orkinman

Hi,

The dealer told me I only need to change my ES350 oil every 10k miles. Do you change your oil the very first time before you reach the 10k mark?

How much does your dealer charge for oil change and tire rotation? Do we get the first two services (5k and 10k) for free?

Thanks.

bc6152

The 5k service is tire rotation and a general check of the new car. It is free. The 10k is another check, tire rotation, and about 25 other things including the first oil change. It is also free. Your car calls for an oil change every 10k miles or more frequently if the vehicle is operated stop and go and/or in dusty, or dirty conditions. The manufacturer wants you to be happy with your new Lexus so they tell you the optimum time/miles to change your oil. Your car uses synthetic high quality oil.They say 10k miles so go with that. My dealer charges $180.00 for a vehicle check, oil change, and tire rotation.

oneor11

Holy cow. And I thought Jiffy Lube's prices were ridiculous. That's unbelievable. I guess I'll start saving up now so I'll be prepared when my free service ends. I can't even imagine myself admitting to my buddies I paid $180 for an oil change. "Hey guys, I'm going get an oil change. Any of you spot me a couple of hundred bucks?" I guess it comes with the territory though. I'll get used to it I suppose.

bc6152

Change it yourself for about $25.00...

oneor11

Admittedly I wouldn't know what I'm doing. But I guess on the plus side my Lexus dealer has breakfast tacos and muffins. And when I want water, it comes from a special purified water machine. The ownership experience seems great. I guess I'll just focus on that.

Arty101

The total cost includes the oil change, check and tire rotation. You can just have them change only the oil - I can get that done from my dealer for about $80, one of their advertised specials. Rotate the tires yourself or thru Costco, and that'll save you a few more bucks.

ElliotB

The reason it is so expensive (at least part of the reason) is that synthetic oil is used. (Some dealers offering specials may use a synthetic blend.)

For warranty purposes, resale value, and longevity of the motor, you may want to let Lexus handle your oil changes.

jbm79

First-time Lexus owner here (since May 2013) and I have a question about oil changes (sorry if I'm thread-jacking):

10K miles would roughly be 14 months' worth of driving for me. Should I go with the recommended 10K-mi interval or go with an annual schedule? Driving condition is fair (not dusty with summer-like condition year round).

Arty101

I think it would be based on milage, but call the dealer to confirm.

mrBillFL

I had it changed at 5k, because it was break in miles.
I would do it at least once a year or 8-10k miles with correct synthetic oil.

cheap insurance.

Arty101

Good point. In this age of upselling, I'd follow the recommendations of Irv Gordon, with now over 3 million miles on his Volvo - follow the owners manual, written by the people that knows what's best for you car, the designrs and engineers. Also saw this on 200k+ vehicles:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorze...-200000-miles/

gmanusmc

Bill from PA - unless you find some real cheap 0w20 synthetic, I don't think $25 is doable even DIY. The 350 takes 6.5 quarts. If you use Toyota Genuine Motor Oil (Mobil One rebranded and specially formulated for Toyota/Lexus), the cost is anywhere from $5-8 a quart. Walmart sells several brands of 0w20 in 5 quart jugs for $25-30 if you'd rather go that route.

To avoid the unreasonable dealer oil change pricing, the best bet is to find a reputable independent licensed mechanic - Internet search, Angie's list, yelp, etc. I use one that has years of Japanese vehicle experience - I bring the oil/filter and he charges $10 for the work and $8 for a rotation. Just be sure to keep good records in case of a warranty issue.

Now I know there are those who subscribe to only using the dealer because they want the peace of mind that if something goes wrong, the dealer is on the hook - those folks probably don't mind paying $180 for something that should be no more than $75-80.

Also beware of what they charge to change your engine air filter and cabin filter - these filters can be purchased online for a reasonable price and the DIY is fairly easy to do in 10-15 minutes.

Bill in CA

gmanusmc

I think they recommend changing it annually if you don't reach the mileage limit.

Bill G

ElliotB

In the long run, changing your oil your self possibly saves nothing, in fact it may cost you. Like most high end vehicles, cars that are fully maintained and serviced by the dealer are worth more when trading-in or selling privately.

My local Lexus dealers offer competitively priced oil changes and scheduled maintenance. My selling dealer will pick up my car and drop off a loaner for me to use until they return my vehicle after the service. Can't ask for any better than that.

bc6152

I actually do buy my oil at Walmart - brand name oil - and it would be about $30. for the oil and $5.00 for a Fram filter. So you're right. $25.00 wouldn't do it. The cabin filter is very easy to change, easier that my '06 Avalon. I haven't done it yet but I bet it would be a 10 minute job looking at the manual. Your private mechanic deal is a good one.