I took delivery of my ES350 from Charles Barker Lexus, Virginia Beach, VA, on October 31. I recently received a form letter from the Service Manager there reminding me that it's time to schedule my 4 month/5000 mile service. This did not sound right, and I checked and verified that the regular service interval is 6 months/5000 miles. I called and spoke to the Service Manager and asked him why I was being reminded to schedule service at 4 months instead of 6 moths that Lexus recommends. He acted surprised and said that the recommended interval had changed and that there must be a problem with the software that sends out the mailings.

I told him that it seemed to me that Charles Barker was up to no good. He was very polite about it all, and I was as polite I could be considering that I was accusing the dealership of a questionable business practice.

Has anyone else experienced a similar tactic from a Lexus dealership?

 

Yes I just received one myself, I also closed my sale on October 31.

I thought it was very odd to get it but did notice that service is suggested on either length of time or mileage in the manual as well when I read it back when.

Have they officially changed it to 4 months according to what you were told?

 

No, it's 6 months now according to what's on the Lexus site on the internet. The service manager implied that it used to be 4 months, but he didn't say when it changed.

 

Thanks, you saved me making a phone call on it.

 

This is for the first "free" oil change, right?

 

I just looked: Here is a mystery, if it supposedly changed from 4 to 6 how come it says 6 in the Warranty and Services Guide that came with the car

 

I think he must have been referring to other Lexus models, and the software has not been adjusted to reflect the 6 month interval for the ES350. But it's hard to believe that no one else has noticed or complained.

 

I agree especially since the notice is telling us our car is due for service and to call and shcedule our appointment.

I wonder how many people just did it and gave it no more thought.

 

I recieved a reminder from my dealer to get the 5K service and that it was no charge. There wasn't any time period (4 months, 6 months etc.) mentioned. I'm sure I'll get them for future service intervals though.

 

I just got a letter from Charles Barker for my second service saying the same thing. It went in the trash. I don't need a dealer telling me to change my oil every 4 months. That's BS.

 

It is more common than you think. Many dealers will recommend service that is over and beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Remember, service writers work on commission and the service department is a cash cow for the dealer principal. They are there to make $$$.

 

I got the same letter- it was a reminder for my 4 month/5,000 mile service.
It didn't make sense, since I had my 5,000 service in October and I've had my car since April 28 (10 months).