Just had the dealership do oil change, brake fluid flush and spark plug replacement. $830.
Oil - approx. $80
Flush - approx. $270
Plugs - approx. $480

These are the items out of the 60K service I couldn't/didn't want to do myself.
Plugs took me by surprise but since it is required to maintain emissions warranty, did it. Will probably be last time I do Plugs and Flush, just passed 60K.

These look similar to your experience.

Ah the joys of owning a Lexus.

 

Costs seem fine...whether they're necessary is a question.

Most folks don't seem to see a need for brake fluid flushes any longer. It's also really easy to do with the help of a friend.

As for the plugs, it's so easy to remove one and see if replacement is needed. There's almost no chance you'll need that emissions warranty.

 

Those costs seem in line with typical dealer charges for those services. Mine quoted me $320 for the brake flush, until I pointed out to them that they need to eat that cost as part of the CPO coverage.

 

For the most part you just wasted $750.00. But, if it makes you feel better having the brake fluid flushed and the spark plugs replaced then good for you.

 

You can change your own oil in about 10 minutes. You don't need to jack the car up if you don't mind getting a little dirty.

Brake flush really shouldn't need to be done before hitting at least 100K but you can do it yourself.

Here are lots of good videos for DIY.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...Hl8dKQ6C-CE6xj

 

Are plugs that hard to swap out that they charged $480?

 

NO, they are pretty easy. Total rip off at $480. These plugs should not even need replacing before 100K miles if you use good fuel, 60K is ridiculous and sounds just like a un needed money maker service.

Once these cars get past the basic warranty people should really being doing as much DIY they can to save money or take it to a independent unless you really like a Lexus waiting room/loaner and don't mind spending a ton of money for that.

If the OP did this himself it would have cost him maybe $150, maybe less depending on sales/promotions of products.

 

The oil change is in line with my local dealership (they have a special for $70 for synthetic or $40 for non synthetic oil change). The other services I would have done at my local shop to save some coin.

 

 

I agree whether a brake flush or spark plug change is needed, I would like to point out other factors:

• I don't mess with the brake system. Changed many brake pads, rotor, cylinders/seals/bushings and fluid in my life including my old GS 300, but won't do it on newer cars because of the technology these days (and often special tools.). Safety first.
• Time involved, I consult so time is money and availability of time. Easier for me to drop off car than to spend time doing it.
• Don't like changing plugs, again parts needing to be removed, tools, technology and proper gauging. Also, had bad experience when someone dropped a plastic plug cover into cylinder.
• OEM Plugs cost I around $180 so no, can't do all 3 job for $150. Maybe $250.
• Correct, don't ever expect to need emissions warranty but want to keep Power train warranty intact. Always suspicious, I can see something happening and the dealership saying void, didn't do plugs which caused the issue. Paranoid, I know, but I've heard worse.
• As said in original post, don't ever expect to do the brake flush or spark plugs again as warranty expires in next couple of years.
• And most importantly, getting too old to do all this.
• I did sit in a new LS500H. sweet, got my mind thinking then I realized I just put 800+ into the GS. Maybe next year.

 

 

Your time is worth whatever you place a value on it. It doesn't matter what you make per hour. I'm not against paying for service. But even at $180 for parts, that's $300 in labor. So they are billing for 2.5 hours of labor $120 an hour. Wow!

 

It is a matter of pride for me. I actually like working on cars. It is my release from all the drudge work I do 8x5x240. Plus, it is more trouble for me to drive an hour to Lexus of Nashville, drop the car off, drive an hour back to work, get the call and drive another two hours round trip. I can do everything you listed, though I'd not bother with plugs and brake fluid, in less time than it takes to drive to and from the shop once.

 

 

I had to read that several times for it to make sense. LOL

I was going to do a ven diagram of time/money/leisure but to save time, I'll just say, not all than can be counted counts and not all that counts can be counted. Some people just like doing their own work in their leisure time. Work hours for most people are finite. I for one can't just pickup a shift or work extra hours.

As for me, I do enjoy working on my car in my off time. That is quantifiable leisure time. It's not even about the money. I grow my own herbs and vegetables too. Surely I can just hit Whole Foods, costing me less time and money.