Alternatives To Lexus Dealer?

[physci]

Hi everyone,

Long-time lurker, first-time poster.

I need to do a major service, which includes oil change, replacing the air cabin filter, engine filter, and a brake fluid flush. I also need to replace my brakepads. Is there an alternative to going to a lexus dealer for all this work? I don't mind going to different places to get this done, but I'm going to be in the baltimore area for a week, and would appreciate any feedback for this.

Thanks HEAPS in advance.

[dgorrie]

I have a'99 RX300, and although not a professional, manage to do most of my own work. Still, I've started farming out oil changes (a little more inconvenience than I want these days), although I still do my own brake pads.

In my view, any reasonably competent garage can do all of the items you mentioned, taking into account that "quick lube" type places sometimes forget to tighten oil drain plugs and filters.

Brakes could actually be trickier, as the RX300 tends to squeal, especially in front (at least for me). So all the "squeal preventer" parts should go back on to the replacement pads (in my view). I think most folks suggest factory pads versus aftermarket because of this. (I'm using Wagner Thermo-Quiet pads, and still had to reinstall the regular anti-squeal parts and the usual heavy grease to get rid of noise.)

The cabin filter is the exception. This one, depending on model year, should be easy to do with the descriptions on this forum. I got my last one at AutoZone, around $15 if I recall correctly. I'd be hard-pressed to pay a garage money to put in a "genuine Lexus" ($$) cabin filter. On my '99, it only takes 5 minutes once you find the little slide-out panel at the back of the glove box.

I hope that helps. I'm in Texas, so can't recommend anyone up your way.

I need to do a major service, which includes oil change, replacing the air cabin filter, engine filter, and a brake fluid flush. I also need to replace my brake pads. Is there an alternative to going to a Lexus dealer for all this work? I don't mind going to different places to get this done, but I'm going to be in the Baltimore area for a week, and would appreciate any feedback for this.

[gabep]

Check the local Toyota dealers. Shop around as even they will have different prices.

[PK_3]

To be blunt any semi skilled mechanic can absolutely do all those things. I'm pretty much in the same boat as your first responder. I have a Porsche, BMW & Lexus. I've never gone to the dealers when warranties run out.

What I can't or don't want to do I use an indi. I've found in general indies are half the price and can often be better than the dealer.

Case and point 4 years ago my BMW dealer wanted $3-4k to do my transmission with a whopping 1 yr. 6,000 mile warranty! An indi BMW shop recommended to me did it for $1,300 with a 2 yr. 24,000 mile warranty. It still works flawlessly.

You don't even need a Lexus indi/specialist or Toyota dealer for that matter.

Regards, PK

[KBRX330]

Hi everyone,

Long-time lurker, first-time poster.

I need to do a major service, which includes oil change, replacing the air cabin filter, engine filter, and a brake fluid flush. I also need to replace my brakepads. Is there an alternative to going to a lexus dealer for all this work? I don't mind going to different places to get this done, but I'm going to be in the baltimore area for a week, and would appreciate any feedback for this.

Thanks HEAPS in advance.

I have done all of those items myself and they are definitely NOT rocket science. If you are not mechanically inclined look for an independent shop or like said before call a few toyota dealerships that are not associated with a Lexus dealership. Much cheaper.

[tomdorkey]

I'm in Portland, Oregon. Does anyone have a recommendation for an independent here? Thanks for any feedback.

[blk_on_blk]

In Portland, OR, the only place to go is Todd's Import Automotive in Lake-O http://www.toddsimport.com/ ...Todd runs a super-clean shop, stands behind his work, and he gets it right the first time. He and his team knows RX300's well.

[lahermano]

Hi I am in Texas,

Could you recommend any good shops that can change the Air fuel sensors and oxygen sensors on my car ?

Thanks

I have a'99 RX300, and although not a professional, manage to do most of my own work. Still, I've started farming out oil changes (a little more inconvenience than I want these days), although I still do my own brake pads.

In my view, any reasonably competent garage can do all of the items you mentioned, taking into account that "quick lube" type places sometimes forget to tighten oil drain plugs and filters.

Brakes could actually be trickier, as the RX300 tends to squeal, especially in front (at least for me). So all the "squeal preventer" parts should go back on to the replacement pads (in my view). I think most folks suggest factory pads versus aftermarket because of this. (I'm using Wagner Thermo-Quiet pads, and still had to reinstall the regular anti-squeal parts and the usual heavy grease to get rid of noise.)

The cabin filter is the exception. This one, depending on model year, should be easy to do with the descriptions on this forum. I got my last one at AutoZone, around $15 if I recall correctly. I'd be hard-pressed to pay a garage money to put in a "genuine Lexus" ($$) cabin filter. On my '99, it only takes 5 minutes once you find the little slide-out panel at the back of the glove box.

I hope that helps. I'm in Texas, so can't recommend anyone up your way.

I need to do a major service, which includes oil change, replacing the air cabin filter, engine filter, and a brake fluid flush. I also need to replace my brake pads. Is there an alternative to going to a Lexus dealer for all this work? I don't mind going to different places to get this done, but I'm going to be in the Baltimore area for a week, and would appreciate any feedback for this.