Multipoint inspection, other maintenance?

[ke4unr]

It's time for the 20,000 mile scheduled maintenance on my '04 LS V8 which amounts to oil/filter, tire rotation and Multi-point inspection (recommended).

I don't know yet what the dealer will charge for the Multi, but was wondering if anyone else can shed any light on the subject? Do most of you have it done or skip it and save the dough ray me? This is the first time I will have dealer service done.

We purchased the car in October with 18,700 miles. No service records, but it appears to have been well maintained. Records (CarFax, etc.) say the original owner was a large rental company in NY, for what that's worth. So, I'm wondering if I ought to have them do the 15,000 mile service while I'm at it. It includes even more inspections and changing the cabin air filter. The message center indicates the cabin air filter at 76%. Would it be a good idea to change it now? Is this easy enough to do myself?

Thanks in advance for any sage advice!

 

[Qbrozen]

I don't know what years this applies to, but when i took my '03 in for its first service since I purchased it, the service tech told me everything is covered! So they performed the 30k mile service for free!

surprised the heck out of me. so you may want to inquire if your service is free or not.

 

[ToddG]

I don't know what years this applies to, but when i took my '03 in for its first service since I purchased it, the service tech told me everything is covered! So they performed the 30k mile service for free!

surprised the heck out of me. so you may want to inquire if your service is free or not.

Qbrozen, your service was free because the 2003 models have a 3-year 36K mile complementary service program. However, that program was reduced to 1 year or 12K miles starting in 2004. So the service for ke4unr will not be free.

My advice would be to simply call the dealer and ask what they charge for the 20K mile service. I don't know what it would cost because all the maintenance for my 2003 LS is free.

Oh, and BTW, don't be fooled by the message center indication that the cabin air filter is at 76%. The circuit that displays this number is a simple timer and has nothing to do with the actual state of the filter. If it was my car, and knowing it was owned by a rental company, I would have the dealer do the 15K service.

 

[ke4unr]

Qbrozen, thanks for trying to help. It didn't hurt to mention it, but no such luck here.

ToddG, thanks for the info. I called the dealer and they're running a special on the 20K until the end of the month - $36.95. Doesn't sound too bad to me!

I asked about doing the 15K as well, and his recommendation was just let them pull the Cabin Air Filter and inspect. If it needs replacing, that'll cost $75. Glad I don't have to replace those too often.

All in all, I'm more relieved now. We traded a '93 Lexus SC400 in for the LS so I still have scheduled (and other) maintenance nightmares!!!