Repair Service ... Toyota dealer, Lexus dealer, independent shop?

[cwmoser]

Say you have a LX470, would you take it to a Toyota dealership over a Lexus dealership, or an independent shop?
I took my LX470 to the local Toyota service department for a quote on replacing the Timing Belt.
They were slammed with cars coming in but said they would do the Timing Belt service.
I thought about the Lexus dealership but the pricing I hear scared me off.
Ended up at a local Indy that specializes in Toyota and Lexus and it turned out well.
BUT, around here it seems the Indy shops are well booked up.

I've taken my LX470 to a shop that does not specialize to replace the CV axles and it turned out well.

What do you guys think about who works on your LC/LX for repairs you feel is beyond your capabilities and needs someone experienced to do them?
How about the Steering Rack?

 

[2yotanerd]

The good independent shops are going to be booked up because people know and trust them to do quality work at a reasonable price. Only time I go to a dealer is if I have no choice or it's a free service these days. Just can't justify the insane labor rates they charge.

 

[rexington14]

The good independent shops can be hard to find, but are worth using once you do. They usually only work on certain makes, use original parts, have been in business a long time, and have a well established recurring customer base. They know they are good, and they charge accordingly - cheaper than the dealer, but not cheap. The (excellent) Mercedes only shop that's done work on my w211 won't even take on new customers.

 

[HokieCruiser]

I've found a shop near me that specializes in landcruisers, and intend to take my LX there when I need work done that I think is beyond my ability. I can tackle most stuff in my driveway with jackstand and hand tools. In the last month I've replaced quite a few parts on the motor, serpentine belt, coils, plugs, tension pulley, idle pulley. I would avoid Toyota/Lexus dealership like the plague. Just my $0.02. I will say that Iron Pig off-road here in Fredericksburg was like 3 months backlog, but they were willing to help...

 

[ace10]

Find a good Indy.
Stick with a good Indy.
Preferably one who specializes in Toyotas.

There's should be no rush on a TB service. Being "booked up" is a good thing. Just get in line.

 

[GerLC100]

Another for Indy. I have one on hand only doing Toyota/ Lexus, Subaru, Honda after warranty. End 50's I'd say, know the old cars.
Dealership often don't have that knowledge anymore... connect a device, see the code, replace, uupppss/ that wasn't the cause...

My rule of thumb: people who used to grow up at the time of when the car was built and those who drove it when they were young, know the in and outs better and still appreciate that it's a machine that needs love

 

[FxFormat]

Gotta go to an Indy shop that knows how to work on these vehicles. Especially for bearings job, i've seen so many hacked up axle nuts by techs not having the correct 54mm socket to loosen or tighten them. 9/10 cruisers i get here the axle nuts was like chiseled off with a screw driver and hammer.

 

[delz05]

"Ended up at a local Indy that specializes in Toyota and Lexus and it turned out well."


You have already answered your own question... Indy is the way to go.

 

[NE Snowman]

I use a JDM Indy, I’ve used them for all my big repairs on my 4Rs and my LC so far. If it has to get jacked up I’m giving it to someone else I don’t enjoy laying in dirt/macadam to work on my truck.

LCs are rare around here so I source the parts and leave the FSM with them. I’ve even shared some posts from here to give them ideas. I don’t like to tell them exactly how to do it but I offer what knowledge is around here.

I’d never go to a dealer unless I knew the mechanic working on it. I like to be able to walk in the shop and talk to the guys working on my truck and that’s the type of relationship I’ve built with these guys. Finding an honest Indy takes a bit of time and luck but once you find them it’s great. Yes they are always booked in advanced because others know they do good work.

 

[Trapper50cal]

Jump into the Clubhouse section here on Mud and engage clubs in your region...get recommendations for a good local indy.