graziemile

Hi,

I just purchased my first Lexus (used, 2003 ES 300) and would like to ask a couple of maintenance questions, please.

Since I just bought it, what kind of initial check/maintenance should I do?

Should oil/filter change be done at Lexus or local Sears / Jiffy Lube, etc are fine?

If it is okay to do oil change, etc at local service shops, should I ask for Lexus parts and pay more, or what they are offering is fine?

What kind of fuel should I use (89 or 91)? All the time? Sometimes? Once in a while?

Does the gas brand matter (Mobil, Shell, Arco, 76)?

Thanks very, very much!
-graziemile

BDSL

Those are questions that you should have answers to before you buy the vehicle.....any vehicle.

"Since I just bought it, what kind of initial check/maintenance should I do?"
Did the previous owner give you all the maintenance record?

"Should oil/filter change be done at Lexus or local Sears / Jiffy Lube, etc are fine?
If it is okay to do oil change, etc at local service shops, should I ask for Lexus parts and pay more, or what they are offering is fine?"
Do it at local shop. You can provide your own part or use whatever they provide. I use OEM filters as price is roughly the same as aftermarket.

"What kind of fuel should I use (89 or 91)? All the time? Sometimes? Once in a while? Does the gas brand matter (Mobil, Shell, Arco, 76)?"
Owner manual recommends 91 but regular (87) is acceptable. Stick with Mobil and Shell....

graziemile

BDSL, Thank you so much!

I have no records at all as I got the car from a private party who had purchased it from an auction (it is salvaged, hit from the back). So, the reality is such. If I may ask a couple of follow-up questions:

I am also missing one of the original chrome wheels (the spare is currently on it). I called the dealer and a replacement is about $1500 or so.

Is there a place where I can get a used one for a decent price? Or should I just buy something that looks similar from Sears / America's Tire, etc?

Should I do a tune-up (since I just got the car and have no records)? Take it to Lexus dealer and ask for some sort of inspection? (the car drives and sounds very well).

Thanks again for your time.
-graziemile

Bedore

It would probably be a good idea to what I always do when I buy a used vehicle.

Change engine oil + filter

Change transmission fluid + filter

Drain, flush, and refill engine coolant

Change spark plugs, check wire condition and replace if needed, etc.

You didn't say what the mileage was but in your case I would replace the engine fluids, trans fluid, spark plugs, and check on the timing belt. YMMV.

As far a fuel brand doesn't matter. If you find a problem with one particular gas station's fuel, use another. Use 87. If you find your engine knocks, switch to a higher octane fuel.

graziemile

Bedore, Thank you!

The car has 81K on it.

Thanks again.

donbryce

I found 4 nice OEM (I believe) chrome wheels on EBay. Do a search there. There are several on-line wheel suppliers too. Google away...