Lexus Owners (To share driving experience and advise)

[LimMilo]

My personal opinion, AD workshop is like a specialist and General workshop is like general practitioner.

 

AW are the expert for their range of models and follow the book strictly on the job procedure.

GW have more general knowledge and the flexibility for finding solution but migh not in-depth for certain models and skill. Especially those dedicated premium models.

 

I have been servicing and maintain my Lex with AD since day one. Even for my previous car which drove for 9.5 years was maintained by AD too. There is a premium to pay for but thought it most people do so.

 

So far any of our bro and sis here don’t go back to AD for regular servicing?

[Theoldjaffa]

My personal opinion, AD workshop is like a specialist and General workshop is like general practitioner.

 

AW are the expert for their range of models and follow the book strictly on the job procedure.

GW have more general knowledge and the flexibility for finding solution but migh not in-depth for certain models and skill. Especially those dedicated premium models.

 

I have been servicing and maintain my Lex with AD since day one. Even for my previous car which drove for 9.5 years was maintained by AD too. There is a premium to pay for but thought it most people do so.

 

So far any of our bro and sis here don’t go back to AD for regular servicing?

 

i only use AD if they give free servicing.

 

for my current IS, i stopped going back BM after 20k.

 

i prefer to use "better" oil, watch what the mechanics are doing to my car, and not wait 1/2 to 1 day for a routine service to be done, at a price much lower than AD.

[F355]

Hi bro and sis Lexuser,

Just curious did any of you extend the warranty of your precious Lexus with Borneo Motor?

I own a NX, it come with a standard warranty of 5 years. During my previous servicing, the technical consultant told me I can extend the warranty for the sixth year at $3,500. Thereafter will be $4,500 per annual.

I’m very pleased with BM service and products. But have to pay for the premium.

So would like to seek for some advices from the proud owners here and do share with me your thoughts.

 

$4,500 per annum is just ridiculous , at this amount change new car may be cheaper .

 

Save your money , Lexus shares almost all its spare parts with Toyota and most outside workshops can do the servicing at half the price .

 

My IS 200t has one more free service to go ( 60k km ) and after this last servicing I will doing future servicings outside .  I am even prepared to forgo the warranty ( 5yrs ) that comes with it as I am pretty confident that Lexus will not have any major engine or gearbox issues in the first 5 years . 

[t0y0ta]

My personal opinion, AD workshop is like a specialist and General workshop is like general practitioner.

 

AW are the expert for their range of models and follow the book strictly on the job procedure.

GW have more general knowledge and the flexibility for finding solution but migh not in-depth for certain models and skill. Especially those dedicated premium models.

 

I have been servicing and maintain my Lex with AD since day one. Even for my previous car which drove for 9.5 years was maintained by AD too. There is a premium to pay for but thought it most people do so.

 

So far any of our bro and sis here don’t go back to AD for regular servicing?

 

Different strokes for different persons.

 

I think you are the type who don't mind paying more for total peace of mind. Your priorities may be to spend time elsewhere more fruitful. I think it is a totally cool thing.

 

Honestly it is usually savings of a few hundreds to service outside. Compared to the 30k annual TCO of driving Lexus, it is not a lot. You can rest assured to send back to AD even after warranty if you prefer, it is a reasonable decision.

 

Big repairs may be a lot more expensive if you do it at AD - difference may be thousands. That is the part that I will worry about. After warranty, servicing outside may be a way to build a relationship with a decently skilled workshop who can then competently handle the expensive repairs if they arrive.

[MR2SBA]

Different strokes for different persons.

 

I think you are the type who don't mind paying more for total peace of mind. Your priorities may be to spend time elsewhere more fruitful. I think it is a totally cool thing.

 

Honestly it is usually savings of a few hundreds to service outside. Compared to the 30k annual TCO of driving Lexus, it is not a lot. You can rest assured to send back to AD even after warranty if you prefer, it is a reasonable decision.

 

Big repairs may be a lot more expensive if you do it at AD - difference may be thousands. That is the part that I will worry about. After warranty, servicing outside may be a way to build a relationship with a decently skilled workshop who can then competently handle the expensive repairs if they arrive.

I do a combo with my car servicing.

 

Going to AD for oil change and major stuff like plug replacement. The V6 configuration can be tricky having to remove quite a bit of parts.

 

I have my other simple parts replacement done outside, such as change of brake pad, ATF and strainer, shock absorbers.

 

I buy also my own parts from HeXing. A set of pads cost probably $200 or so.

 

AD regular oil change packages are competitively priced. I clocked only 12-15k a year and do only 2 serving every year. I take their comprehensive check to alert me of major issue such as oil leak on absorber. They have been quite good st it given they do only one car type Lexus.

[Vratenza]

Within the 3+2yr warranty, went back to BM for servicing.

 

Once out of warranty, went outside workshop for servicing.

 

It depends on what you value more....time/money/convenience/piece of mind.

 

Actually going outside to a trusted workshop for servicing covers all 4 points:

 

1) Time

- it takes a full day (minimum half day, not talking about premium express job) for a simple servicing at BM

- Outside, if I time it right, it can be just a simple 2 hour slow kopi/breakfast at the canteen nearby the workshop.

 

2) Money

- AD vs outside workshop $? No need to elaborate

 

3) Convenience

- We have more options of going to outside workshops nearer to our home or work place. Which goes back to time savings.

 

4) Piece of mind

- being able to peep at what the outside workshop workers are doing to your car, you get to learn more about your engine bay and under carriage. Gaining these knowledge and understanding your car makes the difference between being convinced/pushed to over pay for a product/service/parts replacement that you do not need. 

eg. BM keep asking me to go for engine flush every other major service.....

 

 

 

My personal opinion, AD workshop is like a specialist and General workshop is like general practitioner.

AW are the expert for their range of models and follow the book strictly on the job procedure.
GW have more general knowledge and the flexibility for finding solution but migh not in-depth for certain models and skill. Especially those dedicated premium models.

I have been servicing and maintain my Lex with AD since day one. Even for my previous car which drove for 9.5 years was maintained by AD too. There is a premium to pay for but thought it most people do so.

So far any of our bro and sis here don’t go back to AD for regular servicing?

 

[LimMilo]

Dear Bros,

Apologise on my late reply, as a newbie I only get 5 posting per day. Thus, waited 24hours to replies you, and pardon me for unable to reply everyone who had responded to my post.

Deeply appreciate all the kind advices and sharing. Thank you.

 

I do agreed servicing with AD have to spend more in both time and money. It could be they are doing a thorough and detail job, which are more time consuming. And of course time means money to both owner and service provider.

 

Seem like most of the Lexusers here will not go back to AD for servicing after 20,000km and it sound not worth for the warranty extension at all.

These feedback definitely valuable to me and for my future reference.

 

Few takeaway for me from your post;

 

1. The warranty package is way too expensive and not justify the money at all.

Just to clarify the $3,500 is for NX. Other models like CT, IS, ES are more affordable and LS, RC, GS are more premium too. All extended warranty come with 2 servicing which worthy $700 to $800+ depends on the car model.

 

2. The AD servicing are overpriced compared to general workshop. Although most GW have the equipment and knowledge in fixing Toyota but some Lexus parts could be more dedicated as both brand still have a price gap. So I have to mindful and search this forum to find a reliable one, if I opt not to go back to AD.

 

3. AD spare parts are usually retail higher than GW and stockies, in fact, BM might be buying from stockie too. My understanding is AD give 10%-30% discount on parts and labour charge, for owner that sign up servicing package with them. But again they had marked up the original price, so I have not compare the price after discount and installation with other workshop.

 

Thanks all of you so much. Hope you have an enjoyable weekend ahead. Cheers

[LimMilo]

Dear Lexusers,

 

Any of us here join the Lexus Club Singapore (official club)?

 

Would like to hear from you;

1. If AD servicing package is more affordable or marginally higher, will you consider to take up?

2. If we can have exclusive invite from Lexus for new model launch and test drive, does that sound valuable to you?

3. If you get the best price to purchase ORIGINAL spare parts or accessories. Will you still opt for after market parts?

4. If Lexus machanic hold a training/workshop for you to understand your car from inside out, will you keen to take part?

5. If the extended warranty cover more comprehensive or free waxing/polishing. Will you consider?

6. If BM have more servicing centre located, will it be more convenient for you?

 

Alone we’re weak, together we’re strong.

If we can be united, we will have more bargaining power and might able to negotiate for a more values for money deal with BM.

What do you think?

 

This is my last post until tonight. And I will login once available to post again.

Chat later guys.

[Gabdat]

$4,500 per annum is just ridiculous , at this amount change new car may be cheaper .

 

Save your money , Lexus shares almost all its spare parts with Toyota and most outside workshops can do the servicing at half the price .

 

My IS 200t has one more free service to go ( 60k km ) and after this last servicing I will doing future servicings outside .  I am even prepared to forgo the warranty ( 5yrs ) that comes with it as I am pretty confident that Lexus will not have any major engine or gearbox issues in the first 5 years . 

FYI,when i purchased the new ES, my SE clearly says that as long as genuine parts are used for servicing at our own workshop,the warranty will not be voided.i even named Hanip as my workshop and they recognized him as he was previously BM top specialist serviceman. granted he's not cheap but he knows what he's doing and gives personal warranty on parts change by him.

[Theoldjaffa]

FYI,when i purchased the new ES, my SE clearly says that as long as genuine parts are used for servicing at our own workshop,the warranty will not be voided.i even named Hanip as my workshop and they recognized him as he was previously BM top specialist serviceman. granted he's not cheap but he knows what he's doing and gives personal warranty on parts change by him.

How much does a service package cost at Hanip?

[Gabdat]

How much does a service package cost at Hanip?

he did a major servicing for me for my GS at $400(invoice comes with breakdown of what he did/changes) so if the problem still occur or caused by his part,he will know and rectify without question.normal is less than $200.the longer you stick with him..the more he will care for your car.but he's strict-no outside parts..all comes from him.

How much does a service package cost at Hanip?

i believe an ES is cheaper as it is a FWD car and using a 4 straight rather than a V engine.

[Earthboy]

Anyone has experience with motul trd engine oil 5w30? I dont know what oil bm is using now but it cant last for 10k i feel sluggish around 8k use. My still under free service not sure if they accept if we bring our own eo.

[Firestorm9]

How come the battery is FOC? i two is wear n tear parts we are suppose to pay? or for lexus, within warranty can change battery FOC?

 

So I had to crank twice to start my car. Happened twice in the last 4 weeks. Typically after I did not drive for 2 days. Also, I noticed my voltmeter hasn't indicated 12.3v when I'm driving (that's the usual). Instead, it's always 13.6 to 14v. This shows my battery required constant charging.

My car is turning 2 in 3 weeks' time, so I thought of changing to a new battery before I go overseas at the end of the month.

Msged my SA just now at 4+ and asked him about how much it cost to replace the battery within warranty period. He responded quickly and got the Lexus breakdown team to contact me.

The mechanic called me at 5+ and said he will be at my place at 6. I was mighty impressed. 5.50 he reached my place already, before I'm even home.

Did a battery test, confirmed the battery is weak and due for replacement. Got a brand new Bosch battery FOC.
E1050F1F-215C-4057-9C69-15039403E0D4.jpeg
My car has a smart alternator, that's why need to use this Hightec AMS battery. It's suitable for the start/stop system too. Google Bosch AMS to learn more.

Overall, Lexus service is

[Theoldjaffa]

How come the battery is FOC? i two is wear n tear parts we are suppose to pay? or for lexus, within warranty can change battery FOC?

Ya within 2 years, battery is FOC.

 

3rd year, battery at half price.

[Theoldjaffa]

BM carries motul trd they have in stock at leng kee. u can request and ask how much to top up. The TRD person in charge is Terence. Talk to the Lexus Service advisor and mention Terence ( TRD in charge) name. Apparently his name got some power to get things done!! Maybe get more discount

You no longer selling maser? Do you still do motor insurance now that you're at BM in charge of TRD?

[Earthboy]

lol, he sian tow one. BM no motul oil. haha

You no longer selling maser? Do you still do motor insurance now that you're at BM in charge of TRD?

 

[Theoldjaffa]

lol, he sian tow one. BM no motul oil. haha

Ya I know.

 

And he's not the person in charge of TRD.

 

Cannon fairy spotted

[Theoldjaffa]

Google bro. BM + TRD. Dun have or dun want to sell U ? 2 diff issue leh

So is that Terence really in charge anot?