How often does an RX-350[2009] AWD need to have it's transmission fluid changed...thanks

 

That model uses Lexus World Standard Transmission Fluid only. Lexus claims it is good for the life of the car. Many here disagree and change it at 90,000 miles. The TSB on WS fluid is attached;

 

I intend to do a drain and refill every 20K miles. Cheap insurance at 4 quarts ($37 ebay) + $60 labor.
In fact, will also replace the power steering, coolant, Transfer case and rear differential fluids in the coming weeks.

08 RX350 AWD (90K miles)
08 Avalon Touring (88K miles)

 

I totally disagree and so does Lexus.

 

Ok. We agree to disagree on this. Keep in minded that my 20k drain and refill starts at 80k miles and I am sticking to it. To me $100 every 2 years (wife drive 10k per year) is worth it.

 

If you can get 4 Qts out a time that is awesome. My GS350 (same tranny as RX350?) only allows 2 Qts to come out in a drain/fill. Downside here is the tranny/torque converter holds 12 Qts.

So I did a drain/fill procedure every 5000 miles starting at 100k miles (basically every time I did my engine oil change). Once the fluid is cherry red again, I'll stop and then repeat in another 40k miles.

Anyone know if the RX350 tranny has a filter/screen in it like the RX330?

 

Definitely not a lifetime fluid, don't buy into that!

If I owned a RX350, I'd drain and fill every 30k miles. As a previous poster said, cheap insurance.

Toyota WS base fluid is thought to be a mineral by some, but T/Y claims synthetic anyways at the very least change every 50-60k miles.

T-IV and WS have the same additive package, the only difference is that it's low viscosity. This fluid is not lifetime.

 

WS fluid is synthetic. I don't buy into the lifetime fluid claim either. My fluid was changed out at 60k under warranty because of a gasket leak. I most likely will change the fluid again at 120k.

 

Used some incorrect language in my original post...sorry but i'm not a "car person"...dealer wants to do a transmission flush on my RX-350 AWD with 90,000 miles........there is this independent auto shop that will do this service for $100 less but they use a synthetic oil which is supposed to duplicate the WS T/Y fluid......this shop is very honest.....even said a drain and fill might be just as good.....open to any of your thoughts and appreciate your helpful comments.

 

I would skip the flush and do a drain and fill. I would also use genuine Toyota WS Fluid.

 

The 'universal' fluid the indy is using would make up for a lot of the cost difference. Shop nearby Toyota and Lexus dealers for best price, IMHO. Using one of them should insure that the proper fluid is used.

Tom