bdar

Hi guys...my dealer gave me quote for $200 to do 55,000 miles service. Is this price reasonable considering it's a minor service? Anyone willing to share your experiences? Thx.

Rainbird

Definitely Unreasonable. I had the 55k mile service done at my local Toyota dealership on June 8, 2012. Looking at the invoice they did everything that Lexus required and a tire rotation. Cost was $76.87

bdar

Thanks Rainbird for your reply. What's your impression about the service at Toyota? I know several people mentioned Lexus is far better, but I start thinking it's very subjective and may be it's all back to each individual's taste.

Rainbird

Experiences at Toyota can vary. I have one only 5 miles away, but I will not go there because the place has very poor accommodations for customers and the service area is dirty and grease stained. Instead I have the Lexus serviced at a Toyota dealership about 15 miles away. They have most of the perks that Lexus has (Lounge, TV, Internet, coffee). The place is clean and the technicians are very good. Servicing the Lexus RX350 is identical to the Toyota Highlander. Be aware that some Toyota dealerships will not service Lexus. That it is usually because they own or have a financial interest in a nearby Lexus dealership. Some CL members have service done at an independent local shop. I prefer not to go that route.

gt1209

Did Lexus specify what would be covered in the 55k service? If they're just going by the maintenance manual then yes, by going with the Toyota service would be a better option. The differences between the two departments that you'll see are:

1. If you choose to stay for your oil change at Lexus, you'll get to enjoy better soft drinks, coffee, tea, and snacks with a semi-Starbucks environment in the waiting room.
2. If you choose to drop off your vehicle at Lexus, they'll give you a Lexus loaner for $10 or less a day. In my case it was a newer RX 350. Toyota will provide shuttle for free if your drop-off destination is close enough.

It's up to you to decide if the extra stuff is worth $125.

I think by going to an independent shop is ok if 2 out of these 3 criteria are met:

1. You feel comfortable with the shop. You know the technician/owner who performs the service.
2. Minor items are being services, e.g. oil change and tire rotation.
3. You know about your vehicle and you enjoy talking to the technician/owner as he performs the service.

Otherwise you're probably better off by going to a dealership.

gsenthil

55k is just oil change (and tire rotation). I got my oil change done at Toyota
Oil: Took my own Mobil 1 EP 5qt jug from Walmart $27
Filter: $8 [Could have bought online for $5]
Seal: $2 [Could have bought online for 75c]
Labor: $17.xx