RX450h

[Melvyn Butcher]

Hi everyone.

I am pleased to have found this forum.

I have a 2014 RX450h Premium with 34k miles on the clock. So far six years of trouble-free motoring.

I live in East Sussex can anybody point me in the right direction of a recommended local Lexusl independent who can look after my vehicle?

Doing a low mileage each year I find the service charges a tad on the high side with the dealers.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Spock66]

8 minutes ago, Melvyn Butcher said:

Doing a low mileage each year I find the service charges a tad on the high side with the dealers.

I think good independents are few and far between, I'd suggest keeping with Lexus whilst you still qualify for the Relax scheme (get your last service just before 10-years and you will get another full year's cover).

Once you fall out of Relax, if your annual mileage is <5k I would suggest you could probably get away with a service every 2-years, an intermediate MOT will highlight any major issues.

[Bluemarlin]

A local (non Lexus specialist) garage will no doubt be noticeably cheaper but, when I shopped around, I found that independent Lexus specialists weren't that much different to Lexus dealers. In the end I stuck with Lexus and took out a 5 year service plan and got a 15% discount, which made it around the same (possibly a little less) as the nearest specialist.  Especially when you factor in the free hybrid health check and Battery warranty.

Part of the reason, and a benefit, was also that it enabled me to take advantage of the 10 year plus extended warranty.

[Melvyn Butcher]

1 hour ago, Bluemarlin said:

A local (non Lexus specialist) garage will no doubt be noticeably cheaper but, when I shopped around, I found that independent Lexus specialists weren't that much different to Lexus dealers. In the end I stuck with Lexus and took out a 5 year service plan and got a 15% discount, which made it around the same (possibly a little less) as the nearest specialist.  Especially when you factor in the free hybrid health check and battery warranty.

Part of the reason, and a benefit, was also that it enabled me to take advantage of the 10 year plus extended warranty.

Many thanks, Blumarlin. Exactly what I was thinking. 

I really am in a catch-22 situation, The car will be 10 years old in September 2024

I have spoken to two agents at the Lexus call center. I) to find out the costs of the two services. The last service was an intermediate one, and the next one due September 8 will be a major service.   2) I enquired about setting up a service plan the minimum period is two years. I must pay in full for the September 8 service which means the plan will run to 2025. Both agents were not aware of the 10-year warranty for vehicles over 10 years old.

My nearest Lexus dealers are either Tunbridge Wells or Gatwick. As the car was purchased from TWells and I have a good relationship with them I think I will pay them a visit to discuss my options and sort out any discounts available. Many thanks for your input and I will keep all options open. Regards 

[Bluemarlin]

If you're thinking about the 10 year plus extended warranty, then it might be worth looking into a longer service plan. You'll have to service at Lexus to maintain the warranty anyway, and you might get a discount if you commit to a longer plan. You can pay it monthly (interest free), so it won't cost any more, and it locks in the price against any future increases in service pricing. The plan is transferable if you sell, or can be terminated for a fee.

You'll probably need to push the dealer to contact Lexus for details of the 10 year plus extended warranty, which also includes UK and European breakdown cover. It's around £560 a year for an RX 450h, and payable in 10 monhly direct debits.