jec250

I recently finished my 75k mile service and decided to calculate the real world cost of ownership to date. I bought my IS 250 AWD in August 2006. The only dealership service was for the complimentary 5k service and brake pad TSIB for the updated low dust version at 22k miles. Since then, all parts have been bought through a website. The cost includes 14 oil changes (+ Mobil 1 from Walmart), 4 engine and cabin air filter changes, and 6 spark plugs replaced (60k service). The grand total = $776.42. I prefer to do all of my own work (when possible) so that I know that it is done correctly. A definite advantage in that it has saved me thousands of dollars that would have been spent at the dealership. Just thought I would share for all of you that have heard horror stories regarding the cost of maintaining a Lexus.

TimboIS

14 oil changes in 3 years! Yikes.

I think I've changed mine 6 times (at the dealer) <$300. Each time I ask the dealer if I need the full (expensive) service, they say no.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

14 oil changes? I've got 58k on mine and I've only done 5 oil changes with Mobil 1 since the 5k freebie. I've also validated this works with oil analysis from Blackstone.

Standard engine air filter replacement schedule is every 30k for all ISx50. Sounds like you doubled up on that and on the air conditioner filter (schedule says replace every 10k for IS350, clean at 15k, 45k, 75k, etc. and replace at 30k, 60k, 90k, etc. for IS250).

How many sets of tires have you gone through? Tires have been my single largest maintenance expense on my IS350.

I also do all my own work. Everything but the freebie oil change, brake TSIB, and two engine noise TSIBs.

BTW, I know Lexus says change the plugs at 60k. Here's what Denso says:Our plug is a little different - FK20HBR11 - FK+ --- High Ignitability Plug (0.55mm Ir center electrode, Pt ground electrode), heat range 20, H --- 19.0mm, B --- Triple ground electrodes, R --- With Resistor, Gap 11 --- 1.1mm (.044'').

I'm a LOT surprised this plug isn't good to at least 100k miles.

jec250

That's 14 oil changes in 2 years, 3 months. I know that there are many here that go longer than the standard 5000 miles, but I have no problem paying the $35 every 5000 miles for peace of mind.

I've had issues with my air filters becoming clogged. Whether this is due to environment or type of driving (highway vs. city), I'm not sure. Anyway, as with the oil changes, I am willing to change the filters at a more frequent interval to avoid problems and have peace of mind.

I have replaced the tires one time at 25k miles. I went with Kumho Ecsta ASX. They are significantly cheaper than other options and have been pretty well handling. I only occassionally drive my car hard, so improved road/track performance was not a major consideration when purchasing new tires. I'm due for a new set in the near future and will probably buy the same ones again.

I'm glad to hear that Denso states our plugs can go longer than 60k miles. I got a good deal on them through a website (less than $55 for all 6 plugs). So as before, not too concerned with a little payout for peace of mind. Hopefully I can keep these current plugs until 160k service interval.

I spend a lot of time on the road for work. I'm hoping to get 300k miles out of the car before it needs any real repair work. I'm a firm believer in the old saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Hopefully this will hold true for this car. The main reason I picked the Lexus over other competitors was the long term reliability.

TimboIS

I think you're doing "a pound of prevention is worth an ounce of cure" j/k :P

wkw84

thanks for that, i have an AWD and was a little worried about maintenance costs.

howdybob22

Mine was bought in early 06 - currently at 23k. Four oil changes (One freebie and three at Toyota dealership - $34 each), TSIB brakes, and one air filter. Now coming up on needing new tires and a cabin filter. One question, when do you guys change the differential oil (yr/miles)?

MJB_LEX

Remember, you have to have the front and rear differential fluid changed every 15K miles with GL-5 rated gear oil. I could do the rear diff on my AWD myself, but not the front, so I have the dealer do them both. Also, the center differential (really a transfer case) is lubricated with Toyota WS transmission fluid. The book says 100K, but I am planning on doing 50K on that. I, too do my own oil changes with M1 0W-30. Am doing 5K intervals for warranty reasons, but will switch to 10K intervals at the 70K - 80K, interval when the powertrain warranty expires. Otherwise, the maintenence costs seem resonable.

jec250

The owner's maintenance manual indicates to only inspect the differential every 15k miles. Replacement is not indicated every 15k miles unless there is an identified problem (which hopefully you won't have this frequently). Also, the manual makes no mention of replacing the "transfer case" fluid at 100k. FYI.

MJB_LEX

You are correct the manual says that, but ask your dealer, they will tell you 15K for the differential fluids to be changed. Also, the transfer case shares fluid with the transmission, so when you have the transmission fluid changed on the AWD, you are changing the transfer case fluid also. The manual states a 100K transmission fluid change, I believe.

Idrinor

Are you sure that's not a dealer trying to take your money? I always go by the book, no matter what the dealer says.

alan003

sort of a newbie here, was it hard to change the spark plugs yourself?

Lexasaurus

iTrader: (12)

I still haven't performed a single maintenance other than the dealer doing some TSIB's that popped up when they searched my VIN.. but then again, I've only driven the car less than 1000 miles

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

Of course the dealer says that. They want your money.

And the transmission fluid is lifetime, you never change it on the 2IS (automatic anyway). It's not even physically possible to change the fluid. Read your owners manual, it explicitly states it's a sealed unit.

jec250

Update: I am now over 100k miles. In addition to ongoing oil changes, filters and wiper blades, I had my first major repair performed. There was a squealing noise coming from the engine compartment. I was preparing to leave for a couple weeks on business and didn't have time to check it out myself. The dealership ended up replacing the water pump and performing the coolant flush and fill. Thankfully this was done close to the 100k mark, so no need on my part to change the coolant for the manual's 100k timeline. Has anyone else had this problem?