Threxx

Just wondering if IS250 maintenance costs are as bad as they were when I had my GS400 and took it to the dealer... like 30, 60, and 90k mile services costing a grand or more a piece?

Do some of you guys just go to independent mechanics or what? Seems like a base-ish model IS250 could be a nice, well made, somewhat fuel efficient, and actually somewhat PRACTICAL of a car if you could find some way to avoid the Lexus dealer sucking your wallet dry every service interval.

I mean for example... how do IS250 repair costs and maintenance costs compare to a Camry or Corolla?

It almost seems like there's just some sort of extra 'wealth tax' that you pay for having any premium brand car... like "we know you have the money so give it to us!".

I'm just weighing around options when my 335i lease is up... I think I want to buy something and drive it for ~100k miles or so... something on the less expensive side to buy and own in terms of gas and maintenance.

I'm even considering something like a Civic, but by the time I get the EX-L model it's already 20 grand and I just think 'well for 10 more grand I could get a IS which is a way nicer car in every way'.

LIS350A

If you are worried about long term maintenance costs why not lease again?

I gather you don't really want to go the practical route if you need to go top of the line even when considering a Civic. Another reason to lease and get more car for a lower monthly payment.

llamaboiz

lol... dont you know? after your first free service, NEVER GO BACK~ go ask around in the regional section where ppl take their cars. hahaha

Threxx

I'd rather be practical in terms of ownership costs (fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation) and spend a little more on the car itself.

I enjoy and prefer being practical but not at the expense of disliking the car I drive. I'd really just rather be smart about it and not pay more than I HAVE to for things like maintenance.

I want to hold on to this car for 100k miles or so... I'd definitely come out ahead $$$-wise vs leasing after 100k miles.

Evitzee

After your initial free service, you shouldn't have huge out of pocket bills. Most of the services you mentioned aren't necessary, all they are going to do is 'check and inspect'. If you change your oil and filter with them ($50 in Austin, TX) the maintenance costs aren't that bad.

Owning a Lexus is no different than owning any luxury product, the ongoing costs are higher. That is part of the plan by the manufacturers. Lexus can't provide the white glove service (free loaners, food, pickup, etc) without charging for it. Nothing is free.

Threxx

It was somewhere around 65-80 dollars for my GS400 to get an oil change at my local dealer. I understand that this is necessary with the loaner car and car wash if you're only getting an oil change but what doesn't make sense to me is it remains just as marked up even if you get other services. It's like each service has a moderate loaner car charge built into it even though you typically only have the car for the day regardless of how many services you get.

Torii

I have 22k miles and have only paid for oil changes so far at $35 a pop...so $105 bones for 2yrs and 22k miles... I will need new wiper blades soon tho