Originally Posted by lesz

For the service at 15,000 miles, 25,000 miles, etc., the only thing of consequence that is called for is the tire rotation. The other recommended services are basically just checking things like whether the floor mats are installed properly, checking fluid levels, and other checks that could easily be done by anyone in a few minutes.

Basically, those intermediate service intervals are just pure profit for the dealership. I can get a tire rotation at the Toyota dealership for $10, and they will do all of the other checks as courtesy checks for no charge. If a Lexus dealer charges $40 or $50 for the 15,000 mile service, they are just padding their profits. If they charge hundreds of dollars by convincing the customer to pay for additional services that aren't even on the list of recommended services, they are purely gouging the customer and assuming that Lexus owners have more money than brains.

Even tire rotations at 5000 mile intervals are not really necessary. As long as there are no alignment issues, the tires will wear just as well if they are rotated at 10,000 mile intervals that coincide with oil changes, but if people still want to do oil changes at 5000 mile intervals, that can be done for a lot less than a Lexus dealer will charge. Many tire dealers will even do rotations for no charge as a good will gesture to encourage customers to come back to them when they need to buy tires.

The bottom line is that, unless you have money to waste, there is little point in going to the Lexus dealer for the 15,000 mile, 25,000 mile, etc. service intervals.

Originally Posted by Freds430

Agree 100%. I had a free 15,000 mile service and did not use it. Lexus dealership round trip is an hour drive. The only thing they would have done that I needed was a tire rotation and IMO every 5,000 mile is overkill. I have never go in and ask for a 10,000, 15,000, 30,000 etc service. Whatever was going to be changed I ask for ala carte being oil change, brake fluid changed. I change the air and cabin filter myself once a year bought on line. They are bought about $20 and take five minutes to change both. Dealer wants over $150 to do this same thing.

I would not feel comfortable doing this with any other manufacturer except Toyota. We both drive about 12,000 miles in a year. Every 3 1/2 year we put on 30,000 miles. It cost us around $415 for maintenance for both. It breaks down as brake fluid change every 30,000 miles $120. Filters at $40 ($20 for air and $20 for cabin) replaced twice total $80. Three oil changes at $141. I buy Mobil 1 at Walmart the five quart jug for $24. Twice a year in the fall and spring Mobil has a $12 rebate all done on line. Send a pic of receipt. Takes five weeks. Toyota filters bought on line for $5 and Toyota and/or Lexus charges me $30 labor to do the oil change. Three tire rotations $25 each for a total of $75. A luxury vehicle that cost us over 3 1/2 years $415 to maintain is incredible. Now one could argue I can do this with my Mercedes or BMW. Good luck!!!

Originally Posted by mikemu30

Well done. I totally agree with your approach. The only thing I can't be bothered with is bringing the oil to the dealer. 5k tire rotations will never pay for themselves.

Originally Posted by aznkorboi

Gonna take my baby to the toyota dealer near here in Irvine. I bought my own oil from costco, it's on sale now, and I'll buy a few filters from factory lexus parts with the cl5 discount code.

I asked and they said it would cost about $30 to change the oil. I also checked out a local mechanic who charges 27.00 to change the oil if you bring your own. I really like this toyota so I'll prob go with them!