Shelley Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I dropped my 02 SC off at the local Lexus dealer this morning for an oil change. The car only has 27K on it, but it's our tof warranty due to age. Anyway, the service writer acted like I had committed a mortal sin against nature because I haven't had the 18K (or something like that) service performed. In fact, the car had 12K on it when I bought it, and had just had its 12K check-up. Since then, I've only had the oil changed. So, she (the service writer) tells me that she thinks I should get the 30K check done, at a whopping $579. I say "NO thanks", as I've always believed that the service interval checks are overkill - however, this is my first Lexus so I'm not sure what really mattters. Anyway, after they changed the oil they called me and said that they recommend the following: tire rotation, balancing and alignment. (I said okay to those items and it will be like $200 for these), a power steering fluid flush ($199, I said no given that I had never heard of this before and the car only has 27K on it), and a carbon clean-out ($99, I said no, and I reallly didn't even get the concept). Can anyone offer me advice about what really matters and what is just money down the dealer drain? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkelly1250 Posted January 27, 2006 Share Posted January 27, 2006 I'll admit I'm not a big dealer fan for basic repairs. Thus, I think the prices quoted for the services recommended are excessive. At 30k miles, however, you should do each of the recommended services except, maybe, the carbon clean-out. I'm not sure what this even is. Could it be the carbon filters for the air circulation? Buy them and install them yourself if it is. You shouldn't have much carbon build up in your heads since your using Premium gas. As for the tire rotation, balancing and alignment, take the car to a local Goodyear or other tire oriented specialist. I assure you it will be cheaper than quoted at the dealer. Also, Power Steering Fluid, much like Brake Fluids, are corrosive to the rubber lines they are in. I have heard of flushing the brake fluid lines for this reason (it also prolongues the life of the master cylinder and disk calipers) but never the power steering. Seems like it makes sense for similar reasons... probably have the local mechanic who does your rotations and alignment also change this fluid (and brake fluid too). In fact, many of your national chains like Goodyear, PEP Boys, etc. will actually print out Lexus' 30k mile recommended check-up service schedule and do exactly what the dealer will do for a fraction of the cost. Save the dealer for the bog stuff (computer related, hard core engine related, etc.)... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I dropped my 02 SC off at the local Lexus dealer this morning for an oil change. The car only has 27K on it, but it's our tof warranty due to age. Anyway, the service writer acted like I had committed a mortal sin against nature because I haven't had the 18K (or something like that) service performed. In fact, the car had 12K on it when I bought it, and had just had its 12K check-up. Since then, I've only had the oil changed. So, she (the service writer) tells me that she thinks I should get the 30K check done, at a whopping $579. I say "NO thanks", as I've always believed that the service interval checks are overkill - however, this is my first Lexus so I'm not sure what really mattters. Anyway, after they changed the oil they called me and said that they recommend the following: tire rotation, balancing and alignment. (I said okay to those items and it will be like $200 for these), a power steering fluid flush ($199, I said no given that I had never heard of this before and the car only has 27K on it), and a carbon clean-out ($99, I said no, and I reallly didn't even get the concept). Can anyone offer me advice about what really matters and what is just money down the dealer drain? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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