Lexus specialised workshop

[Vratenza]

Been refraining from commenting because I was neutral about Chin. But seem like this sleepy thread getting hot...so offering my moderating voice here.

 

From the forum recommendation, I was a recent customer to Chin's at AMK Autopoint first to change my 4 shocks and subsequently to chase after some noise that resulted after the change of shock.

 

My experience is documented in the steering rack thread although I tried not to name the workshop involved as I managed to sort out my noise issue in the end and I like to give the benefit of doubt.

 

http://www.mycarforum.com/topic/2689952-shop-for-steering-rack-assy-repairs/?p=5776675

 

I don't think specialist shop for lexus is the right term to use for Chin. That sets a higher expectation which he cannot meet.

I have no doubt he has seen a lot more lexus/mark Xs than alot of other workshop, so he can probably be best said as having more experience with lexus.

 

Troubleshooting may not be his forte given my experience as documented in the above thread link. I will say his level of troubleshooting will not lose to any generic car workshop but again not exceptional.

 

Like Mcf777, I was told my front right suspension sound is likely due to my steering rack which is a 2-3K kind of repair. got a few other opinions and self-observed the nature of the sound for quite a while, I zeroed in on the shock mount. Unlucky for Chin, I was right about my hunch. Saved myself a 2K minimum.

 

My personal opinion and analogy on this steering rack fiasco is this: if a doctor is to diagnose a patient to have a treatable form of disease and the treatment is going to be in 10's of K, the doctor better be sure of the diagnosis or verify that there are no other cheaper but equally efficacious treatment available. check and double check. if the patient goes to another doctor and the diagnosis is different and his problem got sorted out with a much cheaper treatment, the 1st doctor's reputation is a stake.

 

But a few points to speak up for Chin,

- He was not pushy, but if you are not technically inclined you might be easily swayed or convinced

- he is accommodating when we customers bring our own parts.

- He is upfront when he tells you he will charge a markup for parts ordered through him and you can decide if you want to pay for the convenience.

- His labour charge is reasonable. About market rate.

 

 

I did not try their regular servicing so cannot comment on that.

[IS250C]

i am looking to drive my 2009 lexus is250 till scrap. wanted to get a good overall servicing. any workshop to recommend beside chin auto which i read in this thread?

 

I am looking to change:

engine oil / filter

air filter

spark plug

transmission oil, any filter to change?

differential oil, any filter to change?

petrol filter

 

any other stuff that needs to change?

 

[Bilsteiner]

Been refraining from commenting because I was neutral about Chin. But seem like this sleepy thread getting hot...so offering my moderating voice here.

 

From the forum recommendation, I was a recent customer to Chin's at AMK Autopoint first to change my 4 shocks and subsequently to chase after some noise that resulted after the change of shock.

 

My experience is documented in the steering rack thread although I tried not to name the workshop involved as I managed to sort out my noise issue in the end and I like to give the benefit of doubt.

 

http://www.mycarforum.com/topic/2689952-shop-for-steering-rack-assy-repairs/?p=5776675

 

I don't think specialist shop for lexus is the right term to use for Chin. That sets a higher expectation which he cannot meet.

I have no doubt he has seen a lot more lexus/mark Xs than alot of other workshop, so he can probably be best said as having more experience with lexus.

 

Troubleshooting may not be his forte given my experience as documented in the above thread link. I will say his level of troubleshooting will not lose to any generic car workshop but again not exceptional.

 

Like Mcf777, I was told my front right suspension sound is likely due to my steering rack which is a 2-3K kind of repair. got a few other opinions and self-observed the nature of the sound for quite a while, I zeroed in on the shock mount. Unlucky for Chin, I was right about my hunch. Saved myself a 2K minimum.

 

My personal opinion and analogy on this steering rack fiasco is this: if a doctor is to diagnose a patient to have a treatable form of disease and the treatment is going to be in 10's of K, the doctor better be sure of the diagnosis or verify that there are no other cheaper but equally efficacious treatment available. check and double check. if the patient goes to another doctor and the diagnosis is different and his problem got sorted out with a much cheaper treatment, the 1st doctor's reputation is a stake.

 

But a few points to speak up for Chin,

- He was not pushy, but if you are not technically inclined you might be easily swayed or convinced

- he is accommodating when we customers bring our own parts.

- He is upfront when he tells you he will charge a markup for parts ordered through him and you can decide if you want to pay for the convenience.

- His labour charge is reasonable. About market rate.

 

 

I did not try their regular servicing so cannot comment on that.

Had a similar advise by Chin to replace my dampers. But didn't took his word cause I had my fair share of experience with damper, coil over ..

 

He based on age on the car to encourage the change but I for one still based on mileage Clock to make the judgment , and tell tale signs when the car is hoist up.

 

Charges are slightly higher than most workshop .

[BanCoe]

Had a similar advise by Chin to replace my dampers. But didn't took his word cause I had my fair share of experience with damper, coil over ..

 

He based on age on the car to encourage the change but I for one still based on mileage Clock to make the judgment , and tell tale signs when the car is hoist up.

 

Charges are slightly higher than most workshop .

 

Bro do can you recommend our bros here your workshop???  It would be good to share 

[Mcf777]

i am looking to drive my 2009 lexus is250 till scrap. wanted to get a good overall servicing. any workshop to recommend beside chin auto which i read in this thread?

 

I am looking to change:

engine oil / filter

air filter

spark plug

transmission oil, any filter to change?

differential oil, any filter to change?

petrol filter

 

any other stuff that needs to change?

Coolant

steering fluid

brake fluid

 

can buy the items from rix tat (Owen Road) or transglober (Tannery lane)

 

the items u are changing are just standard item.

any workshop should be able to assist.

 

unless u have troubleshooting case or some cracking sound here and there, then u may need to seek a better workshop. 

Edited August 19, 2016 by Mcf777

[Bilsteiner]

Bro do can you recommend our bros here your workshop??? It would be good to share

I don't exactly go to pro Lexus workshop. But rather a trust worthy Mechanic of a workshop that I patronise in the last few years

 

Actually most workshop are capable of maintaining Lexus . It's most important to have technical experience and knowledge to assess when Mechanic gives a advise or feedback when a concern is raised.

Edited August 19, 2016 by Bilsteiner

[Fcw75]

Didn't know Ah Chin became a Lexus specialist.

 

He does a lot of Mark X, IS, etc.

[Vratenza]

LOL.... probably the underpinnings of markX/is are very similar to the equivalent lexus range.

 

 

Didn't know Ah Chin became a Lexus specialist.

 

He does a lot of Mark X, IS, etc.

 

[Fcw75]

LOL.... probably the underpinnings of markX/is are very similar to the equivalent lexus range.

I have been a regular customer of him since his Riverview days. He does a lot of Mark X, really a lot.

[IS250C]

Coolant

steering fluid

brake fluid

 

can buy the items from rix tat (Owen Road) or transglober (Tannery lane)

 

the items u are changing are just standard item.

any workshop should be able to assist.

 

unless u have troubleshooting case or some cracking sound here and there, then u may need to seek a better workshop.

Thank you.

I just change brake fluid and coolant.

No steering fluid in my car.

[IS250C]

Didn't know Ah Chin became a Lexus specialist.

 

He does a lot of Mark X, IS, etc.

Not trustworthy.

[Fcw75]

Not trustworthy.

At least tell us your story la.

[Tonydeath]

Not trustworthy.

Totally agreed

[Mcf777]

Not trustworthy.

U kana con to change steering rack?

I already kick out this ws for one year Liao.

His prices getting sky-rocket.

[IS250C]

Price anyhow quote. Things still working, ask to change. Full of bulls**t. Behaviour like gangster. Anyway like that do business, he cannot survive nowadays with internet. He cannot cheat anymore people.

[Nine_eleven]

hmmm... when i first got my used Mark X, i went to him for a thorough service. the bill shocked me.

 

labour and parts were expensive.

 

i never went back.

 

i'm willing to pay for good service and good troubleshooting but for a normal full service that is so expensive? 

 

cannot imagine how the bill will look like if there's real troubleshooting involved.

 

his workshop is small and dark. bigger workshop charges those prices for a reason: wifi, comfortable aircon lounge rooms etc...

 

i've found many cheaper workshops with faster turnaround times and with better service.

 

i reasoned that he thinks his reputation is solid, so he can anyhow charge. being ex-riverview and all...

 

riverview also another story for another day... hahaha

[alphard96]

There used to be a TRD workshop at Sin Ming Autocare (next to STA), if not mistaken level 3.

Sorry forgot the Boss name, but he use to owns a silver IS.
 

Many yrs ago, he helped

1) to replace our old GS300 brakes and rear suspension

2) Partly solved our Vellfire V6 engine occasional cranking sound (heard on starting early morning).

 

Not cheap but at least solved the issues. Also has some TRD accessories but also costly too, some TRD rims too.

 

Actually any good and trushworthy toyota mechanic should be able to handle most lexus cars (unless the latest newest lexus - better let Borneo motors - but again surcharge is there).

 

ps: There's one worskhop yrs ago in AMK that do many toyotas, that damaged my K&N airfilter (Old Estima) after servicing (dont know how he "clean" it, with some oil), cars become less "responsive"/not smooth on acceleration. Disposed the K&N airfilter and replaced with genuine Toyota air filter (bought at Owen road) and immediately solved the issue. My Opinion - stock Japanese air filter good enough for me, just replace regularly.

[Bicimondo]

Can anyone recommend a workshop in the West / Central side for Lexus servicing? Have tried Chin and a couple of others but they're either too far away or standard not up to their reputations.

 

Thanks.