Good morning,

Stuck at work, so I had a chance to jump on here and wanted to ask a question or two. My '14 F Sport AWD is now approaching 90k miles. Hard to believe I purchased this car just over 2 years ago with only 20k miles. I figured if I asked here, I would get several very good answers as opposed to hearing it from dealers, who have $$ in the eyes. What is (are) the recommended/required maintenance for my car, now that it's up there in miles? I've come across other posts, which I could not find again, with suggestions on what is and what is not necessary. Thanks!

 

All you really need to do is change the engine oil and filter and check to see if you need to replace the engine air filter and the cabin air filter. There is really no need to replace the brake fluid - only Lexus recommends replacing the brake fluid whereas Toyota (the mother ship) does not, so there is no real need to do so. If you haven't replaced the brakes recently you'll want to inspect the thickness of your brake pads so you know how much longer you have before brake work is needed again. Also, it's a good idea to replace the Smart Key battery in your remote every two years. That's it!

[Even] if you plan to keep the car for another 90,000 miles I would not replace the spark plugs (they're good for well over 200k miles with no performance or fuel mileage degradation), and not replace the transmission fluid or the differential gear oil. I would plan on replacing the coolant at the 100k mileage service.

From this point forward I would only change the engine oil and filter every 10,000 miles and check the engine air filter and cabin air filter to see if they need replacing. Inspection of the brake pads can be done when replacing the tires. Replace the Smart Key battery once every two years.

 

I just hit 100k on my GS and I did a la carte service at the Lexus dealership. I had the engine coolant replaced right around 98K alongside the front and rear differential fluid. The differential fluid is not necessary to do, but I plan to drive my car until the wheels fall off and with the crazy winters in Michigan, I thought I'd do it.

Outside of everything BCLex recommended, I don't think you need to do much. I am going to replace my spark plugs with my local mechanic in the next few thousand miles. I purchased OEM spark plugs from belllexusnorthscottsdale off eBay. It was right around $86 shipped to my house. I bought my engine and air filters from them too.

A lot of these services are able to be done by yourself, or a good mechanic you trust just because the dealers charge high way robbery prices. Check tire pressure, brake thickness, rotors, top fluids, otherwise - it is Toyota, you're good.

 

Best to get a quote for service from the dealer. We all hate them but they are there and ready when you really need a part or perhaps there to service recall. My point is they have overhead and do provide an active resale market for the brand as well.
I’m not saying be stupid but recognize they are a resource and part of the Lexus goodness. Give them a chance to quote.
There are times that a dealer service vehicle might be worth more in resale. Just saying.
Its good to get different opinions but decide for yourself. Who knows, there might be independent parts sellers here that will suggest how “stealer ships” will rip your off and yet they serve their own purpose. Not suggesting at all that is the case. But its the internet and nobody here is accountable. You are responsible for your car and hold who services it accountable.

 

Here is what I do. Buy filters on line about $40 for both and takes less than five minutes to replace. Replace wiper inserts again bought on line for $15 and takes another five minutes to replace. While buying on line buy several Lexus/Toyota oil filters at $5. Go to Walmart and buy Mobil 1 for $23 for a five quart jug and one quart for $7. Take oil and filter to Lexus dealer and ask for an oil change and brake fluid change. Parts will total $90 and labor $160 for a total of $250. Go in and ask for a 90,000 mile maintenance and will cost well over $600.