2013 GS350 - Need New Spark Plugs at 60K?
10-22-21, 07:17 AM
#1
10th Gear
Thread Starter
2013 GS350 - Need New Spark Plugs at 60K?
Hi everyone! My 2013 has close to 60K miles right now. When I took it in to the dealer for an oil change, they tried to push the 60K service (no surprise). The package is very expensive and includes replacing all spark plugs and flushing the brake system, among other things. I find it surprising that a modern car needs new spark plugs at 60K miles. What do you all think? Do I really need new plugs? Or is the dealer just trying to push something unnecessary as usual? Thanks!
10-22-21, 07:23 AM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Those OE spark plugs will not need replacing until 240k miles or more with no degradation in performance or fuel mileage. You're just wasting money in my opinion by replacing them...
10-22-21, 08:40 AM
#3
Lead Lap
They pushed the same thing on me a couple years ago when I was close to 60k mi - they wanted something like $1200 for the 60k service which included basically the oil change and spark plugs. Everything else was an inspection. I declined the service but did an oil change.
No need to change the spark plugs - if you're uneasy about it (the service manual does say to get them done at 60k), get a quote from a Toyota dealer for just plugs or a local mechanic which will be substantially cheaper.
No need to change the spark plugs - if you're uneasy about it (the service manual does say to get them done at 60k), get a quote from a Toyota dealer for just plugs or a local mechanic which will be substantially cheaper.
10-22-21, 10:16 AM
#4
10th Gear
Thread Starter
Thank you for the quick reply! They wanted almost $1,000 for essentially an oil change, brake flush and new plugs. In the Japanese cars I've owned in the past, I've never had to replace the spark plugs, since I didn't keep any of them past 70k miles. I've always thought that's something to be done at 90k miles or so. I've called them back and told them just to change the oil and filter this time.
10-22-21, 10:17 AM
#5
The F Sport models recommend plugs at 60K, but honestly I have pulled original Toyota 150K plugs out and they were OK. Worn, but not bad.
So it is up to you. But I would find a good local shop and lt them service your car.
I would wait on the plugs. Money is better spent on fluids. I would service transmission and brake fluid instead.
Dealer oil changes can be hit or miss for a couple reasons:
So it is up to you. But I would find a good local shop and lt them service your car.
I would wait on the plugs. Money is better spent on fluids. I would service transmission and brake fluid instead.
Dealer oil changes can be hit or miss for a couple reasons:
- Often times they use newbies to do the work. I have seen too many issues with drain plugs and oil filters, both traditional and housing.
- They may use bulk oil, which is not all bad, but even Kirkland is less than $30 for 2 5 quart jugs.
10-22-21, 12:30 PM
#6
Advanced
i have an excellent independent Lexus certified mechanic. he always told me that my IS250 should have the plugs changed at 60K, the reason being those engines run very hot and is best to replace the plugs.
for my GS, i will do whatever the user's manual recommends, let my mechanic change the plugs and fluids.
He also uses synthetic AMSOIL and only does engine oil changes every 10,000 miles.
He charges about 350.00 parts and labor to change plugs in my is250 (gone but not forgotten).
i don't know how much he will charge for the GS.
for my GS, i will do whatever the user's manual recommends, let my mechanic change the plugs and fluids.
He also uses synthetic AMSOIL and only does engine oil changes every 10,000 miles.
He charges about 350.00 parts and labor to change plugs in my is250 (gone but not forgotten).
i don't know how much he will charge for the GS.
10-22-21, 12:46 PM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
IS250 has that carbon build up issues right? GS350 is free from all that. 
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10-22-21, 01:17 PM
#9
Advanced
10-22-21, 03:18 PM
#10
i have an excellent independent Lexus certified mechanic. he always told me that my IS250 should have the plugs changed at 60K, the reason being those engines run very hot and is best to replace the plugs.
for my GS, i will do whatever the user's manual recommends, let my mechanic change the plugs and fluids.
He also uses synthetic AMSOIL and only does engine oil changes every 10,000 miles.
He charges about 350.00 parts and labor to change plugs in my is250 (gone but not forgotten).
i don't know how much he will charge for the GS.
for my GS, i will do whatever the user's manual recommends, let my mechanic change the plugs and fluids.
He also uses synthetic AMSOIL and only does engine oil changes every 10,000 miles.
He charges about 350.00 parts and labor to change plugs in my is250 (gone but not forgotten).
i don't know how much he will charge for the GS.
10-22-21, 07:09 PM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
The F Sport models recommend plugs at 60K, but honestly I have pulled original Toyota 150K plugs out and they were OK. Worn, but not bad.
So it is up to you. But I would find a good local shop and lt them service your car.
I would wait on the plugs. Money is better spent on fluids. I would service transmission and brake fluid instead.
Dealer oil changes can be hit or miss for a couple reasons:
So it is up to you. But I would find a good local shop and lt them service your car.
I would wait on the plugs. Money is better spent on fluids. I would service transmission and brake fluid instead.
Dealer oil changes can be hit or miss for a couple reasons:
- Often times they use newbies to do the work. I have seen too many issues with drain plugs and oil filters, both traditional and housing.
- They may use bulk oil, which is not all bad, but even Kirkland is less than $30 for 2 5 quart jugs.
10-22-21, 10:33 PM
#12
I changed my plugs at 60k and here's how it looks. Old one is on the right.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...l#post10957061
Prob didn't need to change them, but I wanted to keep the warranty until 100k. I watched this video on how to DIY.
First time changing spark plugs, so it took me two hours, but it should be done in about an hour if you know what you're doing. I asked how much is to change the spark plugs only the last time I was at the dealership and they quoted me about $600 including parts and labor and brake fluid service is $120. Btw, the 60k service is a rip off though.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...l#post10957061
Prob didn't need to change them, but I wanted to keep the warranty until 100k. I watched this video on how to DIY.
First time changing spark plugs, so it took me two hours, but it should be done in about an hour if you know what you're doing. I asked how much is to change the spark plugs only the last time I was at the dealership and they quoted me about $600 including parts and labor and brake fluid service is $120. Btw, the 60k service is a rip off though.
The following users liked this post:
jsch222 (10-23-21)
10-23-21, 07:05 AM
#13
Advanced
LexToy, they are the best
Highly recommended, honest people, small family owned shop.
They are on Beach south of 820
10-23-21, 02:18 PM
#14
Instructor
Learn to DIY, plugs cost $80 of materials, you've wasted more time posting and pondering the $1k that dealer is charging you for something you could've done in 1 hour and feel good about.
10-23-21, 08:45 PM
#15
Not everyone has the tools or the knowledge to do a plug change. I am quite handy but not sure if I can do plugs on the gs v6. I swapped the 4 cyl camry plugs in 10 minutes. Also, if you do it wrong at all, as in, misthread a plug.....there go any savings you could have had.