I bought my 2003 RX in December 02 partly due to the great reputation Lexus has for their service. Prevously, I owned a 96 Infiniti and Infiniti's service was impeccable. Ever since I bought my RX, I've missed Infiniti's service.
I've been really unhappy with my 'local" dealer's service who has recommended service (brake pad replacement, fuel system cleaning) that another Lexus dealer (one of Lexus' Elite dealers) said was not needed. At 30,000 miles, I took my RX to the "Elite Dealer" for the service. They did the 30,000 mile service. For the 35,000 mile service, I decided to try my local Toyota dealer. They were considerably less expensive (about 1/3 the cost) but they told me that my battery was bad and since it was still under warranty, I should go to Lexus and get it replaced.
I went to my local Lexus dealer who told me they would charge me $101.00 plus tax for a "diagnostic" on the battery but if it turned ot to be defective, they would credit me the amount. I also told them about my ignition key that fell apart. After 1 1/2 hours, the service advisor told me that the battery did check out to be defective and they would replace it under warranty BUT the key was not under warranty and would cost $340.00 plus tax to replace. They also said my air conditioner air filter needed replacing which would be $92.00 plus tax. Interesting, since the "Elite" dealer did the 30,000 mile service and part of that service was replacment of the air filter. I declined the air fliter replacement and declined the key replacement as well.
I have no doubt that the "Elite" dealer replaced the air filter as part of the 30,000 mile service. My experience with them has been impeccable. It's ashamed that they are a 40 mile drive.
As for the key, I contacted a local news station that has "shame on you" reports. I know two other Lexus owners who have had keys that fell apart. Lexus talks about perfection, but I've got to say that Infiniti was FAR better than Lexus in satifying my service needs.