There is no question that Lexuses are great luxury cars; the driving experience is unique, and the cars have elegant aesthetics. Lexus is the luxury brand produced by Toyota, and like most Toyota cars, are considered very reliable, fun to drive, and durable. Most car experts place Lexus in the top ten brands for reliability and ease of repair. So, today we focus on the question: Are Lexus expensive to maintain?
How Much Does it Cost to Maintain a Used Lexus?
In general, the maintenance costs for a used Lexus vary from $500-$600 per year for routine services, such as service and minor unscheduled repairs. This is slightly lower than the industry average for luxury cars, which can cost over $600 for the same type of services. The majority of American and European luxury cars (like BMW, Audi, Porsche, Acura, Infiniti, etc.) are more expensive to maintain, and this is where Lexus stands apart.
Are Lexus expensive to maintain? Toyota has perfected the art of making all types of cars with excellent reliability and durability; therefore, keeping a used Lexus maintained can result in minimal expenses.
How Does the Maintenance Cost Vary by Model?
Except for the Lexus GX 460, the maintenance of most other models (Including the RX 350, ES 350, and IS 350) is about $500 a year. The GX 460 is a supreme luxury car with many state-of-the-art features and its maintenance costs run closer to $770/year.
How Often Should a Lexus be Serviced?
To maintain Lexus reliability, a used Lexus should be serviced every six months or 5,000 miles. In general, this service usually includes a fluids check, tire rotation, and a visual brake inspection. The cost may vary from $44-$70. If the air filter is changed, the total cost may vary from $150-$200.
Are Lexus expensive to maintain? As the Lexus ages, services will most likely include replacing the smart key battery, an inspection of the drive axle, brake lines, suspension and exhaust, steering, and coolant system. The cost of service with each additional 5,000 miles may vary from $150-$250.
The above maintenance schedule is for Lexus cars that are driven on paved roads. If the vehicle is driven on other terrains (dirt roads), the suspension and steering may need early inspection and the air filter should be changed sooner. If the Lexus is used for long-distance travel regularly, the transmission fluid should be replaced every 60,000 miles.
What are Common Repairs Needed in a Lexus?
Are Lexus expensive to maintain? A used Lexus may need additional repairs beyond the scheduled service. Common Lexus repairs in a vehicle that has 150,000 miles include the following:
-Oxygen sensor replacement – $450-$500
-Rear control arms replacement- $675-$700
-Air conditioning compressor replacement- $1,100-$1,500
-Ignition coil replacement- $200-$250
Fortunately, these repair issues only occur during the advanced stages of the car’s life. The unfortunate thing is that, in most cases, the warranty has expired, and the expenses are out-of-pocket.
Reducing Maintenance Costs for a Lexus
The key to reducing the maintenance costs of driving a used Lexus include the following:
-Adopt good driving habits, which means: don’t speed, don’t apply brakes suddenly every time you stop, and accelerate gently.
-Get the car serviced according to the manual at the dealership. While this may cost a little more than a third-party service shop, you can rest assured that the work is guaranteed, that you will not face unnecessary repairs, and that the work is top quality done by a licensed professional.
-Pay attention if the service light should come on; it is an indication that your car needs maintenance.
Whether to buy an extended warranty on your used Lexus requires a great deal of thought. If you maintain your car well, there may be no need for such warranties, which can often tie you down in a contract. Overall, Lexus is a good brand of car and, if well maintained, you should have no major issues for at least the first 150,000 miles.
To learn more about used Lexus reliability or to purchase one today, call Braman Motorcars at 1-561-465-8293 or stop by the dealership.
