rcy

Yes you can use a 30 weight. Either 0w or 5w will work fine. The 20 weight oils while very good (and what I would run), are likely spec'd so Toyota as a whole can meet CAFE regulations.

In fact, I just checked the online owner's manual for a 2009 RX350 and it specs 5w30 right in the manual, however, 2010 models spec 0w20. Not likely Toyota redesigned the bearings to run 20 weight, more likely the bearings are fine with either 20 or 30, and as I said, the 20 weights have more to do with fuel economy.

If you really want to dig further, go to www.bobistheoilguy.com and read till your eyes bleed.

Lexmex

Keep in mind, too that unlike the 1st or 2nd generations, the 3rd generations RXs have better oil passages and ability for improved oil flow than the 2nd and especially the 1st generation where oil sludge problems could be more prevalent (not that it always occurred). In addition, keep in mind that a 30 weight oil will eventually over time shear down into the 20s.

lexus114

So what does 5W-20 shear down to? A 10 weight?

Lexmex

Eventually it will, but keep in mind for the type of vehicle that would use a 20 it won't shear down nearly as fast as say a vehicle that requires a 30, 40, etc. or higher. The newer RX series are much better in terms of oil flow and cooling than their predecessors and engines they were based upon, so the shearing effect won't be the same.

MEP7557

Just got home from my 1000 mile check. I asked the dealer how much an oil change was going to be after my 5K one so I would be prepared. I was informed that Lexus just issued a service advisory and since synthetic oil is used they (Lexus) now say10K between oil changes. So at my 5K they will rotate and do a vehicle check and at 10K they will do the first oil/ filter change. The 5K and 10K are both on Lexus. The cost after that is about $200. Considering that will be a once a year event I will more than likely use the Dealership.

LeoDLion

Its kind of difficult to change the oil filter without changing the oil. Once you open the oil drain plug, all of that oil comes out. You don't want to put that oil back into the engine.

rftuck

Just changed the oil in our 2010 RX350. Bought the oil at the Lexus dealer for about $7 per quart, 7 quarts = $50, plus filter, = another $16 = $76 plus oil filter wrench at = $12. So the cost for the first oil change was about $88.
Changed at 4000 miles and 6 1/2 months. Noticed some microparticles of metal in filter, so good I changed when I did, but filter did its job.
Piece of cake to do yourself if you have the correct tools
filter wrench (14 flats & 64MM dia.) 15/16th socket for filter wrench, torque wrench and that's it. Regular sockets for the drain plug and the filter housing lower cap to drain oil from filter before removing. Torque settings for filter on box.
Do it yourself, no jacks required, Now you know it was done right and filled properly.
Rich

wyau01

That's exactly what the service advisor told me. First oil change at 10k. Mine is a 450h, don't know if it is different between models.

afpj

rftuck,

Is the filter just the element? All the filters I've seen for it (FRAM, Purolator etc) just show the element and not the cartridge ie screw on filter. Never changed a filter that didn't come as a screw on cartridge. THanks

xfirechief

It really isn't hard at all. U will lose maybe 1/2 qt. of oil at the most. After u chnage the filter run the engine to check for leaks & then turn off the motor & check the level after a few minutes or so. Add to get it back to the fill mark, usually less then 1/2 qt.

rftuck

It is just an acordian type element that is inserted into the cannister. You follow the directions on the filter box that you buy at the dealer. Easy if you have the correct tools and torque wrench. torque values are on the box. Make sure you buy the drain plug gasket also.

DDS62

Just bought a new HS. Even though the manual suggests 5,000 mile first oil change the dealer has explicitly told me to wait until 10,000 miles - even though I will be in to rotate my tires at 5,000 miles. Sure looks as if some thing has changed at Lexis.

JimH2

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/cms/in...=article&id=84

Basic oil info--10 chapters of reading.

herao

My 2011 RX manual has the oil/filter change occurring at 12 months or 10,000 miles. An oil/filter at 6 months or 5,000 miles is recommended for more-demanding driving conditions. That said, I'm uncomfortable with waiting that long for a FIRST oil change - regardless of driving conditions. I'll perform the first oil/filter change at 5K or six months.

GoHuskers

My 2010 RX350 had both the 5k and 10k OIL change for free. SA said from now on it will 10k between oil change. However, they want me to bring it in for 15k service (without oil change) for about $230. They will rotate tires, air filters and fluid fillups....

I also own a 2011 Camry SE and at 5k they just rotate tires, no oil change. Oil change is schedule for every 10k since this is an SE and they use 0w-20 (just like the Lexus).

I have owned my 2002 4Runner SE for 8+ years and only change oil/filter twice a year using Mobil1 5w-30. Sometimes it is 7k but sometimes it is 4-5k between oil changes. I live in NE so I do it in April and in October. I believe 10k between oil change will be OK for the new engines and oils.