Shop - The Toyota Specialists

363 N Midland Ave

Saddle Brook, NJ 07663

(201) 791-7683

[1999ls400]

Thanks vgb for the info! I'll do my research.

I know you haven't dealt with them. But have you heard of anything at all about how good they are, through word of mouth maybe?

[91LS400vgb]

Unfortunately, I have not. I know of one other person in NNJ who has worked at at a toyota/lexus dealer for 20 years. I don't want to post his info here so I will PM you instead. Also, if you check out either of these, I'd appreciate hearing what your experiences were. Thanks.

[jakemt]

hey 1999ls400, may i ask how much you paid for your car? i'm curious since i bought a nyc lexus with similar issues.....thanx...

[1999ls400]

Unfortunately, I have not. I know of one other person in NNJ who has worked at at a toyota/lexus dealer for 20 years. I don't want to post his info here so I will PM you instead. Also, if you check out either of these, I'd appreciate hearing what your experiences were. Thanks.

Thank you. PM received and replied.

hey 1999ls400, may i ask how much you paid for your car? i'm curious since i bought a nyc lexus with similar issues.....thanx...

Jakemt, I paid about 14500 (not including tax) for the car. Not the best deal around, but it is the color I wanted and there were not that many LS for sale and I got tired of looking. Well, It 's also got the Nakamichi package and chrome wheels which added a little more to the price. How about yours? It seems to me that a 2000 costs quite some more than the 99. That's whay I went with a 99.

[jakemt]

Unfortunately, I have not. I know of one other person in NNJ who has worked at at a toyota/lexus dealer for 20 years. I don't want to post his info here so I will PM you instead. Also, if you check out either of these, I'd appreciate hearing what your experiences were. Thanks.

Thank you. PM received and replied.

hey 1999ls400, may i ask how much you paid for your car? i'm curious since i bought a nyc lexus with similar issues.....thanx...

Jakemt, I paid about 14500 (not including tax) for the car. Not the best deal around, but it is the color I wanted and there were not that many LS for sale and I got tired of looking. Well, It 's also got the Nakamichi package and chrome wheels which added a little more to the price. How about yours? It seems to me that a 2000 costs quite some more than the 99. That's whay I went with a 99.

I paid 10000 for mine not including tax. I don't have the Nakamichi and chromes, but I had to do the 90k service among other things which set me back another 2500 at the local lexus dealer. Since they charge so much, I'm also looking for a local independent that specializes in lexuses for future service. You have any suggestions in the NYC area? Btw, what color is is your ls? Mine is black on black. I know its hard to keep clean, but it looks real classy on a 2000 ls....

[1999ls400]

10000 for a 2000 LS?! Wow, that's a steal, in fact I would call it deal of the century! Is there any reason you could get it at such a low price (even w/ the cost of 2500 afterwards)? Did you buy it from a private seller? And you must have very sharp negotiating skills! I mean the trade-in price (per Edmunds.com) is around 14000 for a 2000, and 12000 for a '99. I was looking for private sales, but eventually bought the car from a new car dealer because it had the color I wanted, which is pearl white on tan/ivory. I also like black on black, but already have another car like that, so decided to get a different color. Another combo I would go for is black on tan.

[jakemt]

10000 for a 2000 LS?! Wow, that's a steal, in fact I would call it deal of the century! Is there any reason you could get it at such a low price (even w/ the cost of 2500 afterwards)? Did you buy it from a private seller? And you must have very sharp negotiating skills! I mean the trade-in price (per Edmunds.com) is around 14000 for a 2000, and 12000 for a '99. I was looking for private sales, but eventually bought the car from a new car dealer because it had the color I wanted, which is pearl white on tan/ivory. I also like black on black, but already have another car like that, so decided to get a different color. Another combo I would go for is black on tan.

Yeah, I know. But it was a private seller and I tracked it on ebay for awhile. For some reason, nobody was bidding on the car even though the pictures looked real good and the carfax was clean. Maybe it had something to do with the fact it was a NYC car and people outside of nyc are suspicious of anything from here. I checked it out in person and except for the timing belt and other stuff, bought it a couple of days later. Like you, I had to get used to the brakes since I was coming from a '94 ls. Also, the tires that came with the car are kinda stiff and am looking for much softer ones for a more comfortable ride here in pothole city. What tires u got on your ls....?

[1999ls400]

The tires I have are Pirelli P400 touring. Don't feel much noise or harshness, but not sure how they compare with other tires though on the LS. It seems Michelin has a good reputation on this site. Certainly would look into that if I were to get new tires.