Lexus

Lexus questions and answers

LemonFree.com - Buying or Selling a Lexus? Check out LemonFree.com Used Cars

Q: Lexus ............?
would buying a high mileage Lexus be a mistake????

A: If a car was well maintained - why not? BUT, have it checked by your mechanic. Even if a car looks good to you, have it checked. If a person selling a car (even a dealer) doesn't want you to take it to YOUR mechanic, you do not want this car. A friend of mine has a big Lexus (great car) with 60,000 miles on it. Just the other day he had to change transmission for the SECOND time on this car (it's good he has a warranty on it.) What if you were buying his car right before transmission failed? Again, Lexus is a very good car (I guess my friend was just not lucky with his.)

Q: Can you have a Lexus serviced at a Toyota dealership?
My parents just bought a new Lexus but live 150 miles away from the nearest Lexus dealership. It's kind of far to drive to get something done if anything happend.I heard that Toyota will service Lexus for minor stuff. Is this right?

A: Depends on the region and proximity of each. There are cases where a Lexus and Toyota dealer are within 20 miles of each other let's say... then the Toyota dealer is NOT authorized to repair your Lexus. In your parents case, I would imagine the Toyota dealer will work on the Lexus. Same parent company and cars for crying out loud...

Q: How can I keep the Lexus cigarette lighter on when the car is not running?
I need to keep a minifridge running for short periods when the car is not running but Lexus turns power off when key is off. Can that be defeated so at least one lighter stays live?

A: It would have to be rewired. Currently the feed wire to the cigarette lighter is wired into the accessory-switched circuit; you would need to remove that wire from the back of the lighter and run a new wire to an unswitched power source, like the battery. (Make sure you put a fuse on your wire if you connect it to the battery).

Q: How many people think that a Lexus is underrated?
I think there is so much emphasis on European luxury cars that most people fail to appreciate the beauty and quality of a Lexus. They are cheaper than other luxury cars in their class and have similar options plus they are reliable.

A: I drive a Lexus IS300 and I too, think they are underrated, but that's ok. It makes me a unique driver because I see through all the hype and hoopla that the European cars are trying to throw at the consumer. My car is 3 years old since I bought it brand new and I haven't had a single issue with it. I love it to death!

Q: What is the difference between the lexus ‘95 es 300 and the newer '99 ?
Is the newer Lexus 1999 es 300 nicer than the ‘95 ? in what ways ? Ive recently driven a lexus es 300 1995 because my benz wouldn’t start, and I was amazed at how nice this car drove. in my opinion its nicer then my Mercedes. and im thinking of selling my benz to get the newer lexus and was wondering how different the 95 was compared to the 1999. because in my opinion the 95 was perfect.

A: If you liked the 95, you'd like the 99 for sure. It's sleeker overall, just a little bit longer, and actually a little lighter, too. It has about 10hp more, too. Electroluminescent gauges, more airbags (and 2nd generation airbags, at that), and some other extra options and safety/theft features. There's an optional "active suspension" on the '99, sposta improve the ride some. Just a hint, maybe consider a 2000 ES300... they had xenon headlights and auto-dimming mirrors available, and some minor "facelifts" with the headlights and taillights.

Q: What is the difference between Lexus and Toyota if they are the same?
I could not find any difference between Lexus and Toyota besides the logo. Everything is similar just one called Lexus other Toyota.

A: That's pretty much it! They are made by the same company but you have to pay more for the Lexus logo. And Lexus probably offers better upgrades/options.

Q: How many people knew that Lexus is in the Toyota family?
I didn't know that until I found this out on a manufacturer's list. Toyota actually makes the Lexus'. So Lexus is really in the Toyota family. Did anybody already know this?

A: Yeah since day one. Toyota, Lexus and Scion are all the same company.

Q: What exactly is the December to Remember Lexus sale?
Every year, Lexus gives a promotion called the December to Remember. But neither the website or the tv commercials list what the sale is. Is it zero percent financing? Invoice pricing on the new vehicles? Brand new toaster with purchase?

A: Its mostly a discount on the MSRP of the car your looking for. Its not zero percent financing.

Q: Are there any major differences between Toyota and Lexus?
I am planning to buy a Lexus, yet i notice Lexus cars look almost identical to Toyota cars, i assume they just crossover the car, do a few touchups to the grille and lights and re-badge it. Are there any major differences to the engine or interior of the Lexus that justify the x2 price increase to its Toyota counterpart?

A: It depends on the model. Some Lexus vehicles share platforms with Toyota vehicles and on those, the differences are mainly cosmetic (badging, grill, interior materials). Mechanically, they're usually identical. There are some Lexus vehicles that are unique and do not have a Toyota counterpart.

Q: How bad is it to put regular gas into Lexus RX350 instead of recommended premium?
Got a new Lexus RX350 and love it but trying to save on gas, I was wondering how truly crucial it is to use the premium gas recommended. Does it really damage the engine? Or does it just decrease the performance minimally and not worth the cost?

A: chances are you are going to damage the engine in a major fashion and your local lexus dealer sure isn't going to be backing you up for a warranty claim--and don't think they can't tell what type of fuel you have been burning--spark plugs will rat you out-so will the burnt valves and the hole in a piston=all real posibilities=let me get this now==can afford a lexus but cant afford the extra .10-.15 cents a gallon to feed it right=but it sure looks good in your driveway for the neighbors to look at?

Q: Is it necessary to get the maintenance from a Lexus dealership?
I'm thinking about getting a Lexus IS 250 but I heard the maintenance costs are really expensive. Can I just go anywhere to change the oil or any other maintenance? What are your suggestions?

A: if you know your way around a car..... by all means do it yourself, but if you dont then yes have the dealer do it. Cheaper to do it in a toyota dealership because lexus will rip you off big time with maintanance.

Q: How much does it cost to replace the leather interior in a 1997 lexus sc400 Is the leather good quality?
is it difficult to replace or recover the front seats of a 1997 lexus sc400. If you replace old stained torn leather front seats, will the quality of the leather be as good as the original? Do lexus dealerships do this work?

A: With leather you really get what you pay for. Cheap leather well...is cheap in quality. I think it will cost you alot to start replacing leather on the seats. A better bet, where the cost can be immediately known, is to get some good seats out of another lexus that is being wrecked. Then simply a matter of bolting into your vehicle.

Q: Is there a legal way to update Lexus Navigation System without going to a dealer?
I own a Lexus LS460, but a really hate to be suckered, when dealer charges $350 for navigation update, while it only costs about $70 to update any other "off the shelf" navigation system. Perhaps, someone knows the company the manufactures Lexus Nav. System?

A: There is not much need to upgrade the Nav system in any car. If your life depends on how accurate are the maps, is a must do. If you use it to go grocery, mall, restaurant and drive around town in places that you know. Is not really a need. I drive across the country quiet a bit. I have not seen a must have need for a Nav system. The disc are updated once a year, so if some changes, you have to wait a year to get a new update. I just borrowed a car this passed weekend with a Nav system and I liked better the hands free bluetooth that was on it better than the Nav system.

Q: Does anyone know of a good Lexus or Japanese Import shop or mechanic in Lexington, Kentucky?
Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew of a good, trustworthy mechanic or mechanic shop in Kentucky that works on Lexus cars. I know the obvious place is the Lexus dealership, but I have heard about a lot of people getting charged for extra stuff and charged outrageous prices. Of course that can happen anywhere, but I know if it happens at Lexus, that it'll cost me a whole lot more than the average place.

A: My husband and I have had 3 Lexus vehicles over the years (have 2 currently). We've always used the Lexus dealership in Nicholasville for maintenance and never been overcharged or had them try and talk us into anything. I've even had two minor things comped. They are very honest. On my last visit I was talking about whether to change from my Lexus RX to a Lexus ES or Toyota Avalon. The staff was very upfront and said while they are comparable, the Avalon was the better car. For auto body work we use Auto Sports Collision Care Incorporated on Industry Pkwy in Nicholasville (859-885-4016) Very nice, honest, and quick. Work well with insurance companies so you don't have the headaches. www.autosportscollision.com

Q: How do I fix a broken automatic windshield wiper on a Lexus ES330?
I have a 2004 Lexus ES330, just bought it used. I love it but the goofy automatic windshield wiper setting doesn't seem to work at all. (Why anyone would want an automatic raindrop sensor is beyond me, but I digress). Any ideas on how to troubleshoot it before I take it to the Lexu$ dealer? Thanks!

A: Usually when the windshield is replaced the automatic wiper sensor is installed without a a gel pad, or incorrectly. If not then the sensor is bad. This part is best installed by a Lexus technician, and is a dealer only item, ie it can only be purchased through lexus.