PlainJane

I took delivery of my ES350 from Charles Barker Lexus, Virginia Beach, VA, on October 31. I recently received a form letter from the Service Manager there reminding me that it's time to schedule my 4 month/5000 mile service. This did not sound right, and I checked and verified that the regular service interval is 6 months/5000 miles. I called and spoke to the Service Manager and asked him why I was being reminded to schedule service at 4 months instead of 6 moths that Lexus recommends. He acted surprised and said that the recommended interval had changed and that there must be a problem with the software that sends out the mailings.

I told him that it seemed to me that Charles Barker was up to no good. He was very polite about it all, and I was as polite I could be considering that I was accusing the dealership of a questionable business practice.

Has anyone else experienced a similar tactic from a Lexus dealership?

ES350Bob

Yes I just received one myself, I also closed my sale on October 31.

I thought it was very odd to get it but did notice that service is suggested on either length of time or mileage in the manual as well when I read it back when.

Have they officially changed it to 4 months according to what you were told?

PlainJane

No, it's 6 months now according to what's on the Lexus site on the internet. The service manager implied that it used to be 4 months, but he didn't say when it changed.

ES350Bob

Thanks, you saved me making a phone call on it.

garsarno

This is for the first "free" oil change, right?

ES350Bob

I just looked: Here is a mystery, if it supposedly changed from 4 to 6 how come it says 6 in the Warranty and Services Guide that came with the car

PlainJane

I think he must have been referring to other Lexus models, and the software has not been adjusted to reflect the 6 month interval for the ES350. But it's hard to believe that no one else has noticed or complained.

ES350Bob

I agree especially since the notice is telling us our car is due for service and to call and shcedule our appointment.

I wonder how many people just did it and gave it no more thought.

LexBob2

I recieved a reminder from my dealer to get the 5K service and that it was no charge. There wasn't any time period (4 months, 6 months etc.) mentioned. I'm sure I'll get them for future service intervals though.

Macklin

I just got a letter from Charles Barker for my second service saying the same thing. It went in the trash. I don't need a dealer telling me to change my oil every 4 months. That's BS.

MD350

It is more common than you think. Many dealers will recommend service that is over and beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Remember, service writers work on commission and the service department is a cash cow for the dealer principal. They are there to make $$$.

phm129

I got the same letter- it was a reminder for my 4 month/5,000 mile service.
It didn't make sense, since I had my 5,000 service in October and I've had my car since April 28 (10 months).