Took my 2016Rx450h to the independent mechanic I have trusted for 15 yrs. 65,000 maintenance and owner's manual said oil change and tire rotation. Shop called me after car left there saying I also needed brake fluid change, carbon cleaning of engine and change of spark plugs. So instead of about $220 the bill was over $2300, and they kept my car for 3 days. What say you? Was this needed work or do I need to find a new mechanic?

 

If your car is running fine, I would only do what the owners manual says. You could still go to this shop, just be sure to tell them what you want done.

 

if you trusted them for 15 years, they have proven to be honest. Just ask them why so much difference vs the manual. They should be able to explain in detail why. We on the internet are not a good source to ask this question. We don't have enough information or personal connection with this person(s) at the shop.

 

Your reply much appreciated.

 

Your reply greatly appreciated.

 

The brake fluid change would be acceptable, after all brake fluid is hygroscopic and thus has a finite lifespan. The plugs, however, with only 65,000 miles would not be necessary at all IMHO (barring some highly unusual symptoms). And the carbon cleaning? No way. They poured a $10 can of additive in the gas tank and laughed all the way to the bank.

Sorry, but in my opinion you got royally…hosed.

 

I have only looked at the schedule for my car, a 2024 ES350. But note that it requires replacing the brake fluid and spark plugs at 60K miles/6 years. The spark plug replacement is a several hour job on the V-6 engine and will be quite expensive. The plug job is noted as required for emission control warranty. I suspect the brake fluid change is also more than an hour job. My car does not need de-carboning at that interval.

I have not looked at other models to see which have the brake fluid and plug job requirement, but it seems like it may apply to other models. I have no idea why this work would be done at 65K miles unless the 60K service was missed. The scheduled 65K/78 Mo. service is like a 5K service, just rotate tires and inspect some items.

2024 ES350 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
To help your 2024 ES350 perform to its full potential, trust its care to those who know it best. Schedule your next service appointment with a Lexus certified technician or select a vehicle using the navigation menu above to view its recommended maintenance schedule.
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Maintenance is best scheduled by months or miles, whichever comes first. Select an option below to see what might be next for your vehicle.
MODEL / YEAR
ES 350 2024
ENGINE
V6 - 2GR-FKS
TRANSMISSION
8AT-F
DRIVE
2WD
60K MILES / 72 MONTHS


FACTORY RECOMMENDED SERVICE FOR 60K MILES / 72 MONTHS

• Replace Engine Oil And Oil Filter (Reset "Maint Reqd" Light If Equipped after maintenance at every 5,000 miles.)
• Rotate Tires
• Check Installation Of Driver's Floor Mat
• Inspect Ball Joints And Dust Covers
• Inspect Brake Lines And Hoses
• Inspect Engine Coolant (Refer to Engine Coolant in the Explanation of Maintenance Items section of the Warranty and Maintenance Guide for more information.)
• Replace Spark Plugs (Required Under Terms Of Emission Control Warranty.)
• Inspect Steering Linkage And Boots
• Replace Engine Air Filter
• Visually Inspect Brake Linings/Drums And Brake Pads/Discs (Thickness Measurement And Runout.)
• Inspect Exhaust Pipes And Mountings
• Replace Cabin Air Filter (If Equipped)
• Inspect Drive Belts (Initial inspection at 60,000 miles/72 months. Inspect every 15,000 miles/18 months thereafter.)
• Inspect Fuel Lines And Connections, Fuel Tank Band And Fuel Tank Vapor Vent System Hoses
• Inspect Fuel Tank Cap Gasket
• Replace Brake Fluid
• Replace Smart Key Battery
• Inspect Axle Shaft Boots
• Perform Road-Test on Vehicle
• Inspect Body/Chassis
• Inspect Brake Rotor Thickness and Runout
• Inspect Wiper Blades
• Reset Scheduled Maintenance Reminder
• Inspect Rack-and-Pinion Assembly
• Add EFI Fuel Tank Additive (Hawaii only)
• Inspect Transmission, cooler hoses, and connections for sign of leakage
• Reset Oil Maintenance Reminder, if Oil was Changed

 

Did you authorise the work? If so, don’t see what is problem is.

 

My 2018Rx450h manual calls for spark plug replacement at 60K for emissions warranty purpose.
Lexus dealer charged $900 for the replacement. How does your mechanic do the carbon cleaning?
I own 2007 GS350AWD for 18 years and it hasn't had a carbon cleaning since the day I bought it. The car still runs fine.

 

Sorry to see you had all of that done. Those schedules are for normal ICE cars. The brake system on hybrids is all together different and does not need attention. I do change the oil at around 6000 miles, but even then it is probably not necessary as the engine does not rum as much as an ICE vehicle and thus does not need changing as often.. Same with spark plugs.
My car has 85000 miles and all I have ever had done is oil, and it runs like a top.
Maintenance schedules are money makers for dealers.