Auto Parts: Car Repair, car repair question, 2004 lexus ls430

Question
QUESTION: Mr. Evans:

I have a 2004 Lexus LS430 that I just purchased and I have been told by some people that I should only have the Lexus Dealer do maintenance work and repairs on it because they are the experts and will only use factory parts and other shops will mess it up or not fix and maintain it correctly while others tell me that the dealer is very expensive and I should have regular maintenance work and all repairs done at independant repair shops like Firestone, Good Years, PEP Boys etc. because they are cheaper and do good work. What do you think and is it better to go to the dealer for car repairs or other places like independant shops etc. and why?

Thank you.

ANSWER:      I don't usually encourage folks to go to the dealer for their service work.  Lexus is an exception to this rule.  The service required by these cars involves technology that the places you mentioned will not have available to them (and I always recommend against any of these tire store/ parts store shops, they suck for everyone).  Lexus dealers are linked directly to the factory service center by a satellite hookup that enables the dealer to access any and all records of your cars service.  It enables them to take care of software updates and recall items (including those that are not required by law) every time you come in.  There will come a time when your Lexus is too old to really benefit from this degree of service, but not yet (probably not until it is 12 years old).

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mr. Evans:

I am going to take my Lexus LS430 to the Lexus Dealer for all of my maintenance work, oil changes etc. as you suggested but should I also get my tires there because the dealer also sells them?

Answer
    This is the one thing I would not buy from the dealer, for two reasons.  Firstly they are too expensive.  I know Lexus owners that take their cars to the dealer when there tires have a leak and need to be plugged.  This sort of loyalty is misplaced.  Secondly, tire changer is the lowest position at a dealer.  That means that the fuzzy-faced high school dropout they hired to keep the floor clean is likely to do the tire changing as well.  At a tire store they have vastly more experience and a wider variety of tires and prices.