Dealer Visit - What To Expect?

rog99 · May 1, 2015

Hello

Since buying my RX400h I've done 4000 happy miles, and now it is time for the 100k service. I knew about this when I bought it, and negotiated a good purchase price to reflect this expensive service milestone.

So, at barely 7 years old this is the newest (and nicest) car I've owned, so I haven't actually been to a main dealer before, ever!

I've joined the forum club to get a bit of a discount, and the Leeds Lexus is looking like the most convenient for me.

My question is, what should I expect from a dealer? Are courtesy cars standard or an extra charge?

If the work is booked in beforehand (which the service will be) is it a 'while you wait' prompt affair, or do they take the car round back and get to it at some point whenever during that day?

I don't mind hanging around for a few hours, but if it's a long job (which it could be) then i'd rather go home etc so would need transport.

I'm expecting there may be some other maintenance needed (brakes are a bit jerky just before stopping, which I guess is a worn brake disc or similar), so if they need to keep it a few days that's expected.

For previous cars I've just dropped them at the local independent/specialist and then got a lift to work from a friend etc.

I've not found a Lexus specialist anywhere near me (Huddersfield) and for the 100k service I figure it is best going to Lexus.

Bit of a ramble but I guess it boils down to what differences should I expect between a dealer and non-main dealer??

steve2006 · May 1, 2015

I've not had a lot of experience with Lexus dealers as I do most of my own maintainance but always buy OEM filters from Derby.

The normal for me is a friendly greeting and offer of refreshments whilst I wait for the parts guy to bring me what I've pre ordered.

They do generally offer a courtesy car if one is available, the norm seems to be the CT200h so it may be worth nicely asking before you go.

The serviced car is normally washed and vacuumed before collection.

Lexus do offer fixed priced servicing so make sure the price is accurate.

ColinBarber · May 1, 2015

I wouldn't want to wait for a 100k service as the timing belt will take some time. Courtesy cars are normally provided as standard as part of the price, including insurance, but given the age of your vehicle you could opt for cheaper 'essentials' servicing which may not get you a car as standard. My local dealership normally provides a car of the same class so I always got an RX450 whenever my 400h was in for service.

Your dealer may offer a collection/delivery service to, depending how far away you live.

If you did want to wait then most dealers offer tea/coffee, maybe a pastries, a TV to watch and free wifi.

Halliwell2099 · May 1, 2015

I've just had my 100k service on a rx300 in sheffield, they had the car overnight and give a courtesy car but do ask when you book as they may give you a better car than the ct200 (they had a 220 but didn't offer that till I asked if they had anything bigger due to family) there was some other items that they said I should have done, they took a video and emailed this to me prior to me agreeing any work ( some bits I had done like the water pump but others were cheaper at my Indy) I went there mainly as it was timing belt job

tom123 · May 3, 2015

I can't stand the CT200h (noisy and uncomfortable), so after a couple of visits I asked if they had an IS300h, which they did. Since then, I've always asked for this instead when dropping my car off for work.

tom123 · May 3, 2015

Also, you should consider getting a Toyota dealer to quote you for any work you need doing. Toyota quoted me £700 for some suspension work when Lexus wanted £1100.

DanD · May 6, 2015

FYI... Southampton/Hedge End dealer offers a free courtesy car, providing you give them notice due to availability. You get whatever car is available on the day, but they will let you have whatever model you want, if enough notice is given. I have so far driven every car in the range, and even borrowed a staff GS450h once.

If you do not want a courtesy car, they offer to drive you to work and pick you up once the car is ready. They also offer a collection/drop off service, which is also FOC.

My car is always returned clean, inside and out, with a tin of boiled sweets left on the passenger seat.

Note that it is not uncommon for Lexus to recommend a replacement of the water pump when they change the timing belt. It makes sense because it is easier to access while the timing belt replacement is carried out, but means another £350 or so to add to the bill.

rog99 · May 13, 2015

Hello again.

Thank you all for the helpful replies.

Car has been to Lexus Leeds for its 100k service, and overall it was a good experience.

There was some other work identified during the checks (and I was sent a nice video similar to the reply about Sheffield Lexus above) which made it easy to see what they had found, and plenty of time to approve/skip each item for replacement via the video webpage - a lot better than having the guy on the phone wanting an answer right away!

The need for 'other work' wasn't entirely a surprise as this was the first service in my ownership (purchased vehicle in Dec2014).

The dealer was able to bring up the service history on the computer and confirm previous work (done at another dealer), and also confirmed that the inverter recall had been carried out back in Jan 2014 - I was told this by the private seller when i bought it, but nice to have it confirmed

The courtesy car today was a CT200h. Having driven one my review is 'meh' - wouldn't buy one, but got me from A-B.

Upon returning to collect my RX the dealer asked what I thought of the CT. After I shared my thoughts he agreed it was an entry level model for 'non Lexus owners' to get them onto the brand, but it's definitely no RX in any regards!

Next time i'm going to ask for something different. I've know other marques typically give a 'better' car as a courtesy car, to encourage you to consider trading up at some point, so it is unusual that Lexus default to the CT as their loaner vehicle.

While there I couldn't help look at the shiny new vehicles in the showroom.

The NX looks very nice (although I've read mixed reviews), and it is a bit pricey.

The new IS looks good too.

The GS still doesn't have folding rear seats, which makes it unsuitable for me. Also the boot space on the hybrid is tiny.

Oh, and of course the RX450 looks great, and for the relatively small step up from the NX price, the RX would be my choice.

Having said all that, i'm happy with my RX400h, and don't see me changing it anytime soon!

Cheers