Lexus dilemma, advice needed!
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
The hybrid system does add a lot of complexity to the system but as mentioned above, they are reliable.
It's when you have high miles or the car gets old is when I see problems on this forum and you may need an Indy with some good reviews who works on them and knows them well for special case repairs.
The rest of the car is no problem, anyone who works on Toyotas can work on them.
Like mentioned above, the hybrid system has been out many years, just have to find a shop who is strong on electrical diagnostics if the hybrid system ever needs work, which will be a long way off and possible never if you don't keep the car past 100k miles or ten years.
It's when you have high miles or the car gets old is when I see problems on this forum and you may need an Indy with some good reviews who works on them and knows them well for special case repairs.
The rest of the car is no problem, anyone who works on Toyotas can work on them.
Like mentioned above, the hybrid system has been out many years, just have to find a shop who is strong on electrical diagnostics if the hybrid system ever needs work, which will be a long way off and possible never if you don't keep the car past 100k miles or ten years.
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 173
Likes: 51
From: Arizona
My $0.02 ...
2 hrs isn't far. But the real question is how many Lexus dealers do you have within a reasonable distance? You see, not all dealers are made equal. If you are lucky enough to live in a place where there are multiple dealer options, odds are that at least one of them will be good (quality service, good prices). For example, when I lived in Ohio, there were 5 different Toyota dealers nearby. One of them was outstanding, the other four, so-so. Similarly, when I was in Delaware, I had 3 dealer options within a reasonable distance. One of them was good, the other two were terrible. Now I live in Tucson, but I take my car for service to a dealer that is 90 miles away because the two Tucson dealers are extremely overpriced. I can get the same service at the "far away" dealer for about half of the price of Tucson dealers (which are owned by the same guy).
So competition and variety helps to keep prices reasonable and improve customer service.
2 hrs isn't far. But the real question is how many Lexus dealers do you have within a reasonable distance? You see, not all dealers are made equal. If you are lucky enough to live in a place where there are multiple dealer options, odds are that at least one of them will be good (quality service, good prices). For example, when I lived in Ohio, there were 5 different Toyota dealers nearby. One of them was outstanding, the other four, so-so. Similarly, when I was in Delaware, I had 3 dealer options within a reasonable distance. One of them was good, the other two were terrible. Now I live in Tucson, but I take my car for service to a dealer that is 90 miles away because the two Tucson dealers are extremely overpriced. I can get the same service at the "far away" dealer for about half of the price of Tucson dealers (which are owned by the same guy).
So competition and variety helps to keep prices reasonable and improve customer service.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,488
Likes: 52
From: FL
My Lexus dealer has a lifetime maintenance plan-free oil changes etc but you have to use them. I'm having my Lexus picked up next week for a oil change with the free valet service which includes a loaner. So pick your dealer wisely and save some money.
I have to wonder what's wrong with the Venza? I looked at them a year ago and probably would have bought one but hey weren't available at the time.
I have to wonder what's wrong with the Venza? I looked at them a year ago and probably would have bought one but hey weren't available at the time.
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
My $0.02 ...
2 hrs isn't far. But the real question is how many Lexus dealers do you have within a reasonable distance? You see, not all dealers are made equal. If you are lucky enough to live in a place where there are multiple dealer options, odds are that at least one of them will be good (quality service, good prices). For example, when I lived in Ohio, there were 5 different Toyota dealers nearby. One of them was outstanding, the other four, so-so. Similarly, when I was in Delaware, I had 3 dealer options within a reasonable distance. One of them was good, the other two were terrible. Now I live in Tucson, but I take my car for service to a dealer that is 90 miles away because the two Tucson dealers are extremely overpriced. I can get the same service at the "far away" dealer for about half of the price of Tucson dealers (which are owned by the same guy).
So competition and variety helps to keep prices reasonable and improve customer service.
2 hrs isn't far. But the real question is how many Lexus dealers do you have within a reasonable distance? You see, not all dealers are made equal. If you are lucky enough to live in a place where there are multiple dealer options, odds are that at least one of them will be good (quality service, good prices). For example, when I lived in Ohio, there were 5 different Toyota dealers nearby. One of them was outstanding, the other four, so-so. Similarly, when I was in Delaware, I had 3 dealer options within a reasonable distance. One of them was good, the other two were terrible. Now I live in Tucson, but I take my car for service to a dealer that is 90 miles away because the two Tucson dealers are extremely overpriced. I can get the same service at the "far away" dealer for about half of the price of Tucson dealers (which are owned by the same guy).
So competition and variety helps to keep prices reasonable and improve customer service.
without several trips to each dealership, how would I really be able to judge which one is better and would it really matter for routine servicing? One Toyota dealership is 15 minutes from the house while the other is in Blacksburg which would be a 50 minute drive. I would guess their labor rates would be about the same.
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
My Lexus dealer has a lifetime maintenance plan-free oil changes etc but you have to use them. I'm having my Lexus picked up next week for a oil change with the free valet service which includes a loaner. So pick your dealer wisely and save some money.
I have to wonder what's wrong with the Venza? I looked at them a year ago and probably would have bought one but hey weren't available at the time.
I have to wonder what's wrong with the Venza? I looked at them a year ago and probably would have bought one but hey weren't available at the time.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,566
Likes: 76
From: CA, Mid OC
Hi Rickcin, welcome to CL! I agree with the posters who said you do not need to be near a Lexus dealer except for warranty work. I had a 2014 IS250 and a 2016 IS350. I took the 250 to a local dealer for a complimentary 10K inspection and I did not bother with the 10K inspection on the 2016. Both cars were serviced by a local independent shop that I trust. You will be fine. Let us know what you decide to get.
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