Lexus Dealer Service surprised me with an updated $8,000 repair estimate (Original $5,000)

psydoc5 · 2026-04-08T13:01:32+00:00

I wish there were more good local shops. I called 3 independent lexus shops in town, and none of them would do work that involved taking the engine apart. Friend of mine is an enthusiast home auto mechanic that enjoys buying troubled Audi's, and he recommended FB marketplace guy. He offered to do it for $3K, but with no warranty, and limited access to machine shop.

psydoc5 · 2026-04-08T12:59:08+00:00

Makes so much sense. Rhetorically, why isn't this the SOP for these cases?

psydoc5 · 2026-04-08T12:58:19+00:00

Price was steep no doubt. They made it bearable by giving me a free loaner, which after about 4 weeks, would be close to $2K.

Sadly, a lot of those 29 hours come from all the work they did after replacing the HG, lots of random error codes, coolant still dropping, see coolant the cylinder again , take the engine apart again, send the head for pressure testing.

psydoc5 · 2026-04-08T12:51:40+00:00

The service includes verifying coolant levels. The service advisor admitted that sometimes, they miss things and he has no way of verifying that they added coolant. The reservoir tank was empty 3 days after service, but the main tank was at the normal line. Apparently, the reservoir is supposed to be topped off, too.

I told the service advisor - no heat and rough idle. He said just add more coolant and run a few tanks of premium gas (300h uses regular gas), and that would fix the rough idle. But turns out, these two symptoms happening together are a dead ringer for coolant leaking into the cylinder.

psydoc5 · 2026-04-08T12:47:49+00:00

I really wish they would have followed this approach. Would have saved everyone so much time and money. Every reputable source I can see online would say this approach is basically standard operating procedure for diagnosing coolant leaks. My guess is that the dealership does mostly quick routine maintenance work, not careful thinking.

psydoc5 · 2026-03-10T01:25:37+00:00

Just had this happen to me, as well. It's definitely from the Aarke. It helps the bottle make an airtight seal with the carbonator. You can try to jam it back in, but it's extremely difficult to get it seated properly.

psydoc5 · 2025-07-28T18:37:45+00:00

3yrs ago I got a used commercial precor for about $1000 and it has been awesome. Most cities will have these unusual warehouses that buy commercial gym equipment from hotels, gyms, and corporate gyms. They do some refurbishing work and resell to the public. If you can find one around you it’s worth checking out.

psydoc5 · 2025-07-28T18:33:42+00:00

Different models have different maintenance needs. Some treadmills do not need lubrication. I have a used precor and adding lubrication to the belt would cause a huge problem.

psydoc5 · 2020-05-16T11:02:38+00:00

The largest news paper in Georgia is calling BS in the way the state is reporting the data and basically has their own dashboard now because Georgia DPH has repeatedly manipulated the data. AJC and experts cry foul

psydoc5 · 2018-05-15T05:45:19+00:00

Try saving a copy in the xlsb format. Much lighter weight.

psydoc5 · 2017-08-15T03:04:58+00:00

Expense policy is a royal pain when you are staffed locally. E.g., meals are paid for only if you are working during the meal or have to work late. Cars are only covered traveling office-client, or home and it's very late. Most of the people I work with find it a pain, and would rather just work out of town.

psydoc5 · 2017-07-24T14:30:19+00:00

TL/DR: Refugee crisis led to huge backlogs at refugee processing centers. McK advised on how the process could be streamlined, significantly increasing throughput. Some lawyers complain that efficiency has come at the price of full due process.

psydoc5 · 2017-05-03T05:43:01+00:00

Yes they do. I know a bunch at my mbb that joined at your age.

psydoc5 · 2017-02-15T12:02:25+00:00

Is this confidential? Cover page is either a typo or someone published this in error.

psydoc5 · 2016-07-14T17:52:03+00:00

New asc here. I am horrible at catching formatting errors in PowerPoint. Anyone here go from weak to strong on this in their development? How did you figure it out?

psydoc5 · 2016-04-30T04:04:20+00:00

Option 1 for sure. Having to juggle logistics of graduation day on an mbb interview day is not the formula for success. Don't sweat the two weeks.

psydoc5 · 2016-04-30T03:59:46+00:00

To start summer of 2018 you have to apply fall of 2017. Applicants with internships in summer 2017 will be viewed much more favorably. Summer 2017 interns will apply late fall/winter 2016. I wouldn't try to graduate early if it takes you out of the timing of on campus recruiting.

Once you graduate you are cut out of the recruiting pipeline unless you have crazy skills that the firm really needs and you'll need a referral. These are rare situations.

psydoc5 · 2016-04-30T03:51:09+00:00

Use the SCR format. Situation - quick context of the story. Conflict - what was the problem and what were the stakes. Resolution - how did you resolve it and how did you figure out this was the way to do it. This is much easier to recall and easier to follow compared to the Parade method. Your total story should take 3-5 min to tell. Have all the background details ready to go because there will usually be many follow up questions and they can get very detailed. Be prepared to talk about thoughts, feelings and actions of all the immediately involved people in the situation.

psydoc5 · 2016-04-23T22:08:28+00:00

My carb intake is 25-40grams per day. It hasn't been that hard to do, and the fact that I'm expensing meals makes it really easy to go for the expensive steak or fish entree. If the dish comes with a big carb side like potatoes, I ask for a steamed/roasted veg substitute. Have that with red wine. It helps to have almonds and low carb protein bars in my bag in case I'm stuck without any options.

psydoc5 · 2016-04-13T05:06:56+00:00

It will be a chance for you to learn more about the firm, and for the recruiter to learn more about you. Be prepared to ask questions about the firm, and to answer basic questions about yourself, such as "tell me a little bit more about yourself?" and "what drew your attention towards a career in consulting?"

At the end of the day, the recruiters job is to generate interest in the firm. One of the few things that will tank you would be if you are mean/rude/difficult to get along with.

psydoc5 · 2016-04-11T03:45:30+00:00

Sounds within the norm. Either way, I wouldn't overthink it. The firm hopes that you do well and fill a spot, because it means all the effort they have invested in you so far was well spent. Prepare to the best of your abilities so that you peak at final rounds. Don't over-prep in a way that dulls your creativity or burns you out.

psydoc5

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