Question for EX-BMW owners and current Lexus IS owners
06-24-11, 03:59 PM
#17
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I had a 1995 M3 for 10 years. The last 2 years killed me. Buy the Lexus and get an additional 4 year factory warranty for about $1600 and you will be way ahead of the game. I do not have any mechanical skills so I pay to have everything done but you will save big bucks in the long run getting away from BMW.
06-24-11, 05:14 PM
#18
Unfortunately yes, Lexus dealerships still request (politely) that you bend over each time you walk in the door. However, in my experience with Mercedes and BMW dealerships, I find Lexus to be slightly better in the service department as well as the parts and repair costs.
But the most important thing about Lexus is that while the stealerships aren't much different than BMW for example, the difference is that with Lexus, you'll have to be there far less often.
If you're an avid DIY-er, CL is the place for you. The 2IS FAQ has some great write-ups. I was never a big DIY-er until I joined CL, and using the threads on here I've already done quite a few projects.
Lastly, dealer markups for parts over Sewell are absurd, on the order of 100 to 200% higher. I bought my 2007 IS350 6 months ago and immediately wanted the F-Sport sway bars, so I called around to all 7 dealerships in my area. First off, not one of them would sell me just the rear sway bar; they insisted you had to buy them both together. Secondly, the best price I got for both together ended up being about $200 higher than what Sewell was offering. Also, Sewell offered the rear bar separately, which is what I wanted. From that experience on, I realized there was no need to ever use the dealer for parts. I've used Sewell for everything since then. Spark plugs on Sewell are $13 each; every dealer I called was charging $25 per.
But the most important thing about Lexus is that while the stealerships aren't much different than BMW for example, the difference is that with Lexus, you'll have to be there far less often.
If you're an avid DIY-er, CL is the place for you. The 2IS FAQ has some great write-ups. I was never a big DIY-er until I joined CL, and using the threads on here I've already done quite a few projects.
Lastly, dealer markups for parts over Sewell are absurd, on the order of 100 to 200% higher. I bought my 2007 IS350 6 months ago and immediately wanted the F-Sport sway bars, so I called around to all 7 dealerships in my area. First off, not one of them would sell me just the rear sway bar; they insisted you had to buy them both together. Secondly, the best price I got for both together ended up being about $200 higher than what Sewell was offering. Also, Sewell offered the rear bar separately, which is what I wanted. From that experience on, I realized there was no need to ever use the dealer for parts. I've used Sewell for everything since then. Spark plugs on Sewell are $13 each; every dealer I called was charging $25 per.
06-25-11, 05:09 AM
#19
its the same no matter what kind of car you own. unless you have money to burn do not take it to the dealer. find a local trusted mechanic (easier said then done) or do the work yourself. You also dont need OEM parts for certain things like brakes, rotors, oil filters, ect. So that will save you some money as well.
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