funcrusher

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01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Just go to a shop, forget the stealership.

I go there only for *some* parts [ie. fluids] I tell them i work at 'x dealership' and get stuff at cost, making it worthwhile.

exxonham

Ya if you getting fluids changes go to shop, when I say shop i dont mean jiffy lube or any of those quick places they suck, but good independent shop or toyota dealer does same work but 50 less than Lexus on all fluid changes.

imherenow

Also @ independent shop u can stand when the car is being hoisted up and u can talk to the mechanic. i highly doubt it u can do that @ lexus dealership.

donbryce

One benefit that I can think of, and I had to really think to come up with it, is to establish yourself as a customer, so in future, should you actually need their parts or service, you MIGHT get slightly better treatment. An example would be a part that can only be had from the dealer, or a proprietary service like computer analysis beyond what your standard code reader can provide.
For fluid changes, no benefit whatsoever...just compare their book-rate or hourly charge to your favorite indie, and compare the price of their oil/brake fluid/coolant/whatever to locally available quality products you can find. No dealer will ever be cheaper, but if they are nearly the same, get y'self on their customer database as I noted.
I also note that your price comparison was based on what I assume would be your bringing in your own 'products' and paying the indie shop to do the work. It would be fairer to ask the indie what the charge is using THEIR products.

BoostedE21

One recommendation - if your transmission has been operating fine without any hiccups, DON'T change the fluid. I know it sounds weird - but I've actually encountered dozens of people who changed it just because it was "old," and immediately started encountering issues.

KLF

I will also add that it does add to the resale value if you can show that all maintenance was done at the dealer, at the recommended schedules. The dealer will log all visits in the Lexus database, and you can retrieve the records at anytime by entering the VIN at drivers.lexus.com.