Thanks for the helpful responses. So, this is the update. Bear with me. I am a little bit angry right now, but I know I just have to accept what is happening and move forward.
I was shocked at the quote of nearly $3,000 to replace the rear axle/shaft on my IS250. So upset, I decided to check with an independent mechanic in my area. My daughter goes to this shop and she has had nothing but excellent work from them. I also checked out their reputation among local friends who have used their services. The consensus is that this is an excellent shop and that they are honest and reliable. Took my car in on Monday. Got a quote of $650 for the job. Was ecstatic. However, a friend of mine, also a Lexus owner who uses my dealership, warned me that Lexus makes it difficult, if not impossible, for independents to order their parts. Sure enough, got a call from my local guy this morning. He said that he is forced to order the parts through the Lexus dealership, and that he could do the job for $2200. A savings of $500 is nothing to shrug off, so I told him to go ahead and order the parts. My feeling now? I am not going back to my dealership. I went off and told my partner that I was considering just getting rid of the Lexus altogether if this is how they do business, but he pulled me off the ceiling and convinced me I was still better off just getting the repairs done and keeping the car.Going in on Monday to have the work done.This mechanic has my business from now on. Dealership? Unless absolutely, postively necessary, no more.
