BP1203

Just picked up a 2012 RX for my wife yesterday (she had a 2010 ES, but she was t-boned and the car was totaled. Bought another Lexus because the car is safe as a tank!).

I have a few questions:
1. Salesman said it now runs synthetic, but I did not see anything on engine indicating so or in the owners manual-just says 0-W20 oil. Is it synthetic?

2. Also, should I change oil at 5k although manual says 10k? I was thinking change at 5k, then every 10k after that.

3. Looking at the service intervals, is the interval between oil changes truly necessary? Just seems like a way for the dealer to rob you.

Looking forward to your comments and exploring the forum.

BertL

Congrats on your 2012 and welcome to the forum.

Most of your questions have had recent threads on them. Here's the net from what I can remember:
1. Yes, synthetic. Change was made by Lexus and hence they now recommend oil changes at only every 10K interval, e.g. if you take your vehicle in for the free 5K service, you won't get a free oil change any more -- just rest of the stuff like rotating tires.
2. There was debate on this point. Some guys were going to change their oil at 5K anyway, but Lexus does not require or suggest it any longer.
3. Since oil changes are now at 10K with synthetic, you want to at least change it and keep records every 10K until your warranty expires so you don't have any issues should a claim come up. Your choice to do it or not during warranty or after. (...and other threads on this point that they take their cars to Toyota dealers and have basic maintenance done by them a lot cheaper without Lexus ammenities, or do it themselves ... and just take their Lexus to Lexus when warranty items need to be addressed -- Toyota can't touch that.)
2.

BP1203

Thanks for the info. I drive a 2007 4Runner and we used to take the ES to Toyota for service as well, since it is a fraction of the cost of the Lexus service, and they give you a loaner for $10/day. Still a lot cheaper than Lexus. I guess I'll take every 5k for tire rotation, change the oil at 10k.

Amazing to see the number of Lexus cars at the Toyota lot whenever I take it in for service. ES, GS, RX, GX, seems like a lot of people are doing the same thing. I guess I just need to mention I need a synthetic oil change when I bring it in at 20k. I'll take it to Lexus for the first two services since they are free.

BertL

Yes. Challenge for some folks is the local Toyota dealers are owned by the same people as the Lexus dealers in that same vicenity, and reports here about some Toyota dealers refusing to do service on the Lexus because of that. Regardless, just keep your service records and suggest you use the My Lexus function on Lexus.com to just record it -- when you do, it will show in service history that any Lexus dealer can pull up on your VIN for it's life. Simple.

BP1203

I still remember asking my service advisor at Toyota if they serviced Lexus vehicles. His response? "Next time you come in, take a look at the lot". Lo and behold, must have been 7 or 8 Lexus cars in the lot. He said a lot of people have a Toyota and a Lexus, bring both cars there. Thankfully our Toyota dealer does not own a Lexus franchise (they are about 15 miles from each other). Carousel Toyota in Glen Mills, PA is awesome for service.

kitlz

BP1203, congrats on the RX and welcome to CL.

Oil change at 10K helps reduce maintenance cost overall. But getting the RX serviced at Toyota will make it that much cheaper. It's good you already have a place in mind.

So where's the pictures of your new RX? It's mandatory

BP1203

Here you go

BertL

Great looking ride. Congrats again and enjoy! Just love Nebula Gray ... Mine will be here next month. Can't wait.

BP1203

Thanks. Wife likes it, so that's all that matters LOL. Like this much better than the Smokey Granite. We had a Matador Red ES which was the most beautiful paint color I've seen in a long time. However, other people like to drive into red cars. Had the car two years, someone rear-ended it, drove into the driver's side door and then the last one three weeks ago (side impact while my wife driving 45 mph-totaled the car, but thanksfully my wife was is nine months pregnant walked away with a few bumps/bruises and the baby was ok). Needless to say, red is a magnet for other cars...

BertL

SO GLAD to hear your wife and baby are A-OK. How horrific, but really happy to hear all that Lexus Safety stuff we take for granted much of the time did it's job so well.

BP1203

Yes it did. Crumple zones crumpled, she was safe.

kitlz

BP1203, so happy to hear your wife was ok. I hope she enjoys her RX. And thanks for the pictures. Looks great.