Routine Maintenance
 

I am one of those that dread going to the dealership for routine maintenance such as a simple oil change because every time I bring it in, I would get some kind of damage such as scratches, dings and technician loosing a bolt or cross threading it.

I know my ways around cars so I can handle somethings like fluid changes and repairs.

But the question remains is, if I should decide to sell the vehicle in the future would anyone be afraid to purchase it because it has no service history?

To me if the truck is clean even though it has no service history I would be willing to take a gamble on it. Then again I am a mechanic by trade.

What is everyone's thought on this?

Probably in the minority here, but I personally think that dealer service history is completely overrated if you plan to hang onto the vehicle past the warranty end date. I've sold numerous vehicles private party (low and high end) and have done all maintenance myself and I've never had any pushback. Your passion will show when it comes time to sell, not to mention the barrage of synthetic fluids and car care products you probably have around the garage, if you're anything like me. You'll save thousands by doing the fluids and brakes yourself. As you know, these tasks are just about as simple as it gets.

Same here.

I take detailed pictures of EVERYTHING and email them to myself.. Nowadays the smartphones tag the pictures with GPS and time/date. So you can show them later.

Here are examples of pics I took when I changed my oil in my CT200h last time (I can't locate any for my LX570 at the moment).....



https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...7f92fdf5b5.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...16f9efe303.jpg

Other way is you keep record on a small book ( daily reminder book) of mileage and date each time you do anything, oil/fluid change, timing belt, tire rotation etc.. And put it in the glove compartment.

A coworker of mine has a 3 year old Kia Optima bought since new. He was told by the selling dealer that in order to keep the warranty intact he needed to go into Kia dealership for routine service as indicated in his car manual. He was shocked when I told him it's illegal for the dealership to require you to do so. He told me Everytime he goes in he spends big bucks vs if he just go to an indy shop. I told him no need to continue to do that or might as well go and get a Toyota and you won't have to worry about warranty service.

At the time of trade in or sale......as long as all services are up to date and running well, it makes no difference.

Routine Maintenance at Lexus dealership is not so expensive. At my dealership (Reno, NV) I can schedule an apointment the same day and always get a loaner. It's much easier than doing it myself. I would not buy LX without a service history. I know that some owners do it correctly or even better than at the dealership but I would have to know the owner personally. Othervise LX without a service history is a big NO for me.

Agreed. Even if it was a daily driver in the 5,000-7,000 range there's too many choices that have been properly maintained for me to even consider a car that hasn't been actively maintained.

I do the maintenance myself even though I have the free CPO maintenance for two years. I hate taking my cars to the dealerships because I've seen what happens there. I input all the maintenance i do to the Lexus drivers website so that there's a record and anyone can take a look at the history if i decide to sell it.

EXPENSIVE is a relative thing. For me it's NOT the issue of money since I can take my Lexus vehicles to any place I like for services.

I used to think like you do. Way back when I bought my first Lexus LX470 brand new with like 8 miles on the odo in 2000. I had that LX470 to a Lexus dealership WITHOUT fail on the dot per owners manual all the 13 years and 280K+ miles. Spent a lot of money on the services and ate and drank lots of "FREE "donuts and coffee while I visited. Back then I was a lot busier and thought just let the Lexus dealership do it.

As I got a little bit older (and wiser), I learned that the guy changing the oil at "most, if not all dealerships (high or low end)" is usually the LEAST EXPERIENCED AND LOWEST PAID "MONKEY WRENCH" in the whole dealership. My RCF was OVERFILLED TWICE BY A LEXUS DEALERSHIP!!!

For me, I just do my routine maintenance like oil changes and such bc it takes me WAY less time vs go to the dealership, drop it off, pick up a loaner, and the go back and retrieve my car. I can do oil changes in less than 45 minutes and drink my coffee in between waiting for the oil to be drained out of the drain bolt. For stuff more complicated such as bleeding the brakes which requires the TechStream software do do it properly, I'll go to either an INDY OR A Toyota dealership (which I had in the past and a lot closer and cheaper) or a Lexus dealership. I find that an Indy guy will do a WAY better job vs ANY DEALERSHIP since the buck stops with the Indy guy as usually he is the owner and operator of his shop.

Then the shocker is at trade in or sale it really made little or no difference. This depends on how long you keep it. For me I kept it for a long time, so the depreciation curve bottomed out. I could have sold it privately instead of traded it in for a few grand more. But the dealership where I bought my brand new replacement LX570 GAVE ME A GREAT DEAL THAT IT WAS A NO BRAINER. One thing to keep the n mind is when trying to sell a vehicle like a late model LX570 privately, you run the risk of frauds and even if a legit buyer shows up, you still have to deal with problems with financing bc not too many banks will finance a vehicle over a certain age and usually requires a substantial down payment. This will take time to sort out.

So as long as one gets all the routine maintenance done properly and on time and document it, I think it's all good.

I understand where you are coming from, but all I need is one buyer. There are plenty of people out there. Plus there is always the Lexus dealership. I'm not too worried about it.

Did you know there are plenty of times where a Lexus dealership takes a Lexus car in and turns around IMMEDIATELY put it on the list for sale WITHOUT really check it out COMPLETELY? If I were in the market for a used LX, I will personally check it out PLUS hire an expert. There are lots of clues on the vehicle to tell how well the vehicle was cared for.

Active maintenance can be done at a dealer or an indy shop or by the owner. E.g., if I change the transmission fluid instead of assuming it will last for the life of the truck, will I end up with a better truck at 80 or 90K than someone who believes the atf fluid is "lifetime".


IMO, you're hanging it out there without a pre-purchase inspection by a shop not associated with the deal. In my neck of the woods, it's $100 or so and good insurance.

Their is an age component to this that is overlooked by many. Not the age of the vehicle, but the age of the owner. Yes, I used to do much of my own maintenance on all my vehicles, but now at 75 I find it makes much more sense for me to take my LX into the dealer for service. Now, I am fortunate to have a great dealership, but if I didn't I also have a great independent (who was an authorized Lexus service provider before the dealership opened). Routine maintenance runs me a little over $100, I get a loaner, a wash, and individual attention. At 75 it is worth every penny to not have to crawl under the vehicle.

It is not really about the money. For example a 20k service on a 2017 LX570 cost about $250 plus tax. That service includes an oil change, tire rotation and inspection of the brakes, suspension and so forth. However, I am more worried about it getting more damage. There used to be a saying when I went to Lincoln Technical school of automotive. The students and instructors there were so bad that any volunteer vehicles "that drove in, would be pushed out" lol. Of course I can understand since the students are learning to repair.

However, I feel that Lexus "white glove" treatment isn't what it used to be. For example when I bought the LX570 new a few months ago, I worked the roof rack into the deal. Well turns out the roof rack had a bad design and it rattles like crazy. Brought the vehicle back to Lexus to get it repair or replaced but rather than replacing it, they kept fiddling with it. There were more scratches on the roof due to the technician being careless when removing the roof rack. In the end I just got fed up and fixed it myself.

The technicians are very careless these days and all they care about is quantity not quality of the work.

Thanks to all those that replied and I hate to say it, but I think I may be the last of the few old school mechanics that take my time and is really careful with the customers vehicle. Lol

Oh yes, I've experienced similar.

On my LX570 first few complementary services, the Lexus dealership somehow scratched the rear corner bumper. I complained and they were able to buff it out. But still someone was very careless. And yes, they walked around the vehicle on initial drop off to note any PRIOR damage and since it was practically new at the time it was in a pristine condition.

On the next service the Lexus dealership somehow scratched up the rear bumper again!! But this time a little deeper requiring more work. So I had to schedule it to bring it back into it's body shop !! I was assured this won't show up on CarFax!! WTF!!

In the end, all got fixed. But the whole thing ended up taking me more time out to get it sorted.

It's all about numbers now for the Lexus dealership...... quantity vs quality.

I can see your point of view.

As long as I'm able, I'll do as much as I can myself. It actually relaxes me to get under and over the vehicle and appreciate how it all works and put together. I take my time. If I see something that requires expertise beyond what I can do, I will not hesitate to go for expert help.

Yes, as per my post......I'll hire an expert to do what I feel is beyond what I can do.

Take a picture or keep a record of all the oils/filters/grease guns/torque wrench/receipts. These are more meaningful. Those who dare to buy this truck used definitely know what matters.

Also if you do keep a good maintenance schedule, you can certainly rent/buy a cylinder compression tool to run a compression test on every cylinder. Attach these pics when you list it online for sell. Who can refuse a picture set of 8 perfect compression readings.

Or invite the potential buyer to accompany him/her to the shop of his/her choice to get it checked out.

Great ideas. I went with a leak-down (dynamic compression) tester v. the regular tool.


When I buy a used vehicle, it gets checked by a shop in addition to checking records. Last purchase was the '13 Land Cruiser back in August, 2015. I purchased that truck from a Porsche / Audi dealer about an hour away by air. All records showed service by Lexus dealers with no recommended services declined by the original owner. That said, I drove her home that night and scheduled a post-purchase inspection at LTS Motors in Boise. The PPI showed no issues whatsoever.

So assuming that the truck had no service records but looks clean, would you have hesitated to make the purchase that night? Or would you have it checked out at a local lexus dealership or indy shop first before making the purchase?

To me, I've made purchases of vehicles without service history as long as it doesn't appear to be neglected or abused. Funny thing is I've purchased a brand new Lexus IS300 back in 2002 from a Lexus dealer and two years later found out it had paint work on it. Lol

Excellent question. My answer...I'd have it checked out prior to purchase. There's always another right around the corner, but since Toyota imports very few to the north American market, patience and willingness to travel, not to mention pre-arranged funding, are all requirements if you are purchasing a used 200.

Frame and / or body work may or may not show up on a Carfax or similar. I can take either the Cruiser or LX to virtually any shop not affiliated with Toyota, pay cash, and never see a record other than on my AMEX bill. No secrets there. That, again, is why I recommend an inspection by a shop not connected with any seller, and that would include a Lexus or Toyota dealer. I would have a hard time believing that a dealer would honestly divulge a beat-to-death mechanical POS if the cosmetics look good. Finally, too much money at stake if you do end up with a dog.

Several years ago I flew to Chicago during the dead of the winter in January to buy an MB SLK55 AMG hardtop convertible. I was tracking this particular car via it's VIN for at least three months. Initially it was first put on for sale as a "certified MB car" at a legit MB dealership late fall. I even called and verified everything I could over the phone, including asking them to send me a pic of the odo. But the price was not right initially. So I did not go for it. Then it disappeared from that MB dealership and showed up at an independent high end car dealer that sold multiple high end brands (but not officially connected to any one if them as a dealership). There were used Lambo, Ferrari, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jags, MB, Porsche, and etc (not too many Japanese brands though). All well polished. So I checked mileage on the odo which did not increase but a few miles. Keep in mind in January it is cold and had SNOW!! I FLEW in and test drove and asked them put it on the lift and I checked it out (I knew enough about what to look for since I had owned MB's SLK hardtop convertibles before and did not see anything out of ordinary). Since it was dead in the harsh winter in Chicago.........who is gonna buy a convertible in the winter in Chicago?? Usually in the north people has two sets of cars for the two extreme seasons. There was absolutely NO RUST after I removed the plastic panels while the car was up on the lift. If they did not allow me to remove the plastic panels I'll ask them to remove them. If still a no go, then I'll just kindly thank them and leave. The vehicle was still under OEM WARRANTY for a substantial amount of time and mileage. So I took a risk and paid the guy and drove off. Never regret it. Knock on wood, all good to this day!!!

You just need to do your homework.

Could someone here please post when all the fluids should be changed in a 2011 LX570 or other LX models? eg oil,coolant,brake fluids ,transmission,shocks(AHC),steering,differential and transfer case.
The manual is not precise enough. Also why wait 100K for tranny fluid when it produces so much heat?

I tend to go by time v. mileage. So, SLLC coolant every two years. Oil every 6 months, M1 extended mileage and TRD filter. Diffs and transfer case every 2 years with M1 75W90. AHC every 2 years with Toyota AHC fluid ONLY.

Trans every 2 years...with the operative word "supposedly". 2-3 months ago Amazon had Toyota WS ATF for $6 per quart...I ordered a bunch. Set an alert on Amazon and you may be pleasantly surprised. Valvoline "Max Life" synthetic also meets Toyota's WS spec with no issues reported on mud from users.


I do the driveshafts every oil change.


Power steering once a year, M1 synthetic ATF.

The ATF fluid definitely NEEDS to be changed for the reasons you described.

For engine oil, I use 0W20 with the late fall change and 5W-30 for the spring change. Mobil 1 extended mileage...wait for Walmart to put it on sale.

heh

Steve

Power steering 60k. All kinds of threads on oil. Toyota/Lexus recommends 0w20 synthetic for your LX. I change it every 5k but I'm sure 10k would not hurt anything since that is what Lexus now recommends.

are spark plugs 100k item as well?

in canada everything is "sped up" lol. I will have a look

This car has no timing belt so when should one change the water pump and thermostat?
in my other cars with timing belt I replace the thermostat and water pump when I
do the timing belt service.

Spark plugs...I replaced oem Denso iridium's at 85K for s & g's. The gap on all 8 was huge v. new Denso replacements. I've scheduled next spark plug R&R at another 75K.


At the latest, pump and t'stat should be replaced as soon as you see signs of leakage (dry, spongy dried residue from SLLC). Collective opinion on mud is at 120K for PM, since you've got other major maintenance items at that mileage.

huh mine is at 95k, you think the plugs should be done then? What do stealerships charge for that these days?

I'd guess north of $30 per plug but really no idea as it's an easy diy.

Heater hoses at passenger side rear of engine need removal to get to #8. That means draining half a gallon or so of coolant
so they can be removed without spilling anti-freeze all over. You'd also be well served to replace the heater hose "T's" while you're in there. Lexus sells the two 3-hose assemblies only, so you ask for the plastic T's for a Sequoia or Sienna...same exact T but sold separately.

If you do get it done at a dealer or indy shop, let us know the $$$ damages. ;)

"MUD' is a website filled with info on the 200 series trucks... https://forum.ih8mud.com/forums/200-...-cruisers.136/

"PM" is preventative maintenance.

hth

As soon as I hear "draining coolant" I am thinking dealer lol. I think oil changes and brakes are as far as my diy skills take me, I was never great with my hands. My next service will be in March so will see what the dealer says. Thanks for the advice

I got the "personal recommendation maintenance" from Lexus website. looks like spark plugs are not for a while yet. thoughts?