houser

Hey there! I had the 90K mile service done on my lexus rx300 at the lexus dealership back in march. I paid $1300 for it as well as an additional $60 for a drive belt change and another $200 for a transmission flush. My check engine light came on the other day, so I took it in. The dealership called me about 30 minutes later to tell me the light was on because I didn't tighten my gas cap all the way. They then informed me of an incidental finding. Apparently my idler pulley(s) are worn down and need to be replaced. They quoted me $500 and told me that that was with 'reduced' labor. I asked them why the pulleys weren't checked when they changed my timing belt in march. They told me that the pulley's are encased and very difficult to get to. Should they have checked them? I also don't understand how they were able to discover they were worn down in 30 minutes if they are so hard to get to. Is there an error code that comes up?? could they have tightened them too much when they changed my belt back in march causing them to wear down? I'm clueless when it comes to cars. Any information would be much appreciated! thanks so much, heidi :)

oh goodness.. i just bought a 2001 lexus rx300 with 90,000 miles on.. the transmission fluid looks like it's never been changed. i'm going on a roadtrip next week and was planning on having the transmission flushed prior. would it be safer to just have the fluid changed? i was going to have it flushed somewhere other than the lexus dealership.. now i'm considering paying the extra $$$. any advice would be much appreciated! heidi :)