Dealership/mechanic referral in S. Orange County, S. CAL

[Da Hapa]

Hi guys/gals -

Our 2006 LX470 is rapidly approaching 10,000 miles and the first service that I have to pay out of pocket for.

My preferred dealership (Newport Lexus) wants $225 + taxes for what amounts to an oil and filter change and tire rotation. Lexus Mission Viejo is close to us but we've had very bad experiences with them in the past and I don't want to take the Beast to them.

I've called two local Toyota dealers to see if they'll service the rig (since it's basically a Landcruiser with the adj. suspension option) and one says they definitely will not touch the Lexus and the other has to get back to me (they used to service our old RX300).

Unfortunately, I'm not the least bit mechanically inclined nor do I have any tools I'd need to do the work myself. I know, I know... it's super easy to do and shame on me but that's reality.

If anyone knows of any good dealerships that they could recommend or even an independant mechanic that might specialize in Landcruisers, I'd love the referral.

I live in Dana Point and work in Irvine.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[_JP_]

what was your bad experience with lex mission viejo? that's where my car broker got our new rig from. upon arrival the tires were at 40 psi (35 psi max) and the tire pressure warning light was on.... apparently they had forgotton to register one of the sensors. my other gripe was that they put gold license plate holders on a brand new silver truck, ugly as sin.

went down there with no appointment on saturday and they were nice as pie. nice facility i thought. service took care of the sensor, replaced the plate holders, changed a few lex personal settings and checked the alignment in about an hour. i was pretty impressed. i was initially pretty disappointed that they missed those things initially, but we were down looking at houses in san clemente anyhow so it was on the way.

i must say i was really amazed at how much road slope on the freeway affects the steering. this is my first SUV and i found it really obvious. drove down there again on sunday in the prius and it still pulled to the left while in the carpool lane, but it was a lot less pronounced. my guess would be that i notice it more because it's a larger heavier vehicle. who knows?

anyhow, any info on MV lex would be good to know as i'm planning to move down there anyhow and will be looking for a 'home' dealership.

thanks

jp

 

[Da Hapa]

We bought our 2002 IS300 brand new from Lexus Mission Viejo as well as our 2006 LX470. My mother also bought her 2006 LS430. We've had great experiences buying cars there.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said of the service dept. Let's see..

1) After I put 10,000 miles on a car I normally switch to synthetic. The dealerships charge and arm and a leg for synthetic so I usually bring my own oil. Never had a problem with Honda, Acura, or Lexus (until Lexus MV). Twice (once on the IS300 and another time on an older RX300) Lexus Mission Viejo noted that my oil was in a bag in the passenger footwell and to be used. Yet they charged me for their oil and then never used the synthetic. You're not really supposed to go back and forth between synth. and non-sythetic so it was more than simply re-doing the oil change. Just sloppy.
2) We took delivery of our 2006 LX and like you, the tires were way, way overinflated. Nearly 42psi. That's just dangerous.
3) While in for the complimentary 5,000 mile service and personalized settings service Lexus MV drove our essentially brand new LX into a pillar and scratched the front bumper down to the black plastic. To their credit, they didn't fight me on getting it reparied but they also didn't point it out to me until I noticed it before driving off.

There are other examples going back more than five years now but the last incident was my final straw. Accidents happen, I appreciate that, and as I said they did take care of it.... but what would have happened had I not caught it before leaving the lot? And why would you try and hide that? If they crash my vehicle, charge me for serivces that aren't right, etc. than I have no confidence in them at all.

Unfortunately, they are by far the closest dealership to me but I won't be back.

 

[calamaridog]

I'd take it to the Lexus dealer you trust, pony up the $225, and not give it a second thought.

Spend your time walking Otis, cruising the NSX, or taking Mom out to a nice lunch instead!

Seriously, it's worth the extra drive for a dealer you trust already.

Or, you may find a mechanic listed in this thread:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=42646

 

[Da Hapa]

Thanks. I didn't find anyone in that thread but another member has turned me on to a local shop in Laguna that I might try if I don't hear back from Toyota.

I appreciate you response.

 

[calamaridog]

A good mechanic and shop are as good as gold. Good luck in your search.

 

[mmaakk]

Not exactly in your area but Longo Toyoto in El Monte; there is a lexus dealer next door but i would just take it to the Toyota dealer (same car anyway) ask for Jorge. Ive known him for over 10yrs. and they deal with a lot of volume when it comes to land cruisers. the key is to ask for Jorge. another good choice is Toyota of Whittier, ask for John. these are the only two places I take my LC when its a dealer.