There was one thing I never saw coming with owning this car.
Here's what I am facing at work since I got my IS in February... Many customers have come in after seeing my car and joke and comment the following, "Oh, you have a Lexus now... you can afford to give me a discount..." Or, ".... big time now, you have a Lexus..." etc etc. Like just because I got broadsided in my A4, had it totalled, have had back problems for months, fought my insurance company tooth and nail to get a fair buyout on the Audi, spent weeks emailing dealers to get the lowest possible lease, I don't deserve to have a decent car like the IS? Of course that is the true story, but you can't go explaining that to every joker making a comment. Most are just kidding, but I never got these remarks when I aquired my A4 in 2003. It's just funny how there is something about the Lexus name that exudes something I wasn't expecting. Maybe it's the TV commercial announcer's voice that sounds snobby over the years? Maybe it's plain old jealousy? I find the whole thing more curious than anything. Anyone else experience a similar reaction?

 

Yes, I have similar experiences. During the first few months, I actually tried to keep the car in private; parked my car far and not even mention I purchased a new car. After awhile I just didn't car what people think or how they react. It is a car that I paid for and I can enjoy it anyway I like. Being in my line of work (piano teacher), it is hard to avoid such remarks. Maybe if I were in another field I would not be treated this way...

 

Interesting, I guess living abroad, lexus doesnt have such strong correlation with "class" and "prestige" as it does in the states. Here in dubai while its still considered a luxury car, its not regarded as onthe same level as its german counterparts. Here audi bmw and merc are the ruling bloc in terms of luxury and being flash. While lexus is very popular here there still exists the toyota sub par interior quality stigma. (obviously most of these peolpe have never sat in a lexus before). And to be honest that ignorance is more aggravating than people thinking your a baller. So next time some one throws you a comment stick your nose up in the air, and tell em "blow me" lol

 

the comments people make reflect more about them than they do about you so don't worry man.

i don't know what kind of business you run but i heard about a t-shirt that a local car shop employee was wearing... "we proudly screw over the next customer so we can give you a discount!"

haha. maybe you can try that line.

c.

 

LOL! I love it! I'll run that by my boss and see if he'll go for it.

 

im actually kind of embarassed sometimes. one time last year i was driving around and i accidentally cut off my teacher in his jeep. the next day in class he gave this speech about suburban kids with their expensive cars and how they act like they're on top of the world =\ stared
right at me and then said '"right Ron and Gabe?" im ron and my friend gabe had a newer f150 on 24's at the time (currently has an a4)...in his situation he was playing music too loud and annoyed the teacher.

not only that--when family or my parents friends come over and they see my car outside they're always saying how lucky i am but inside theyre just saying wow you're spoiled. w/e

in general people do see you differently when you have a car like a lexus--although usually it isn't bad.

 

I've heard that stuff for quite awhile.In the beginning it bothered me a little when certain people would say something.
Now with two Lexus vehicles,I'm really hearing it but it doesn't bother me at all..

 

I've gotten my share of eye rolls - hell the director of my department asked me straight up how much I paid for it. He's a fan - owns an ES and wanted to know but STILL.

In the end, what are you going to do, change their minds? Explain your whole life story to them? It's like a tall guy explaining why he's not good at basketball. I'm a little out of context here, but if they start complaining about your bread, say "Bread is for peasants, I eat cake, biatch!"

 

ya i got a couple of weird comments, i just tell them its a higher end toyota and they said shut up and drop it. w.e in the end its still a sexy LeXus which is on a whole differnt level then Toyota. its stylish, luxurious and sleek. I love my lex, plus i worked hard for it. why not reward urself with a lexus?

 

i think the lexus, bmw, mbenz and other high end names just represents a status symbol if that makes sense. that's why people make such big deals about it. now if you drove a ford or chevy in example it's just a normal thing, but who wants to do that? haha no pun intended

 

Life is meant to be abundant lol...
There's a reason why we all got this car...I mean we all have different reasons but in the end its the car we wanted, so it doesn't matter what other peeps say.

 

I think we all have experienced the jealousy in one way shape or form. Personally, I could care less because I love these cars. I would not let it bother you at all. I also would refrain from developing resentment and hostility as a result. This will only act to add fuel to the parties involved in their jealousy. I had a couple of people at my last job in wonderful Corporate America constantly comment on my gen 1 in a snobbish way. It was always clean and I parked far out to avoid dings. I basically stated, go buy one if you are that infatuated. If you notice, these parties concerned are typically those of lower class who sustain a woe-is-me attitude but do nothing to correct it. They subsequently lash out at those enjoying life. Having said all this, have fun with your "IS" and remember, you have great taste.

 

You might try letting them know that you are a male escort after work.
That usually changes the subject

 

That was a wise response and very simple (LOL). Often times, if you change the subject in a manner that cannot be rescinded, you have have won the ability to have annoying people not bother you. My point is, mountain biking is fun.

 

For me no one really gets into my "business" about my car and how I bought it. One of my coworkers just asks how the car is treating me etc...

Like Brian (above) I park my car at the end of the lot to avoid the knuckleheads from dings...

When I have been approached with the "oh you got a Lexus, huh?"
My response is "yeah and here is why _____" fill in the blanks.... all of them are justifiable ...

Even with the "girl-car" comment doesn't get to me... My comment has been...
"Yeah she is a beauty, isn't she? And she's low maintenace, unlike that 'b-tch' you call a car"