RX450h brake fluid replacement or not at major service

[Barry14UK]

It's most likely that because there are comparatively fewer Lexus cars on UK roads than the premium German cars, there are relatively far fewer Independent specialists for the marque.  There was a list compiled of all independents by county with ratings for BMW specialists but I can't remember now whether I got this through being a club member or by searching the net.  Such a list for Lexus could prove useful for service and if a problem happened away from home, particularly for owners of older vehicles not wanting to pay Lexus Franchise rates for work.  Anybody know is there is such a list for Lexus? 

I have also noted that the range and choice of parts on eBay for example is far smaller than for main competitors, I suppose this is another aspect where you pay the price for Lexus being more exclusive,

[Passerby]

Thought I would report back on the outcome of the original post:

After ploughing through the service paperwork that I had been supplied with when I took out the 2 year servicing deal from Lexus, I realised there was more uncompleted work than just the brake fluid change. The major service that I had committed to in the srvice cotract was the Major 100k service which, from their Lexus paperwork includes amongst other things: replacing the brake fluid, replacing the hybrid inverter coolant, replacing the front and rear diff oils and the transfer/diff box oil. None of this had been done. There was a background issue that, when the service contract was set up it was configured by the sales rep to run until July 2020 (2 years 8 months, something of a sales tweak...) and hence there apparently 'wasn't enough money in my account for the service' when I booked the service at the end of year 2 with 100k on the clock. When I dropped off the car for first time this really wasn't made clear to me and I was told it would be 'sorted', I would have sorted it there and then if I had been asked to.

Anyhow, I kept all communication in writing (e-mail) in case it became more formal and, after having fielded some lines such as "we now do that at 150k" and "we dont repalce that anymore, it is sealed for life" I pointed out that we had a clearly written contract which I expected them to honour in full. At this point the Service Manager took it on the chin and agreed to book the car in for the outstanding work, which has now been completed. I am not going to name and shame because it has been resolved to my satisfaction in reasonably short order.

The moral of this tale is simply to get in writing a list of the work that is scheduled to be done according to the contract or service you are paying for and don't assume that, because it is 'Lexus' they will not make a 'mistake' - check the post service paper-work against your contract and chase if there is a discrepancy.

 

[Lager shandy]

Ha ha I bet they love you lol well done for the little guys out there .

[Illogan]

12 hours ago, Passerby said:

Thought I would report back on the outcome of the original post:

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Full marks David. Well done for taking the time and research to make sure the jobs were carried out correctly, and many thanks for sharing your experience with us

 

A worthwhile lesson indeed.......

[Barry14UK]

Well done in fighting your corner and getting a satisfactory result. A lesson there.

[Raz110]

Hi al, I know this is an old thread but Lexus sales staff always boast how the Brake Fluid is included in the Major service. One way you can confirm is to email them saying:

"I wanted a quote for a minor service, major service and also for a brake fluid change" , they will respond with the prices and will tell you 'but the major service includes the brake fluid change'

[jumbojake]

You need to check before, then after.

Our 2016 Rx450h has has 2 dealer services (I do the rest myself) ... in 2017, they said they did, but I could see the un-disturbed dust on the cap and a low fluid level it was clear they hadn't touched it.

I then treated the car to a dealer service this year .. (spark plug change) ..... and I could see they clearly did change the fluid this time... as the cap was wiped clean and fluid level was upto the mark

so, they are supposed to, but they do not always ... need to check.

 

note, in the US, Lexus do not change brake fluid on 2yr window, they change it on the moisture levels, which is often much longer, so no big sweat if it is missed once.