First time poster...plz help on buying used
#16
Lexus Test Driver
If your vehicle is still under 'factory' warranty be careful having required maintenance service done by independent service centers or mechanics in lieu of the car maker's dealership service center. The car maker could/might/may use your non-use of their dealership service center (or non-OEM or aftermarket products) as an excuse to not cover related warranty issues. Engine oil/filter changes (engine damage), non OEM brake pads (rotor issues or accident insurance claims), etc., etc.
#17
^Sounds like a scare tactic from the dealership, IMHO.
Keep in mind, there are many Independent Lexus mechanics who were once mechanics at the Lexus dealership. In many cases, these mechanics were senior/lead mechanics in the dealership but went out on their own. So, they use the same OEM parts, use the same distributors, use the same equipment, do the same repairs but charge a lot less. In my area, there are numerous service mechs like these and consider themselves "the dealership alternatives". Ironically, dealerships will defer work to these Indy mechs when they are overloaded and can't take in any more repairs.
Bottom line, it's your choice. It's your money, your time and your car. I'm just offering alternatives.
If you feel more comfortable at the dealership, like the free donuts/coffee, like the panache/snob appeal and the free loaner....more power to you.
Just be aware, it comes at a premium.
Keep in mind, there are many Independent Lexus mechanics who were once mechanics at the Lexus dealership. In many cases, these mechanics were senior/lead mechanics in the dealership but went out on their own. So, they use the same OEM parts, use the same distributors, use the same equipment, do the same repairs but charge a lot less. In my area, there are numerous service mechs like these and consider themselves "the dealership alternatives". Ironically, dealerships will defer work to these Indy mechs when they are overloaded and can't take in any more repairs.
Bottom line, it's your choice. It's your money, your time and your car. I'm just offering alternatives.
If you feel more comfortable at the dealership, like the free donuts/coffee, like the panache/snob appeal and the free loaner....more power to you.
Just be aware, it comes at a premium.
Last edited by islandbeef; 12-20-14 at 11:52 AM.
#18
Silver lining here, my Independent Land Rover mechanic was a senior mechanic at the Land Rover dealership. He's so good, he became my Independent BMW mechanic and is now my Independent Lexus mechanic.
#19
Lexus Test Driver
^Sounds like a scare tactic from the dealership, IMHO.
Keep in mind, there are many Independent Lexus mechanics who were once mechanics at the Lexus dealership. In many cases, these mechanics were senior/lead mechanics in the dealership but went out on their own. So, they use the same OEM parts, use the same distributors, use the same equipment, do the same repairs but charge a lot less. In my area, there are numerous service mechs like these and consider themselves "the dealership alternatives".
Bottom line, it's your choice. It's your money, your time and your car. I'm just offering alternatives.
If you feel more comfortable at the dealership, like the free donuts/coffee, like the panache/snob appeal and the free loaner....more power to you.
Just be aware, it comes at a premium.
Keep in mind, there are many Independent Lexus mechanics who were once mechanics at the Lexus dealership. In many cases, these mechanics were senior/lead mechanics in the dealership but went out on their own. So, they use the same OEM parts, use the same distributors, use the same equipment, do the same repairs but charge a lot less. In my area, there are numerous service mechs like these and consider themselves "the dealership alternatives".
Bottom line, it's your choice. It's your money, your time and your car. I'm just offering alternatives.
If you feel more comfortable at the dealership, like the free donuts/coffee, like the panache/snob appeal and the free loaner....more power to you.
Just be aware, it comes at a premium.
You may have maintenance performed on your vehicle by any qualified person or facility. However, Lexus recommends having maintenance performed by an authorized Lexus dealership.
Lexus dealership technicians are specially trained to maintain and repair Lexus vehicles. They stay current on the latest service information through Lexus technical bulletins, service publications and training courses. Many are also certified through the Lexus Commitment to Perfection Certification Program, which requires specialized, state-of-the-art training as well as rigorous exams through both Lexus and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
You can be confident you’re getting the best possible service for your vehicle when you take it to a Lexus dealership. Plus, a Lexus dealership will always use Genuine Lexus Parts designed specifically for your vehicle.
Lexus dealership technicians are specially trained to maintain and repair Lexus vehicles. They stay current on the latest service information through Lexus technical bulletins, service publications and training courses. Many are also certified through the Lexus Commitment to Perfection Certification Program, which requires specialized, state-of-the-art training as well as rigorous exams through both Lexus and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
You can be confident you’re getting the best possible service for your vehicle when you take it to a Lexus dealership. Plus, a Lexus dealership will always use Genuine Lexus Parts designed specifically for your vehicle.
If the manufacturer wants to get out of fixing something under factory warranty they will first check to see if you have had the vehicle serviced at one of the manufacturer's dealerships. If not, they might want absolute proof from you that your independent mechanic used the correct engine oil viscosity, or oil filter, or gasket, or brake pads, or antifreeze, or brake fluid, etc., etc. related to the issue you expect the dealership to repair and/or replace under factory warranty; e.g. brake rotors, water pump, VVT-i assembly, oil control solenoid, etc., etc. The repair may be something rather minimal that can be repaired for under $100, or the repair could be something far greater like a major repair that reaches into 5-figures - like a seized engine. That type of problem would get most anyone's blood flowing! The dealership could take a strong stand and refuse to make repairs under warranty, or they could delay repairing your vehicle as they go up-the-ladder to district or regional levels to make sure the dealership's service center will be reimbursed for the repairs they make to your vehicle...and this can often take many days for confirmation or denial. Oh, don't expect a loaner vehicle! And, often it doesn't stop there. What are you going to do if they disagree with your view and deny repairs under warranty - sue them? That's not going to be a pretty outcome either!
THIS helps make my point. Note the technician's warning that is shown in RED.
Unless you drive well over 15k miles a year chances are you'll only need one major service per year. I'm not sure why anyone would trust ol' Bubba down at XYC Auto Repair to service their $50k+ Lexus to save a bit of money (if there is a Lexus dealership reasonably nearby), and take a chance that it is not being done correctly or something won't appease Lexus if/when something major needs repair. If it costs me an extra $100 once or twice a year to go to Lexus for required maintenance, then I'll gladly do it... I just won't go to Ruth's Chris Steak House or buy drinks for friends at the club once or twice a year if necessary, which is not necessary...
Last edited by bclexus; 12-21-14 at 12:59 PM.
#21
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Be sure to check if your BMW comes with free maintenance/repair work with the lease. Thus, making my point, moot. I'm assuming BMW is now aware that their customers have found work-arounds to keep ownership from being a money pit. Independent Mechs helped keep me sane during my BMW days, then I pulled the plug when BMW repairs/break-downs became too frequent (and I was helping my mechanic pay his kid's college tuitions).
Silver lining here, my Independent Land Rover mechanic was a senior mechanic at the Land Rover dealership. He's so good, he became my Independent BMW mechanic and is now my Independent Lexus mechanic.
Silver lining here, my Independent Land Rover mechanic was a senior mechanic at the Land Rover dealership. He's so good, he became my Independent BMW mechanic and is now my Independent Lexus mechanic.
#22
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How about this one? Aside from price (which definitely seems high), car looks clean. Just under 30k miles.
http://www.conicellitoyotaofconshoho...392244bcfb.htm
http://www.conicellitoyotaofconshoho...392244bcfb.htm
#23
How about this one? Aside from price (which definitely seems high), car looks clean. Just under 30k miles.
http://www.conicellitoyotaofconshoho...392244bcfb.htm
http://www.conicellitoyotaofconshoho...392244bcfb.htm
2013 Starfire Pearl F sport with 17,000 miles. RWD though.
I notice that one also doesn't have the Mark Levinson, not sure if that's a factor for you. If they would drop it for around $38,000 maybe?
#24
How about this one? Aside from price (which definitely seems high), car looks clean. Just under 30k miles.
http://www.conicellitoyotaofconshoho...392244bcfb.htm
http://www.conicellitoyotaofconshoho...392244bcfb.htm
#25
Lexus Test Driver
A few things I noticed, the engine had a weird ticking sound at idle. Don't know it this is normal or not because this was the first F Sport I looked at in person. on the test drive the car seemed a little sluggish. It didn't seem like it had any take off power. I switched it to Sport S (I think that's the name) mode and she seemed to wake up a little.
#26
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I went and looked at this car yesterday. It was very clean in and out. A few things I noticed, the engine had a weird ticking sound at idle. Don't know it this is normal or not because this was the first F Sport I looked at in person. Next, the previous owner removed all the emblems from the rear of the vehicle. Not a deal breaker but just something I noticed. Also on the test drive the car seemed a little sluggish. It didn't seem like it had any take off power. I switched it to Sport S (I think that's the name) mode and she seemed to wake up a little. Overall the car was nice but I wanted UW/Cab combo and was just checking this one out to get a feel. I discussed numbers with the dealer and his manager. To my surprise he didn't budge off his price. He kicked some BS about being at cost on that car and would love to sell it because he's had it for a few months now. I told him that Koons Lexus in Wilmington had a 13 F Sport certified w/ similar mileage and that was going for about 1k less than this uncertified car. He ended up coming $500 off his price and adding $500 to my trade. At this time of year and for the length of time he's had the car. I would've expected a more aggressive attempt to sell the car but it seems they're sticking to their guns on this one. If he would've came down to around 37k he would've made it hard for me to walk out but at his price it was a no brainer. I'm just mad that the one in Wilmington sold so fast, I knew I should've got up earlier lol.
#27
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Seems nice, looks like mine but mine is rwd. Purchased a few months ago for $44,000 2013 Starfire Pearl F sport with 17,000 miles. RWD though. I notice that one also doesn't have the Mark Levinson, not sure if that's a factor for you. If they would drop it for around $38,000 maybe?
#28
Lexus Test Driver
I went and looked at this car yesterday. It was very clean in and out. A few things I noticed, the engine had a weird ticking sound at idle. Don't know it this is normal or not because this was the first F Sport I looked at in person. Next, the previous owner removed all the emblems from the rear of the vehicle. Not a deal breaker but just something I noticed. Also on the test drive the car seemed a little sluggish. It didn't seem like it had any take off power. I switched it to Sport S (I think that's the name) mode and she seemed to wake up a little. Overall the car was nice but I wanted UW/Cab combo and was just checking this one out to get a feel. I discussed numbers with the dealer and his manager. To my surprise he didn't budge off his price. He kicked some BS about being at cost on that car and would love to sell it because he's had it for a few months now. I told him that Koons Lexus in Wilmington had a 13 F Sport certified w/ similar mileage and that was going for about 1k less than this uncertified car. He ended up coming $500 off his price and adding $500 to my trade. At this time of year and for the length of time he's had the car. I would've expected a more aggressive attempt to sell the car but it seems they're sticking to their guns on this one. If he would've came down to around 37k he would've made it hard for me to walk out but at his price it was a no brainer. I'm just mad that the one in Wilmington sold so fast, I knew I should've got up earlier lol.
The removal of the emblems (for me anyway) would be a deal destroyer right away. What else was changed/modified by the previous owner? When most people search for a pre-owned car like the Lexus GS 350 they want assurance that the car has been treated and cared for properly. That's not saying this particular GS 350 wasn't properly cared for, but most people do not debadge their car. You would never find a Lexus CPO vehicle at a Lexus dealership missing the emblems. And, anyone buying a CPO Lexus vehicle from a Lexus dealership can be assured that Lexus will stand behind the vehicle, which is definitely not necessarily the case when buying from a non-Lexus dealership or used car lot.
#29
Wow are they on crack rocks that is way priced high should have started from 45k then said a savings. It does look clean though. Sadly every dealer is doing this, when I sold my GS they gave me 38k then they put it on there website for 48k and discounted it for 46k only lasted 4 days on there lot amazing. Shows how bad people want F-Sports.
#30
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Related question....I see in another thread that someone just bought a 60.5k MSRP 2015 for $53.5k. Why should I even be considering 25k mile 2013s for $38-39k if I could pay $14k more for a car three years newer with no miles?