eplugplay

Hey guys,

I'm asking all the veterans out here on what would you do if you're approaching the 30k mile service?
My local dealer is charging $730 for this service and the dealership that's far away from me is charging $420. It looks like the only difference this time around is a brake flush?

There is a Toyota dealership right next door and from searching online, it looks like people are going there instead. I'm curious if they would do the service on an IS350 and if that would go on my history report with this car? I remember someone saying that you can enter your service history yourself..? If so I don't know how reliable that could be for future buyers of your car?

Or should I take it to any old auto shop and get the service done there? Please help!

darkdream

All you need is an oil change and a brake fluid flush (every 3 years or 30k miles unless you use a racing level brake fluid). They basically do almost all if not all of the checks anyways.

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

brake fluid flush at 30k..i wouldn't even bother doing it. completely unnecessary unless your brake fluid is dark brown

darkdream

Brake fluid absorbs moisture and becomes acidic. This begins to eat at the internals. Also the brake pedal might feel more spongy due to air pockets from the moisture. It is less of a problem if your car does not have ABS. Even though I doubt you will have this problem, but I don't like cleaning out brake fluid that boiled over, it turns into a gelatin.

keyframe13

I did my break flush at Toyota Dealer which was right next door. I only saved 20$. Next time I'll do it at Lexus. And yes , you can enter the record by your own no matter where you service it . Don;t listen to whoever say otherwise. They don;t know what they talking about.
All your service (oil filter+break flash) should not cost your more than $250 and that's really all you have to do at 30k. Don't pay the useless inspections the dealer are trying to charge you. Ask for specific items you need to do.

jsh139

Conventional wisdom has been that brake fluid should be changed every 2 years, regardless of mileage. YMMV and all that jazz.

That being said, if all that's needed is an oil/filter change, brake fluid flush/fill, and a visual inspection, $420 is a little high IMO and $730 is downright robbery. As far as getting your car serviced at a dealer, that's a completely different topic altogether. Many people use their dealers out of loyalty or convenience, and some do it because they don't know any better. Having a good relationship with your dealer's service dept can possibly help you in the long-run with out of warranty repairs (i.e., they might offer you some free goodwill service) and having that service history on record might help with a future potential buyer. But, honestly, you can get your car serviced wherever you want. Just keep your receipts in case maintenance ever comes into question.

I would call around some local shops and ask for a quote on the aforementioned services. An oil change with conventional oil shouldn't be more than $30-$40 and a brake fluid flush/fill might top out at $150. And those prices are ballpark high. I know for a fact my local shop charges $20 for an oil change and tire rotation and $110 for any trans/diff/brake/coolant flush/fills. The visual inspection usually comes free with an oil change too at most shops.

Hope this helps.

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

I would do the following with the local trusted shop to save so much more money.

1. Oil change.
2. Engine filter change.
3. Cabin AC filter change.
4. Brake fluid flush.
5. Rear differential oil change in addition to the above. This is NOT in any dealer's package.
6. Alignment (recommended) + replace new tires if necessary

Other inspections/checks, test drive, secure floor mat are just way dealers make money. No need.

IS350AWD

I'm getting my 30k service this weekend.

What did the OP end up doing for his service and how much did it cost?

I am not paying $400 let alone $700+ for this service. Absolutely ridiculous.

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

What will you be paying and what are you paying for? Cause $300 is still too much.

rxonmymind

Bah, all this blabber. Just hug it and your good for another 20k.

IS350AWD

I don't know how much yet what they will be charging. I'll be doing:

1. Oil Change
2. Brake Flush
3. Cabin Filter
4. Engine Air Filter

Anything else?

NikonGuy

iTrader: (1)

I would do oil change, cabin/engine air filter. Skip the brake flush

eplugplay

I'm currently at 27,300 miles so not there yet. I'm just going to go to my local Lexus dealership and just ask for the individual services done along with the brake flush. Probably cost around the $300 mark.

As for the person who said to skip it, is it because in 60k service I could get the brake flush done along with the new brakes?

Sportskid1

iTrader: (1)

My local independent shop charged $50 for the brake flush. I went to walmart and spent $45 for Mobil 1 oil and filter and payed the $20 for the shop to change it. Total charge $115 for brake flush and mobil 1 oie change. Inspect your filters and if they need to be changed do it. They are cheap. Bought new air and cabin filters on line for around $25 and installed both of them in about 10 min.

metaleckz

iTrader: (9)

Lol just do it yourself and save hundreds of dollars