Servicing 2002 ES300 by 3rd Party?

Be wary wherever you take the car, of what fluids they are using. I would use only the Toyota Red coolant or Toyota T-IV transfluid in my car - NOTHING UNIVERSAL. Parts are parts. Why be charged 2-3x what they really cost. You will find out that dealerships are not obligated to use a certain oil brand in your car. You could save much by bringing your own fluids and parts. If you take it to a mini lube place, yes you can save money b/c the dealership rates are pretty high. It should not affect your warranty as long as the work was done properly and that you have documentation to show that the work was done/paid. Good luck

Check your Lexus owner's manual and anything else you can find from Lexus to see which tasks are required under the warranty. IIRC, those items are 3 year jobs, not 2 year jobs. Dealers are notorious for scheduling more service than is required under the warranty or recommended by the manufacturer.

I usually go over each item of service with the service rep over the phone and ask if it's necessary and if it's required under the warranty. They've always been courteous and I've often eliminated many costly and unnecessary tasks that way.

Take it to a Toyota dealer, the Lexus dealers will screw you at 2-3x the normal price for even basic services. Tire rotation and balance cost me $100, and 4 wheel alignment was another $100. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, then I must be an idiot. I will never again do anything other than warranty work at the Lexus dealership. I see no reason for sponsoring their fancy new showroom and freshly painted service drive. If you have tons of money, and you want the pampering, then that's fine, nothing wrong with that. But if you need to watch your expenses, then avoid service at Lexus. Just check your owner's manual for the necessary maintenance. The ES300 is basically the same car as the Toyota Camry, so the Toyota dealership can do everything except warranty work.