I know this horse has been beaten to death by now, but I'm still curious as to whether I'm missing anything.

The 10k / 12-mo service is coming up for my '09 350. I searched through the forum and noted that people have recommended (1) doing only an oil + filter change, and (2) getting the service from a Toyota dealer instead. So my questions are:

(1) Lexus Stevens Creek listed these as the additional services included for the 10k "service" (vs. oil change only): rotate tires, check tire treads, check tire pressure, check brake pads, top-off fluids. I can check the treads and add windshield wiper fluid myself, and I doubt the brake pads are doing anything crazy. What about tire rotation? Is it worth paying some other place $25 or so to have them rotated?

(2) I got a quote of $200 for 10k "service", $60 for oil change only from Lexus Stevens Creek, and $50 for oil change from Toyota Stevens Creek. These are tax-included. I also confirmed that Mobil 1 5W-30 is used at the Lexus, which I think is the general consensus here at CL. Given that the difference is only $10, I'm inclined to just go to Lexus. Is there something I'm missing here?

Thanks

 

oil change + oil filter

 

No tire rotation then? I've been going to Discount Tire for some time, and might be able to get this one for free.

 

so Lexus charges $140 for tire rotation? Jesus!

 

Something like that. The lady sounded a little embarrassed when I asked her to list the items covered by the additional $140, and tire rotation was the only one that could be potentially beneficial.

Would you guys get the tire rotation done, either at Lexus or at some other place?

 

If you are sitting on those OEM runflats you better rotate. My wife has those on her 2006 Siena and was down to cords at 20K miles . . . as a mother of 3 little ones in a minivan she was clearly not driving aggressively and causing excessive wear. My run flats on my GS350 lasted almost 30K until they started showing cord. These tires are loud and they wear twice as fast as normal tires. So I would do anything you can to extend their life. We rotated as recommended and get all dealer suggested service and still burned out the run flats on average in 25K miles. Not a huge fan of run flats as you can tell!

 

Wow my dealer charges me the same if I don't want the rotation haha...

 

I just have the regular 18", not run-flats (thank goodness ...)

 

My dealer uses non-synthetic Shell oil, and still charges $140 for oil/filter change and tire rotation. I bought the oil filter from Toyota for $3 less than Lexus. I use Mobil 1 and do the oil/filter change and tire rotation myself. I have 18" Michelin Primacy non-runflats, and they have almost 29,000 miles on them. It appears I'll have to replace them at 30,000.

 

Just the oil change @ 10k. I know/have the tools to do a tire rotation so I can do it myself.

Did an oil change @ 15k yesterday. A little over $50, checked my old papers and yeah it went up 10 bucks. $10 is nothing, but I'll just do it next time and use Mobile 1 5000. Easier for me since I won't have to "prep" it for an oil change at the dealer.

I guess 20k comes around I'll change the wiper blades (refills), K&N air filter, "top off" fuilds. lol

 

Having a full service history with an authorized dealer has significant value in the resale market. If you are leasing or do trade-ins then it doesn't matter, but if you own your vehicle, I would recommend paying up the $200 and doing it at Lexus.

 

Not really.

 

One can keep there own records too (I know I do). Never had an issue selling a car used and getting a good price for it. In fact, I've found lot's of people love to know owners who do their own maintenance because they tend to be a lot more meticulous about doing it, plus some dealers have a bad reputation of not really doing all the "checks" they say they do on the regularly scheduled stuff. I don't think there's really any evidence or data about what you're claiming, but hey, if you want to spend the money at the dealer, don't let anyone stop you.

 

It would be nice of Lexus Dealers did more than just the basics during the services. BMW regularly updates the firmware for the Nav/entertainment system, adding new features, improving the screen layout etc. These firmware updates are free with the services, and so you get more value than just the oil change, rotation, etc.

 

the parts for these services aren't necessary expensive, it's the $100 + /hr labor that's killing it.

note the price premium also take into account the loaner + free food/drinks + car wash that you get

then the price doesn't look that bad, but seriously, there are other ways to make it cheaper

see if they price match, go on dealer website to look for coupons, a lot of them have mid week specials or random 10-15% off service coupons

NEVER PAY RETAIL, that's my motto

do your hw and enjoy the cup of coffee at the dealer while car is getting serviced