Expensive Replacement Key..........

[Bluenose1878]

I've just been to pick up my replacement key, cost me £150 but that's just the key, they then told me that they'd done a 'SAFETY CHECK' and that i needed a new Cambelt £300 and new brake pads and Disks £??? i didn't ask!!

So going to get my key has probably cost me around £550!!!! Needless to say i left my car there as they took me away in an ambulance...

[Mr Morse]

Safety Check?

More like screw the punter check........take the car to an independent garage for a second opinion!

[GWilso]

Absaloutly saftey check my arse take it to a private garage cam belt will cost you around £120

Safety Check?

More like screw the punter check........take the car to an independent garage for a second opinion!

[Pumatron]

Sorry, but got to disagree with your comments on the safety check!!!! I had a check done when i had the cambelt replaced, which was £170 by a main dealer, proper bargain!!! The safety report highlighted that the water pump was leaking, and the front pads were 70% worn. This is good for me as I only got the car a couple of weeks ago and it appears that the dealer i bought it from had missed these items. The dealer has stumped up the cash for lexus to do the work and refunded me the money for the cambelt without any arguments!!! They checked the rest of the car over for me and found everything else ok at the moment. I suppose the safety check is like a free service albeit without replacing any parts. Is it not better to know there is something wrong with the car than to drive around with potential faults that could cause some serious damage??? You have the choice to get the work done elsewhere as there is no obligation. I have found out the safety checks are done because it is part of the basic dealer standards that all lexus vehicles have a safety check regardless of the work done on the vehicle at the dealer. So come on not ALL dealers are rip of merchants............. :D

[Nick The Greek]

Safety Check?

More like screw the punter check........take the car to an independent garage for a second opinion!

I second that!

[Pumatron]

Safety Check?

More like screw the punter check........take the car to an independent garage for a second opinion!

I second that!

This is going to be Controversial but I don't go much on independant garges, they don't really have a clue in what they are doing as they hassle main dealers for info, I should know as I worked at a main dealer for 14 years before a career change and I was forever on the phone to independant garges sorting out the problems as they did not have a clue, that said specialists were good and were on par with the main dealer but a bit cheaper, although it is no frills servicing and repairs. :winky:

[Steve ( West Mids )]

The question is would a Lexus dealer check the cambely on a safety check? I suggest not :(

[Pumatron]

The question is would a Lexus dealer check the cambely on a safety check? I suggest not :(

Welcome to planet earth.......no they would not check the condition of the cambelt BUT they would probably inform you that it was due on age or mileage and if you know it has been replaced then you have no need to worry.......It really annoys me that some people do not think about things before typing, a little knowledge is such a dangerous thing, because of comments like that was one of the reasons why i left the motor trade to pastures new.........if people have no basic mechanical knowledge they should not comment or drive cars.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The question is would a Lexus dealer check the cambely on a safety check? I suggest not :(

Welcome to planet earth.......no they would not check the condition of the cambelt BUT they would probably inform you that it was due on age or mileage and if you know it has been replaced then you have no need to worry.......It really annoys me that some people do not think about things before typing, a little knowledge is such a dangerous thing, because of comments like that was one of the reasons why i left the motor trade to pastures new.........if people have no basic mechanical knowledge they should not comment or drive cars.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S this is NOT directed at anyone in particular!!! Just venting my opinion.!!

[Rob]

i suggest that as being such a new member you tone your posts down a bit before members take a dislike to you.

People are commenting on previous experience - eg "worn pads" but most of the time when they have been checked the pads were fine, with plenty of life left. Water pump is a common fault as it leaks on the connector at the top - normally seals itself and never leaks again. I all suppose it depends if its a warranty job or the owner is paying - I am 100% sure there will be a difference in what needs to be changed/ highlighted in both cases.

which dealer does a cambelt change for £170??? its normally about £350

[GWilso]

Yep ill second that fluff last quote from lexus Woodford £417 for cam belt change went to my local garage £120 + Vat plus all timing belts changed aswell bargain

Pumatron yes there has been a lot of controversy on here of main dealers claiming for unnecesary brake pad changes thats why some are trying to be friendly and warn you of the possibles that you could experience.

Regards

i suggest that as being such a new member you tone your posts down a bit before members take a dislike to you.

People are commenting on previous experience - eg "worn pads" but most of the time when they have been checked the pads were fine, with plenty of life left. Water pump is a common fault as it leaks on the connector at the top - normally seals itself and never leaks again. I all suppose it depends if its a warranty job or the owner is paying - I am 100% sure there will be a difference in what needs to be changed/ highlighted in both cases.

which dealer does a cambelt change for £170??? its normally about £350

[fatpieman69]

I've just been to pick up my replacement key, cost me £150 but that's just the key, they then told me that they'd done a 'SAFETY CHECK' and that i needed a new Cambelt £300 and new Brake Pads and Disks £??? i didn't ask!!

So going to get my key has probably cost me around £550!!!! Needless to say i left my car there as they took me away in an ambulance...

how many miles have you done in your car, how old is it, did you leave your service book with them and wich lexus garage did you go to?

Craig

[fatpieman69]

The question is would a Lexus dealer check the cambely on a safety check? I suggest not :(

Welcome to planet earth.......no they would not check the condition of the cambelt BUT they would probably inform you that it was due on age or mileage and if you know it has been replaced then you have no need to worry.......It really annoys me that some people do not think about things before typing, a little knowledge is such a dangerous thing, because of comments like that was one of the reasons why i left the motor trade to pastures new.........if people have no basic mechanical knowledge they should not comment or drive cars.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S this is NOT directed at anyone in particular!!! Just venting my opinion.!!

No offence but it doesn't matter what business your in customers think they know best, and I have to say I work selling mobile phones, I have for the last 5 years, I know most phones inside and out but I do not know everything, I do have the odd customer (just remember ODD as in not verry often :D ) that makes me look like a novice. This forum has a bigger knowledge base than I think the average garage. we have mecanics, independant garage owners and even people who work for Lexus themselves. please realise we have camoradery, we wan't to help each other and make sure we ALL get a good deal.

Please give out your comments because you must know a few things having been in the motor trade but Don't scold other members for giving there oppinions, by all means disagree if you want and the topic starter can make THIER own mind up.

many thanks

Craig

[Bluenose1878]

"The safety report highlighted that the water pump was leaking, and the front pads were 70% worn"

Funny that because they told me the same thing, water pump leaking and pads 70% worn only difference they said the disks as well!!! Conicidence??

No one on here is claiming they know more than a dealer but how can they justify charging £170 more than an independant garage(one i've trusted since i started driving).

I'm sure i can get my disks and pads done cheaper as well...

The question is would a Lexus dealer check the cambely on a safety check? I suggest not :(

Well yeah they did, they showed me and to be fair to them it was showing signs of wear so i am getting it done, but not with the dealer, too expensive.

[Noel]

before your go to the cost of replacing the discs, measure them yourself for thickness......

new they are 32mm and are supposed to be changed when it's down to 30mm :) this is in relation to the front discs ok

[Mike_B]

"The safety report highlighted that the water pump was leaking, and the front pads were 70% worn"

Why would pads being 70% worn qualify as a safety problem anyway? They're not worn out till they're 100% worn. Now while leaving it that long is probably daft (unless you're in the habit of checking them every weekend) there is certainly no need to panic and change them immediately, there will be several thousand miles left in them...

Reminds me of when I took a (company) Passat to Kwik Fit in Plymouth after it's 80k service, to have two new rear tyres put on. As part of the main-dealer service, the rear shocks had been changed. The fact they'd only been on there a day or so didn't stop Kwik-Fit telling me they were leaking, and should be changed asap!!

Mike

[fatpieman69]

"The safety report highlighted that the water pump was leaking, and the front pads were 70% worn"

Why would pads being 70% worn qualify as a safety problem anyway? They're not worn out till they're 100% worn. Now while leaving it that long is probably daft (unless you're in the habit of checking them every weekend) there is certainly no need to panic and change them immediately, there will be several thousand miles left in them...

Reminds me of when I took a (company) Passat to Kwik Fit in Plymouth after it's 80k service, to have two new rear tyres put on. As part of the main-dealer service, the rear shocks had been changed. The fact they'd only been on there a day or so didn't stop Kwik-Fit telling me they were leaking, and should be changed asap!!

Mike

A day later and they wouldn't have even been dirty let alone leaking! Shame on kwick fit, why do kwick fit tend to have a bad reputation for this, do they set the staff too higher targets so they have to make up problems?

[Bluenose1878]

before your go to the cost of replacing the discs, measure them yourself for thickness......

new they are 32mm and are supposed to be changed when it's down to 30mm :) this is in relation to the front discs ok

Cheers, will check...

"The safety report highlighted that the water pump was leaking, and the front pads were 70% worn"

Why would pads being 70% worn qualify as a safety problem anyway? They're not worn out till they're 100% worn. Now while leaving it that long is probably daft (unless you're in the habit of checking them every weekend) there is certainly no need to panic and change them immediately, there will be several thousand miles left in them...

Reminds me of when I took a (company) Passat to Kwik Fit in Plymouth after it's 80k service, to have two new rear tyres put on. As part of the main-dealer service, the rear shocks had been changed. The fact they'd only been on there a day or so didn't stop Kwik-Fit telling me they were leaking, and should be changed asap!!

Mike

It was an Amber on their traffic light system meaning they would need changing soon.

Oh and they also said one of the shocks was showing signs of leaking, at least i've got an excuse to get it lowered properly in the not to distant future...

[winnie]

You can change the pads and discs yourself as its not that hard to do (easy really)

For cambelt,tensioner,other belts and water pump Lexus wanted over £600

[Pumatron]

i suggest that as being such a new member you tone your posts down a bit before members take a dislike to you.

People are commenting on previous experience - eg "worn pads" but most of the time when they have been checked the pads were fine, with plenty of life left. Water pump is a common fault as it leaks on the connector at the top - normally seals itself and never leaks again. I all suppose it depends if its a warranty job or the owner is paying - I am 100% sure there will be a difference in what needs to be changed/ highlighted in both cases.

which dealer does a cambelt change for £170??? its normally about £350

Jeepers I never meant to upset anyone, i thought this was a forum which people could help each other and comment on subjects. I have given an opinion and have been put in the wrong, i did state it was not aimed at anyone!. I will always stick up for the main dealer as i worked for one for a long time and have seen the problems that the general public cause to dealers, it is a shame that ALL dealers get tarnished with the same brush. They are not all bad you know!!!!

Ok, yes the pads are 70% worn and have at least 30% worn but they are checked and have to be given a life expectancy and minimise the disruption to a customer. When I serviced cars I would take into consideration would it last to the next service?, does it do more motorway/ town driving, all these factors cannot be overlooked as I can tell you for nothing the owner would be straight back on your case if the car only made 75% mileage to its next service before a part such as brake pads had worn out, I would get a written warning for that as it is a safety related item!!!!, did you know that the garage is liable for safety related items on a car even if it only came in for a bulb?, if it went up the road and crashed and was found to have worn out pads for example the garage would be liable even though they only fitted a 69p bulb, they are just covering themselves, So i applaud the technician who reported to me that my pads were 70% worn as HE/SHE has done ME a favour. As for the waterpump coolant was dripping off it so it was required, seal was shot.

I apologys for confusing and frustrating anyone with my comments.

Regards, a singled out new Lexus owner.

[Pumatron]

i suggest that as being such a new member you tone your posts down a bit before members take a dislike to you.

People are commenting on previous experience - eg "worn pads" but most of the time when they have been checked the pads were fine, with plenty of life left. Water pump is a common fault as it leaks on the connector at the top - normally seals itself and never leaks again. I all suppose it depends if its a warranty job or the owner is paying - I am 100% sure there will be a difference in what needs to be changed/ highlighted in both cases.

which dealer does a cambelt change for £170??? its normally about £350

Jeepers I never meant to upset anyone, i thought this was a forum which people could help each other and comment on subjects. I have given an opinion and have been put in the wrong, i did state it was not aimed at anyone!. I will always stick up for the main dealer as i worked for one for a long time and have seen the problems that the general public cause to dealers, it is a shame that ALL dealers get tarnished with the same brush. They are not all bad you know!!!!

Ok, yes the pads are 70% worn and have at least 30% worn but they are checked and have to be given a life expectancy and minimise the disruption to a customer. When I serviced cars I would take into consideration would it last to the next service?, does it do more motorway/ town driving, all these factors cannot be overlooked as I can tell you for nothing the owner would be straight back on your case if the car only made 75% mileage to its next service before a part such as brake pads had worn out, I would get a written warning for that as it is a safety related item!!!!, did you know that the garage is liable for safety related items on a car even if it only came in for a bulb?, if it went up the road and crashed and was found to have worn out pads for example the garage would be liable even though they only fitted a 69p bulb, they are just covering themselves, So i applaud the technician who reported to me that my pads were 70% worn as HE/SHE has done ME a favour. As for the waterpump coolant was dripping off it so it was required, seal was shot.

I apologys for confusing and frustrating anyone with my comments.

Regards, a singled out new Lexus owner.

Ok,ok,ok.....i have had my say, calmed down and got off my soap box!!!!!!!!!!! Please still love me LOC?

[Bloodygoodbloke]

just to throw my hat in the Local Vs Dealer debate.

if your car is in Waranty let the dealer do everything. service, repairs whatever. its not worth the hastle if a warranty issue crops up and they refuse to shell out cos you never had your last service with an approved dealer.

Cars 3 years and older well its up to the owner but for service, Cambelt change, Brakes, tyres, exauhsts then personally thre is nowt wrong with a local garage.

Most of it can be done withought problems and any reputable independant local garage should have access to dealer approved parts if you so request them.

Unfortunately in this day and age its not just Dodgy local garages that rip off, Dealers are at it too.

My wife worked in dealerships for 16 years and the stories that she tells boggle the mind.

Some ***** like being fined £4,000 for not having the Manufacturer approved christmas tree. which just happens to cost yep £4,000. Who do you think pays for either the fine or the Xmas tree. Us punters

For one unnamed european manufacturer one dealership gave incentivs to mechanics for more sales

personally after having new cars and used cars for me finding a trustworthy garage and stickign with them whether they are dealers or not is important. im lucky my Mate runs a good garage.

[fatpieman69]

I apologys for confusing and frustrating anyone with my comments.

Ok,ok,ok.....i have had my say, calmed down and got off my soap box!!!!!!!!!!! Please still love me LOC?

Don't worrie Pumatron I still love you if no one else does! :o

I understand what you ment I was just giving my pennies worth too.

Craig