SaniDel

Our early-production (November 2009) GX 460 is scheduled for this service on November 19. What is your opinion about replacing the transfer case oil and replacing the front and rear differential oil?

We don't do any of the kind of driving that requires that, but is there a "down side" to doing these addition fluid changes ... other than the obvious opportunity to spend a lot of money on unnecessary service? In other words ... if it's not broke, don't fix it!
Regards,

SaniDel

Craig B

I think it would be overkill if you don't drive on gravel roads, or use your vehicle for off road use. At some point, you might want to have it changed, maybe 60K, but not 30K. Save your money...

Eppieguy

Not needed at all, I'd be surprised if you needed it at 100k, another Lexus drain your wallet service.

Toys4RJill

You could void your warranty down the road if something were to break due to lack of maintenance.

SaniDel

I'm with you, Jill. As long as our GX is under warranty ... if Lexus says do it, I do it.

I asked the question this morning and my service advisor said they routinely do this on the GX so it is being done. Yes, I could have saved several hundred dollars, but at what risk to our warranty?

No one ever said Lexus service was cheap ... just good ... as is their reliability.
Regards,

SaniDel

rockydog

I have the 30K coming up soon. What was the approx charge for the service?

SaniDel

Koons Lexus of Wilmington Delaware charged $700 for this service.

As we also had the vehicle detailed, it took the better part of two days, but we had a new RX as a loaner. Everything on the above schedule was done including changing all fluids. I was surprised at some of the items that are included such as replacing the brake fluid, which seems excessive, but as long as it is under warranty…

We are leaving on Thanksgiving morning for a 1,200 mile trip to Florida. It's a good feeling knowing our vehicle is ready.
Regards,

SaniDel

Max707

Brake fluid attracts moisture and should be changed once a year, if it isn't, tthen your brake system can become rusted which over time can cause brake failure and is very expensive to repair. I recommend you get a price quote for all the items on the 30k service from your local Toyota dealership. Your warranty will be covered, you will have a factory trained tech that knows your vehicle 4runner/GX460, for half the cost of the Lexus dealership. I've done this with my 100Series LC/LX with great results and savings. My local Toyota dealership even has Lexus certified tech's that work on the LX's and GX's.

tazdevl

Came to $790 in CO.

Regarding tranny fluids, need to remember the GX has full time 4WD. It isn't like a pickup that rides in 2WD until you drop it in 4Hi or 4Lo. Doesn't matter if you're offroad or not, the system is always in use and swapping fluids at 30K is not unrealistic... better to be prudent than put your warranty at risk.

Checking service prices at Toyota is a great idea. Unlikely you'll get a loaner (varies by dealer) but you could save some $$.

Koz

Do not waste your money on changing the trans fluid. It is a sealed maintenance free trans and will not need any attention for at least 100K miles, unless the fluid gets damaged (an idiot light will warn you). If you tow (near max rating) you may need to service it sooner. Also, if you feel the need to change the fluid it will need a special low viscosity synthetic fluid (WS). The only other fluid (besides Toyota fluid) that can be used is made by Amsoil. If ANY other fluid is used it WILL damage the trans. Do yourself a favor and leave the trans alone and if it needs service ONLY let the Stealer do the service.

Koz

rockydog

$540 in MD, but I changed my key fob battery, air and cabin filter myself. Took 5 minutes. Cost of filters, both OEM Toyota from dealer, was $30.