mcdec

The toyota dealer advised me though to have an oilchange every 3,500 miles or 3 mos. Manual says you can do either 5,000 or even 7500. It is just like $20 but still a hassle going their just for that. Makes me wonder why a bmw can go 12000 every oil change or maintenance. What u guys think?

Rx13

Just went through the service routine with my dealer and told him what I wanted done and what didn't need doing on the list. No problem or argument. I paid 50% of first price quoted and had the roatation and all the "necessary" work done. Don't pay for a brake inspection at every service date or for fluid levels you can check. I thought I was treated fairly after we set the ground rules. If you let them they will try to sell you unnecessary service.
I think you have a right to shop around if necessary and to control what you are going to pay for.

chatrathi

I too did exactly what RX13 did and my service bill dropped dramatically. Of course, now I wasn't entitled to a loaner (sure, I didn't want to rent another lexus for a day for an additional $200!!).

This particular lexus dealership (steven's creek in san jose, ca) has wireless internet access, so I plugged in, VPN'ed into work and happily got a lot of stuff done while waiting for them to finish on my car.

Later,
-chatrathi

HarrierAWD

My dealer recommends that I disregard the 7,500-mile interval and follow only the 5,000-mile one. It makes sense to me since my oil is brown at 5,000 miles. I wouldn't wait 'til it's pitch black.

Some European cars have oil cooler and/or hold more oil than Japanese/American cars. Therefore the oil may last longer. On the other hand, European cars have unreliable engines (though very nice when they run.) The extended oil change interval might have something to do with it.

RHODY401

My local dealer, which has a reputation for being greedy, quoted me "in the 500's" today for the 15k service. That sounds really high!

Is this commonly the price?

They said something about doing the "Extreme conditions" level of service because of the part of the country and the weather (Rhode Island, which is mild IMO)

Husker4the

Just have it done at a local place you trust ... that's a rip off!

bob2200

I agree, in that in the "500's" is nuts for a 15K service.

You could try xeroxing the Lexus-recommended 15K service procedures from the Service manual that came with the car (or the one on the Club Lexus web pages) and then either e-mailing the service manager or talking to him personally if the service-counter folks won't give you a quote for just the Lexus-recommended service on the sheet you show them. [Note that any service to the flanges only apply to AWD models].

Another option is to check out the price at a nearby Toyota dealer. Some will service Lexus cars (usually the ones not close to Lexus dealers). One downside to this is that the record of the service doesn't get into the Lexus computer system.

HarrierAWD

It's common practice that dealership rip off its customers with high priced unnecessary items. All you need for 15K is oil change, tire rotation, re-torquing the drive shaft, maybe some eyeball inspections. I bet your dealer wouldn't do the re-torquing part - too hard to do. So just tell them you want an oil change and tire rotation. You can also check price at your local Toyota dealers.

All dealerships sling manure at customers, Lexus dealers serve it to you on a silver platter with a smile.

parula

Rx13, I just hate that negotiation process every time to get what I believe I need for basic service at a reasonable price for a luxury car. I don't mind paying a little more, but for example an oil change I was quoted for about $70 while I wait, is, well ...

RHODY401

I had a happy ending, although it's a shame that I have to play "lets make a deal".

I questioned the "500 something" price when i dropped off the car and opened the book that came with the car and asked what it would cost to have "This" done (exactly what they listed as required). They told me $299. When I picked up the car it was actually $202 plus $15 in materials.

I don't know what the other $300 was for, but I believe it had something to do with changing the rear differential fluid. (?) I'm not sure when Lexus recommends doing so, but it wasnt listed at 15k.

They worked on the sunroof squeek issue (sprayed lube all over the ceiling liner and glass, and it was dripping from the rails on to me as I drove off). As I was driving away, I realized they forgot to do the car wash again. (both times I have been to this dealer) Hopefully I can get the lube off the felt ceiling material.

Oh well. They were friendly at least and gave me a 2005 loaner for the day.

Mike

BOWTIE 3

There are 3 Toyota dealers in my area. One of them is owned by the person who also owns the ONLY Lexus dealer. Guess which Toyota dealer refuses to perform service work on ANY Lexus? [ Warranty OR Customer-pay ! ] It's ALWAYS about the money !

parula

RHODY, what dealer is that?

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

The oil cooler and more oil capacity does have something to do with it. Also, many of the BMW cars and other Euro cars have oil sensors that monitor the oil and tell you when you need a change. How reliable it is I don't know. Also, BMW has free maintenence program so they change the oil and all that for you for free, provided it is at the correct interval. Oil has gooten better so 3000 miles on many occations is rather quick. On the other hand, BMW only came out with these extended oil changes when they came out with the free maintenence, so it kind of makes you wonder.