Koz

Yes it is. I didn't have any slipping but the fit is not positive. The wrench seems to be actually two sizes. The outside edge is the bigger size and will slip. The inner size is the one that fits the IS's filter (case). I made sure the cap wrench was nice and snug by tapping the ends. Also you must keep the wrench at a perfect 90 degrees (using two hands).

The only reason I got the cheapy was because I wanted to do the change on a Sunday. If it slips I will not use it any more and get a better one. I will only be changing it once a year (hopefully) so I think it will be OK.

Koz

Gtidan

The only reason I can see why Lexus shortened the oil change interval is because it's about the only way they can make a buck on service. Other then filters and oil there is nothing really that requires service and coupled with the reliability of the car no warranty work either.

Check out the following taken from USA today on oil change requirements. Information was provided by the manufacturers themselves. I remember my MB (synthetic oil, 2002 model) was good for 10,000 miles. They didn't have to worry about not seeing me in between cause the car always had something wrong or going wrong during the four years I had her. I collected around 20 service orders NOT counting oil changes.
So my belief is Toyota/Lexus is only trying to keep their dealers in business.

Chart:
TIME FOR AN OIL CHANGE?

Many automakers are stretching out the period between recommended oil changes or installing indicator lights that tell drivers when the time has come to change the oil.

Automaker 2008 model recommendations

General Motors Variable/indicator light

Honda Variable/indicator light

Chrysler Variable/indicator light

BMW 15,000 miles

Mercedes-Benz 12,000 miles

Porsche 12,000 miles

Volkswagen 10,000 miles

Ford 7,500 miles

Hyundai 7,500 miles

Nissan 7,500 miles

Toyota 5,000 miles

Source: Automakers

Technique

I thought BMW was variable...

I didn't know Honda was variable...

Gernby

iTrader: (1)

Honda has 2 OCI's based on normal or severe conditions.

Technique

Doesn't every manufacturer that doesn't have an oil monitoring system like BMW have 2 OCI's based on normal or severe?

gsrthomas

iTrader: (1)

I do not think honda is variable. My friend has a new civic and the oil change indicator comes on at 5000 miles. First it says 100% oil life.. 90, 80, etc..

iialcii

iTrader: (3)

had my is250 for a month now, will do thee first oil change at 2500, will take lexus courtesy 5000 when the time comes. used fully synthetic, although dealerships use a blend which is in between regular and synthetic. filters can be bought at your local dealer around 8 bucks a pop, comes with two gaskets

tshek

I am going to let Lexus do it.. since they offer me free life time oil change, of course, oil change only.

jdub34

this may sound dumb, but go to carmax and get an oil change. its really cheap there and they have a lexus tech. my oil filter was like 6 bucks.

Koz

Update - I now have 30K miles (on the same oil, TSO 0w-30) on my 4Runner (Amsoil) bypass system and the UOAs still look great. In a couple months I will be sending in a sample from the IS, 0w-20 with 10K miles and I will post the results.

Koz

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

get the filter online...cheaper!

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

BMW used to be 7500 miles............ until they introduced the free maintenance in 2000!

jackblack7

Lexus of Las Vegas charges $100 for an oil change. I'm sure it's so much because they're the only Lexus dealer in town. I'm going to change it myself since I don't like feeling like I'm being ripped off. I bought everything I need, including ramps, oil receptacle, enough oil for two changes, for as much as they're charging.

gsrthomas

iTrader: (1)

Honda is NOT variable. Its every 5,000 miles.

eric_r_ho

iTrader: (9)

All automakers will be extending the intervals simply because it helps to sell cars when you tell them it's a once-a-yr oil change..even though personally I'd do it every 4-5k REGARDLESS of manufacturer's recommendations.