timucla

Anyone have any suggestions on where to get my 30k mile service besides my local Lexus dealership? I just called them and the price they quoted me was $450. Isn't this kinda high or is it normal? I have no problem with the $50 oil changes but I think $450 for the 30k service is a rip.

15951

Yes, that's a huge ripoff. Here's what they actually do at 30k:

- Replace engine oil and filter;
- Replace air conditioner filter;
- Replace brake fluid;
- Replace engine air filter.

That's it. You can replace the air filters yourself (cheap and easy), and have an oil change and brake fluid change for much less than $450.

Here's the list of intangible crap that they also do to run up the price that high:

- Inspect nuts and bolts on chassis (seriously);
- Measure brake pad thickness and rotor runout (e.g. glance at brake pads);
- Measure thickness of brake rotors;
- Retorque axle shaft flange bolts (laughable - most Lexus techs don't even think this one makes sense, but they list if for EVERY service);
- Rotate tires (no discount if you have staggered wheels);
- Road-test vehicle;
- Inspect a number of items.

All 100% BS. I've researched the "retorque axle shaft flange bolts" item, and found some really funny discussions on that one.

I had the most basic oil change done at my Lexus dealer last week, and they did the following as part of the $50 fee:

- Measured brake pad thickness;
- Measured tire tread depths;
- Checked tires for uneven wear;
- Check suspension;
- Brake adjustment (if necessary);
- Check struts and shocks;
- Check hydraulic brake fluid;
- Check exhaust system;
- Check all drive belts;
- Check fluid levels;
- Check wiper blades and washers;
- Check exterior/interior lights;
- Check engine for leaks (oil and coolant);
- Check transmission for leaks;
- Check radiator and cooling system;
- Check door, window and horn operation;
- Check CV boots/axles.

This is a MORE comprehensive list than they do at the expensive service intervals, but they still try to get me to pay them more to do what they already do as part of the basic oil change service.

Hope this helps.

Scythe

yeah man mine charged me 450 as well, if i had known the bill would have been that much i would have walked out

try your local toyota dealer, i called them for my 20k service and they said they would do it cheaper than what lexus would, but i didnt get an actual price, and i wound up going to a lexus dealer anyways because it was more convenient.. but i'd say call a nearby toyota dealership

timucla

Thanks guys!! I'm gonna check out Toyota. I'll probably just end up getting the filters myself and having them do the oil change.

Scythe

the couple days before taking the car in, take some long rides in your car with the stereo off and the windows all the way up.. listen very intently for any rattles or abnormalities, and bring it to the dealers attention before they test drive your car.