I agree with timing belt and w/p @ 90K, but I also think we can easily talk ourselves into extra maintainence, since a lot of us grew up when many services/items were supposed to be done way more frequently. The only problem I've ever had is with dealer recommended (as opposed to factory) service schedules (but there I go on that tired old issue, so I'll stop).

But I do think T/L (factory in general) engineers have a better understanding of maintainence requirements for equipment that they have designed and manufactured to specified tolerances than we do...................

 

Gekko, I looked at my Air Conditioner filter at 15k-mi and it was pretty full of all kinds of debris, particularly small pine needles. (I replaced it). I guess it depends a lot on where you live, but I'd recommend at least looking at it every 10k-mi.

 

i minimized my list - how does this look? am i missing anything critical? -

LEXUS MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 2009

2004 Lexus ES 330

Every 5,000 Miles:
Oil and Oil Filter

Every 30,000 Miles:
Air Filter
Air Conditioner Filter

Every 100,000 Miles:
Coolant
Timing Belt, Water Pump
Hoses and Belts Check
Transmission Fluid
Spark Plugs/Tune Up
Power Steering Fluid
Battery Check

Every 6 Months:
Wax Application

Every 2 Years:
Wiper Blade Inserts

 

Pl include brake fluid change as applicable.

Battery and Tire replacement by time(5 or 6 years), rather than mileage??

 

i asked the Lexus dealer service adviser about brake fluid replacement and he told me "it's not necessary since it is a 'closed system' and they don't recommend it and never do it unless something is wrong."

thoughts on this?

 

looks like this guy heard the same thing -

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IS300 - Brake Fluid Change
My Lexus IS300 owners manual says to change the brake fluid at 30,000 miles. Toyota dealers are telling me they usually dont have to change the brake fluid ever on a Toyota. How different can a Lexus be? How important is it to change the brake fluid and how often? My 2004 IS300 has no modifications and has 32,500 miles. Three southern New Jersey Toyota dealers told me it would cost 100 dollars to change it. Cherry Hill Lexus dealer told me 160.

http://my.is/forums/f115/is300-brake...change-292731/

 

and another view -

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One of the reasons Lexus demands that brake fluid be flushed every few years is that as brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air it's boiling point is reduced, and in a situation like you encountered it is possible to boil the fluid in the calipers. Then you would have almost no brakes at all.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...r&f=90&t=39709

 

I just did my 30k maintenance.
I changed the Lexus air filter, 3 self-made cabin filters myself. Lexus changed my oil using my own oil and filter for $18 and brake fluid for $150. Took 1.5 hours. So all in all $275 for labor and parts. They were quoting me $390 or $450 for the full 30k maintenance.

 

What about lower ball joints.. no one is going to suggest changing those? Don't end up like me.. riding around w/ only 3 wheels!

 

this is what i'm now down to -

LEXUS MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

1. Every 5,000 Miles - Oil and Oil Filter
2. Every 30,000 Miles - Air Filter, Cabin Filter
3. Every 100,000 Miles - Coolant
4. Every 1 Year - Wax

 

Some of the newer cars are recommending cabin air filters at 10k intervals. Dont forget spark plugs at 60k on some cars, and 120k on others. Transmission fluid at 100k for the world standard fluid cars (although id recommend it sooner). Rear differential every 30k.. And most new Lexus' are 10k oil change intervals.

 

At one time when it was recommended many years ago, and probably when gasoline and petroleum products were much cheaper, engine oil and filter were recommended at 3,000 miles. Then sometime in the late 1980s someone began recommending oil and filter replacement every 5,000 miles. I tend to agree with 5,000 miles.

I replaced by timing and serpentine belt at 82,000 miles. I didn't wait for 90,000. I had it done while replacing brake pads for the first time on 2001 RX300. While replacing brake pads, I had rotors replaced too. At the time the were $12 per rotor. I kept my old serpentine belt just in case the newer one would happen to break or if I needed it for length or for part number.

I checked my maintenance schedule for ATF and filter replacement but they don't recommend replacement. I've got 112,000 miles on my RX300 now and just a few days ago when shifting from park to reverse, the transmission wouldn't engage the revere gear. After a few times of moving from park to reverse and back into park did it finally engage the reverse gear. It hasn't happened again since. I was parked on flat service and not jammed against a curb or anything else. I hope my transmission isn't getting ready to crap out on me. This vehicle has been a great ride with very few minor problems. If the tranny does crap out, I plan to spend the money, which will probably be about $3800 or $4500. What are your thoughts on this?

 

1. Cabin Filter every 10K miles seems like overkill to me. i like 30K.
2. Spark Plugs? as long as the car is idling and running OK i plan on not changing them.
3. Transmission Fluid/Rear Diff - I've read comments that changing the Transmission fluid can do more harm than good. thoughts?
4. Power Steering Fluid - not necessary?
5. Brake Fluid - not necessary - "Closed system"?

 

you have to do the cost/benefit analysis. $4K-$5K is a lot of money to put into a used car but what's the alternative? buying another used car for $10K? $20K? or a new one for $45K+? a rule of thumb might be if repairs cost more than X% of the value of your current car or more than X% of the possible replacement car then you buy the replacement car.

 

Have you seen a cabin air filter at 30k miles? Gross.... you breath that air, its worth the money.

Spark plugs wear, its your choice to replace them or not. There doesnt have to be a rough idle to cause a degradation in fuel economy...

Transmission fluid at high miles thats never been changes, yes, it could actually do more harm than good. But at regular intervals, it is very beneficial.

Power steering is good to change every 60k or so. Fluid breaks down, sludges a little, and can cause leaks at seals.

Brake fluid, 2 years or 30k miles... the fluid is hygroscopic... it absorbs moisture. Its a good idea to change regularly..