I have a 2004 RX 330, has 48k miles. I totally love this vehicle! I have had no problems with it and have only brought it in for the 5k service. My question is what do most of you think about the service calls. From what I can see, they mainly just do a lot of "checking" and the only real sevice is topping fluids and an oil change. I have my oil changed about every 5k and use synthetic oil, so I'm wondering if there is any "real" advantage to having the dealership do the service intervals.

 

Definitely not worth it IMO.

 

If your car is out of warranty then I'd pass on the dealer service. Just get it done at a trusted shop nearby, or you can do it yourself.

 

Oil changes are normally a DIY, if you are up to it. Or else, learn and be confident that you did the right job everytime.

Otherwise, a Toyota dealer will do you good as well as a Lexus one. And much cheaper rate.

 

And yes, you are right, much of the "service" is check this and that...but do they actually do it? Maybe not. You also can do the checks specified.

 

Yesterday, I looked at the spare tire and was surprised.
The spare tire was brand-new while the other 4 tires already had nearly 20000 miles
Apparently, the Lexus dealership never used the spare tire as part of tire rotation.
This also bring doubt about the dealership rotating any tires in the past 3 service visits.
So, it's better if the car owners could do the oil change and tire rotation themselves. You save cash and you are sure the work is done right.

 

actually, for some reason you have to request to have the spare included on the rotation as there will probably be an extra charge.

i would not doubt previous service because the spare is untouched.

 

I would rather not use the spare in the rotations. When the tires need replaced, you either have to buy five new tires to rotate again or you have a worn out spare that won't (shouldn't) be included in the rotation of the new tires.

 

There's pros and cons to 4 tires vs. 5 tires.
I've done it both ways.

I just want to add this:
I had a car that I didn't drive that much. I blew a tire on the highway.
The tire still had 40% of the thread but sidewall had cracks.
Tire store manager, sometimes the tire blew because of its age.

The rubber in the tire will dry out after a few years, and cracks will
develop on the side wall. These cracks decrease the integrity of the side wall.

By the time you replace the 4 worn tires, the spare tire may or may not be structurally weakened and may have to be replaced too.
If you don't use the spare tire at all then you will replace it w/o getting any use out of it.

 

I replace all five tires at once and do not include the spare in the rotation. The small price to pay for another tire and peace of mind that comes with it is well worth it. And considering my RX is the DD, the uneven tire wear would be a problem.

I have had my 1st and 2nd gen RX serviced at my dealer. Sure, I could go somewhere else or do (some of) it myself. But the service department is great. I get discounts and freebies. IMO where you take it is more important than what you pay.