by Reed on January 22, 2010
We’re looking at getting a used SUV, and we’re looking at are the Lexus RX350, and the Porsche Cayenne. We’re looking at the 2006 model of the Cayenne, and the 2007 Lexus, with about 10-30k miles. How much is maintenance (especially the 50k and 100k mile tune-ups) on these two vehicles? And are there any other vehicles like the BMW X3 you would recommend more? Thanks.
Also, are there any other SUVs (like the BMW X3 or X5) that are cheaper to maintain?
Just a quick recommendation.
German cars are expensive to repair and require a lot of mainteance.
Japanese cars require far less scheduled maintenance. Anyone who can fix a Toyota can work on a Lexus.
Two exceptions…
BMW pays for the first 4 years of scheduled maintenance.
Subaru requires spark plug and coolant changes every 30 months, compared to every 120 months for Toyotas and Hondas. As a Subaru owner, I have asked Subaru why and have received no acceptable explanation.
by Reed on January 22, 2010
I know Lexus does this with certain models as my friend drives a new IS 300. Since Toyota basically owns Lexus, would a Toyota dealership get rid of minor rust or install my back license plate (screw is stuck in with screw remover head also stuck in while I was trying to get it out) for free or discounted?
It is a 1999 Toyota Camry LE
You’re misunderstanding something.
First, Lexus does not offer free maintenance for life. Hell, Lexus doesn’t even offer free maintenance during the warranty period like BMW does. Lexus covers the initial 1,000 and 5,000 mile check-ups. After that, it’s the owner’s responsibility. They may have done that once or twice a few years ago for a promotion, but no longer. Even then, it was only for maybe 3 years, not life.
There ARE pre-paid maintenance plans (Vehicle Service Plans, or VSAs) – but again, not free.
Next, you said "new IS 300". I’m assuming you mean new to him, since the IS 300 hasn’t been manufactured since 2005.
As to the second part of your question, some dealers will just do little stuff like that for free in order to foster loyalty and win your business when you need a new car. Doesn’t hurt to ask.
Stategic way to do it – take it to the dealer for your next oil change. Yes, I know, a little more expensive than Jiffy Lube, but hang with me – also ask about getting that little stuff done. Chances are, they may just do it, if they quote you a price, easy enough to say "never mind".
by Reed on January 22, 2010
Is there some method for resetting the light other than an OBD-II device?
When you vehicle reaches five hundred miles from the scheduled maintenance it will blink for a little while then go away. Once you have reached or gone over the scheduled
maintenance it will remain steady on. To reset
Make sure only the odometer display is on – ie. it is not
in trip a or b mode. Once done, press and hold the reset
button next on the left next to the steering wheel, then cycle
the key to accessories on. The dashes will disappear one by one on the odometer display until gone. Once gone the resetting procedure is complete.
by Reed on January 22, 2010
hi there. i own a 2007 Lexus IS250 black color. i bought the car brand new on 30th august 2007. i am planning to go on a vacation over the summer for almost 2 and half months.
i dont have enough space to fit my car in the garage so i will have to keep the car out in the sun the whole summer. i am confused of what will be the best way to keep it. should i use a car cover or anything else? should i keep the windows open for ventilation? if i do then if it rains nobody will be there to close it. also, the battery is gonna die. will it be covered under warranty? in one word, there will be nobody using the car for the whole summer and it will just stay there on the parking. please tell me what will be the best things to do to keep the car safe and causing no harm. thanks for your advice.
Wash and wax it before you go and buy a protected car cover that has good ventilation and as for the battery I would leave it connected for protection against thief due to the vehicles security system also don’t leave a window cracked open, instead start the car and put the a/c controls to the vent mode and this way you will have air moving through the car.
by Reed on January 22, 2010
sorry i didn’t write more details…i want to buy the most affordable variant of lexus. can you suggest one? as I’m clueless. I’m 30 yrs old, so do you think the insurance cost will go down?
You should also consider that such a car may be expensive to insure. Check your insurance rates before buying one, for example here – carquotes.imess.net
