tftimm

First of all, this is my first Lexus. I have previously owned 3 Acura vehicles and simply just kept up with oil changes, filter replacements, etc. and the I never had any problems.

I just got my 2004 RX330 and it has 54K miles. I looked at Lexus.com and it has had the 30K service. If I just bought the car certified, is the 60K service really necessary?

Also, is it worth spending the extra money for a Lexus oil change? Is the oil and filter different? Can I just get the standard Jiffy Lube oil change? If I lived close to the dealer, I'd just take it in, but I live 160 miles from the Lexus dealer. Either way, the first change is free and so I'll be taking it up there to have a couple of small things looked at as well, but I'm curious to know for the future. Can I use FRAM filters, etc. for air cabin and air filter?

Does the Lexus vehicle require THAT much more maintinance than my Acura's did? This isn't a BMW or Mercedes that are more prone to problems.

Tell me what I should know. Thanks in advance.

Adamjeeps

The owner's manual is your friend. There is nothing special about the Lexus oil changes. Toyota dealer will do the same thing for alot less cost. I personally dont like Jiffy Lube. I'd rather go to a real mechanic shop if you don't want to go to a dealer.

You are supposed to replace the brake fluid at 60,000 miles, but some do not bother. Remember, there is no "magic" mileage where things break down or fluids go bad. Most fluids, oil included, will last beyond what the book says.

I like to DIY most things. It saves money, I enjoy it, I learn about my vehicles, and I know it is done right.

At 54,000 miles, you are barely broken in and would expect at least 100,000 more troublefree.

Welcome!

diverchris

Hi according to the Canadian manual the 60k mile or 96k Kms interval states that the following:
oil and filter
transmission fluid
brake fluid
air and cabin filter

If this work was not done prior to buying your vehicle I believe that is it imperative to have this work done.

In my opinion I would use synthetic oil and a synthetic based oil filter. I use Mobile 1 oil and K&N or Fram extended oil filters. Also for the automatic transmission I would use synthetic fluid as well. I have Royal Purple in there no along with the diffs, transfer case and power steering fluid

Also since the Lexus dealer is quite a distance away another option is taking your Lexus to a Toyota dealer, if its closer. The same part are used at both facilities

Rainbird

You should do the 60k service, only not at Lexus and definitely not at Jiffy Lube. The Toyota dealership is your best bet for doing the job correctly at a better price than Lexus. Check the service schedule in manual, because the 60k service is more than just an oil change. If I remember correctly it would also require a change of brake fluid, engine air filter and the cabin filter. The brake pads should also be checked for wear.

tftimm

brake pads and rotors were checked by dealer before I bought it. Air and cabin filters I can buy and install myself. I'll see on the brake and transmission fluid. I would think they would be fine until 100K, but that's just me.

I'll see about a Toyota dealer. I also have someone that I can have change my oil for me, I just supply the oil and filter and he charges me next to nothing.

I've never put synthetic in a vehicle and not sure I would unless it was recommended by the manufacturer which I don't think is the case.

Therefore, what type of oil and filter should I use? Regular mobil 1 and a stardard oil filter? Will that be fine?

mandyfig

Here's what you need:

1. Get 5 qts 5W30 synthetic oil. Get a Mobil 1 oil filter. Have the oil changed by your mechanic. While you are doing this, get 4 quarts of Toyota T-IV transmission fluid (or in your case, go to Toyota dealer and buy the fluid, no need to go to Lexus) and have it drained and filled.
2. Get any cabin air filter, replace it yourself.
3. Get the engine air filter and repalce it yourself.

Brake fluid, it can wait, just make sure it is topped off.

Good luck.

And...read your manual. And do a search here...be patient.

mandyfig

Do a search and put in "60K miles maintenance"....see what you get....

cdnewton

If you plan on driving it a long time, the 30K interval on the tranny fluid is a good idea, IMHO.

I use a shop that only works on Toyota/Lexus and the tech said it was extremely dirty at 60K and needed changing. As usual, YMMV.

wr332

hey mandyfig what do you recommend for the parts?

what brand should be best for the "5W30 synthetic oil" ?


--------------------
2007 rx350 lexus

rocsrx350

i work for a dealership, and 80 percent is crap and nobody does it. micro filter, airfilter, oil change, transservice, save ur money and forget the 60k, its cheaper if u break it done

Jabberwock

Just look at the brake fluid to check if it needs a flush. Its easy to see as its in a clear plastic reservoir. Change/flush your brake fluid when it looks darkened or dirty. Clean new brake fluid looks like light version of corn oil. Clear yellow oily fluid. Dirty or old brake fluid is brownish yellow and darkened. Replace it if needed.

mandyfig

Parts?

JM2C:

Oil Pennzoil Platinum 7K cycle.
Filter Toyota 7K cycle.
Brake Pads Toyota
Rotors Toyota but aftermarket ok
Air Filter Toyota (Denso) aftermarket ok 15K cycle
Cabin Filter Same as above 30K cycle
Tranny Fluid Toyota T-IV or WS Type. 15K cycle Drain-Fill
Power Steering Any Dexron III. 5K cycle Drain-Fill

mandyfig

Brake Fluid Good brand DOT 3. I use Toyota.

mandyfig

Coolant Toyota Long Life (Red)