New 2010- First things to do?
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7th Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Florida
New 2010- First things to do?
Coming from an ES, I'm considering buying a Red 250h.with 130k miles for $4,500. What maintence is highly reccomened to have already been done up to this stage?
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,146
Likes: 1,710
From: VA
Congratulations. What color is it and what trim level? Do you have Navigation?
What year was your ES? I had a 2005 and a 2008.
Did you do a pre-purchase inspection? If so, what did they find? Have them check battery health.
If not already done do the following normal maintenance stuff:
Do not go to a dealer, find an independent Toyota or hybrid vehicle specialist. Most of the drivetrain (engine, transaxle, hybrid system, brakes) on this vehicle is the same as the Toyota Camry hybrid. Most shops have worked on them.
Change engine coolant
Change hybrid system coolant (yes it has 2 coolant systems)
Change brake fluid (should be done every 3 years on every vehicle)
Check brake pads as they may be close to worn out if they have not already been replaced.
Change engine oil and filter
Change engine air filter and cabin air filter
Change transaxle fluid. Note that on the hybrid it is a simple drain and fill of about 4 quarts. Do not let anyone try to sell you a flush as you cannot flush this unit. It is not expensive to do.
Change spark plugs. It is very easy to do on this vehicle. I have done it twice on mine and it takes me about 20 minutes, but I am old have changed a lot of spark plugs.
Check and clean air vents to hybrid battery cooling fan system as a cool battery lasts longer. These earlier models do not have a filter. The air vent is on the side of the rear seat, driver side. I will find the posts that talks about how to remove the rear seat to take apart the duct work and motor and really clean it out and post a link here. It is not that difficult if somewhat handy with tools etc. Here is the link which has another link: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hs-...an-filter.html
What year was your ES? I had a 2005 and a 2008.
Did you do a pre-purchase inspection? If so, what did they find? Have them check battery health.
If not already done do the following normal maintenance stuff:
Do not go to a dealer, find an independent Toyota or hybrid vehicle specialist. Most of the drivetrain (engine, transaxle, hybrid system, brakes) on this vehicle is the same as the Toyota Camry hybrid. Most shops have worked on them.
Change engine coolant
Change hybrid system coolant (yes it has 2 coolant systems)
Change brake fluid (should be done every 3 years on every vehicle)
Check brake pads as they may be close to worn out if they have not already been replaced.
Change engine oil and filter
Change engine air filter and cabin air filter
Change transaxle fluid. Note that on the hybrid it is a simple drain and fill of about 4 quarts. Do not let anyone try to sell you a flush as you cannot flush this unit. It is not expensive to do.
Change spark plugs. It is very easy to do on this vehicle. I have done it twice on mine and it takes me about 20 minutes, but I am old have changed a lot of spark plugs.
Check and clean air vents to hybrid battery cooling fan system as a cool battery lasts longer. These earlier models do not have a filter. The air vent is on the side of the rear seat, driver side. I will find the posts that talks about how to remove the rear seat to take apart the duct work and motor and really clean it out and post a link here. It is not that difficult if somewhat handy with tools etc. Here is the link which has another link: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hs-...an-filter.html
Last edited by Clutchless; Feb 19, 2026 at 05:14 AM.
Driver
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 54
Likes: 2
From: IL
Maint. up to 130k
That's a nice bargain! 👌 I got my 2012 blk hs250h at 128k for $9860 (lady in NYC used to own it), all maintained by the dealer. At that point, you will want both new coolants, brake job & flush, transmission oil change, tune-up (new plugs), clean out duct and cooling fan of the hybrid battery, at least
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