Lexus Independent Specialists

Zee007 · March 15, 2003

What would people think about an Independent Lexus Specialist in the UK? I personally think there is a need for one.....

Somewhere that does not charge the Earth for labour, who can service all Lexus models, has Ex-Lexus mechanics and can help tune and source all Jap parts.

I for one (now I am out of warrenty) would use it....

What do other people think.....?

Monster-Mat · March 15, 2003

yeah,

aslong as the tech's knew what they were dealing with......not that it botheres me, my car still has 2 years left.....

oops no it aint.....all warrentys are void...appart from the,interior and sunroof

Matthew_McNally · March 15, 2003

yeah - there probably is.

would be a nice alternative to the £75 per hour rates places like Lexus charge.

Zee007 · March 16, 2003

Yeah - good points chaps...... any more thoughts or views?

ifraz · March 16, 2003

I also would use an independent Lexus specialist. I def. think there's a need. As has been said earlier, the labour charges at Lexus are a bit on the high side.

Are you thinking of setting one up :)

Zee007 · March 16, 2003

Are you thinking of setting one up :)

Any more views?

Chris.S · March 16, 2003

Very good idea as nobody as far as I know has become a Lexus independent specialist

We have Ford,Vauxhaull,VW and Merc specialists why not a Lexus one

DaveEllen · March 16, 2003

I agree. Depending on location could be a nice little earner for some bright spark

I'd use them over the local Lexus place when my warranty is up....on 5/4/03 so come on !!!!

Claire G · March 17, 2003

Yes, it's a good idea.

How would it affect re-sell value though if you had servicing and work done at a non-dealership? Don't the cars attract a better resale value with a full Lexus dealership service history?

Zee007 · March 17, 2003

Yes, it's a good idea.
How would it affect re-sell value though if you had servicing and work done at a non-dealership? Don't the cars attract a better resale value with a full Lexus dealership service history?

Good point Claire - However, I'm not sure how much a Full Dealership Service History helps re-sell these days..... and of course, your service at an independent specialist would be carried out by a fully qualified ex-Lexus mechanic.......

Thoughts/comments?

Zee007 · March 17, 2003

I agree. Depending on location could be a nice little earner for some bright spark

I'm sure, if there WAS to be one established by SOMEONE out there, it would PROBABLY be based in the Midlands.............

Veece · March 17, 2003

I used to get my 3 year old out of warranty BMW serviced by an independent specialist.

It had a full BMW Dealer history beforehand. I had it servicd by the specialist about three times. This didn't effect the resale value at all - I think as long as people can see that you have looked after the car, and that you have had it serviced to the manufacturers guidlines on time, then they are happy. The People who bought it off me didn't even quibble over the price. :D

DaveEllen · March 17, 2003

There is an argument that says the independant guy will do a better job anyway as he's got more to loose than a Lexus guy who will get paid whatever....

All you would loose is a Lex as a courtesy car (probably)

Zee007 · March 17, 2003

All you would loose is a Lex as a courtesy car (probably)

Possibly..............

Matthew_McNally · March 17, 2003

Would imagine that such a specialist would probably not get much work on brand new cars, people with new cars tend to want to keep the FLSH - important when selling on - I know it is to me.

But - there are now more and more "used" Lexus on the market - my father is seriously considering GS's at around 5k.

There are even more IS's as well.

People picking these up, especially if they have no intention of selling them, would be more interested in reasonablly priced work, as the keeping up the FLSH would be meaningless - but looking after the car would be important.

So yeah - I reckon there would be a market.

Another area would be mods - getting body kits, some performance parts etc.

Reckon there would be a market for people who want this sort of work done, but can't do it themselves (people like me :D )

If I got that Blitz front spoiler (which I like) - £230 is not too much to pay.

But chuck in 2 hours @ Lexus rates, and you start thinking £150 to fit a £230 spoiler? Nah - don't be soft.

If there was somewhere I trusted that would do this sort of work well, for a much more realistic fee, then I would probably use them.

Monster-Mat · March 17, 2003

so all in all looks like a very good idea, midlands would be the best location im sure.

as for after market goodies, that would defo make it a fully worthwhile venture

JOHNNY-BOY · March 17, 2003

I think it's a cracking idea, I'm sure once the word spread the bookings would be huge.

Mitch · March 17, 2003

yeah i think its a great idea.

especially if you do as matt said, sort out bodykits from the US. Japan etc and engine parts u could make some crazy cash.

so zee.................... when is it getting started???

interested now.

zee. could even make a demo car, the pickup u was talking about. that would really attract attention and customers

Keith Bowler · March 17, 2003

Hi Guys

Some interesting thoughts on independant Lexus servicing.

After experiencing diabolical service from Lexus Croydon I have decide to steer clear of Lexus for my repair needs.

I should have known better as I had the same problems with Rover with my V6 Vitesse.

Fortunately I get my Rover serviced and repaired by an ex Rover technician at a quarter of the price of a Rover dealer and whenever work is needed or done the guy gives me a detailed account of what he has done, gives me old parts that have been replaced and all receipts.

This guy has a mate who used to work for Toyota, has 10 years plus experience and has offerred to look after my Mk1 GS300, so I don't think I will be visiting Lexus for repairs and servicing.

From my experience I have found that good technicians like to work on their own with low overheads and where they can control their business and rely solely on repeat business and recommendation.

I would be very suprised if an independant ever got established. The dealers have it all stitched up with the suppliers etc.

Keith

Steve · March 17, 2003

Keith has a point.. what about parts? You have to buy most parts from a dealership.. you would have to pay the retail price... not even LOC discount would really be good enough.

Monster-Mat · March 17, 2003

id think that if you were an established business you could buy the parts at trade prices.

i run my own garage business over here in germany and have no problems getting parts at trade....or at VW and FORD less than trade price

plus as we all know there are some parts out there that are just as good but are no brand items, which are exactly the same as OEM parts.

plus i would asume a "specialist " of this sort would sort its supply chain nicely, even considering buying direct from japan

Claire G · March 17, 2003

Good point Claire - However, I'm not sure how much a Full Dealership Service History helps re-sell these days..... and of course, your service at an independent specialist would be carried out by a fully qualified ex-Lexus mechanic.......
Thoughts/comments?

Will you be doing Gold discounts? B)

Monster-Mat · March 17, 2003

id like to think so ;)

Kavey · March 17, 2003

You know, Jemca Edgware Road is pretty much like you list above - they are a Toyota/Lexus dealer, but they have a Japanese section called Jem/Japarts that service Altezza's etc. and they have all the diagnositic kits for them, as well as being able to get Japanese parts in a breeze. They obviously do IS's too, but also do other non-Toyota Jap imports, though specialise in Altezza's, Aristo's, Soarers etc, where most Lexus dealers will turn you away as they've been told to by Lexus GB. Plus my service record looks immaculate as it has all Toyota stamps.

http://www.japarts.co.uk - i'm not wishing to advertise them, but whilst they aren't the cheapest (London prices) they have always treated me honestly and fairly.

Sorry Zee - not in the midland's tho! :P

Asam