Servicing - Specialist or Dealership?

[Killysprint]

1 minute ago, PRT68 said:

What really miffs me is the Lexus versus the Toyota warranty. I have an RC300h, 3 years warranty. Toyota RAV4 hybrid, 5 years. To get the extra 2 years warranty on my Lexus, £995. Many of the components are shared. Should really be the other way round. Still, my choice.

How many other manufacturers that Lexus compete with offer warranties longer than 3 years??? Merc, BMW, Audi, Infiniti? None of them. When you buy new you can add at cost warranty extensions. 

 The £500 a year lexus charge for the extended warranty is cheap at the price point Lexus sells at new. £42 per month for a £70k car - peanuts. As I said in my previous post my M5 was £140 a month, and I paid £65 a month for my sons previous 114i. 

Now ask the same question for Toyota - totally different market sector and demographic.

hyundai and Kia offer up to 7 yr warranties hence Toyota must offer the same to maintain and help sales.

[PRT68]

Killysprint, yes, I understand what you say. 

My point is that if a shared component on a Toyota RAV4 fails after 4 years it's covered under warranty, but you'd have to pay with a Lexus.

On a further point raised earlier about the servicing on new vehicles where they can be serviced according to manufacturers schedule by a vat registered non Lexus garage to maintain the warranty.

I'm sure a Toyota garage could service a Lexus better than a specialist in Lexus's eyes. So how about going to Toyota for 3 years at possibly reduced cost....

[Killysprint]

39 minutes ago, PRT68 said:

Killysprint, yes, I understand what you say. 

My point is that if a shared component on a Toyota RAV4 fails after 4 years it's covered under warranty, but you'd have to pay with a Lexus.

On a further point raised earlier about the servicing on new vehicles where they can be serviced according to manufacturers schedule by a vat registered non Lexus garage to maintain the warranty.

I'm sure a Toyota garage could service a Lexus better than a specialist in Lexus's eyes. So how about going to Toyota for 3 years at possibly reduced cost....

 

If you’re not happy with the warranty conditions - buy something else. Easy.

It won’t have a full Lexus service history if you service with Toyota and consequently be worth less when you trade it in - your win on servicing will be lost. Theyll have your money either way.

Independants have their place - my defender - main dealer serviced - no. 

My 911 and 968 - main dealer serviced - no.

Why ? They’re not new cars and Because the specialists know the cars better and they can’t be plugged in for a computer says no. And with the type of cars they are and their age, an independent service history is as good as a main dealer one - and in the case of the 911 probably better, due to where it goes.

My s2000 - main dealer serviced - yes. This next year no. The Honda warranty is no longer valid. So it’ll go to a local type r specialist, and the car is 10 years old. 

My car The kids and the wife’s cars - main dealer yes because they are still within warranty and will be moved on when they’re 3/4 years old. The main dealer history helps preserve the value and is generally the first question asked when people buy a car.

Forums are littered with “can I have my lease car serviced at an independent, do I have to have it serviced before it goes back, do I have to put approved tyres on can I get away with ditchfinders to save £1” - my opinion is if you can’t do it properly, don’t do it all all.

[DAW]

15 hours ago, Womble72 said:

What I’m miffed about is the fact that u can buy new, service at Indy specialist obviously with genuine parts BUT after 3 years old the warranty company (the same company) then insist on the car being serviced by the manufacturer despite the 3 previous years not being done by the manufacturer but the warranty is still valid until that point.

Hi Paul hope life is treating you well.

I see where you are coming from & I agree  that a specialist Indy garage will more likely do a much better job.

But I can see that from an insurance perspective (I’m not in insurance by the way) that they want to limit risk.  We care about our cars & want to look after them properly, but some people don’t & may cut corners.  So from a practical perspective the easiest way to avoid that is to limit the warranty to the dealerships who should be at least servicing the cars correctly🤞🏻.  I presume the only other way would be to have an approval process for other garages & of course it’s not in their interest to do that as Lexus need the servicing.

As you said earlier you can save a lot of money by not being tied into all this.  However for my part I had 10k worth of major component failures on 2 cars over a 2 year period before buying my ISF.  When I did my research one of the few issues I came across was head light failures, which were very expensive units to replace when compared to the warranty cost.  So on that basis, & also wanting to keep a FLSH for re sale, I decided to get the warranty for peace of mind.  The 2 year deal meant I didn’t need to worry for £450/year, a big chunk of which was for breakdown cover (inc Europe); to me that seemed good value.  

Lexus cars are incredibly reliable, but failures occur & it’s just down to personal preference as to how comfortable you are with that risk.  I’m sure your pocket is happier😉😂

 

[Womble72]

9 hours ago, DAW said:

Hi Paul hope life is treating you well.

I see where you are coming from & I agree  that a specialist Indy garage will more likely do a much better job.

But I can see that from an insurance perspective (I’m not in insurance by the way) that they want to limit risk.  We care about our cars & want to look after them properly, but some people don’t & may cut corners.  So from a practical perspective the easiest way to avoid that is to limit the warranty to the dealerships who should be at least servicing the cars correctly🤞🏻.  I presume the only other way would be to have an approval process for other garages & of course it’s not in their interest to do that as Lexus need the servicing.

As you said earlier you can save a lot of money by not being tied into all this.  However for my part I had 10k worth of major component failures on 2 cars over a 2 year period before buying my ISF.  When I did my research one of the few issues I came across was head light failures, which were very expensive units to replace when compared to the warranty cost.  So on that basis, & also wanting to keep a FLSH for re sale, I decided to get the warranty for peace of mind.  The 2 year deal meant I didn’t need to worry for £450/year, a big chunk of which was for breakdown cover (inc Europe); to me that seemed good value.  

Lexus cars are incredibly reliable, but failures occur & it’s just down to personal preference as to how comfortable you are with that risk.  I’m sure your pocket is happier😉😂

 

Evening David, all good here hope your all good too,

i know it’s a personal preference and on a personal side I’ve had both an IS200 and then an IS300 both with full Lexus history and both hadn’t been serviced to Lexus requirements, both had never had the gearbox oils changed, the IS200 serviced in the West Country (where it was from) and the other from the Manchester area again from where it was from, my F had full Lexus history and I fell for the sales “they all sound like that” which I know they don’t thanks to this site and a few meets, my F had a cracked manifold, was bought like it and when the Indy told me about the manifolds it was out of warranty, I approach Lexus (heard nothing to date) but from what I’m LED to believe the garage would have had to swallow the cost as it was like it prior to selling hence the story of “they all sound like that”......the ISF has a weak spot on manifolds and replacements are around £1800 to supply only, 7hrs book time on top to install. Ive got a pair of GSF manifolds to be installed but Lexus refuse to quote as “they’re not ISF ones”.....head is identical fixing layout and shape using the same gasket set BUT possibly flange connection may differ, I honestly can’t get an answer on that one, been quoted £900 to install by my local Indy which it will be getting booked into to done once our bedroom is finished (bloody wives) 🙄. Obviously i’m not a fan of main dealers and any dealings I have had with them have fallen far short on knowledge, principles and pride. If I was looking at a car with “specialist history” to me that’ll be worth more than a main dealer stamp (obviously making sure the history is correct) and the garage is a specialist and all checks out ok. 

Ryo is trying to sort out a mini meeting before Christmas and in the spring a weekend at Nurburgring for a six hour race and then a couple of laps in our own cars in your up for it, it isn’t a hell for leather drive more a steady run of fun 👍🏻

[gb1600e]

On ‎9‎/‎27‎/‎2019 at 9:03 AM, PRT68 said:

Killysprint, yes, I understand what you say. 

My point is that if a shared component on a Toyota RAV4 fails after 4 years it's covered under warranty, but you'd have to pay with a Lexus.

On a further point raised earlier about the servicing on new vehicles where they can be serviced according to manufacturers schedule by a vat registered non Lexus garage to maintain the warranty.

I'm sure a Toyota garage could service a Lexus better than a specialist in Lexus's eyes. So how about going to Toyota for 3 years at possibly reduced cost....

Interesting point.  My local Lexus dealer, who stamp my service book and do a very nice Latte with an L shaped logo of chocolate fairy dust, is a shared franchise with Toyota who occupy the same site........ and they share the same workshop and same mechanics!   I'm aware the hourly rate is much less than some others quote for Lexus dealers so is this a good thing or a bad thing?  I took the trouble to speak to the mechanic who did the last work I had done and he was thrilled to work on such a rare car and I warmed to the view that he was proud to do a fastidious job so is this better or worse than an independent ?  Who knows ? Pays ya money takes ya choice.

[DAW]

On 9/27/2019 at 11:59 PM, Womble72 said:

Evening David, all good here hope your all good too,

i know it’s a personal preference and on a personal side I’ve had both an IS200 and then an IS300 both with full Lexus history and both hadn’t been serviced to Lexus requirements, both had never had the gearbox oils changed, the IS200 serviced in the West Country (where it was from) and the other from the Manchester area again from where it was from, my F had full Lexus history and I fell for the sales “they all sound like that” which I know they don’t thanks to this site and a few meets, my F had a cracked manifold, was bought like it and when the Indy told me about the manifolds it was out of warranty, I approach Lexus (heard nothing to date) but from what I’m led to believe the garage would have had to swallow the cost as it was like it prior to selling hence the story of “they all sound like that”......the ISF has a weak spot on manifolds and replacements are around £1800 to supply only, 7hrs book time on top to install. Ive got a pair of GSF manifolds to be installed but Lexus refuse to quote as “they’re not ISF ones”.....head is identical fixing layout and shape using the same gasket set BUT possibly flange connection may differ, I honestly can’t get an answer on that one, been quoted £900 to install by my local Indy which it will be getting booked into to done once our bedroom is finished (bloody wives) 🙄. Obviously i’m not a fan of main dealers and any dealings I have had with them have fallen far short on knowledge, principles and pride. If I was looking at a car with “specialist history” to me that’ll be worth more than a main dealer stamp (obviously making sure the history is correct) and the garage is a specialist and all checks out ok. 

Ryo is trying to sort out a mini meeting before Christmas and in the spring a weekend at Nurburgring for a six hour race and then a couple of laps in our own cars in your up for it, it isn’t a hell for leather drive more a steady run of fun 👍🏻

Hi Paul,

Can see why you prefer using Westfield‘s & the fact that the dealers don’t always do all the service work they should doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. 🙄😡

Keep me posted re the meets 👍🏻

[MNMJ]

On 9/24/2019 at 3:14 PM, Silkmen said:

. With this in mind I'm toying with the idea of getting it serviced at a Lexus specialist semi-local to me.

Can you name the dealer Silkman; it may be semi local to me too and I'd like to check them out.

Thanks,
M

[MNMJ]

On 9/24/2019 at 3:14 PM, Silkmen said:

. With this in mind I'm toying with the idea of getting it serviced at a Lexus specialist semi-local to me.

Can you name the dealer Silkman; it may be semi local to me too and I'd like to check them out.

Thanks,
M

[Silkmen]

2 hours ago, MNMJ said:

Can you name the dealer Silkman; it may be semi local to me too and I'd like to check them out.

Thanks,
M

Lex-Tek Autos in Sheffield, I have spoken to them a couple of times and they came across well. I'm Still 50/50 whether to go down dealership servicing route or use them.

Interested to hear your thoughts if you take a look at them.

[MNMJ]

Thanks for the reply... Sheffield is quite a way from me. I imagine you are in East Cheshire for that to be semi-local? At least you can have a blast over Snake Pass as you travel to and fro

[Silkmen]

22 minutes ago, MNMJ said:

Thanks for the reply... Sheffield is quite a way from me. I imagine you are in East Cheshire for that to be semi-local? At least you can have a blast over Snake Pass as you travel to and fro

Yep East Cheshire and it will be an 80 mile round trip if I decide to use them.

[Silkmen]

Finally made a decision and decided to go down the dealership route after negotiating a good discount on an immediate service and service plan 👍

 

[Chris JJ]

We've just bought our first Lexus and non dealer history did put me off, in fact the non Lexus dealer we bought off I got them to stamp the warranty book but not the service book as I will be getting it serviced this week at Colindale Lexus to keep up the full history, plus the supplying dealer changed the oil and filter as were on holiday swe've run just under 2000 miles on their oil so changing again should clean out any crap and do no harm. FYI Coloindale quoted me £170 for the interim which is cheaper than Honda charged us.

[Chris JJ]

We bought or car GS250 last week from an independent garage Tempest for cars near Brighton they serviced it, but we had it into Lexus Edgware today for an interim service as only £ 175 inc VAT, they were quite good as well and the car had a clean bill of health. I wanted to ensure the car was ok and don't know the dealer we bought it off but they seem to have been good. However, the reassurance of the service and cheap cost at least maintained the Lexus SH. I took the additional warranty from Lexus though as it seems quite good for a better price than the aftermarket ones from insurance companies and covers the full lexus labour rate where others don't. 

Whilst I think a genuine independent garage are probably good I would use one for repairs and have when we had our Bentley as was getting on in age (Hanwells of London) they knew the car better than Bentley plus the last service at Bentley was over 5K. However, I do think a lot of people want and like a full main dealer history particularly on a relatively new car. Dealers always stay in adverts FMDSH so they must have an opinion it helps sells cars. i also took out the two year extended warranty from Lexus and couldn't have without the service and health check been completed and all good.

Therefore, I do think there is a place for independents, and would consider for repairs , exhausts etc but I do think the full main dealer history does help if you come to sell the car either adding value or at least easing the sale proces?

[Chris JJ]

We bought or car GS250 last week from an independent garage Tempest for cars near Brighton they serviced it, but we had it into Lexus Edgware today for an interim service as only £ 175 inc VAT, they were quite good as well and the car had a clean bill of health. I wanted to ensure the car was ok and don't know the dealer we bought it off but they seem to have been good. However, the reassurance of the service and cheap cost at least maintained the Lexus SH. I took the additional warranty from Lexus though as it seems quite good for a better price than the aftermarket ones from insurance companies and covers the full lexus labour rate where others don't. 

Whilst I think a genuine independent garage are probably good I would use one for repairs and have when we had our Bentley as was getting on in age (Hanwells of London) they knew the car better than Bentley plus the last service at Bentley was over 5K. However, I do think a lot of people want and like a full main dealer history particularly on a relatively new car. Dealers always stay in adverts FMDSH so they must have an opinion it helps sells cars. i also took out the two year extended warranty from Lexus and couldn't have without the service and health check been completed and all good.

Therefore, I do think there is a place for independents, and would consider for repairs , exhausts etc but I do think the full main dealer history does help if you come to sell the car either adding value or at least easing the sale proces?

[FTBBCVoodoo]

So on topic (sort of).

Mine went in today for an MOT at Lexus in Poole.  Lovely 19 plate NX as a courtesy car.

Slight difference in where I dropped it off and where it was tested 😉

[Womble72]

Those “Dacia” test centres are another level 😂😂.......definitely one to put at the back of the paperwork 😂😂......love it 👍🏻

[FTBBCVoodoo]

1 minute ago, Womble72 said:

Those “Dacia” test centres are another level 😂😂.......definitely one to put at the back of the paperwork 😂😂......love it 👍🏻

There is a Lotus/Jaguar garage nextdoor to Lexus who are part of the same group.  I wonder if someone with an F Type R or Exige has a similar badge of honour 😉

[Womble72]

25 minutes ago, FTBBCVoodoo said:

There is a Lotus/Jaguar garage nextdoor to Lexus who are part of the same group.  I wonder if someone with an F Type R or Exige has a similar badge of honour 😉

I know it means absolutely nothing BUT u would of thought they’d have thought it through a little bit better 😂.......clean bill of health for another year, that’s all that matters 👍🏻

[Chris JJ]

1 hour ago, FTBBCVoodoo said:

So on topic (sort of).

Mine went in today for an MOT at Lexus in Poole.  Lovely 19 plate NX as a courtesy car.

Slight difference in where I dropped it off and where it was tested 😉

Thats funny! 

Strange they go elsewhere for their MOTs perhaps Dacia are better value!

 

 

[doog442]

Just to bump this thread. 

I was ready to move on an RCF. After doing my 'due diligence ' and drilling down into its history  I was made aware the first service was carried out at a VW specialist (Independent). For the life of me I can't get my head around why they wouldn't take the car to a Lexus dealer for its first service. 

That said I've contacted the garage concerned who seem like decent folk. They said they used a full Lexus service pack but also vouched for the previous owner who has a history of nice cars and seemingly always get them serviced there. They are happy to forward the paperwork. 

However and its a big however, I've seen how long some F cars hang around (It tends to go in cycles) and am aware on something as new as an RCF an Independent stamp (no matter how good the garage) may well impact on future resale and certainly will on part ex.   

Even if followed up with Lexus servicing and stamps what would be the thoughts on here ? I guess many will say avoid at all costs. 

[Silkmen]

Personally I would happily buy an RCF which has an indy stamp in the book. However many folk wouldn't touch it.

If the price is right and you intend on keeping the car for several years then I say go for it.

[doog442]

1 hour ago, Silkmen said:

Personally I would happily buy an RCF which has an indy stamp in the book. However many folk wouldn't touch it.

If the price is right and you intend on keeping the car for several years then I say go for it.

I guess some main dealer stamps to follow would smooth things out for private buyers. Just wondering how the trade or Lexus would view it when it came to moving it on part ex. I tend to swap cars every 2/3 years nowadays until I find a keeper that is. 

[MNMJ]

If it was just the first stamp and the rest were Lexus, and if Lexus would allow the warranty to be extended after 3 years, I would go for it...at the right price