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
