USCRugby

My first servicing was $300+ which is ridiculous. My jaw dropped.

Let’s make a complete guide on how to save money during these hard economic times. I would personally do this if we weren’t in a recession bc. I enjoy saving money! =]

I have been thinking about getting normal servicing at a local shop around here and going into Lexus on the major servicing. The plan is to buy everything ahead of time and ask the local shop to install and rotate the tires.

Let’s give very detailed replies with LINKS to purchase items on the net to save us owner’s money!

Nospinzone

If its a repair that you feel a dealer has to do (e.g. because it reguires diagnostics), you may be able to negogiate just as you did to buy the car. I have the luxury of having 5 dealers within 50 miles of me. Just as when I bought my car, I can shop all 5 dealers for the best service cost.

Mike_TX

Keep in mind most of the services described in the manual as "interval services" are recommended services. Not required services.

You obviously can't fudge on your oil and filter changes, but you can get tire rotations done anywhere (and Discount Tire will do it for free - doesn't matter if you bought there or not). And you can change cabin air filters and even engine air filters if you don't mind getting a little dirty.

The silly stuff like 24-point inspections or whatever are just BS for the most part. Yes, they could accidentally catch something that's failing or out of adjustment, but most of the time it's a quick walkaround or peek-under for them, and it costs you an extra $75 or more.

The position I take is that I'll let them do my oil changes, because that's a critical task and I want it documented. All the other stuff I do or I just don't bother with, because in the 45,000 miles of my leases it's not time to do most of the other stuff. IMO, dealers who try to talk you into coolant flushes and transmission fluid changes and all that stuff are just padding their pockets. I'm not trying to deny them a living, but I've got to survive, too!

Mike

usermel

It's a big point by the member who started this post! Most don't add service to the decision of buying there cars! I hadnt thought about the possible change in price for service on a LS460 compared to a LS430 which I own! $300 is steep for a 1st service!!! Dealers truly make their money with their service departments. Wow, $300 dollars for the 1st service. imagine what the 30,000 mile services will be each 30,000 miles. Also, the 15,000 may be high as well! Hope it's not to steep for you guys,all the best!!!!! L.G.N.M

USCRugby

No links to buy these filters? Best prices? Weak man Weak! =]

encore888

Yes a lot of the services are recommended but not necessary...

...and Lexus still does give a free first service IIRC. Yes it is more of a minor list of things the first time.

hapaj

The cheapest way to save $ on parts is get the part number from Lexus and check out how much that same part is at a Toyota dealer instead. Also, Almost all repair shops and or Autobody shops get about 30% back from retail. I did this with my SC Coupe because it shared the same engine as the Supra. If I find out that the oil filter is also used on a Toyota car I will post it up here at that time. I only have 1500 miles on mine so I will be checking shortly. Also I found out that the retail price for the identical part number with Lexus as compared to Toyota was around 20% more. My good friend is a Toyota mechanic at a Toyota dealership and he told me there has been a huge amount of Lexus vehicles coming in due to the fact that charged less for the parts and total service costs.

jlawr

Here You go:

Oil Filter and Drain Plug: http://www.irontoad.com/Merchant2/me...Code=2008ls460

Air Filter - Engine (you'll need two): http://www.lexpartsworld.com/scripts...?idproduct=306

Air Filter - Cabin: http://www.directauto.com/product-ex...bin_Air_Filter

Wiper Blade Inserts: http://www.parts.com/oemcatalog/inde...layCatalogid=0

hapaj

I just got confirmation of the part number from Lexus and it is a valid Toyota number as well.

OEM # is 01452-YZZA5 Retail $5.41 each from Toyota

Please check your local Toyota dealer or online for this part number

My car is a 2008 LS460L and that is the number given for my car.

PURCHASE AT YOUR OWN RISK IF YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT MODEL OR MAKE!!!

Hope this helps with some cost saving for everyone

Mike_TX

No fair - you changed the whole gist of your post wit that edit after I had posted my reply.

I'm crying foul.

.
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USCRugby

Sorry, that's what I meant. For us to buy everything before we go into our shop so they can't mark up any they sell us.

USCRugby

Is there one place that sells Oil Filter, Drain Plug and engine filter?

How many of these do you need per 5k miles. I think I read someone said I needed two oil filters per 5k?

Johnny

Check Toyota's prices for comparison. They can be surprisingly reasonable at times.

USCRugby

How many of these do you need per 5k miles. I think I read someone said I needed two oil filters per 5k?

Johnny

No, one filter only each 5,000 miles. There are some that believe synthetics can go 10,000 miles, but that is arguable. My opinion is that manufacturers are going to lower viscosity to improve fuel economy, but this may reduce the lubricant's ability to cling to the engine's contact surfaces under extreme pressure. But that is conjecture; I'm a mechanical gearing engineer, not a lubrication specialist, and there have been advances in the field of friction modifying additives that may have solved this question.

Perhaps some knowledgeable types from this field can chime in. Come on Texans!