What is your suggestion regarding routine maintenance like oil change and tire rotation by Lexus dealer or I could go to the local auto shop? I used to have an older RX330 and I always went to a local shop for regular maintenance for cost concern without any issue. Now that I am having a 2017 RX350, would I be beneficial to stick with Lexus dealer by paying much more or I could still go to a local shop for cost-saving? Will I be waiving my remaining warranty if I start shifting to a non-dealer shop?

What about after warranty expiration? Would I be better off by which direction in terms of cost and benefit? No doubt, dealer offers great services as well as ballooned bill, My question is whether simple jobs justify such expenditure?

 

Look up Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act - you can take your car anywhere for routine maintenance.

 

This has worked for me for our cars for well over a million miles. Never had the first problem. I pay less than $348 each for our ES 300h and RX 450h for every 30,000 miles. I never go in an ask for a 10,000 miles or 30,000 mile service. They charge ridiculous amounts for a lot of inspection of things that do not need to be inspected. Every 10,000 miles the oil needs to be changed. I take my 5 quart jug bought at Walmart for $23 less the Mobil $12 rebate runs twice a year in the spring and fall. I buy the Toyota oil filters on line for $5 each. They charge me $30 labor. Total oil change $46. Every 30,000 miles the brake fluid needs to be changed at a cost of $120. At 30,000 miles the cabin and air filter need to be replaced. I do mine at 20,000 miles and cost $45 for both and take 5 minutes to change. Every 20,000 miles I replace the wiper inserts at $15 and again five minutes to change.

 

I actually enjoy getting out there and changing my oil (& filters/wipers/etc) myself - that way I know its done right and I do it on MY TIME, no waiting.

 

No, not quite.

True, the M-M Act does give you the option of using non-dealer service-outlets, but those places have to use factory-approved (or equivalent-aftermarket) filters, fluids, and service. If they don't, the manufacturer still reserves the right to refuse warranty coverage. That means, for example, if your vehicle requires the red Toyota/Lexus anti-freeze / coolant, and some bozo in the shop uses the yellow Prestone or the common green stuff, you're on your own if it messes up the radiator, water pump, or hoses.

 

And this is a very good reason not to take your car to independent shops, as they are usually very careless about fluids - just fill with whatever is sold at the auto parts stores.

 

Yup at least when the dealership overfills your engine oil reservoir with too many quarts, its Lexus approved oil.....

Take it to whoever you deem fit, and keep your logs w/ receipts in tow. Thats about it. While theyre points for both dealership and nondealership, as long as the maintenance is done dont see how the old tried and tested toyota V6 is going to go wrong.

 

If you like your Lexus dealer and the amenities they may provide, I would get most services done three. Oils, coolants etc. Tires and any repairs, I would 100% go independent.

 

If one owns a Lexus, it can sometimes be wise to get non-warranty service done at a Toyota shop, where the same fluids, filters, and some other parts are used. Toyota shops are noticeably less-expensive than Lexus shops on a number of things. When I drove Toyotas, I was on very good terms with the people there at that shop, and the Service Manager (who later was promoted to Service Director) told me, after I got my Lexus IS300, that they could do just about anything for a Lexus except warranty work....warranty issues had to go through a Lexus shop because of the way they get re-imbursed.

 

You can also just make sure that your independent shop uses the right fluid. Plenty of very good quality independent shops out there that understand that certain vehicles require certain fluids.

 

Oh absolutely. Sometimes Lexus has better amenities and stuff like that (like those stupid self rear washing toilets in Toronto). But for the most part, I like looking at Toyota’s so I have no issue going to Toyota for oil changes.

 

You will pay more at a Lexus dealer, but I have personally found it to be worth the cost. Every single independent I have tried out, has either scratched or smudged my car in some shape or form. For about 20-30% more cost (use online coupons), I rather have the white glove treatment. I even found a dealer that gives free loaners and picks up/drops off my car for ANY service, even out of warranty. Just can't beat it.
This is probably a non-issue for the average person, but I am extremely an*l about my investment.

 

Dont waste your time with the incompetent and overpriced dealers. What is your mileage?

 

I just got my pre-owned 2017 RX350 with 34,000 miles in odometer. I guess it would be prudent to go to dealer before the warranty expires.

 

I think you’re good - doesn’t the RX come with 4/50k B2B and 6/70k powertrain?