I recently went to get an oil change on my RX330 and they said I needed my 15k tune up, which would cost me $400. I asked what they would do and they just said inspections and change the air condition air filter.

Anyone know exactly what they do and if it's really necessary? And if all they do is change the AC filter, does anyone know where it's located? I know some manufacturers put them in weird places.

Speaking of oil changes, is it alright to get oil changed at jiffy lube vs. the dealership? Lexus doesn't use any special synthetic oil or a special oil filter right? I figure after-market would do fine, suggestions?

 

The one thing I did at my 15K service, which I regret, was changing the tranny fluid. That's what was recommended on a detailed service list I got from the dealership. And I believe that the tranny fluid is changed at a way higher mileage than 15K.

I never take my RX in to Lexus for basic maintenance; only for recalls. And my dealership uses regular oil, not synthetic.

Not sure where the AC filter is located, sorry!

 

The A/C air filter is behind the glovebox. Just pull the two pins holding the glovebox up, drop the glovebox, and pull the gray frame out to replace the filter. I ordered several from irontoad.com, and easily change it myself.

 

I maintain many of our Ford trucks at Jiffy Lube and i think that is ok as long as you watch what they are doing to your vehicle and dont just sit in the waiting room and assume the work will be ok. Also the quick lube place might be ok if you are changing fluid every 3000 miles. I also use their synthetic blend in my trucks and it has served me well. Their cheap oil filter and bulk oil is not good for the longer intervals in my opinion. The toyota oil filter is better than what they use at quick lube. So no i would never take my Lexus to the Jiffy Lube, however many Lexus owners do go to Toyota dealerships and save money that way and still get Toyota quality products. And a good number of owners do the simple oil changes themselves, its quick easy and the least expensive way to get quality. Lastly the toyota dealerships in my area often run oil changing specials that make them very competitive.

 

15k service/ 2 year / might be expenssive since it requires: air, fuel, oil, a/c filter changes, oil changed, differential oil (if you have 4x4 drive), brake fluid changed and takes 2-3 hours.

If you are doing 7.5k service intervals, then synthetic is probably what you are using, so it is a bit more expensive.

You might get a better deal at Toyota dealership because they charge lower work rates, and you still get the genuine parts.

If this is all they do at 15k/2 year service, it is not that expensive.