$32 to install wiper inserts? Really?
11-25-12, 08:15 AM
#31
I was in the same boat. Brought my RX350 in for service and I asked "How much are for the blades?" SA told me that it costs about $40 for the front and $20 for the back installed. So I have these done:
Oil change
Tires rotation
Wiper blades replaced
Brake fluid flushed
Total $330......
Break it down the parts cost less than $100 and the rest is LABOR.
Oil change
Tires rotation
Wiper blades replaced
Brake fluid flushed
Total $330......
Break it down the parts cost less than $100 and the rest is LABOR.
11-25-12, 11:55 AM
#33
GoHuskers, let me start by saying I have a problem with the cost of Lexus service, the general attitude of the service people, and the fact that Lexus and the dealership tend to push/require so much other stuff that in my opinion and experience is not necessary. For example, changing battery in the remote.
$330 is a lot to pay for what you received. As you say the price of the parts was less than $100. Their cost was a lot less. Six quarts of oil and a filter may cost the dealer at most $35 to $40 dollars and the wiper blades and brake fluid another $20. Mark those costs up by a factor of 1.5 and the selling price would be $90. So...as you say the rest is labor. At $100 per hour that would mean that it took the tech 2.4 hours to complete the work. In reality, there is no way that would happen. While the car is on the lift and the oil is draining out the tires are rotated. No extra time involved! The wiper blade change may take a few minutes but not more. Finally, we come to the brake fluid flush. I have no experience with this requirement. Why? Because is over 50 years of driving experience and car ownership of various new models I have never had this done nor has any of the new cars I have purchased over the years (approximately 25) required such a service.
Years ago we had the 2001 RX and a 2002 Cadillac. The dealerships were/are owned by the same people. They are directly across the street for each other and we always took the cars to the respective dealerships for ALL service. In one week we had the oil changed in both cars. The oil change in the V8 Cadillac required 7 quarts of oil and was something under $30 at the time. The oil change for 2001 RX was approximately $65 and only took 5 quarts of oil. When I questioned the Lexus Service Manager about this, the response I got was, "Well Sir, you are driving a Lexus!" They completely missed or ignored the point, that were charging more than twice as much to perform the same work for a V8 Cadillac and using less oil. That was it for me!!
Thank goodness we are in a position to pay the charges, but I just feel like I am throwing money away and that they are taking advantage of me. Other than warranty work our RX either goes to the local Toyota dealer or my favorite independent shop. Sorry for the little rant but you touched a nerve and this is just one man's opinion.
$330 is a lot to pay for what you received. As you say the price of the parts was less than $100. Their cost was a lot less. Six quarts of oil and a filter may cost the dealer at most $35 to $40 dollars and the wiper blades and brake fluid another $20. Mark those costs up by a factor of 1.5 and the selling price would be $90. So...as you say the rest is labor. At $100 per hour that would mean that it took the tech 2.4 hours to complete the work. In reality, there is no way that would happen. While the car is on the lift and the oil is draining out the tires are rotated. No extra time involved! The wiper blade change may take a few minutes but not more. Finally, we come to the brake fluid flush. I have no experience with this requirement. Why? Because is over 50 years of driving experience and car ownership of various new models I have never had this done nor has any of the new cars I have purchased over the years (approximately 25) required such a service.
Years ago we had the 2001 RX and a 2002 Cadillac. The dealerships were/are owned by the same people. They are directly across the street for each other and we always took the cars to the respective dealerships for ALL service. In one week we had the oil changed in both cars. The oil change in the V8 Cadillac required 7 quarts of oil and was something under $30 at the time. The oil change for 2001 RX was approximately $65 and only took 5 quarts of oil. When I questioned the Lexus Service Manager about this, the response I got was, "Well Sir, you are driving a Lexus!" They completely missed or ignored the point, that were charging more than twice as much to perform the same work for a V8 Cadillac and using less oil. That was it for me!!
Thank goodness we are in a position to pay the charges, but I just feel like I am throwing money away and that they are taking advantage of me. Other than warranty work our RX either goes to the local Toyota dealer or my favorite independent shop. Sorry for the little rant but you touched a nerve and this is just one man's opinion.
11-25-12, 04:56 PM
#34
I wash the wipers every time I wash the RX (basically every week), put 303 wiper treatment on them every once in a while and Rain-X on the windshield. I'm sure I can go longer but I like having newer refills. Last thing I need is for them to fail in a snow storm. It happened once on the 300. I vowed never again. It's worth it IMO.
11-25-12, 06:19 PM
#35
Lexus Champion
I have no experience with this requirement. Why? Because is over 50 years of driving experience and car ownership of various new models I have never had this done nor has any of the new cars I have purchased over the years (approximately 25) required such a service.
Years ago we had the 2001 RX and a 2002 Cadillac. The dealerships were/are owned by the same people. They are directly across the street for each other and we always took the cars to the respective dealerships for ALL service. In one week we had the oil changed in both cars. The oil change in the V8 Cadillac required 7 quarts of oil and was something under $30 at the time. The oil change for 2001 RX was approximately $65 and only took 5 quarts of oil. When I questioned the Lexus Service Manager about this, the response I got was, "Well Sir, you are driving a Lexus!" They completely missed or ignored the point, that were charging more than twice as much to perform the same work for a V8 Cadillac and using less oil. That was it for me!!
Years ago we had the 2001 RX and a 2002 Cadillac. The dealerships were/are owned by the same people. They are directly across the street for each other and we always took the cars to the respective dealerships for ALL service. In one week we had the oil changed in both cars. The oil change in the V8 Cadillac required 7 quarts of oil and was something under $30 at the time. The oil change for 2001 RX was approximately $65 and only took 5 quarts of oil. When I questioned the Lexus Service Manager about this, the response I got was, "Well Sir, you are driving a Lexus!" They completely missed or ignored the point, that were charging more than twice as much to perform the same work for a V8 Cadillac and using less oil. That was it for me!!
It's a fact of life service on a premium car is more expensive than a run of the mill car (and back then Cadillac was just another GM product). That's just the way it is and is a part of the ownership 'experience'. I don't think there is anyway around it.
11-25-12, 07:05 PM
#36
Lead Lap
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Honestly I am probably gonna get flammed for this comment, but if one can afford to purchase a car costing over $45K don't whine over these services, when you go to a an indy shop or Toyota dealer do you get soda, different types of cappuccino, coffee, and a variety of snacks to choose to eat from, or a loaner to borrow. You don't get a loaner at an indy shop period and at Toyota you only get a loaner if your service is an over night one, at a Lexus dealer if they have a loaner available they will give you one even if your in for an oil change. So what your paying for is luxury...
Last edited by MjThind; 11-25-12 at 07:29 PM. Reason: Spelling Error
11-25-12, 07:12 PM
#37
For normal service (no warranty repair) I use the Toyota store. Oil change with the 0w20w synthetic Toyota oil for example cost me with tax $56.85 so everything on my 40k service including the brake fluid flush and change wasn't even $130. Just about the same at all Toyota stores. It's not required to use Lexus for normal service, just that you have it done with proper materials. Warranty work has to be done by Lexus but that doesn't cost anything to you.
Side note: I have a little over 43,000 miles now, keep my car in the garage when I'm not driving it and still have the original wiper blades that work well w/o streaking. Like Anita said, Rain-X is wonderful but I've driven a lot in the rain. Wipers are always set on 'auto' and work as needed.
Side note: I have a little over 43,000 miles now, keep my car in the garage when I'm not driving it and still have the original wiper blades that work well w/o streaking. Like Anita said, Rain-X is wonderful but I've driven a lot in the rain. Wipers are always set on 'auto' and work as needed.
Last edited by Cruiter; 11-25-12 at 07:16 PM.
11-26-12, 04:04 AM
#39
Driver
Thread Starter
I understand that the labor rate at a Lexus dealer (or MB or BMW etc.) is more than at a Toyota or Honda dealer but it takes only 5 minutes for me to replace the wiper inserts so it should take them less.
When I owned my Acura (actually 2 of them) I would gird my teeth whenever I had to bring it in for service. But somehow when the final bill came it was usually what I was expecting or less.
When I owned my Acura (actually 2 of them) I would gird my teeth whenever I had to bring it in for service. But somehow when the final bill came it was usually what I was expecting or less.
11-26-12, 05:58 AM
#40
The ONLY reason why I use my Lexus dealer for service (other than warranty works) is because I have earned many points from Lexus CC so the service seems to cost a lot but it actually costs me $0 out of pocket. I often do the work myself like oil change, wiper blades, air filter, tires rotation, spark plugs, coolant flush...Other high techs I have to bring it to them.
Yes, Lexus services are expensive....but they gave me the loaner to drive 2 miles and park it at home while they do the works.....Damn, it is still expensive
Yes, Lexus services are expensive....but they gave me the loaner to drive 2 miles and park it at home while they do the works.....Damn, it is still expensive
11-26-12, 07:31 AM
#41
Honestly I am probably gonna get flammed for this comment, but if one can afford to purchase a car costing over $45K don't whine over these services, when you go to a an indy shop or Toyota dealer do you get soda, different types of cappuccino, coffee, and a variety of snacks to choose to eat from, or a loaner to borrow. You don't get a loaner at an indy shop period and at Toyota you only get a loaner if your service is an over night one, at a Lexus dealer if they have a loaner available they will give you one even if your in for an oil change. So what your paying for is luxury...
I was actually quoted $380 for a 15K mile service for our 2010 RX a year ago. It didn't even include an oil change! Instead, it cost me $60 when I chose to let Discount Tires rotate my tires and "inspect" my brakes for free (I'm a good and loyal customer), and I paid for an alignment at an "alignment specialist". I didn't get a free bag of chips, but I got everything the really was necessary .... including a cup of coffee. To charge customers at double (at least) rates, to perform services that aren't REALLY required, or to charge for ridiculous "inspections", is effectively gouging loyal customers that trust and depend on their dealership/service advisor for sound advice. Lexus not only allows it to occur, they participate in the form of overcharging for parts, and publishing service schedules and requirements that are excessive and unnecessary, in MOST cases.
My mother is 88 years old, and takes her '07 RX (with 35K miles) to the dealer for ALL "recommended" service, because she wants to "treat her car properly" and make sure the "requirements" are met. She won't listen to me when I tell her she simply doesn't need 98% of the work they recommend. Like many people, she trusts her service advisor, and pays full price for whatever he tells her is "required". It breaks my heart to see her being taken advantage of like that, and I suspect it happens more than we care to admit.
What I find really interesting, is how many people simply accept and defend this practice, that would NEVER accept it from the grocery store, or the furniture store, or the gasoline station, or anyplace else where they spend money. Especially after paying extra for a "premium brand" in the first place. It's like the gift that keeps on giving! It just seems so short sighted on the part of Lexus AND the dealer, to take what could be a wonderful driving and ownership experience, and throw in an unnecessary negative.
P.S. - I probably wouldn't have said ANYTHING, if you hadn't used the word "whine".
Last edited by User 41924; 11-26-12 at 07:40 AM.
11-26-12, 07:41 AM
#42
I rarely take my car in for service as I don't want my wallet to get raped. Yet I do have to say it is nice to bring in the Lexus and be offered a comparable loaner car to drive home in. My Nissan recently died due to a factory defect. Nissan's roadside assistance requires me to pay in advance before they consider reimbursing me and now I have been without my car for a week because they don't offer loaner cars.
11-26-12, 07:51 AM
#43
Woodrow
Very well written. I'm grateful to be able to own and drive my Lexus as I'm thankful for the many blessings in my life including the ability to rationalize
. For a period I used my Lexus store for routine maintenance as I was able to work out a 'former employee' deal. But after the Gen Mgr left as well as the service Mgr those deals vaporized. I'm using the same company's Toyota store now for a fraction of the price and the service required. I get coffee or soft drink and kryspy cream donuts and wait or bother sales people (more fun than reading brochures). For maybe an hours wait I can't rationalize that it's better to pay over twice as much, put gas back into a loaner, and drive back and forth twice a day while pretending to do it because spending more makes me feel better. That's just more than I can process 
.
Very well written. I'm grateful to be able to own and drive my Lexus as I'm thankful for the many blessings in my life including the ability to rationalize
. For a period I used my Lexus store for routine maintenance as I was able to work out a 'former employee' deal. But after the Gen Mgr left as well as the service Mgr those deals vaporized. I'm using the same company's Toyota store now for a fraction of the price and the service required. I get coffee or soft drink and kryspy cream donuts and wait or bother sales people (more fun than reading brochures). For maybe an hours wait I can't rationalize that it's better to pay over twice as much, put gas back into a loaner, and drive back and forth twice a day while pretending to do it because spending more makes me feel better. That's just more than I can process . What exactly is this "luxury service" you're willing to pay so much for?!?! The techs were bow ties? Do they put bottled water in your windshield washer? Or do they do the same thing your Toyota store does, charge more money for it, and throw in a bag of chips and a cup of coffee? I'll agree with those that get a free loaner when needed, and the fact that you get a Lexus as your loaner is icing on the cake! But realistically, what does this "luxury" cost them? The snacks must add a whole buck or 2 to their overhead! The loaner is a GREAT marketing/advertising tool that's really inexpensive for them, and is also a good service for their customers. A true win/win! I know a loaner was my first introduction to a hybrid, that I now own.
I was actually quoted $380 for a 15K mile service for our 2010 RX a year ago. It didn't even include an oil change! Instead, it cost me $60 when I chose to let Discount Tires rotate my tires and "inspect" my brakes for free (I'm a good and loyal customer), and I paid for an alignment at an "alignment specialist". I didn't get a free bag of chips, but I got everything the really was necessary .... including a cup of coffee. To charge customers at double (at least) rates, to perform services that aren't REALLY required, or to charge for ridiculous "inspections", is effectively gouging loyal customers that trust and depend on their dealership/service advisor for sound advice. Lexus not only allows it to occur, they participate in the form of overcharging for parts, and publishing service schedules and requirements that are excessive and unnecessary, in MOST cases.
My mother is 88 years old, and takes her '07 RX (with 35K miles) to the dealer for ALL "recommended" service, because she wants to "treat her car properly" and make sure the "requirements" are met. She won't listen to me when I tell her she simply doesn't need 98% of the work they recommend. Like many people, she trusts her service advisor, and pays full price for whatever he tells her is "required". It breaks my heart to see her being taken advantage of like that, and I suspect it happens more than we care to admit.
What I find really interesting, is how many people simply accept and defend this practice, that would NEVER accept it from the grocery store, or the furniture store, or the gasoline station, or anyplace else where they spend money. Especially after paying extra for a "premium brand" in the first place. It's like the gift that keeps on giving! It just seems so short sighted on the part of Lexus AND the dealer, to take what could be a wonderful driving and ownership experience, and throw in an unnecessary negative.
P.S. - I probably wouldn't have said ANYTHING, if you hadn't used the word "whine".
I was actually quoted $380 for a 15K mile service for our 2010 RX a year ago. It didn't even include an oil change! Instead, it cost me $60 when I chose to let Discount Tires rotate my tires and "inspect" my brakes for free (I'm a good and loyal customer), and I paid for an alignment at an "alignment specialist". I didn't get a free bag of chips, but I got everything the really was necessary .... including a cup of coffee. To charge customers at double (at least) rates, to perform services that aren't REALLY required, or to charge for ridiculous "inspections", is effectively gouging loyal customers that trust and depend on their dealership/service advisor for sound advice. Lexus not only allows it to occur, they participate in the form of overcharging for parts, and publishing service schedules and requirements that are excessive and unnecessary, in MOST cases.
My mother is 88 years old, and takes her '07 RX (with 35K miles) to the dealer for ALL "recommended" service, because she wants to "treat her car properly" and make sure the "requirements" are met. She won't listen to me when I tell her she simply doesn't need 98% of the work they recommend. Like many people, she trusts her service advisor, and pays full price for whatever he tells her is "required". It breaks my heart to see her being taken advantage of like that, and I suspect it happens more than we care to admit.
What I find really interesting, is how many people simply accept and defend this practice, that would NEVER accept it from the grocery store, or the furniture store, or the gasoline station, or anyplace else where they spend money. Especially after paying extra for a "premium brand" in the first place. It's like the gift that keeps on giving! It just seems so short sighted on the part of Lexus AND the dealer, to take what could be a wonderful driving and ownership experience, and throw in an unnecessary negative.
P.S. - I probably wouldn't have said ANYTHING, if you hadn't used the word "whine".
11-26-12, 09:19 AM
#44
11-26-12, 09:38 AM
#45