biff44

The lexus dealer is pretty far away, and I am taking a 1500 mile trip in a week. Need to get the oil changed before that. Is there any drawback to having it done at the Toyota dealer a few miles away, or even at the local jiffylube type place?

salimshah

Oil change is an oil change. The issue is which oil used, which filter used and resonable care exercised during a change.

Dealer and toyota will use toyota parts.

At any place (including dealer) you can bring in your own oil.

At dealer, they will add the oil change to the history of service done to your car.

If you search the net you will read horror stories regarding things gone bad at dealer. toyota shop, jiffy lube and yes DIY ... bad things can happen any where.

Note: You will be charged at the Highly trianed technition rate for the oil change, but it very well could be minimum wage earner who does the oil change.


Salim

Rainbird

The RX 350 uses a replaceable oil filter element and "O" rings instead of the standard oil filter found on almost all other automobiles. Fortunately the new Toyota Avalon also uses the same element package, so the Toyota dealership would have no problem servicing your vehicle.

biff44

Yes, I was specifically wondering about the oil filter.

And DIY, not for me! I once spent a full week trying to change my own oil. I won't get into the details, but it involved eventually driving it gushing oil to a service shop who had to replace a warped flange at the oil filter attach point. I now let others have that fun!

salimshah

I agree that oil change is no fun. Fortunately the RX has enough clearance to crawl under. Then you have to collect oil and take it back for recycling etc.

I still do it as.

1. I get my quite time.
2. I hate waiting at shop.
3. I already have the tools so I save some bucks in the process.
4. If I do something wrong, I will fix it or have it fixed.

Salim

mandyfig

What do we use for the 330? 5W-30?

salimshah

Congrats on your new purchase. Take a bit of time reading the manual. People here give their best advice, but the book in the glove compartment is a must read for new owners. Also read the caps of each filling point states what can go in.

Being here in central texas, I keep my oil 10-30 weight. It is just me personal preference to keep the additives to a minimum.

Salim

mandyfig

Thanks, I do not want to jinx this 1st lexus, I just signed a contract and I do not have the car with me yet. But I am so excited that I have started to research what to do with my 330. I act as if the car is mine. I am waiting for the check to come in from the Credit Union. Hopefully TUE nite, I am officially a Lexus owner. Ok, maybe WED.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

i do my oil changes at the cheapest place possible, unless i need something else diagnosed then i take it to a independent auto shop where i know the mechanic.

salimshah

If we take away the labor charge, the cheapest place would have every reason to use cheapest oil and filter. Then again, a more expensive place could be doing the same thing too.

Did you ever run into the case where the shop did not replace the oil filter?

Salim

AM1

iTrader: (6)

no i havent........

biff44

I am all for cheap. There is a Meinike place 2 miles away that will put in synthetic. I was concerned if they had the correct oil filter, though. The toyota dealer is also fairly close, but you have to make an appointment, get hosed, etc. I am thinking while it is under warranty I might just go for the hose job!

The G Man

I would go to the Toyota dealer instead of Meinike. The RX350 has the same engine as the RAV V6, the Toyota dealer will have a better idea about the new oil filter element. Oil changes are also cheaper in a toyota dealer than a Lexus dealer. The only diff. is that there is no free car wash.

DakotaRX

My nearest Lexus dealer is 300 miles away (ND to Wayzata, MN) so I don't really make it a habit of going to Lexus for oil changes. I did the 15K mile there and might do the 30K there. The rest of the time I have taken it in to the local Toyota dealer. It's a fairly small dealership with about 4 salesmen, service writer and about 5 or 6 mechanics but I know a couple of them and trust them. Besides, I get the oil change and tires rotated for about $40. They always take the mantainence manual out and fill it in and sign it as well plus have it on their computer system. They don't wash your vehicle afterwards but that's alright. The last time I was up there I saw an older gentleman washing an Avalon with a bucket of soapy water and a big old brush (I could just envision the scratch marks in the paint).

2005 RX330 Thundercloud, Thundercloud Mist, Gray/Black interior with Black Birdseye Maple, NAV, ML, HID with AFS, Rain Sensing wipers, Headlight Cleaners, Tow Package with OEM Hitch, 18" Thundercloud rims with MXV4 Michelins

The G Man

Biff, which part of MA do you live in?