My 2004 RX330 has had no maintenance other than oil changes in the past two years. My exhusband took care of my car while we were married and after we divorced I never really thought about it because I wasn't used to worrying about maintaing my car. I'm at 136K (mostly highway miles) so I'm sure there are several things that need replacing. I'm just afraid of taking it somewhere blindly and getting taken advantage of. Can anywhere give me a clue as to what maintenance might need to be done at this point?

 

It depends on how many miles were driven in the 2 years since your last major sevrice. Look in the manual in your glove box and you'll see the recommended service schedule. Count back the number of miles driven and look at the servrice intervals between that and 136k.

 

With that mileage you need numerous maintenance items done. Brake Fluid Changed and most likely new pads, Timing Belt Changed, Engine Air Filter Changed, Cabin Filter Changed, Transmission Serviced, Cooling System Serviced. This is going to be expensive but it needs to be done.

 

One more thing, did your ex have any work done at Lexus? If he did they would have a record of what was done. Also you can register the vehicle at the Lexus website to see any work done by Lexus over the life of the vehicle. You will need the VIN number to register. (link below):

https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home

 

Thanks for the advice. I knew this was going to be expensive. I've probably put on over 50k since my divorce so I know things need to be done. It runs fine but I would like to keep it running since its paid for!

 

Welcome to Clublexus....do you have a reliable mechanic around the area?

 

that timing belt needs to be changed out. Lets say if it brks, there's alot more $$$$ out the window plus you'll need a loaner.

I'd let a mechanic look at those tires. I will be they're wore down pretty good

 

Based on age and mileage and the fact you really aren't sure what was done to the car when the ex was maintaining it you need to consider some pretty major maintenance.

Things to do:

The timing belt and water pump if they have never been done. Around 1k at an independent shop.
Complete fluid change:
Transmission
Radiator
Brake fluid
PS fluid
Oil etc.
Spark plug change
Belts and hoses

Check maintenance items, brake pads and rotors, tires, alignment, intake and cabin filters

If you don't want to spend all that money at once, plan it out with your mechanic, do related items at the same time to save on labor. If you don't have an independent mechanic now is the time to find one. if you are near Dallas I can recommend either Davenport Mtrs on Inwood or in Plano or JP Importz in Garland. There are others but I have personal experience with those two companies.

 

I would add a check and possible replacement of the battery to Carver's list. Just something that needs to be looked at after that amount of time. Probably fine though as you did not commenteon it..

Would look for a good independent shop or Toyota shop to give your vehicle a thorough going over. Not a quick lube shop. Will cost you a few dollars for this inspection. Do not hesitate to go to a few shops. Some may take advantage of your situation -- being uneducated about car maintenance needs. Talk to family, friends or neighbors to get recommendations.

Once you find a shop you can trust and you get your inspection report you will have a check list of what needs done. That along with regular maintenance needs noted in the Owner's Manual will give you your plan. Work with the shop on getting the important items addressed in a manner that fits your budget. As mentioned above the timing belt, water pump, accessory serpentine belt, tensioners and such (this is all one repair) should be first on your list. If the timing belt breaks you will be left stranded, without a vehicle for a bit and with a much more expensive repair.

We can help you here online in building what is a reasonable list of things to do and when once you get an idea of where things stand with your RX.

If you need wiper inserts (blades), a shop like AutoZone will put new ones on your vehicle for free if you buy them there. Just keep the OEM blade (the metal part) just in case it is needed some time down the road.

The cabin filter for the air conditioning is something you can easily change out yourself. They are sold at your local parts shop, AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts, as well as online with Amazon. Instructions on its replacement is in the Owner's Manual and is discussed here in the forums if you search. Just a matter of turning a few ***** inside the glove box, pulling out the old unit and putting the new one back in.

Good luck. Let us know how it works out.

 

I agree with all of the above recommendations.
I would say brakes and battery should be a priority besides doing timing belt.
Brakes and tires must be worn out by now after 50k miles!
Doing those 3 items would cost around $2,000-$2,500 (depending on the tire cost - if you have 17" wheels those will be a little cheaper than the 5-spoke 18").
Good luck and welcome to the Lexus Forums!

 

Hi, most Lexus dealers will do a complimentary safety check during an oil service. It's worth the small expense, and you can have them check for its service history, if he had them do the maintenance on the car. It's a starting point and they can give you recommendations for future service.

 

Or else take it to a reliable Toyota dealer. Welcome to CL.

 

If the car doesn't have any problems. You can get away with not doing all of the service at once.

If your going to keep the car. Do the easy cheap stuff first. Filters and such.

Take your car to Toyota for the oil change. And have them inspect the car.

On each subsequent oil change get one maintenance item done.

Just do them in the order of worse to best.

Since its all highway miles. Your brake pads may be last.

On the timing belt. Ive been on this forum for years. And never heard of one breaking.

 

+1 - do this first as it is the most essential and expensive in terms of repair. These belts will last a while but you're at the upper end of timing belt life if it is the original.