2Is 75K Service

[Lexykid]

I'm contemplating on taking my car to Lexus for its 75k log book service and was wondering if its worth it or am I better off on taking to a local mechanic or even someone like Ultra Tune to perform the log book service?

What I don't understand is the big difference in the service prices I received from what Lexus offers and what other mechanics/Ultra tune offer for exactly same log book service needed. The difference is anywhere between $200-$300 less for non Lexus dealer. All the prices received included the fuel filter replacement which I've been told is semi big job in itself.

Furthermore, I also would like an upper engine de-carbon clean. Even this the prices quoted vary from $44 to approx $250.

So is Lexus dealer service worth doing?

Current drive is a 2008 IS250 SL

Appreciate any advice or opinions given.

Finally, if you know of any good mechanics in the inner west area or around the Bexley area that can assist that also would be appreciated. Oh yeah and I need a courtesy car as well for the day.

[coconut2001]

There are a few threads around about it already, try using the search. like http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/10006-75k-service-due-soon/page-2
But things to consider, are the local shops using genuine parts, do you get a loan car, are they doing it properly.
Ultimately, its up to what you are willing to pay.
I did a service at ultratune once, they spent the whole day doing spark plugs and didnt do anything else. Waste of time.

Of course every ultratune is different but I'll go to lexus for the major service for peace of mind.

[I CU2]

I ask for the replaced parts back when doing a service to know that it's been done - they don't have a problem with it. The 75k service requires the removal of the rear seats to access the fuel filter, I'd probably feel a bit better taking it to Lexus for that one as they know exactly what they're doing when they service 250's everyday but not sure how hard it would be for an independent?

[Wind Chaser]

It really depends on the mechanic, a good experienced mechanic would carry out these tasks easily provided he is a GOOD mechanic, not some apprenticeship boy who is still learning about everything.

[Lexykid]

All points and opinions considered - Thank you!

At this stage I'll be swinging towards booking it in with Lexus mainly because of the type of service it requires this time round.

[quockies]

I needed to save some money so I did my 75K service myself using all OEM parts I bought from Lexus besides the oil. The fuel and oil filters cost me $145 and oil about $70 (Castrol Edge). Oil change is straight forward to do but changing the fuel filter takes a bit more time.

To change the fuel filter, the back seat needs to be removed, fuel pump/filter housing removed from fuel tank and taking the assembly apart. If the local mechanic has not done one of these changes before, they may not know what to do and not change it at all. The only way for you to check if they done it is to remove the fuel pump/filter housing from the tank.

Took me over an hour to change out my fuel filter.. made sure the tank was near empty as well.

[quockies]

Do you have the Part Number for the fuel filter?

is it: 23300-31140

Yep that's the one.

[thisiskevin]

Hi all,

I just dropped my is250 for the 75k service at Chatswood lexus. The guy quoted me that the major service would cost me 1200 and to replace brake discs and pads for the front wheels costs 800 (including labour) and to fix a water pump 800. Hence totalling to $2800. Can someone please help me confirm this price, because I feel that it maybe overpriced.

Much appreciated

[Lexykid]

I just recently had my 75k service completed at Chatswood Lexus and just the service alone was no where near what you were quoted.

I paid $688 which also included a courtesy vehicle delivered and picked back up from my workplace.

This service completed also included the replacement of the fuel filter in which the rear seat had to be taken out.

As for the replacement of the brake discs & pads, I would recommend your local mechanic do this part of the job as well as the water pump. You will find that they would be able to complete the job much less than what you were quoted by Lexus. I had my front brake disc's and pads replaced by my local mechanic and cost me all up around $550. Brembo discs and pads were used.

Hope this helps!

[quockies]

Hi all,

I just dropped my is250 for the 75k service at Chatswood lexus. The guy quoted me that the major service would cost me 1200 and to replace brake discs and pads for the front wheels costs 800 (including labour) and to fix a water pump 800. Hence totalling to $2800. Can someone please help me confirm this price, because I feel that it maybe overpriced.

Much appreciated

When you mentioned the major service - Are we talking about the 75K or the 90K servcice. The 90K service sounds about right (most of the cost is actually the spark plugs) but not for the 75K service.

I had my water pump replaced about 15K ago and that costed me around $750 (Melbourne City Lexus)

In regards to the brake disc's and pads - As suggested my Lexykid - take it somewhere else to get it done. You can find a brake specialist who can supply and install them for you or you can do your research, buy the parts on line (Pads, disc's etc) and get your mechanic to install them your self (if your not good on the tools - there are plenty of youtube videos online on how to).

[vs2306]

I have been researching into this for the past 2 months. Same car btw. Dealer wanted $900 for the service, which I felt was quite expensive for a minor + in-tank fuel filter. Went to visit my mechanic yesterday, who normally looks after my other cars.

He quoted $400, using Genuine Lexus oil filter & fuel filter, engine oil flush; and the oil is Mobil 5W30 Semi Synthetic (http://www.mobil.com/AP-English-LCW/carengineoils_au_products_mobil-super-2000-5w30.aspx). Said he would reset the service indicators too, I can do that myself anyway.

I also have a slight feeling about the rear brakes needing some work. So I called a local brake specialist. He quoted $280 for the pads and machining the rotors. If the rotors need replacing then $630. This is using genuine lexus pads and rotors.

Now I have the following questions:

1. Are Lexus cars difficult to work on? Do they require any specialist knowledge, like a European car? Or can a competent mechanic work on them?

From what I've read, its pretty simple like a Toyota underneath.

2. Anyone had any experience with this particular oil in an IS250?

Now I've read different opinions on the oils, such as full synthetic is the best and that everything else is inferior. However I'm not interested in turning this thread into a debate about oils.

[quockies]

I'm not a mechanic myself but I've done the 75K service myself, installed coil overs, brake disc and pad changes and it's pretty straight forward.

I guess thats one of the things I love about jap cars

[vs2306]

I'm not a mechanic myself but I've done the 75K service myself, installed coil overs, brake disc and pad changes and it's pretty straight forward.

I guess thats one of the things I love about jap cars

True that. I booked it in with my local mechanc, will post details on how it goes. He's done in-tank fuel filters before. Don't know if he's done it specifically for an IS250 before. I just hope he uses Genuine parts, as requested. As opposed to the aftermarket stuff like wesfil or ryco.

[quockies]

What you can do to make sure is to buy the parts your self and give it to him but then again who knows if he has used them

Intank fuel filter and cartarge oil filter haha

[vs2306]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing. But I decided not to go that route. Coz if there's a problem with the part (or if the mechanic doesn't take responsibility), then its my problem and I'll have to sort it out. I did check the prices with lexus though, so that I could tell if he's inflating the prices or not, which he isn't.

At least if he orders it in, then it should be covered under his warranty. E.g. If the fuel filter starts leaking under warranty, I can take it up with him and he'll have to sort it out.

Maybe next service, which is the 90,000 km service (THE BIG ONE). I may consider taking that to the dealer, considering its an extensive service, and ask them to return the old oil filter. That may be a good indication as to whether he used genuine parts or not.

[I CU2]

What you can do to make sure is to buy the parts your self and give it to him but then again who knows if he has used them

Intank fuel filter and cartarge oil filter haha

I asked an independent mechanic for all my parts back - old filters, chuck the oil filter in the plastic bag for me, bottles etc. I guess they expect it from some people though.

[vs2306]

A bit of advice, considering what I went through.

For those of you, considering getting the service outside of Lexus. Tell the mechanic, that the fuel level sensor is delicate and that it needs to be fitted back perfectly.

After the service, my fuel level guage was saying 3/4 filled, even though I filled up a full tank.

More details here: http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/12334-faulty-fuel-gauge/?p=46590

Anyway its all fixed now, so I'll just keep monitoring it.