S65guy

Hi all,

For those who do your oil changes, where do order your kit from, or do you order from the dealer?

With corona virus-positive cases on the rise, I'm thinking about doing my oil change myself vs. bringing it to the service department and the potential risk.

Thanks

Droid13

I was not aware you could order what you need in kit form, but I just typically pickup 0w20 synthetic and the cartridge filter from my local auto parts store when they go on sale (a good filter will come with the little plastic gizmo to drain the oil from the cartridge before removal). The other things you'll need is a Toyota compatible cartridge filter removal tool (Amazon has a bunch of choices) as just a regular oil filter wrench won't really do for these. Car ramps (like RhinoRamps) really make it very easy to access the underside without fuss or danger from using just a jack. Finally, a new gasket for the oil drain plug is recommended, but they usually last for several changes so its not urgently needed if it remains in good shape. Oh, and a pan to drain the oil in of course.

Clutchless

In addition to Droid13's excellent advice, you need a few other things. Like a jug to hold it afterward when you take it to the autoparts store to be recycled. And a funnel to pour the oil in your engine without making a mess. You can order 10 Toyota engine oil drain gaskets on eBay for cheap.

You also need the tools, a 3/8 ratchet wrench and a 12 or 14 mm socket for the oil drain pan bolt. I always forget which size it is. Then a 3 or 6 inch extension for the ratchet so you can use it to turn the Toyota oil filter removal tool. You may want to get one of those complete sets with lots of sockets etc that are available on Amazon or at Harbor Freight

Then find an experienced friend to teach you how to do this properly as you do not want to damage your very expensive engine by driving it with no oil or having it all leak out afterward. Watch you tube videos on how to change the oil in the RX350 and also the Toyota Highlander which has the same engine.

Look at this old sticky on how to change the oil filter https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...il-filter.html

Felix

Could always get a http://dorman.com filter housing w/ uses a 3/8's ratchet vs what you'll need for the oem filter housing.

Cropdustef

Search YouTube for a Lexus Oil change video. There, are dozens out there.

NickSP

You wouldn't be directly in contact with anyone. They have good social distancing protocols. My Lexus dealer has glass barriers to pay for service and everyone else social distances. Nothing different than getting groceries where you have more contact.
Of course nothing wrong with doing it yourself if you can.

daddiojigg

Felix: Love that link !!

S65guy

Good morning,

Thanks for all the insight, it's appreciated.

As far as kits, I was referring to this from BlauParts :
https://www.blauparts.com/routine-ma...?gclid=EAIaIQo

mtellup

For a quick cost comparison, I use Mobil1 0w-20 that is $23 / 5 qts. at Walmart. Usually at least once a year Mobil1 has a $10 rebate for a 5 qt jug.
Net cost $13.

You can buy genuine OEM filters on Amazon/Ebay and pay $4-$8 each. They come with the replacement gaskets and plastic filter drain tool.

Also, buy drain plug gaskets online as well and spend $0.50 +/- each.

Total cost for a DIY oil change should be less than $35-$40 before any rebates, after you purchase the proper tools vs. $84 at the link you provided.

Clutchless

That is an insane price for 7 quarts of oil and a filter. $83! You could buy enough for 3 oil changes at Walmart for that price. Or at Advance Auto, or Autozone, or Carquest or NAPA or O'Reilly's or Pep Boys you could get enough for 2 oil changes and have change left over to buy some Techron fuel system cleaner and maybe an air filter.
As mtellup says you can get Mobil 1 0w-20 at Walmart in 5 quart jugs for a great price. You need 6.5 quarts for an oil change. Buy 2 jugs then save the leftover and next time you only need to buy one jug.
You can also buy the excellent K&N HP-7020 full synthetic oil filters at Walmart for a great price, even cheaper than you will see them online. I think it is about $6.00

RX in NC

Yep, just learn to shop around for oil and filters. Sometimes there are amazon.com online deals with free shipping that are better than the big box store deals, and sometimes the big box stores run deals that are better than what you can find online. You just need to be willing to spend a few minutes from time to time to do the research. In previous years I have found that Black Friday and Cyber Monday oil and filter deals are some of the best on the market. Your mileage may vary depending upon where you happen to live.

STVDave

Something I found out is if your buying it online (do this even if your going to pick it up) don't buy it but leave it in your cart. Usually by the next day you will have some incentive to buy it. They'll give you a percentage off or something. This works for other stores besides auto stores too but not every one. Hey 10% off is more than the tax I would have to pay! Sometimes it way more.

You might need to change your air filter too and there's a cabin filter in your glove box.

As for ordering anything from the dealer... stay away if at all possible. They will over charge for everything.

nsnqst

Kits will always be expensive. If you are a Costco member, your local store should have the oil. They have it online too. Like others have said, for filters, I’d buy from Amazon or other sites of your preference.