So I did some research on what the dealership is recommending for the 60k service and it looks like the main 3 things are: oil/filter change ($90), replace brake fluid ($160), and spark plugs ($580)

They don't actually change the differential oil but will inspect it.

​​​​​​Does the cost for the spark plugs look right? From what I can see, the cost of the plugs themselves are about $100 for all 6. Does $500 in labor sound right? I asked another local mechanic and once he heard the dealership was doing it for $580 he said he can do it for $500.

I don't mind paying for the service at the dealership but I want to make sure I'm not grossly over paying.

For reference I have a 2018 Lexus is300 AWD and am in PA.

 

Take it to another mechanic and ask them what they charge without giving away the dealer price. Simple negotiations. You set the bar at 580 and he’ll try to beat it with 500. It’s not a difficult job and certainly shouldn’t cost anyone $500.

 

My mechanic changed all 6 plugs in 50 minutes.

Oil change takes about 15-20 min.

brake flush maybe 45 min or so.

So about 2 hours of work. $500 in labor for 2 hours work is insane.

 

I believe my mechanic charged $100 to replace four plugs. Definitely go elsewhere. Ask for recommendations on Nextdoor.

 

Buy all the parts and find another mechanic to do it for cheap

 

Is there anything a dealership does differently that a private mechanic might not do in regards to replacing the spark plugs, brake fluids and oil change? Or does it not matter?

 

it does not matter, it's the same work. the car is essentially a toyota aka easy to work on

 

Any thoughts on changing the tranny fluid, even if done incrementally (1-2 liters) every few hundred miles?

 

Dealerships will always charge more. Service department is their bread and butter. I suggest getting a second opinion from another Lexus dealer.

My independent mechanic charges $80, low overhead, he’s a good guy and only works on toy/Lexus. Look at the DIY, it’s surprisingly easy.

 

At 60k, OP's car is due for a transmission fluid change. Watch ( ) he drops the pan to remove more fluid, and you can see how dark it is. Lexus says it's a sealed transmission and lifetime, but that's total bs.
As for multiple fluid changes, I've heard a Toyota Master tech say that it is not necessary and one drain and fill is enough. I still haven't heard the rationale behind that though.

 

So my car uses denso FK20HBR8 plugs so I bought six of them for $90. What is a fair/average price for a mechanic to replace them? I would do it myself, but from what I'm reading a couple of the plugs are hard to reach and I'll probably end up breaking something or not torquing them properly.