Scheduled Maintenance Prices

[ibisllc]

I took my new '08 ES350 for it's first 1k service and will take it again pretty soon for the 5k complimentary service. While I was there I asked for the pricing of the future service intervals. These prices are from a dealer in Central NJ (not incl tax):

- 10k, 20k, 40k, 50k: $186

- 15k, 45k: $296

- 25k, 35k, 55k: $156

- 30k: $495

- 60k: $605

Two questions:

- I certainly expect dealer's maintenance prices to be high but these seem very high. Do you agree?

- Assuming I have no warranty issues or other abornormal issues needing to be addressed, any reason I couldn't go to a local shop or chain (like STS in NJ) for these services?

- Perhaps instead of a local/chain service shop, how about a Toyota dealer for service (same/similar parts, right?)?

Thanks for your insights.

(Mods note: I didn't see a maintenance forum, and, these prices are specific to the ES so I posted here. Thanks.)

[SW03ES]

Thats about what my dealer charges.

No reason not to use an independent shop. I've just started using a good local independent Lexus mechanic (I wouldn't use a chain, find a good independent mechanic that knows these cars) and the cost is MUCH Less. The 10k service (oil change, tire rotation, inspection) is $65 vs $185. I paid about $115 for the bigger service.

But the shop is small, cramped and no loaner. I enjoyed using the dealer and when I get a new Lexus I may use them again, but my service guy left so maybe not.

[poncherello]

Those prices are insane...that's why I leased, I can just turn it in after the lease is over and walk away. Those scheduled maintenance visits will run in the several thousands of dollars over the years.....that's crazy. I bought a 1991 Z-24 new and said to myself I'm just going to replace what's broken, change oil and air filter. I ran that car 8 years and over 275,000 miles without a problem. Since then I have never wasted money on dealer service.....a well made vehicle doesn't need it. I ran a 2000 Chrysler 8 years with over 180,000 miles without a problem. That car even had the original battery and original headlight bulbs when I sold it.

[SW03ES]

This is why you should think twice before buying off lease vehicles...

[poncherello]

This is why you should think twice before buying off lease vehicles...

Unless of course they're sold as certified pre owned.

[SW03ES]

Being CPO doesn't make up for cars that have not been properly maintained.

Thats why you need to look for service records.

But thats beside the point. You don't have to pay the dealer for the maintenance...but cars DO need to be maintained. If you look at the maintenance schedule its pretty light, and with the independent mechanic I use now the costs are DRAMATICALLY lower. An oil change/tire rotation with synthetic oil used to cost me about $220 at Lexus...now its $90 (the oil alone is $30 BTW, so a normal change would be $70). A 15k mile service would cost me $450 at Lexus...now its $130.

The dealer being expensive and the fact that you have run cars in the past with no maintenance and they've run doesn't mean you shouldn't maintain the car. If you look in your lease agreement you'll see that you did agree to maintain the vehicle as per the manufacturer's reccomendations...

[nyuhsuk]

Being CPO doesn't make up for cars that have not been properly maintained.

Thats why you need to look for service records.

But thats beside the point. You don't have to pay the dealer for the maintenance...but cars DO need to be maintained. If you look at the maintenance schedule its pretty light, and with the independent mechanic I use now the costs are DRAMATICALLY lower. An oil change/tire rotation with synthetic oil used to cost me about $220 at Lexus...now its $90 (the oil alone is $30 BTW, so a normal change would be $70). A 15k mile service would cost me $450 at Lexus...now its $130.

The dealer being expensive and the fact that you have run cars in the past with no maintenance and they've run doesn't mean you shouldn't maintain the car. If you look in your lease agreement you'll see that you did agree to maintain the vehicle as per the manufacturer's reccomendations...

Hey Steve,

I'm very interested as to where you're taking your vehicle for service. I've been trying to do the minor service intervals at indy shops(I actually hit that 10minute place next to Rio the last 2 times) but I don't really know if I'm getting the proper service levels done.

Thanks~

[SW03ES]

I've had my oil changed there at the place at Rio, they do an okay job but they always make me nervous, those Jiffy Lube like places.

I use LXT Automotive its off of Montrose Rd on the east side of 355. The owner's name is Nelson, real good guy tell him Steve Withrow sent you. Their number is 301-881-4033.

He has been a Lexus master tech for like 16 years, used to work for Lexus of Silver Spring. Real nice guy. The shop isn't much to look at, but they do good work quickly and they are very reasonably priced.

He can do ALL your service stops and do just as good a job as the dealer, uses all OEM parts, etc.

[pharmwriter]

Does getting an oil change somewhere other than at a Lexus dealer void the warranty? I bought my ES 350 in August and I thought my salesperson had mentioned something to that effect when I asked. I think he said that getting an oil change at a Toyota dealership was OK, but Lexus and Toyota do not share maintenance info, so I need to keep everything on file.

[SW03ES]

Absolutely not. You can have maintenance done anywhere...even do it yourself...and it will not void your warranty...thats the law. Just keep your reciepts.

Now, if you have a good working relationship with your dealer they will go to bat for you should you and Lexus have a disagreement about something being covered, but you don't have to use Lexus or even Toyota for maintenance

[pharmwriter]

Absolutely not. You can have maintenance done anywhere...even do it yourself...and it will not void your warranty...thats the law. Just keep your reciepts.

Now, if you have a good working relationship with your dealer they will go to bat for you should you and Lexus have a disagreement about something being covered, but you don't have to use Lexus or even Toyota for maintenance

Thanks for your reply. Is the law you mentioned documented on the internet?

[SW03ES]

Oh yeah, and it even says it in your Lexus warranty booklet. Just do a google search.

[raymondp]

At my closest dealer the 10 000 miles service will cost me $ 250 00 can. (fraction less in US $) plus $ 45 00 for synthetic oil to which I would like switch to. Costs of maintaining a vehicle here in Canada are a lot higher than in the good old USA...

On the plus side, I like the pampered service that I get at the Lexus dealer, even if it is at the premium cost.

[SW03ES]

Nothing wrong with that...

[rjt65]

As I bought the car I took the maintenance costs into account before I purchased. (Looked at other cars as well)-- so i bought the discounted 3 year plan and extended warranty.

the oil chg prices are nutty...

Steve: How did you find this mechanic? trying to ggogle for an independent Lexux mechanic in the long island area redirects to mostly lexus dealers and other sites not wanted..

good to have an independent on the side in case something nutty occurs or for after my 3rd year!

[SW03ES]

I found him through word of mouth actually, I have a colleague who has a Lexus and he uses them.

[nyuhsuk]

I've had my oil changed there at the place at Rio, they do an okay job but they always make me nervous, those Jiffy Lube like places.

I use LXT Automotive its off of Montrose Rd on the east side of 355. The owner's name is Nelson, real good guy tell him Steve Withrow sent you. Their number is 301-881-4033.

He has been a Lexus master tech for like 16 years, used to work for Lexus of Silver Spring. Real nice guy. The shop isn't much to look at, but they do good work quickly and they are very reasonably priced.

He can do ALL your service stops and do just as good a job as the dealer, uses all OEM parts, etc.

Thanks for the heads up Steve~ I'll definitely ping this guy as I'm coming up to 31k and I need to do the complete tune up. I'll let you know how it turns up.

Thanks again!

[AZ08LexusES]

On the cost of maintenance subject, I just took in my Highlander to the Toyota dealership. The 15K service was $140, where at the Lexus for my ES was $220.

That's an $80 difference, and what does it get you? First and foremost you get a loaner. Second, you don't have sit in your car while somebody can come to your car... You get escorted into the service technician's office without any wait, because there are so many less cars being taken in. I was out in the semi-cold of Arizona waiting for my Toyota Tech (no big deal, just making a point). Then there is the waiting room, I haven't seen the Toyota one yet, but I know the Lexus one has pastries, all kinds of different coffees, waters, sodas, etc, only one other person in there, and full control of the DirectTV and great leather chairs. When I take my car in the morning I go with my pre-teen son, as I sit in the tech's office, he gets himself some breakfast and some TV before school. He doesn't complain. Then when we leave he will compare how different the loaner is from ours, but I must say, the loaners are in great shape!

At Toyota I had to get my wife to drive the other car to pick me up taking up the time of two productive people for one task. And, what to do with the kid, we both have to take him to school. Again, two people for another task. Now, I am at work and I can't go anywhere, I have no car. It may not be worth a whole $80, but it sure makes life a whole lot easier!

Oh yeah, I forgot, now someone has to take me there to pick it up when it is ready! A third task that must occupy two people to perform. I tried to take my HL to the Lexus dealership, but they said they wouldn't give a loaner if it is not a Lexus. The $80 seems worth it for busy people that can afford it!

[SW03ES]

$220 is really inexpensive for the 15k at a Lexus dealer...

I think I paid closer to $400.

[AZ08LexusES]

I agree, pretty reasonable compared to what you guys are paying out on the Ea$t Coa$t!