oreguyd

I see this has been discussed ad nauseum, but I now live where doing your own oil changes are not permitted. It was not one of my favorite jobs, but it was necessary and I took plenty of precautions. So now on my 2015 ES 350 which we all know the same full synthetic oil change can vary by $50 from shop to shop, too. I live near a medium sized city, so there are plenty of options. Just like the variance in prices when doing it yourself. (Walmart for oil and Napa for a filter). My local Valvoline shop wants over $100 to do an oil and filter change using there products, but will do labor only for $33. I have not seen any Toyota dealer specials lately, but I think the works there was around $79, a few months ago. I would have confidence in either shop, though choosing your own brand of oil and filter does influence the question between the two. What are your thoughts regarding oil change price and labor, my fellow Lexus drivers?

BradTank

I doubt any sort of anecdotes will really matter, it's completely dependent on your specific area and just calling around. Even among Lexus dealerships, there's not going to be any consistency with pricing.

I also think the WORST place you can take your car to get an oil change are big chain places that primarily do oil changes, like Jiffy Lube, Valvoline, etc. It's usually not real mechanics that work there, more just minimum wage hacks.

I would ask around and find a good import independent shop that works on Lexus/Toyota and get it done there. This is one of the easiest cars to change the oil I've ever worked on. My guess is a synthetic oil change with a factory filter, $80 out the door is a good deal. Most of the time, oil changes are loss leaders for the mechanic to find more work to upsell.

My local Lexus dealer wanted $180 to change the oil on my wife's GX. Prices have been going up on everything lately, inflation here we come.

Freds430

I just bought Mobil 1 at Walmart the extended version for $27 for a five quart jug. I buy my Toyota filters on line for $5. I take both to my Lexus dealer who charges me $30 labor. The Mobil 1 currently has a $15 rebate. So net the oil change cost me $47.

oreguyd

I just checked and the are no great deals at the dealerships right now. The guys at the quickly lube places do have to pass a general auto knowledge test to be considered for employment and I know their pay stinks, but repetition is a good teacher. Also, if these companies made continual mistakes, they'd be out of business. I'll try the labor only deal. I also think just about any ind. shop that does oil changes and repairs would be about the same price on labor only. Cheers

lesz

For years, I've had all of the non-warranty maintenance and repairs for my Lexus vehicles done at the local Toyota dealer. Typically, their charges have been 1/2 or less than what the Lexus dealer would have charged for the same work with the same Lexus parts.

For the full synthetic oil change, for years, they charged $40 (with a $10 off coupon that was always available). About a year ago, they raised the price to $50, which is still, I think, a very good price.

oreguyd

That is a very good price. Especially if that's for 6.4qts of full syn. and a new filter. Here in the N.W., $80 would be about the lowest I can find at a dealership. I don't want to pay a quicky lube over $100 for $28 retail cost in materials and about 10 minutes of labor. However, I think paying their labor charge only, seems fair and the best way to go, if I provide the oil and filter. And that includes disposal, too. Thanks everyone for the input as always.

tj5243

Too bad you don't live in Portland Or. I have a auto repair shop at the corner of our block, next door to jiffy lube, and he changes oil in any, except diesel, car for $17 parts and labor just to get your car in the door of the shop. He inspects it top to bottom for any obvious issues and a report is included with the receipt. He loves my SC and never pushes me for any work but lets me know what might be coming down the line. Have to make reservations a week out but being retired what else do I have to do. Lucky me!

oreguyd

I'm glad for you. Portland a desirable place to live, so things can cost more. I do live here, in the suburbs, so how do I find your guy? Changing your own oil is cheaper, no question about that wherever you are. Retail oil change services don't like doing labor only. Probably not enough profit and potential liability problems?

tolian21

The best deal and best quality is DIY

bc6152

I also DIY for oil changes. However, some owners don't like the feeling of warm oil running up their arm or dripping onto their face... For me it's not a matter of money (although that's a bonus) but the satisfaction of knowing my car won't have any new scratches, it will be done correctly, it won't come back dripping wet from the car wash, and the technician isn't running to the deli in it for lunch...

tolian21

Yep, even putting money savings aside, I save time doing it in my garage. Trip to a dealer for an oil change turns into over 2 hour door-to-door expirence. I got other things to do....

TxDad

Its also good to see whats going on under there from time to time. I have another vehicle that takes 8 qts of the same oil, so 3 5qt jugs and 2 filters sets me back around $90 - essentially a BOGO. Added bonus: the work renews your man card, and its a nice 2 beer job...