5K Service at Dealer!
01-20-21 | 11:24 AM
#16
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 50
Likes: 23
From: CA
I had a situation with a Lexus dealership near where I live in Miami. Don't want to mention their name since I am not sure if it is allowed on this forum. Don't want to be accused of slander. A couple years ago, I brought my wife's NX there for an oil change that I chose to pay for. When I got home, I checked the oil just to be sure it was at the correct level and the oil did not look fresh. I realize Synthetic can sometimes be misleading when it comes to that. However, when it was time to bring my RX350 (vehicle I had before my ES350) there for an oil change and rotation which I also requested and paid for, I decided to cleverly hide a GoPro under the hood where it was not obvious at all. Secured it with wire ties, wrapped with pipe insulation to disguise and secured again with electrical tape. Knowing I had at most 3 hours of battery life, I made sure it was clear I was waiting for the car. Sure enough, I was charged $110 for the service, they did rotate the tires and I knew that because I made small crayon type markings on the inside back wheels. However, the hood was never opened. LOL The invoice had the parts for the oil change which included oil, filter, gasket and disposal fee. I paid with my Amex.
When I viewed the video when I got home, of course I made a mad dash back to the dealer and the service manager was in complete denial. I took a picture of the GoPro hidden under the hood to prove it was there and showed him that and tried to show him the video and he walked away saying it's impossible. Basically, accusing me of trying to get a free oil change. Also contacted Lexus Corporate and they did not want the video and suggested I go back to the dealer. That I was not going to do because I was extremely angry and I like my freedom.
Reported to the attorney general in Florida. Useless. However, American Express did come through and disputed the charge successfully . Obviously, I have been using another dealership in Broward County since then and used the camera the first time. They did the work. There are easier but not as solid ways to determine if this were to happen such as leaving the oil filler cap loose just (not to the point where it would shoot oil out) before you pull into the dealership. If they do change the oil, the tech would have to remove it and when screwing back in, you would think he would have it tight.
When I viewed the video when I got home, of course I made a mad dash back to the dealer and the service manager was in complete denial. I took a picture of the GoPro hidden under the hood to prove it was there and showed him that and tried to show him the video and he walked away saying it's impossible. Basically, accusing me of trying to get a free oil change. Also contacted Lexus Corporate and they did not want the video and suggested I go back to the dealer. That I was not going to do because I was extremely angry and I like my freedom.
Reported to the attorney general in Florida. Useless. However, American Express did come through and disputed the charge successfully . Obviously, I have been using another dealership in Broward County since then and used the camera the first time. They did the work. There are easier but not as solid ways to determine if this were to happen such as leaving the oil filler cap loose just (not to the point where it would shoot oil out) before you pull into the dealership. If they do change the oil, the tech would have to remove it and when screwing back in, you would think he would have it tight.
BTW it's not slander if it's an account of how things happened from your point of view.
My pet peeve is when they over fill it. It's much easier to add oil than it is to remove some. Too much oil is just as bad as not enough.
01-20-21 | 12:57 PM
#17
Driver
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 129
Likes: 43
From: Florida
tike71 - regarding the slander. Believe me, I trashed that dealer on other public review sites (Google, Yelp, Consumer Affairs, etc) and rightfully so as it was all factual. What I was referring to was the rules specific to this Club Lexus forum. Not sure if mentioning specific dealer names in a derogatory manner is allowed even though it is of course 100% factual. Don't want to put the Club Lexus forum in a defensive position should someone from that dealership read the post with their name. I have the proof as far as video, etc but the dealer won't come after me but instead might retaliate against the forum. Then the burden of proof is on them.
01-20-21 | 04:29 PM
#18
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8,224
Likes: 2,582
From: NJ
I'd email the general manager. It looks extremely bad for any management to have a dealership be accused for services not rendered. I'd mention how the local news station would love to air a story like this about a luxury car dealership, especially with video proof.
BTW it's not slander if it's an account of how things happened from your point of view.
My pet peeve is when they over fill it. It's much easier to add oil than it is to remove some. Too much oil is just as bad as not enough.
BTW it's not slander if it's an account of how things happened from your point of view.
My pet peeve is when they over fill it. It's much easier to add oil than it is to remove some. Too much oil is just as bad as not enough.
01-21-21 | 12:17 AM
#19
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 103
From: pa
I have already posted the details in earlier threads but will chime in again to say my five experiences with two different Lexus dealerships for warranty repairs and a “free” oil change were all horrible. Sloppy, incomplete and improper repairs, lies and fraud. Fortunately I was capable of checking the work and knowledgeable enough to catch them in their lies. Anyone who thinks a Lexus dealership will correctly perform, or even attempt to perform requested services is in for a rude awakening. In my experience they are nothing but a bunch of incompetent crooks.
01-21-21 | 05:48 AM
#20
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,937
Likes: 1,313
From: SE PA
I don't doubt that there are dishonest and incompetent Lexus dealers out there but one cannot cast a wide net and include all. It's never all. I believe that the majority of Lexus dealers are honest and deliver good service for the money. There will always be some who cut corners, be dishonest and cheat customers. The solution to that is to spend your money elsewhere and if the information is true and solid with proof, let others know... 
01-21-21 | 06:06 AM
#21
Driver
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 129
Likes: 43
From: Florida
For those who live in South Florida, Miami-Dade/Broward counties area in particular, the Lexus dealer that I purchased my ES 350 and have been using for service is Lexus of Pembroke Pines. They have been really great from a sales and service standpoint. Also, JM Lexus is extremely good but they are too far North of me.
Anyone who wants to know what dealer I had the bad experience with when I had my RX350 and busted them for charging and not changing my oil, you can send me a private message.
I agree with bc6152. Not all Lexus dealers are crooks. I'm sure it is just a small handful that are and another small handful that are just not run well. All are independently owned and operated and it all comes down to the ethics and competence of ownership/management, their hiring practices and procedures put in place.
Anyone who wants to know what dealer I had the bad experience with when I had my RX350 and busted them for charging and not changing my oil, you can send me a private message.
I agree with bc6152. Not all Lexus dealers are crooks. I'm sure it is just a small handful that are and another small handful that are just not run well. All are independently owned and operated and it all comes down to the ethics and competence of ownership/management, their hiring practices and procedures put in place.
01-23-21 | 10:42 AM
#22
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 317
From: oh
01-23-21 | 12:08 PM
#23
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8,224
Likes: 2,582
From: NJ
01-23-21 | 12:59 PM
#25
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8,224
Likes: 2,582
From: NJ
01-23-21 | 01:21 PM
#26
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,937
Likes: 1,313
From: SE PA
BMW does the same thing - no dipstick... 
And note the transmission info...
BMW has eliminated the oil level dipstick from under the hood, replacing it with a sensor in the oil pan (the shaded part in the figure). ... BMW wants you to believe that you can drive your car 15,000 miles before you change the engine oil and you never have to change your transmission oil.
And note the transmission info...BMW has eliminated the oil level dipstick from under the hood, replacing it with a sensor in the oil pan (the shaded part in the figure). ... BMW wants you to believe that you can drive your car 15,000 miles before you change the engine oil and you never have to change your transmission oil.
01-23-21 | 03:30 PM
#27
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 590
From: CA
In the "Messages and warnings" section on page 360 of the 2019 Lexus ES350 Owner's Manual, you'll find amongst the list of messages that could be displayed when master warning light comes on:
■ If “Engine Oil Level Low Add or Replace” is displayed
The engine oil level is low. Check the level of the engine oil, and add if necessary.
This message may appear if the vehicle is stopped on a slope. Move the vehicle to a level surface and check to see if the mes- sage disappears.
The engine oil level is low. Check the level of the engine oil, and add if necessary.
This message may appear if the vehicle is stopped on a slope. Move the vehicle to a level surface and check to see if the mes- sage disappears.
01-23-21 | 03:53 PM
#28
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8,224
Likes: 2,582
From: NJ
Lexus has figured out how to sense the oil level in the current generation of ES 350 and issue a warning of low oil level by several avenues of reporting. I don't know the means, reliability, and level granularity of the sensing but it exists if there's any truth to the owner's manual as well as the Lexus app's Vehicle Health Report and Lexus Enform Services e-mailed Monthly Vehicle Health Report (in both see the Vehicle Status item - Quantity of Engine Oil),
In the "Messages and warnings" section on page 360 of the 2019 Lexus ES350 Owner's Manual, you'll find amongst the list of messages that could be displayed when master warning light comes on:
In the "Messages and warnings" section on page 360 of the 2019 Lexus ES350 Owner's Manual, you'll find amongst the list of messages that could be displayed when master warning light comes on:
01-23-21 | 05:30 PM
#29
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 317
From: oh
Lexus has figured out how to sense the oil level in the current generation of ES 350 and issue a warning of low oil level by several avenues of reporting. I don't know the means, reliability, and level granularity of the sensing but it exists if there's any truth to the owner's manual as well as the Lexus app's Vehicle Health Report and Lexus Enform Services e-mailed Monthly Vehicle Health Report (in both see the Vehicle Status item - Quantity of Engine Oil),
In the "Messages and warnings" section on page 360 of the 2019 Lexus ES350 Owner's Manual, you'll find amongst the list of messages that could be displayed when master warning light comes on:
In the "Messages and warnings" section on page 360 of the 2019 Lexus ES350 Owner's Manual, you'll find amongst the list of messages that could be displayed when master warning light comes on:
01-23-21 | 07:01 PM
#30
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 590
From: CA
And it was closer to 60 years ago that the auto manufacturers changed from installing analog oil pressure gauges to installing oil low pressure idiot warning lights. For awhile after the change over there was a line of discussion speculating on which occurred first - engine seizing from lack of oil or the low oil pressure idiot light coming on.
I don't know when oil level sensing was first added to some production car 's engines. The first time I saw it was in a Detroit Big 3 manufacturer's model in the mid 1980s. Ended up having enough issues that the manufacturer had a recall to take out the oil level sensing system and replace it with good old tried and true user operated metal dip stick.