30000km Service; Price & Service.

[FrankyX]

I had my 30000km service done today from Lexus of Chatswood and I must say, i'm pretty damn happy with how things went.

Take it back a week and I rang Parramatta who I had my first done with. Anyway, they quoted $680 which was to be expected for this service. After reading previous notes on getting services from Toyota, I rang and they quoted $300. Massive difference but I still wanted to get it done by a Lexus dealer.

Anywho, I was curious as to what the other dealers were charging. I rang Sydney City & Chatswood and what I didn't realise was the difference they were all charging. As above, Parra quoted $680, Sydney City approx $800 and Chatswood $528. I know that they're all privately run, but how the heck can there be such a massive discrepancy???

Of course I went with Chatswood, after all as long as it was a log book service, I really couldn't care less. In saying that, I am more than impressed with what they offered and the way they looked after me.

They called & sent a text prior to today, moved iPod connector from centre console to glove box (no charge) and didn't push on any extras.

Overall, very happy and highly recommended.

[Atlantis]

Lexus of Sutherland quoted me $495, but I am not sure how good their service is as I haven't required one just yet.

[ProjectIS]

Of course I went with Chatswood, after all as long as it was a log book service, I really couldn't care less. In saying that, I am more than impressed with what they offered and the way they looked after me.

They called & sent a text prior to today, moved iPod connector from centre console to glove box (no charge) and didn't push on any extras.

Overall, very happy and highly recommended.

I couldn't agree with your statement more! I found those small things like "Communication" made the world of difference! I couldn't praise them enough after my 15k service!

Im about to book my 30k service with Chatswood in the next week or so! I do have a few issues this time so I look forward to seeing how they handle them! The price don't bother me at the moment as I don't pay for servicing yet!!

Atlantis, I bought my car from Sutherland Lexus. Although I don't think much of the current sales team there, I heard that the service dept ain't bad. That was from the rep that sold me my car.(No longer there though)!

[Atlantis]

Atlantis, I bought my car from Sutherland Lexus. Although I don't think much of the current sales team there, I heard that the service dept ain't bad. That was from the rep that sold me my car.(No longer there though)!

Yeah, I got mine there a couple of months back. They do need to work on their communication. Several placed calls have never been returned. Chatswood seems to get glowing reviews constantly, so I may consider using them when service time eventually rolls around.

[cevu]

+1 FOR CHATSWOOD!

[bobsmith]

I'm another fan of Chatswood. I had my 15K service done there and they did a great job.

I decided not to go back to Sutherland when they scratched my car during a minor, post purchase service. They did a good job having the scratches repaired but I would have preferred them not to have been there in the first place.

[ldc]

Mine is coming up, but i've only got 23000Km on the clock. So i'm better of going to Chatswood? last time Para did mine for $680.

[GSaad]

Sounds like you guys are getting looked after in NSW.

Can anybody from VIC expand on their experiences from their services.

My 30k service is coming up.

Thanks

[akuma]

Got my car from sutherland, done my first free service there but had continuous problems (seat and steering noise issues) though it's both under warranty.

First time they took my car to checkthe seat rattle noise, they brought the car back but noise still exist.

Second time they took my car after i've told them the noise still exist plus steering noise, they fixed the seat rattle noise but the steering noise still exist ... and I can't be stuffed to call them again ...

I've done 25k so far but i'm reluctant to give it to sutherland again ... I've got my eye on IS-F before but after all the hassles I had to go through with my IS250 ... pfff

[Oliver Twizt]

Has anyone taken their car to a dealer other than the selling dealer for warranty issues?

I've been a little worried that another dealer wouldn't give you the same attention that the selling dealer would... At least that was what happened with my Nissan....

[DANSLEX]

Has anyone taken their car to a dealer other than the selling dealer for warranty issues?

I've been a little worried that another dealer wouldn't give you the same attention that the selling dealer would... At least that was what happened with my Nissan....

I have, no problems. Shouldn't make a difference. All warranty work is oncharged to Lexus Australia anyway. Besides Lexus and Nissan are a million miles apart in terms of service quality...

[Oliver Twizt]

I have, no problems. Shouldn't make a difference. All warranty work is oncharged to Lexus Australia anyway. Besides Lexus and Nissan are a million miles apart in terms of service quality...

True, although I haven't had to deal with them yet so I'm not sure of what to expect!

[DANSLEX]

I have, no problems. Shouldn't make a difference. All warranty work is oncharged to Lexus Australia anyway. Besides Lexus and Nissan are a million miles apart in terms of service quality...

True, although I haven't had to deal with them yet so I'm not sure of what to expect!

I guess it will depend on the dealership. I'm in WA so we only have Lexus of Perth, which I reckon is excellent, but I always read stories of some eastern states dealership which aren't that good...

[ProjectIS]

Has anyone taken their car to a dealer other than the selling dealer for warranty issues?

As mentioned, I bought my car from Sutherland, and get it serviced at Chatswood. 15k service was brilliant even though I bought my car from another dealer. As Dan said, it is my understanding that Lexus Australia get charged regardless. I have the free servicing for "X" amount of time and due to Lexus Aus paying, not the dealer, I am able to take the car anywhere for service.

Another member, Cevu, had his whole EMV replaced under warranty through another service provider. He was wrapped!!

In short, I don't think you will have hassles in my opinion.

[Oliver Twizt]

Has anyone taken their car to a dealer other than the selling dealer for warranty issues?

As mentioned, I bought my car from Sutherland, and get it serviced at Chatswood. 15k service was brilliant even though I bought my car from another dealer. As Dan said, it is my understanding that Lexus Australia get charged regardless. I have the free servicing for "X" amount of time and due to Lexus Aus paying, not the dealer, I am able to take the car anywhere for service.

Another member, Cevu, had his whole EMV replaced under warranty through another service provider. He was wrapped!!

In short, I don't think you will have hassles in my opinion.

Ah, I missed that while I was trying to read through quickly on my ipod!

I'm going to book it in for later this week

[lex666]

guys,

another +1 for chatswood.

i work in rockdale so i reckon i wanna give sutherland a go, upon calling them to make a booking, they told me that they cant pick up a car( well according to lexus website if the car still under warranty you get free pick up and delivery), so that's 1, nope i cancel stright away, as i have to drive quite a lot of distance to sutherland, not to mention the way back to office in peak hour traffic.

so ended up taking back to chatswood, stright away. " where to pick up the car sir?" they even claiming the warrnty for some little leather cracking on the steering wheel

"i dont even notice or really care about it" but they change it to brand new one.

couldnt complaint ;) plus i get to drive a new RX350 as a loan car, even better :P

[SYDERIS250]

My car is due for its 75k service.

Parra quoted $660 for a what is a standard lube and oil change.

I mentioned that I also wanted the transmission serviced as it has had a few oddities lately (hesitation on steep inlcline when going slowly - up driveway) and the goose stated "These transmissions don't need servicing".

I'm sorry, I've had Beemers, Volvo's etc and I don't care what the service guy says - Get your transmission serviced....

Will check with Chatswood, but as it is a standard warranty (i.e. Not Dealer extended) I may just go with my own good mechanic in Artarmon.

Had my wife's Honda in for it's 60k service at Scotts Honda and including new brake pads all around it came to $450.

I'm thinking the Lexus dealers may be true "Stealers".........

Thoughts?

[will.i.am]

I live next to sydney lexus, but after reading all the good stories about chatswood lexus, I bring my car there for end of warranty check.

I noticed slight squeaky noise from dash, Syd from chatswood lexus is ording me a whole new dash and getting that replaced.

Lexus might cost a bit more on their service, but you are getting a loan car + car wash etc that your local mech wont' provide.

I bought extra 2 yrs warranty, so I guess I will stick with dealer servicing for its term. (btw. chatswood lexus' quote was $1k cheaper than lexus / toyota australia). they offer similar cover incl trims.

[DANSLEX]

I bought extra 2 yrs warranty, so I guess I will stick with dealer servicing for its term. (btw. chatswood lexus' quote was $1k cheaper than lexus / toyota australia). they offer similar cover incl trims.

How much did you pay for the extended warranty, if you don't mind me asking? I had a quote from the general Lexus hotline and it was about 1700 bucks for extra two years and 150K kays or something like that... Was it $1K cheaper because you negotiated it when you bought the car, or did you buy the extended warranty afterwards?

My car's warranty is running out next year, considering upgrading it.

[Sapphire Cam]

I just got an 'off the shelf' written quote from Melb City Lexus for a 3 year/100,000 km full extended warranty for my IS250 - $2,240. Same coverage as the 4-yr factory warranty, minus interior trim.

Reckon you possibly could negotiate a little cheaper - maybe in the new year when things are generally quieter at dealerships.

[SYDERIS250]

My car is due for its 75k service.

Parra quoted $660 for a what is a standard lube and oil change.

I mentioned that I also wanted the transmission serviced as it has had a few oddities lately (hesitation on steep inlcline when going slowly - up driveway) and the goose stated "These transmissions don't need servicing".

I'm sorry, I've had Beemers, Volvo's etc and I don't care what the service guy says - Get your transmission serviced....

Will check with Chatswood, but as it is a standard warranty (i.e. Not Dealer extended) I may just go with my own good mechanic in Artarmon.

Had my wife's Honda in for it's 60k service at Scotts Honda and including new brake pads all around it came to $450.

I'm thinking the Lexus dealers may be true "Stealers".........

Thoughts?

I spoke with my reliable mechanic who has looked after my cars for a while.

The 75k service is a minor lube and oil change.

My guy is charging me $250, which would give me change of $410 compared to Lexus of Parramatta.

My guy will also go over the car with a fine tooth comb to ensure nothing is missed.

Now, I could hire a "nice" for the day car around the corner for about $150, and have my car detailed for $200 and still have $60 change.

As it is, I'll spend $40 on cabs to get to the city and back (I wanted to skimp, my mechanic will drop me at the train station), and actually prefer to wash and detail my own car.

Don't be fooled that a Lexus service is any better than a "reliable" mechanic.

Keep the money in your own pocket I say.

[illusivedreams]

I 100% agree.

The only good thing about factory servicing is if there are any recalls/warranty they will do them with your service.

Just make sure he uses genuine filters and consumables.

I got my filters From Sydney City toyota for $10 from my friend who is a manager there Im sure I can sort you out a few if you need.

Another note if you car is out of warranty do it your self will cost $80 with Mobil 1 which is better than what the dealer or local mechanic will use and takes 30 min..

Bring to my garage and I will charge $150 for a minor lube service. Im not a licenced mechanic but own a motorcycle importership and prepare motorbikes every day.

[DANSLEX]

Any dealership for any car brand will always be more expensive than your backyard mechanic or auto masters monkeys. They also have a reputation to uphold. I get my car serviced at the dealership, good peace of mind, and I really do not find it that much more expensive. Auto masters quoted me around 400 bucks for my last service, with what I hope was genuine filters and stuff, and competent people, but you never know that for sure! I don't mind paying extra 200 bucks and get a complimentary car and car wash, and know that they will definately do a good job. Heard all sorts of stories about cars being serviced in those other places. Unless you know a mechanic who's good and who you can trust, stick with the dealership. Auto masters, ultra tune and all those other places often get apprentices to work on your car. Some of the things I hear of are just shocking. Often they don't get supervised properly. Car's get thrashed on the test drive. Stuff is forgotten. And so on.

No point penny pinching hey, do that with your Kia, but crikey, it's a Lexus, it deserves a bit more care than some hung over incompetent apprentice monkey can provide. You bought a 65K+ car, not a 13,990 drive away special. I wouldn't buy a second hand car like that if it didn't have a proper log book with dealer stamps in them, or at least would pay a lot less for it than one that did, all else being equal.

[DANSLEX]

Now, I could hire a "nice" for the day car around the corner for about $150, and have my car detailed for $200 and still have $60 change.

Does that $150 cover full tank of fuel? Nope. It's free with Lexus... Your $60 change will most likely get spent on fuel anyway. Based on that I can't see why you wouldn't go to the dealership.

[SYDERIS250]

Any dealership for any car brand will always be more expensive than your backyard mechanic or auto masters monkeys. They also have a reputation to uphold. I get my car serviced at the dealership, good peace of mind, and I really do not find it that much more expensive. Auto masters quoted me around 400 bucks for my last service, with what I hope was genuine filters and stuff, and competent people, but you never know that for sure! I don't mind paying extra 200 bucks and get a complimentary car and car wash, and know that they will definately do a good job. Heard all sorts of stories about cars being serviced in those other places. Unless you know a mechanic who's good and who you can trust, stick with the dealership. Auto masters, ultra tune and all those other places often get apprentices to work on your car. Some of the things I hear of are just shocking. Often they don't get supervised properly. Car's get thrashed on the test drive. Stuff is forgotten. And so on.

No point penny pinching hey, do that with your Kia, but crikey, it's a Lexus, it deserves a bit more care than some hung over incompetent apprentice monkey can provide. You bought a 65K+ car, not a 13,990 drive away special. I wouldn't buy a second hand car like that if it didn't have a proper log book with dealer stamps in them, or at least would pay a lot less for it than one that did, all else being equal.

I agree and disagree.

I have had some pretty bad experiences with quality brand dealer services from BMW, Volvo and Mercedes.

The dealer treats you as a captive audience based on that you don't know any better.

BMW - Quoted $4k by two separate dealers to rebuild my transmission.

Fixed for $200 by a transmissions specialist in Meadowbank.

BMW - Blown water pump.

Quoted $550 to repair. Bill was $900 when I came to pick it up.

I kicked up a ruckus (In a polite but firm manner) and insisted on dealing with the senior manager.

Ended up with a bill for $600.

Volvo - repeated requests while car was under warranty to check weirdness in transmission.

When out of warranty was advised of $5k to rectify.

Fought this with Volvo Australia who ended up footing the bill.

I have a highly recommended independent automotive mechanic in Artarmon who has been in business for years, has been written up in the newspaper on numerous occasions for exemplary customer service, and has many times helped me out and done extra work where he didn't need to. He will use genuine parts but recommend OEM parts where they are the same but better priced. Also, as well as himself he has 2 highly skilled mechanics who specialise in luxury and sports cars.

I agree, don't just take your car to some franchised or backyard auto mechanic, only use mechanics outside the dealer if they come recommended.

But, my statement to anyone who thinks the dealer service gives you any more than a bit of frippery thrown in (i.e. The wash, nice loaner car, nice waiting room) then you're dreaming.

Everyone has a choice. I choose to support a reliable independant business with good old fashioned service.