Garage warranty or Lexus warranty

KenMavor · August 21, 2017

Just put a deposit down on an IS250 petrol automatic.

Need some guidance as to whether to take the garage's warranty cover..would be £700 for two years or use Lexus warranty for £895...do u really have to take their AA coverage as well??

I already have RAC coverage.

...or none at all and just save money for any faults that appear.

What about lexus service plan? Any good or just do the usual at independent garage. Happy to do my own oil and filter changes, spark plugs etc but want to do this one right from day one.

Car has full service history but not Lexus garage.

Will probably get Lexus to do their free check and see what they say.

Drove the car yesterday and very impressed.

Would have liked one with all bells and whistles but this is fine for time being. Will see how we get on and maybe upgrade in a couple of years time either to new and fancier IS250 or maybe 350h/400h.

J Henderson · August 21, 2017

How old? How many miles?

Lexus warranty is probably more comprehensive, but I'm inclined to say you won't need one and that it'll be money wasted.

The service plan doesn't actually save you any money but it does mean you can pay monthly without the one-off bill when service time comes around.

August 21, 2017

I tend to agree with J Henderson, I went for the 2 year Lexus warranty as it is more comprehensive and its what came with my F Sport. If you want a copy of the Lexus terms and conditions document I can attach it here for you to review,

Texas · August 21, 2017

I am doubting myself as to ' should I write this'. ( don't want to go and jinx myself)

Very recently ( done about 35 miles in it so far I reckon!) bought myself an IS250 SE-L after much shopping around and looking at some that were overpriced/defective am now the proud owner of a 37k mile 57 Plate I think beauty ( got Sunroof and Active Cruise) but no Dealer Warranty or such like.....I like to think that one of the most ( if not the most ) reliable cars out there might not be such a gamble to have without a warranty. Only time may tell but I do not intend abusing this car in the slightest and will prob do about 4K a year so fingers crossed it may be (expensive) trouble free. ( famous last words)

paul m.

sorcerer · August 21, 2017

As I always say when warranty enquiries come up, it's a phenomenon called The Lexus Paradox - people are drawn to the brand because of their reputation for reliability and then spend hundreds, maybe even thousands of pounds on warranty cover because they're worried about the reliability!

We bought our 2005 RX300 about 15 months ago from an independent trader with 6 months warranty and that's it. I use a good, trusted, local garage to service it and do any other work necessary and it will never again see the inside of a Lexus main stealership. Nor will it ever see "genuine Lexus/Toyota" parts such as brakes, Battery, exhaust etc., etc., because Lexus/Toyota don't make those parts anyway, they just buy in from whoever does make them.

I've been at the garage when delivery vans from motor factors such as Euro Car Parts, BBC, Andrew Page and Dodgsons have been dropping parts off, so if the mechanic says that it needs new brake discs and pads (for instance), I know they are buying in reputable parts from reputable places and not some sweatshop in China, so I'm happy to go with whatever they get.

Of course, it really depends on how new/old your car is and whether you intend to sell it on at some stage. Our car is 12 years old, 95,000 miles and we intend to drive it until it dies a death, hopefully with another 200k or so on the clock

KenMavor · August 22, 2017

17 hours ago, J Henderson said:

How old? How many miles?

Lexus warranty is probably more comprehensive, but I'm inclined to say you won't need one and that it'll be money wasted.

The service plan doesn't actually save you any money but it does mean you can pay monthly without the one-off bill when service time comes around.

It is a 2007 model. Does not have all the bells and whistles that I would have liked but can live without those whilst I see if I like the Lexus lifestyle....lol

It has 65000 miles. Full non Lexus service history and spoke with the old gentleman who traded it in to buy his wife a new car. He bought himself a 350h and admitted he was torn about selling the IS250 but his wife wanted a new car.

I have been on the hunt for a petrol automatic to replace an old Toyota Avensis verso MPV. Died at 137k miles but just kept on going through a snapped drive belt, cylinder head gasket finally went and not economical to repair.

Agree with many of the comments. Happy to do the basic work myself but just found out that there is a friends and family code (have a good friend who is a salesman in the same chain from where I bought the car) which should get me 50% off the warranty and service plan so will try and see if that works.

Otherwise will probably leave the warranty for now but will get Lexus to do a check over of the car and see what they say.

Once I get the car will get some piccies up and other details.

Thanks

bobmc · August 22, 2017

My situation was almost the same as yours, 2007 plate, 70K miles but full Lexus SH and buying from an independent dealer.

In the end I decided that I would take the money I would have spent on a warranty and put it aside to fund any repairs needed. The main reason was that I didn't want to pay Lexus prices for servicing (required for Warranty cover) and that those funds would be available for repairs that may have been deemed 'wear and tear' like suspension items or the exhaust system.

In any case, I think the warranty is only available for cars less than 10 years old, so you might not be able to get cover.

I did get a 6 month warranty from the dealer, but when I tried to claim for a leaky ball joint, they wouldn't entertain it. Other than that, and the usual brake discs and tyres, I have had no issues in the 18 months I've owned it.

Texas · August 22, 2017

+1 on 'funding your own warranty' so to speak with what you would have given to pay for one, did not realise the 10 year stipulation so that counts me out on that front anyway. Like I (and others) have mentioned you choose to own a known uber reliable car and then consider extra warranties? .have faith is what I say and if I would have covered all my motoring years with warranties then I dread to think what it would have cost and I can't really remember any bank busting repairs ( that prob wouldn't have been covered anyway!!!).

paul m.

noby76 · August 22, 2017

On 21/08/2017 at 10:51 AM, KenMavor said:

Just put a deposit down on an IS250 petrol automatic.

Need some guidance as to whether to take the garage's warranty cover..would be £700 for two years or use Lexus warranty for £895...do u really have to take their AA coverage as well??

I already have RAC coverage.

...or none at all and just save money for any faults that appear.

What about lexus service plan? Any good or just do the usual at independent garage. Happy to do my own oil and filter changes, spark plugs etc but want to do this one right from day one.

Car has full service history but not Lexus garage.

Will probably get Lexus to do their free check and see what they say.

Drove the car yesterday and very impressed.

Would have liked one with all bells and whistles but this is fine for time being. Will see how we get on and maybe upgrade in a couple of years time either to new and fancier IS250 or maybe 350h/400h.

I think you need to ask your self what might really go wrong within two years of ownership? the 250's engine and gearbox are known to be bulletproof and i would rather pay to have the water pump and auto gearbox fluid changed for peace of mind and use the money saved to carry out a complete service engine oil, brake fluid and spark plugs service will work out cheaper than both warranty cost's and will also be a preventative maintenance as you are already capable of doing your own servicing.

mk_lon · August 22, 2017

Hi Guys,

I thought it would be useful to share my experience.

I bought an IS250 SEL auto 57 plate with 63k on the clock in 2015 from a dodgy independent but it had a full Lexus SH with invoices etc. I serviced it at a local Indy who I know and trust (funnily enough they are merc & Bmw specialist).

I had a choice between warranty wise and Lexus warranty (roughly the same price), in the end I went with warranty wise.

Approximately 9 months later my front calipers went and warranty wise paid for the labor and parts. Lexus quoted over £800 for the same job and not covered by the lex warranty. The indy garage told me that its all about the wording the mechanic or technician uses in the report.

In two years of ownership I have replaced; Wipers, oxygen sensor, Battery, Tyres, discs, calipers, headlight bulbs and filters.

Other than that the car has not given me any issues.

bobmc · August 22, 2017

Calipers are known issue but preventative maintenance will stop seizures, if the OP is happy to do brake maintenance during the service then they will likely not be a problem.

Hopefully, @65K miles the spark plug change would have already been done? It's worth checking as it's a big service job.

Also make sure to do a condition check on the exhaust before you buy as this can be expensive to fix.

KenMavor · August 23, 2017

On 22/08/2017 at 0:54 PM, mk_lon said:

Hi Guys,

I thought it would be useful to share my experience.

I bought an IS250 SEL auto 57 plate with 63k on the clock in 2015 from a dodgy independent but it had a full Lexus SH with invoices etc. I serviced it at a local Indy who I know and trust (funnily enough they are merc & Bmw specialist).

I had a choice between warranty wise and Lexus warranty (roughly the same price), in the end I went with warranty wise.

Approximately 9 months later my front calipers went and warranty wise paid for the labor and parts. Lexus quoted over £800 for the same job and not covered by the lex warranty. The indy garage told me that its all about the wording the mechanic or technician uses in the report.

In two years of ownership I have replaced; Wipers, oxygen sensor, battery, Tyres, discs, calipers, headlight bulbs and filters.

Other than that the car has not given me any issues.

Have managed to get a 50% reduction on 2 year service plan and warranty from the garage due to friends and family discount.....so have a cost of around £350 for a two year service plan (two services and two MOTs) and a two year warranty. Just gives me a wee bit of peace of mind.

Will get the spark plugs change methinks regardless.

Thanks

bobmc · August 23, 2017

Well £350 for two services/two MOT's and 2 years warranty sounds pretty good to me

If there's no evidence the spark plugs have been changed then they probably need doing - use this to knock some money off - it's not a straight forward job on the lexus.

Oh, and welcome to the LOC

Shahpor · August 23, 2017

On ‎22‎/‎08‎/‎2017 at 0:54 PM, mk_lon said:

Approximately 9 months later my front calipers went and warranty wise paid for the labor and parts. Lexus quoted over £800 for the same job and not covered by the lex warranty. The indy garage told me that its all about the wording the mechanic or technician uses in the report.

Not doubting your experience in any way, but 3-4 months ago I had both my front calipers replaced under warranty from Lexus without issue.

I have also had one rear caliper replaced last year, again without any hassle.

I guess it does depend on which dealer you take it to. Both the dealer and the warranty company have told me that they have a good relationship, so I suppose the warranty people are more likely to believe what the dealer says.

mk_lon · August 24, 2017

17 hours ago, Shahpor said:

Not doubting your experience in any way, but 3-4 months ago I had both my front calipers replaced under warranty from Lexus without issue.

I have also had one rear caliper replaced last year, again without any hassle.

I guess it does depend on which dealer you take it to. Both the dealer and the warranty company have told me that they have a good relationship, so I suppose the warranty people are more likely to believe what the dealer says.

Hi Shahpor,

That's useful to know, when I inquired with Lexus warranty people 2 years ago they said calipers are not covered, it seems as if things have changed since then. In which case I would probably go for the Lexus warranty. PS Which dealer do you use?

johnatg · August 24, 2017

Calipers rarely actually fail - the sliders seize up if they're not greased. Lexus then tell you that you need new ones, but even then they're usually fairly easy to free up and re-grease - any decent garage would do it for you for a few quid - not Lexus though - they don't dismantle anything.

Even if the worst comes to the worst and you do need new calipers, they don't cost as much as a one year Lexus warranty (for the parts).

Just look after the car properly and you'll (almost) never need any warranty.

I've had my car for over five years and never paid for a warranty (or a Lexus/garage service).

Shahpor · August 24, 2017

That is strange because this is my second Lexus warranty, so when I got my original 2 years ago I did ask and they told me that calipers would be covered.

There is a lot of misinformation amongst dealers regarding the warranty. When I moved, I enquired about the warranty with the local dealer and was told under no uncertain terms that the car required a full Lexus history to be eligible. This is despite the fact that my car didn't have a FLSH and was current covered! I spoke to the dealer and warranty company about it and the warranty people said they would have a word with the service manager at the dealership to set things straight.

Oh, and in answer to your question, I use Lexus Reading. I can't really fault them as their service has been very good so far. They managed to get me a new seat frame replaced under warranty recently. I can't imagine many warranties that would cover such a thing on a 9 year old car with over 130k miles on it.

Shahpor · August 24, 2017

7 minutes ago, johnatg said:

Calipers rarely actually fail - the sliders seize up if they're not greased. Lexus then tell you that you need new ones, but even then they're usually fairly easy to free up and re-grease - any decent garage would do it for you for a few quid - not Lexus though - they don't dismantle anything.

Even if the worst comes to the worst and you do need new calipers, they don't cost as much as a one year Lexus warranty (for the parts).

Just look after the car properly and you'll (almost) never need any warranty.

I've had my car for over five years and never paid for a warranty (or a Lexus/garage service).

It is true John that mostly the calipers are just seized and could be easily freed up, like all 3 of mine were. It is somewhat frustrating that even though Lexus themselves supply the parts to fixes these problems, the dealer won't even consider it.

Another annoying aspect is the fact that they no longer seem to have actual mechanics anymore. Whenever I have been in for a diagnostic, the 'technician' will plug the car into the computer, or take it for a quick drive, and if the problem isn't obvious then you will get a simple 'I don't know' from the dealer. Having said that, when my car was at Lexus Edgware Road they had quite a lot of difficulty diagnosing a problem and I spoke several times to their master tech who definitely knew his way around the car. In that case, the bill for the investigation landed between the dealer and the warranty company, so I hate to think how much they would have charged me considering how long he spent looking over my car. Probably more than the car was worth at the time.

For me, there is another aspect that the warranty affords that is often overlooked; the dealers themselves. Part of the reason I love owning my car so much is the service I have received from Lexus Reading. The practical side of this is that I live in the sticks, so I need a car to get around and I don't have access to another, and my dealer is always willing and able to supply me a loan car for however long I need.

Add to all this the fact that I don't have to worry about breakdown cover into the deal and, for me it at least, it is worth its value in peace of mind and hassle factor.

Of course, it is easy for me to say this because I have got my moneys worth out of my warranty, but it might be somewhat different had I not made any claims since buying it.

johnatg · August 24, 2017

I certainly appreciate your points and indeed, not everyone has the abilities/resources/equipment to maintain cars themselves - or the space to do it.

And I don't mean to cast aspersions on anyone who drives a 220D, but I suspect the warranty issue is rather more relevant for those who do drive 220Ds than for 250s.

Shahpor · August 24, 2017

So true John. When I moved I lost access to a garage and driveway to work on my cars and now live in a 2nd story flat. Otherwise, I am quite happy to have a go at the simpler jobs required to maintain my car. Although my back might disagree with me.

Well, you can't argue with the fact that the warranty costs £100 more for the 220d as opposed to the 250. No doubt there will be some people getting EGR valves and DPF's replaced who don't look after them properly.

Having said that, my last two warranty claims have been for 2 calipers and a seat frame, so not diesel specific. I would love to know how much a seat frame and associated motors cost from a main dealer.

peachy · August 24, 2017

Honest John says the lexus is250 is probably the most reliable car you can buy and he's absolutely spot on.

The only problem with the 250 is the caliper slide pins seizing up especially the rears. It's an easy once a year job to grease the pins up for an hours work. Even a local garage will do all four for less than £40.

Texas · August 24, 2017

Do you get Warranty or Not? Crystal Ball required on this topic I feel.

But I'm getting the feeling it's not the actual car ( like I mentioned previous the 250 is One of the most reliable cars out there for actual breakdowns, meaning unable to drive) but piece of mind for the owner as a precautionary measure somehow? So some people will lean to paying a ( let's face it, significant) fee for this and others ( ie Me) will not.

Paul m.

steveledzep · August 24, 2017

The warranty was good for me on my previous two IS250s, in each case claims exceeded premium. Got the RX in March this year, first thing I did was put a Lexus warranty on. Hope I don't have to claim, but the roadside assistance and warranty cover provides peace of mind for me.

dazed · August 25, 2017

I've never bought an extended warranty for anything in my life and I suspect I've saved a small fortune over the years.

If you've got the discipline to put some money to one side each month (it used to be known as 'saving' in the old days) then just "pay as you go" and cut out the middleman.

Shahpor · August 25, 2017

While I appreciate what you say @dazed, one of the points mentioned is that it is quite easy to exceed the cost of the warranty in repairs over a 2 year period. From personal experience, had I put the £795 aside instead of buying the warranty, I would have been quite a bit worse off then I ended up being.

As an example, a couple of months after getting mine, I needed a dual mass flywheel. Now, I understand that this is not something that many owners would experience, but what happened next makes it a good example. The main problem I had was juddering when pulling away. The dealer diagnosed a flywheel and the warranty company agreed to replace it without issue (very good in itself consider it had 109k miles on it). The problem was, the judder didn't disappear after it was changed. To cut a long story short, I actually needed new engine mounts. Finding this out involved a lot of investigation, including removing the flywheel and replacing it, for which I wasn't liable. I also had a courtesy car the entire time, including once having a brand new CT for over a week.

Now, I can imagine the amount of hassle I would have had if I had taken it to a indy garage. I am not saying that wouldn't have been an option, but the main dealer made the process so much easier. They really were so helpful the entire time. In addition to replacing the flywheel, they removed and remounted my entire exhaust system, checked and test the entire drivetrain and even rebalanced my wheels after going for an extended test drive and discovering a vibration at motorway speeds.

So, you could argue that this is a rare occurrence, but even the cost of the flywheel alone would have exceed the cost of the warranty.

Since renewing my warranty in July, I have had a new seat frame fitted (for which I am dying to know the cost of since I expect it would be very expensive), which again has probably covered the cost of the warranty, so anything else that happens in the next 2 years is just a bonus.

For me, the biggest problem of owning a Lexus is that a lot of parts are OEM only and the dealer usually charge ludicrous amounts for them. The warranty largely negates this problem, making the ownership prospect a much more pleasant experience.