London Independent Service - Good Idea?

[lafcadio]

Hi - just bought a 400h, due for full service. Main dealers quoting £500, but Jem in Hendon quoting £230 for same! My question is - anyone know any other good, specialist (critically) Lexus service centres in London (pref West or SW)???

Second - is it worth the £270 saving or not? It's a lot of cash, but I know that when i come to resell, being able to say 'Full LEXUS service history' seems to be a real plus. Any thoughts people?

Thanks v much.

[Duncan Roberts]

Have you compared the 'official' list of items to be serviced against that which this company plans to do?

Whilst some labour saving can be anticipated this seems too much if the full programme is to be adhered to.

As to whether the cachet 'Full Lexus history' is worthwile, how old is the car and what mileage? The higher or older, the less important given its falling resell value.

[lafcadio]

It's a 2008 RX400h, with only 23k on the clock. But due a 4 year full service. The comparison of items covered by the main dealer and the independent is very similar, with only the brake fluid change not included in the independent quote (costs £55, so making £275 in all v £519).

So it's sort of on the cusp i guess of being too old for the Lexus main dealer stamp to matter so much?

Anyone any other independents to recommend?

[Duncan Roberts]

_{What about the reduced cost Lexus service scheme - or it is too young?}

_{The brake fluid change is a necessity as the fluid is hygroscopic and does deteriorate: It would concern me that this garage is proposing to omit this - what else are they taking short cuts on?}

[lafcadio]

Good tip duncan - have now got a reduced 3 service plan which is much more reasonable. Still comes at a 30% premium over an independent but that's probably worth paying. Thanks v much!

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Jem are brilliant. I get mine done there. Paid £400 for full service, air con service and re charge, spark plugs and 3 auxiliary belts.

Lexus were £700 for the same job! :)

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Oh and they don't take short cuts. They tell you exactly what's included and what's not in the service so you can compare. They tell you it doesn't include brake fluid and charged me £40 to add that on.