Routine Maintenance

[vgmd]

I know that this topic has been talked about a lot but I just wanted to add an update...

I recently needed to get my RX330 serviced at 22000 miles ( I have been getting it serviced at a Lexus dealership every 5-7000 miles) but this time I decided to get it serviced from outside or at least consider the option..

I called Lexus and asked how much the service would cost... I was told $110 + tax and it would include an oil and oil filter change, tire rotation and car wash and a smile.

Next I look up the Lexus manual and see what is needed... the manual recommends oil change and tire rotation (they want to rotate tires at every service) at this mileage. The recommended oil is 5W-30.

I looked up the price of 5 quarts of 5W-30 synthetic - around 30-35 dollars depending on where you buy it, oil filter 5-10 again depending on where you buy plus labor (DIY or get someone to do it...). Tire rotation (with balancing) - around 35-40.

So, I figured that the service would cost me about $80 and 120 (incl.) tax at a dealership. Given the lack of time, I just decided to take it to Lexus as it would save me time...

I get to lexus and as I'm taking out the maintenance book to get stamped, I see that the previous oil changes have been with 10W-30 and likely not synthetic (Lexus invoice says 3.99 per quart, so i doubt synthetic would cost this much at Lexus!!!)...

That was the turning point... as asked The parts dept how much is 5W-30 and they said they don't carry it at all.

I just bought an oil filter for $9 and walked out. Bought the oil at Sam's club for $5 per quart and had it changed at the nearest gas station for $15 (you guys could probably get it for less). Decided to get the tire rotation at the next service or sometime later.

So, the total cost to me was about $50 + I know that I put on the original filter and the lexus recommended oil and that too synthetic (although not necessary). Didn't take too much time either.

Conclusion:

1. The lexus dealership doesn't necessarily follow the Lexus recommendations.

2. Dealership is definitley overpriced. I would probably still to them for any repairs but the regular scheduled maintenance is way too expensive... the 30K service somes to around $600 and it does not include any major work that's only recommeded getting done at a dealership.

3. A regular oil change will cost around $20-25 at any service station (with the recommeded 5W-30 non synthetic) + $5 for the filter which I would bring my own... so about $30-$50 depending on the oil and how often you wanna change the oil. Add to that the satisfaction that you are getting what you pay for.

4. On my next trip to Sam's Club or costco, I would just buy oil for a few oil changes and order the filters online or buy at a toyota dealership. Don't forget gasket for the oil nut.

5. I would rotate the tires every 7-10000 miles but you guys can check tirerack.com for better pro recommendations and also let me know if I am not doing it right.

That's it. Other than that, it's my wife's lexus and she absolutely loves it. I have driven the RX350 it definitely drives better than the RX330 but I have no issues with the 330 either.

This forum is my biggest resource for info on the lexus, so I thought I would share my experience.

Thank you

vgmd

[tmastres]

Conclusion:

1. The lexus dealership doesn't necessarily follow the Lexus recommendations.

2. Dealership is definitley overpriced. I would probably still to them for any repairs but the regular scheduled maintenance is way too expensive... the 30K service somes to around $600 and it does not include any major work that's only recommeded getting done at a dealership.

3. A regular oil change will cost around $20-25 at any service station (with the recommeded 5W-30 non synthetic) + $5 for the filter which I would bring my own... so about $30-$50 depending on the oil and how often you wanna change the oil. Add to that the satisfaction that you are getting what you pay for.

4. On my next trip to Sam's Club or costco, I would just buy oil for a few oil changes and order the filters online or buy at a toyota dealership. Don't forget gasket for the oil nut.

5. I would rotate the tires every 7-10000 miles but you guys can check tirerack.com for better pro recommendations and also let me know if I am not doing it right.

Point by Point

1. You're assuming a lot saying this, you should have talked to a service advisor to see if they had changed any of the reccomendations from the manual such as oil visc. On my Wifes Passat several things have changed since the manual was written. Also, given Lexus problem w/ sludging in previous models I seriously doubt they'd put dino oil in any car these days. As for oil , they buy oil in a 35 gal drums not in quart cans like us so even at $4 they're likely making money .

2. Definitely overpriced, so is every other luxury item in the world, they figure people who buy these vehicles don't worry about little amounts like a few hundres $$$ , the few that do are on boards like these.

3. Although the sludging problem has supposedly been solved , personally I think you're crazy to put dino oil in your Lex. Its less than $5 a qt. at Costco, $5 more for the filter and you can do it yourself in 20 min.

4. I've used Puro and Fram filters my whole life and never had a problem, maybe others are better maybe not, but I change the oil very regularly so I don't really put them to the test. If you're talking about warranty, ok I can see using the OEM.

5. Fine there

ALSO Since you seem to eschew the dealership , dontforget to keep all you oil/maintenance receipts. If yo need a warraty repair thats engine related you'll need to be able to document you had the service done. Horror stories abound

[arens]

Not sure about your Lexus dealer but here in San Antonio they don't use synthetic oil. We got our 1st oil change for free and it was dino.

I pay $40 to Discount Tire and they balance and rotate the tires every 6 to 7k for the life of the tires.

I get the Mobile 1 synth from WalMart in the 5qt jugs for $20 or $21. I buy WIX filters from O'Reillys for about $6 and do the oil changes myself. I just put the old oil into empty Tide jugs and take it to Pep Boys whenever I get 3 to 5 gallons saved up and it doesn't cost anything.

Be sure to save the receipts and document your oil changes at least until the warrany is over. Some dealers will be pickier than others but better safe than sorry.

[SKperformance]

Fram and puro filters are crap .

Get the OEM ones it is only $5 !

My oil changes are $100 for motul oil alone but well worth the increase in gas milage.