Bobcuse44

I have a 2012 RX 350 with 24,000 miles and I'm getting the usual push to have the ultra expensive 25k maintenance service. I've had regular oil changes and inspections with zero issues. What do I really need?

Why shouldn't I get my brakes done at JUST BRAKES for $99 total incl rotor turning vs $269 for front brakes at the dealer? I admit the Lexus brakes have lasted a long time but the dealer is unusually high for brakes.

Thank you for your candid and refreshing opinion and experiences. You have convinced me to hold off for several thousand miles more!

My bet is it looks in excellent shape when you take it out. "This is not your fathers timing belt". Whole different animal than timing belts used to be. Does that mean you think I may not really need the belt changed just because the vehicle has 110k mileage? Also....wouldn't the belt exhibit some warning signs if it were worn excessively? Appreciate all comments here. "Bob"- This has been beaten to death and as long as time exists there will be differences of opinion that are at extremes. I changed the TB in my DIL's 99RX at 97k mi, and got after my son for letting it go so long thinking it was in danger of breaking. I was amazed when I removed the belt (original) because it looked like it had no more than 20k mi. I have since read about these belts and how they are made and what they're made of and I understand why they hold up so well. There was a post a year or more ago by a man who said he worked for a company that did testing to determine length of life of different products. He said they would determine normal point of failure and then set the replacement time at half of that. By those standards the belt should last a minimum of 180,000 mi. I have only ever read (on the Lexus forums that I frequent) of 2 people who CLAIMED to have had a belt break in a Toyota/Lexus w/ the 1MFZE engine. One said his belt broke when the water pump froze up and the other stated no reason, only the claim. I questioned both of them concerning details and neither of them ever responded. That's why I say CLAIMED. With what my DIL's looked like at 97k mi, I personally doubt that many would ever break in the average life of the vehicle. I worked with a fellow who drove a Ford Ranger PU. His belt broke one day at (who knows how many miles because the speedometer broke at 180,000 mi, a year or two before). The belt was supposed to be changed at 60,000 yet went WAY over 200,000 mi., and he didn't even know it had a belt on it! These belts are the reason I said "This is not your fathers timing belt". Whole different timing belt these days. I mean the FACTORY timing belt. All bets are off on aftermarket belts. Make your own decision, this is just my experience. I still have the TB off my DIL's RX. If I knew how to post pictures, I'd show you what it looks like, absolutely NO sign of wear or deterioration at 97K mi!!!

My bet is it looks in excellent shape when you take it out. "This is not your fathers timing belt". Whole different animal than timing belts used to be. Does that mean you think I may not really need the belt changed just because the vehicle has 110k mileage? Also....wouldn't the belt exhibit some warning signs if it were worn excessively? Appreciate all comments here.

I have 110,000 miles with no problems. Dealer recommending I change the timing belt because the life expectancy is only 100,000 miles. I am starting to hear some chirping but don't know if it is related. I travel alot and don't want any problems on the road. Would appreciate comments/suggestions. He says it's a 5 hour job and will cost $550+.

Thanks for the tip. These were my sentiments exactly but wanted to get an informed opinion. No signs of any problems in any areas with my vehicle and I don't need to spend $400 to buy peace of mind unnecessarily. By the way, this was in addition to the 90,000 mile routine maintenance service the same guy wanted to do for a mere $675!!!!! So, if I were an elderly widow who was frightened about her car failing her on some lonely road, I could have dropped a cool $1100 to buy some " peace of mind". This was NOT my Lexus dealer, but the local Toyota guy in Leesburg, Florida. The Ocala Toyota dealer tried the same thing on me 5 years ago for my previous Lexus, telling me "we can do it for half of what you'll pay Lexus". Needless to say, I don't go to Toyota guys around here anymore. Thx again.

I just had my regular oil change and 27 point inspection done at a Toyota Dealer closer to my home than my Lexus Dealer, and they tried to sell me on getting "Induction Service and Fuel Injector Service" at a cost of approx $400. I declined. 2006 Rx330 with 95,000 miles runs great, regularly serviced, no problems. How do I know if I need it, other than going back to my dealer and getting his opinion?

That's exactly what the problem was; I turned that knob until it clicked and the brightness immediately returned to normal. Many thanks for your reply.

The interior display panel on my '06 Rx330 suddenly is much dimmer than it was. This is the panel that shows time, average mpg,average speed,elapsed trip time etc. The brightness button still reduces brightness by two more levels, but the brightest setting is much dimmer. Is this possibly a bulb replacement, and how do I fix it?

Actually, I have found that the Lexus wiper blades are excellent and last a long time. (I live in FL too). Otherwise, I have used Bosch on other cars and they seemed fine. -- A couple of years back, Consumer Reports had tested wiper blades. I don't remember their conclusion, but if you can search their results, that might help. Good luck! My originals lasted 2-3 years but I now have 90+000 miles and replacements are lousy. Today I bought Bosch Icons. Will advise if they are as good as originals.

I have replaced my 2006 RX330 blades twice this year, most recently this week. I live in Florida and do not get hard wear on them but the replacements are awful! The lastest are Rainex brand and they squeak and are noisy in other ways. What is the best brand to buy?

I bought the Bridgestone Dueler Alenzas 4 mos ago for my 2006 RX330 and love them! I have put 12000 miles on them and they haven't shown any signs of wear whatsoever and the handling is awesome, especially in rainy conditions. I drive back and forth from Florida to NY 3-4x /year and experience heavy downpours, and the confidence of knowing my car won't hydroplane is worth the money!