Need Independent Mechanic Recommedation - Houston, Tx

[Stephen Clark]

Hello all, I am new to this forum.

My wife's 99 RX300 is in need of some work, and I don't want to pay dealer's prices. Can anyone recommend a competent independent Lexus mechanic in the Houston, Texas area? I have seen several around, but don't know who is the best/honest/most reasonable.

I live in the West Houston ( Katy ) area. My dealer is Westside Lexus, but the car is out of warranty now, having almost 60k miles. I need a 60k service performed by an independent Lexus or Toyota specialist.

Many thanks for you recommendations!

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Stephen Clark

99 Lexus RX300

Houston, Texas USA

[bde4]

Stephen,

I also have a 99 RX300 in the Houston area, with about 80,000 miles on it. I've been in the same boat as you, and couldn't justify paying $800-900 for the 60,000 mile maintenance. I used Mike Calvert Toyota for mine, for about $500.

However, I just used Elite Auto Clinic, and was very happy with them. It seems to be a new independent shop that was just started by a longtime mechanic from Lexus of Clear Lake. Their prices seem to be about 50-60% of what Lexus charges, with all OEM parts. I inquired about the 90,000 mile maintenance, and he said it would be about $600 for the maintenace (all fluid changes/inspection), but this also included the timing belt change, which is like $200-300 by itself at a Toyota dealership (guessing Lexus would charge $500+). I would guess that the 60,000 maintenance would be in the $400 range? The prices seem to be very reasonable right now, as I think he is trying to get customers and get the business going. But, I have only nice things to say about the shop. He's offering a free oil change on your first visit too (that's what got me in there initially).

They are located around I-45 South and the beltway, so a little far from Katy. I had been using Lexus of Clear Lake and Sterling McCall Lexus, and was less than impressed with the prices. I live in the med center and was using a Toyota dealer around here for maintenance also, but they have gotten more anal about doing work on a Lexus recently.

The mechanic's name is Quan Phan, and his number is (281) 922-7375. They are located at 15255 Gulf Freeway, Ste. 114F

They also provide Lexus loaner cars (which in my case was a high mileage ls400), but still nice. Hope this helps.

Ben

[Stephen Clark]

Thank you, Ben, for your quick reply. The type of situation you describe is exactly what I am looking for: a former Lexus dealer mechanic who now has his own shop. Looks like you have found a good one in your part of town. Unfortunately, it's a bit far for me to drive and drop off a car.

We have a shop called Lexus & Toyota Specialists here in Katy, but I haven't been able to get any recommendations on this shop.

If anyone has used this shop, what was your experience?

Thanks,

Stephen Clark