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".

Planning on purchasing a used 1999 Lexus ES300, However Im afraid the maintenance cost for Foreign vehicles is much higher and pricier. Can anyone help me?

the es 300 is like a toyota camry. look under the hood it’s all toyota parts. there is no really no big difference. just replaced my timing belt and water pump total for parts and labor 430 dollars at toyota. just make sure it was serviced and taken care of you will be okay in repairs. i bought my 1997 es 300 in 1998 with 15,000 miles. i still own it with 182,000 and i have had no major issues. same engine and tranny. i had to replace egr valve and oxygen sensors which was not costly. in 11 years under 2,000 dollars in expenses for repairs.

Little electrical problem we had in the 1999 RX300, I explain it in the video. I jump it off and take it for a test drive. The problem HAS BEEN FIXED like I said at the end of the video, enjoy!

Duration : 0:7:21

I heard the ES350 has more technology and the ride quality is just as good as the LS430. A con I have for the LS430 is that a new model of LS will be coming soon, and the LS430 will soon become a thing of the past.

You heard correctly, the new ES350 is now being called the baby LS. And it’s because it is now has more technology and luxury features available than those of some earlier LS models.

I test drove one a couple of days ago and the ride is great. Plus it has great power; V6 w/ 272 hp vs. the LS V8 w/ 278. The engine is also more advance and better gas mileage.

And if you have not seen the new LS in person, you don’t want to get an old LS 430 because the new model will make it look severely outdated. By the way, the new models of the LS will be the LS 460, LS 460L (long wheel base) and next spring the LS 600hL (long wheel base hybrid).

And as some uninformed people think, the ES 350 is not the same as a Camry. The older model was on the same frame, but not the same vehicle. The new model is on a modified frame and Lexus vehicles use different metals and even different properties in the type of glass used in the vehicles, not to mention a higher level of technology.

Go for the ES 350!

Visit http://www.autonetwork.com for the largest collection of new car introductions.
Interview with Dick Kelley, Eastern Regional Manager, Lexus. Dick discusses the Lexus and Toyota road tour for automotive journalists to test the safety features on Lexus and Toyota models.

Duration : 0:7:13

Two cars and a ton of gravel. Which paint finish can handle the onslaught?

The 2010 Taurus is so innovative we had no choice but to compare it to world-class sedans. Watch all of the demos at http://www.fordvehicles.com/2010taurus/.

Duration : 0:2:21

I have driven bmw 5 new model for almost a year now and i didnt like it… i own a 2003 camry in which its has a better feeling bec its light but lacks of power in terms of racing on the road compare to bmw and it sways tremendously while swerving but still for everyday drive i prefer camry compare to bmw bec its more comfy and not sluggish…. but of course i want to change it , pls help me… thanks

Lexus, definitely

I am a 22 yr old single male that loves to cruise around a lot in the streets of Los Angeles. I am not into the racing scene so I don’t care how fast the car goes. I hear the mercedes is expensive to maintain but I know the owner of a local mechanic shop and he gives me great prices. Is the mercedes a every day car to drive or is it a weekend car. I love the way these cars look and I can’t decide which one to get. all three cars have less than 80,000 miles and are in my price range which is $22,000. How is the gas mileage on these three cars. And please don’t tell me to get an American car.

In my opinion you should go with Bens. The Lexus ES is just a Luxury Toyota Camry (FWD) with a few extra goodies, not that there no good but bens is pretty sweet especially the S class with its in RSS suspension. RWD. If you choose the Lexus go with the GS it’s and actual Lexus with RWD not a Toyota with the Luxus Logo.

There is a very good Toyota dealer that takes care of my Camry. They only charge half as much as the Lexus dealer for the same level of maintenance. They say the drive train is the same, and the mechanics all know about the Lexus. Is that true?

yup

I think ES350 and Camry are simular vehicles. The Camry is cheaper (starts at $18,000, about $25,000 for a nice one). The ES350 is more expensive (starts at $33,000, at least $36,000+ for a nice one). In my opinion, they are both a pretty good value.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid. With almost 200hp it’s a great preforming vehicle (0-60 in about 7.3 seconds) yet it gets great fuel economy (43mpg in the city).

The ES350 is nice BUT it offers very little in terms of driving dynamics. For the same money you could get a BMW, Audi or Infiniti with RWD (AWD in the case of AUDI), a sport oriented suspension and great handling. The Lexus ES350 is going to out-Buick, Buick.