Get Lexus service at Toyota and save?

[soupcxan]

[deleted]

[MindBogler]

There is no reason to my knowledge. The cars are often materially the same as standard Toyota models with slight alterations in appearance or performance. The same goes for Lincoln/Ford, Infiniti/Nissan and others, probably.

[bloom2708]

I think you would be completely fine to do an oil change at the Toyota dealer and save $110.

My city doesn't have a Lexus dealer. Closest one is 220 miles away. I go to my independent mechanic for service.

The one thing you would miss out on is the free loaner and the luxury waiting area. For a 30 minute oil change/tire rotation you likely wouldn't borrow a car and it is tough to drink $110 worth of coffee.

You may be at a point where $110 isn't even a blip on the financial radar. Or maybe one shouldn't get to a point where $110 doesn't matter.

[djpeteski]

At $70, I am doing that myself. About 30 mins, for tire rotation and oil change, $20 in parts. Sorry but I don't make $100/hour after taxes.

[Jack FFR1846]

To continue the series.....

Take it to an independent mechanic: $60.

Do it yourself: $35.

(I do this stuff myself. It's easier than finding that the mechanic screwed things up and I have to redo or fix their mistakes)

[barnaclebob]

Does the lexus dealer use full synthetic and the toyota conventional? That would explain about $35 of the price difference.

Anyone else notice the price of synthetic oil going up in the auto parts store lately? It was $45 before tax for 5 quarts of Valvoline synpower and a bosch steeltech filter on Sunday. O'reilly didn't have any specials this week I guess.

[Nate79]

Oil change, tire rotation - these type of things there are no reasons to go to Lexus dealer (or any dealer for that matter). However, for the independent mechanic note that some of them use cheap universal oils and filters that may or may not be to spec for your car. So just a word of caution on that part. Best to be informed what is actually being done with your car.

[bloom2708]

Oil change, tire rotation - these type of things there are no reasons to go to Lexus dealer (or any dealer for that matter). However, for the independent mechanic note that some of them use cheap universal oils and filters that may or may not be to spec for your car. So just a word of caution on that part. Best to be informed what is actually being done with your car.

This is a good point. I just put in Mobile One in each car. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Using full synthetic allows me to basically do a Spring and Fall oil change. It may be 50% more, but I drive 50%+ farther.

I can change my own oil, but it just isn't worthy my time. So I will happily pay the $60 to $70 for an oil change/tire rotation.

[mw1739]

We take my wife's Acura to the Honda dealership for service. Cost savings are similar to what you've quoted. No concerns whatsoever.

[pochax]

you will get a better waiting lounge, better quality coffee, and probably better snacks and chairs in the Lexus dealership. that is primarily what you are paying for (i am a former Lexus owner).

[soupcxan]

[deleted]

[investordoc]

When I owned a Lexus IS350 i would take it to the toyota dealer for the oil change and tire rotation. I think those cars need the toyota oil filter. However, once when I had the tires rotated the mechanic doing the work switched the tires from front to back. Those cars have different sized wheels in front and back. I noticed weird handling on the way home and when I got there found out why. I called and went back where they corrected the problem but didn't really apologize for the screw up or offer anything for my inconvenience. I checked the tires before leaving from that point on.

[dm200]

Called the Lexus dealer for a quote on a straight oil change and tire rotation in our hybrid Lexus: $180
Called the independent Lexus specialist for the same service: $170
Called the Toyota dealership: $70
Is there any reason not to just take the Lexus to the Toyota dealer and save $100?

Amazing difference ...

[Nate79]

At $70, I am doing that myself. About 30 mins, for tire rotation and oil change, $20 in parts. Sorry but I don't make $100/hour after taxes.

With accounting for the time required to get the supplies, do the work, and dispose of the used oil I am looking at almost 2 hours all-in on a weekend to DIY. That's 2 hours of prime time with my toddler that I can't get back. I have no problems "paying" $50 for that.

Why isn't that toddler swinging a wrench?

[FrugalInvestor]

When I owned my last Lexus, a RX330 which was mechanically equivalent to a Toyota Highlander at the time, I took it to the Toyota dealer for all service except warranty work. I did this because I found the same kind of price differences you are seeing. The waiting room wasn't quite as plush at the Toyota dealer but I'm sure the mechanics were just as qualified and I was always satisfied with the work.

[friar1610]

I had a '97 ES-300 when I moved from MD to VT in 2005. There were no Lexus dealers in VT (but plenty of Subaru dealers ) so I used a local garage for oil changes, tire rotations, etc. On the few occasions there was a brand-specific issue I went to the Toyota dealer.

[sleepysurf]

I've always taken my 2010 Lexus hybrid to local Toyota dealer for service. Typically <50% of the price for comparable Lexus service, and haven't had any issues. They even send me discount coupons specifically for my Lexus. They stamp my paper service record, and I manually enter the service dates into my online Lexus Owners record. Of note, when I needed to replace a damaged passenger side-view mirror a couple months ago, Lexus quoted me ~$995, and said it would take hours of labor. Toyota replaced it with Lexus OEM part for ~$450, and it took 30 mins! I bring my own coffee to the Toyota shop.

[warner25]

When my first new Toyota hit its first scheduled service interval, I took it to a Toyota dealership for about $150. Never again. Since then I've gotten what appears to be the same service (even better, without needing to make appointments) for about $35 at any other shop. I just got an oil change (conventional) for $20 with a coupon at the nearest AAA car care center. Our new car will take synthetic oil and the AAA shop said that it would cost $60-70, so I guess that's about as good as it gets.

Last time I needed a repair, I found that the nearest Toyota dealership quote was literally more than double the price quoted by several independent shops. That's egregious. I assume that working with a Lexus dealership would be even worse.

[whodidntante]

At $70, I am doing that myself. About 30 mins, for tire rotation and oil change, $20 in parts. Sorry but I don't make $100/hour after taxes.

Agreed.

[sunny_socal]

At $70, I am doing that myself. About 30 mins, for tire rotation and oil change, $20 in parts. Sorry but I don't make $100/hour after taxes.

With accounting for the time required to get the supplies, do the work, and dispose of the used oil I am looking at almost 2 hours all-in on a weekend to DIY. That's 2 hours of prime time with my toddler that I can't get back. I have no problems "paying" $50 for that.

I taught my toddlers how to change the oil and rotate tires. They're 13 and 15 now and can (almost) take care of themselves

And it only takes a half hour in the driveway, my trips to the dealer including driving would likely take two hours.

[new2bogle]

At $70, I am doing that myself. About 30 mins, for tire rotation and oil change, $20 in parts. Sorry but I don't make $100/hour after taxes.

With accounting for the time required to get the supplies, do the work, and dispose of the used oil I am looking at almost 2 hours all-in on a weekend to DIY. That's 2 hours of prime time with my toddler that I can't get back. I have no problems "paying" $50 for that.

I taught my toddlers how to change the oil and rotate tires. They're 13 and 15 now and can (almost) take care of themselves

And it only takes a half hour in the driveway, my trips to the dealer including driving would likely take two hours.

Impressive - I've never seen a 3 year old change oil!

[smackboy1]

Called the Lexus dealer for a quote on a straight oil change and tire rotation in our hybrid Lexus: $180

Called the independent Lexus specialist for the same service: $170

Called the Toyota dealership: $70

Is there any reason not to just take the Lexus to the Toyota dealer and save $100?

Why not take it to a local independent mechanic who works of Lexus? If the car is still under warranty, make sure to use an OEM filter and same oil as OEM. In the past I've supplied my own filter and oil, and the indy shop just does the labor. This is a good way to cultivate a relationship with an indy mechanic you can use after the factory warranty expires.

Whatever you do, do not take it to a bunch of hacks at the local quicky lube place like this guy:

https://jalopnik.com/lazy-idiots-at-lub ... 1748394648

[SmileyFace]

you will get a better waiting lounge, better quality coffee, and probably better snacks and chairs in the Lexus dealership. that is primarily what you are paying for (i am a former Lexus owner).

Wow - twice the price for a better cup of coffee.
Personally - I think the luxury car dealerships charge more because they can get away with it. A lot of folks buy luxury cars and then feel they need to take it back to the dealer to assure good service - not true. OP: I wouldn't hesitate taking it to Toyota (or a trusted independent). I don't blame you not wanted to DIY - not what I went to college for

[Globalviewer58]

Had oil change and tire rotation on Lexus at Sears two weeks ago. FREE tire rotation coupon had me out the door at $36. I drop it off, walk to work and pick up at end of day so no waiting time.

[Spirit Rider]

Impressive - I've never seen a 3 year old change oil!

No, but when you aren't watching and they pour some of the new motor oil on themselves, you have set a new low in your wife's expectations. Then all you have to do is not screw up much and she is overjoyed. Marriage is all about exceeding expectations.

[RareBog]

so I just purchased a new Lexus after owning a Camry for 10 years. I usually do my oil changes/rotations at local Toyota dealer with a coupon. I called the same dealer asking if I can bring my new Lexus after my 2 free services are done. They said yes, but please schedule appointment a few days in advance as the special filter is needed, and they may not have it in stock and will need to order. otherwise, they will honor synthetic oil coupon [$70 I think], no problem! I didn't even ask my Lexus dealer yet how much, the car only has 1,500 miles. but I fully intend to continue going to Toyota dealer for my service.

[Nowizard]

Toyota Avalon is essentially a Lexus by another name, so they are familiar with Lexus. Also, anyone can change oil and rotate tires. That is why Jiffy Lube, Valvoline, etc. exist.

Tim

[dm200]

Toyota Avalon is essentially a Lexus by another name, so they are familiar with Lexus. Also, anyone can change oil and rotate tires. That is why Jiffy Lube, Valvoline, etc. exist.
Tim

It actually depends on the model year of the Avalon. Older Avalons (as I read) were a variant of the Camry and more recent ones are variants of a Lexus. BUT - I don't disagree with the post otherwise.

[WhiteMaxima]

Yes. Save money.

[sc9182]

Called the Lexus dealer for a quote on a straight oil change and tire rotation in our hybrid Lexus: $180

Called the independent Lexus specialist for the same service: $170

Called the Toyota dealership: $70

Is there any reason not to just take the Lexus to the Toyota dealer and save $100?

Yes - there are some "general" benefits going to dealership service. If there are some "silent recalls" or "service advisories" and/or "adjustments" -- they could go over those and do them at the time of changing oil.

Also - if there are slightly gray area items such as excess wear-and-tear of any items during warranty period., they could address those items as well. Most importantly, dealerships (thru Lexus support & approval) - extend courtesy replacement/fixing of a few items which may fall slightly beyond manufacturer warranty coverage period.

Not saying - Lexus'es have many/any-such problems much, but they any of such "silent" "unknown-to-us" items could be addressed with a dealership visit.

How about you optimize this decisioning process:

A. Mostly take it to dealership during manufacturer/CPO warranty period
B. Slightly outside of warranty period (or miles) -- if you have any items need to be addressed, may be you could request dealership to extend courtesy fixing on such items.
C. After warranty is over: Take it to (or DYI) many of oil-changes, tire-rotation etc -- at local "reputed" station. But - still take it to dealership not so often -- so, they can go over it (and any applicable/specific issues) from time to time
D. Major services (30/60/90 etc?), try to do those at dealership. Demand them to extend any discounts (military/AA/frequent-customer/buyer/local-college-dude etc), or a coupon, or special-price.

Notes: If you do service at outside shops, save receipts like those are "cash money". At times, manufacturers are willing to extend warranty, or to do one-time-adjustment to warranty on premature engine failure, or transmission failure etc. All they would like to see is your "in-dealership" services (which they have access to), and your well kept supporting "paper-trail/receipts"! Besides - when/if you want to sell car locally to any individuals or on Craigslist, this service history - greatly supports such "sale"