Being told I need major service (2008 RX350) - shoud I do it?
07-22-17, 08:27 AM
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Being told I need major service (2008 RX350) - shoud I do it?
Hi! I have a 2008 Lexus RX350 with about 144,000 miles on it. Currently our teenage daughter is driving the car so we'd like to keep it going - but, it seems like we need to put some significant investment into the vehicle. What we're being told is:
1) 150,000 mile service: $803
2) Transmission Flush $150
3) Coolant System Flush $150
4) Various filters
5) Power Steering system - hopefully its a hose but even for that, we've been quoted $950. It's leaking so we know something needs to be done. If the pump has to be replaced, of course it would be more
6) There's an oil leak which we've been told was due to a seal being broken on the timing case which needs to be resealed. It isn't a big leak so we don't need to do anything immediately but when it needs to be done, we've been quoted $3,500 since the engine would need to be dropped
6) 2 tires + balance and rotate
7) We have some cosmetic issues (got hit in a parking lot) and need a new front bumper. Insurance will cover but there's still a deductible.
We're at a loss as to if it makes sense to make the investment. If we felt confident that we would get continued life from the RX350 I think we'd do it - but, we really can't afford the repairs if we're going to have to turn around and do something else.
1) 150,000 mile service: $803
2) Transmission Flush $150
3) Coolant System Flush $150
4) Various filters
5) Power Steering system - hopefully its a hose but even for that, we've been quoted $950. It's leaking so we know something needs to be done. If the pump has to be replaced, of course it would be more
6) There's an oil leak which we've been told was due to a seal being broken on the timing case which needs to be resealed. It isn't a big leak so we don't need to do anything immediately but when it needs to be done, we've been quoted $3,500 since the engine would need to be dropped
6) 2 tires + balance and rotate
7) We have some cosmetic issues (got hit in a parking lot) and need a new front bumper. Insurance will cover but there's still a deductible.
We're at a loss as to if it makes sense to make the investment. If we felt confident that we would get continued life from the RX350 I think we'd do it - but, we really can't afford the repairs if we're going to have to turn around and do something else.
07-22-17, 10:05 AM
#2
Lead Lap
You can try at Toyota, prob be 2/3 the price. They are very familiar with the motor as it is used in Highlanders, vans, Camry, etc and charge less. At your mileage, def do filters and coolant. Run 'high mileage' oil for timing cover leak. Very common, small leak but def monitor it as it can worsen and
get oil on accessories and belt there..alternator too. Using h.m. oil will swell seals and diminish leaks until you are ready to service. Enough experts and everyone else have said to avoid flushing trans fluid. Old clutch materials can be forced into small orifices and/or when totally removing that material a lack of friction can occur, creating slipping. Def change old trans fluid though, but do it in a series of 3 drain and fills, with some driving in between. This way u don't clog trans, and slowly replenish fluid allowing trans to adjust better to new viscosity. Read through the DIY sticky and most of what u need is easy cheaper DIY. All common stuff and your dealer is correct and advising u properly at that mileage.
get oil on accessories and belt there..alternator too. Using h.m. oil will swell seals and diminish leaks until you are ready to service. Enough experts and everyone else have said to avoid flushing trans fluid. Old clutch materials can be forced into small orifices and/or when totally removing that material a lack of friction can occur, creating slipping. Def change old trans fluid though, but do it in a series of 3 drain and fills, with some driving in between. This way u don't clog trans, and slowly replenish fluid allowing trans to adjust better to new viscosity. Read through the DIY sticky and most of what u need is easy cheaper DIY. All common stuff and your dealer is correct and advising u properly at that mileage.
07-22-17, 05:59 PM
#3
Definitely overpriced, Filters & Fluids can be done as DIY projects as the Power Steering...
plenty of info here with step by step instructions as BlackLexRX also mentioned. That already would save you a ton of $$$.
Anything that requires a hoist, or removing engines or transmissions, best to find a local small shop familiar with Toyota products, will charge you much less....
after all, plenty of Toyotas on the road therefore there should be some knowledgeable mechanics & reasonable rates available in your area.
plenty of info here with step by step instructions as BlackLexRX also mentioned. That already would save you a ton of $$$.
Anything that requires a hoist, or removing engines or transmissions, best to find a local small shop familiar with Toyota products, will charge you much less....
after all, plenty of Toyotas on the road therefore there should be some knowledgeable mechanics & reasonable rates available in your area.
07-22-17, 07:29 PM
#4
What is involve in a $800 150k mile service? I don't have a maintenance schedule handy but aren't coolant and spark plugs in the 100-120k Mike range? Shouldn't need done again if they were done on schedule. Power steering leak is likely the common rack leak. Mine had the timing cover leak diagnosed right before I sold it, I recall a common issue with that when it gets bad is oil leaking on and ruining the passenger side lower control arm bushing. The engine and HVAC filters are DIY for around $35. If AWD make sure it's safe to only replace two tires.
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