Wrong. Toyota WS ATF is designed to protect Toyota and Lexus transmissions well beyond 150,000 miles. The Toyota WS ATF is made by Exxon/Mobil and is a semi-synthetic base fluid, with a proprietary additive package designed specifically for use in Toyota and Lexus transmissions. The black color of this fluid after minimal mileage has absolutely zero effect on its condition or protection characteristics.

 

This is a very interesting thread and how some of have differing perspectives about this. What amazing me though is that some think they are more intelligent that the manufacturer that built the vehicles when it comes to the recommendations for their cars. If I makes you feel better to change fluids by all means do it but as for me I’ll save the money. Our cares will run as long as we want to keep them if we care for them as Lexus instructs. That’s why they are known for there bulletproof reputation. Just my thoughts.

 

I think you've made an assumption there. The manufacturer that built the vehicle is Lexus International (Japan). The service booklet is likely issued by, if not certainly amended by Lexus USA - the US government's CAFE regulations influence the engine oil that is recommended for your cars(not the factory), by issuing CAFE credits Lexus USA are able to make a fortune selling them to other manufacturers. It's funny how requirements are different in countries where no such regulations exist! The same goes for transmission fluid, Lexus USA warranty booklet states the tranny and transfer case is a completely sealed unit. That paragraph is missing from mine. My booklet also states it's serviceable every 75000km.
I'm not saying Lexus USA is wrong and anyone else is right, but the fact they aren't one united front tells me the engineers aren't getting the final say here. When one market is selling them cheaply and recommending little servicing and another market is selling the same thing for a lot more money and they're recommending more servicing - I know who I'd listen to.

My reading is the regional divisions are printing differing requirements due to local laws and brand positioning - reducing the perceived cost of ownership by reducing servicing requirements. These days car adverts lead with details on the capped price servicing packages. These are high end expensive vehicles, I don't understand why anyone would want to save a few dollars on maintenance.

 

There is only one post on this entire thread that mentions fuel filters.
How important is it to replace the fuel filter every 45,000 miles?

 

I suspect that's because most posters are reading the same Lexus publication that doesn't specify fuel filters

In the USA? Not very. However I'd be doing it at the 100000 service if you want your vehicle to run reliably into the future. It's not that hard to do.

 

I replaced my 2GS fuel filter at eight years ~120k miles. It did not appear aged in any meaningful way, and I suspect the original filter would have lasted the life of the car.