New IS300h

HMS · June 20, 2019

Hi all, I have placed an order for a brandnew IS300h with Comfort pack (given how much tech comes with the standard spec, I wouldn't have gone for extra but sadly the standard pack didn't include a rear parking camera!). Never bought a brand new car beofre so I would love a couple of suggestions- as with most carsales, my dealer (although without being pushy), want me to consider purchaing a number of additions (paint protection, alloy wheel protection, dashcam, GAP insurance etc). These add to up to a decent amount of money and I am thinking are these worthwhile investment (e.g. can you buy cheaper GAP insurance elsewhere, dashcams are also avalable for less).

Would be good to get some views.

Thanks

bobmc · June 20, 2019

I think you're right to consider your options. If it was me, I would be most concerned with GAP insurance - especially if you are buying with finance. I'd suspect you will get a better deal by shopping around but consider the reputation that some insurance companies have and try and compare quotes from reputable companies with the Lexus offer.

A dashcam can provide useful evidence in the event of an accident but otherwise don't offer any great benefit. I think I heard that Lexus were doing an offer on dashcams so it might be a good deal. Check if it includes professional fitting with hidden wiring and what features it has - GPS, unattended recording etc.

Are they offering you Smart Cover (they will pay for a smart repair on bumper scrapes, dings etc) or a protective coating? I think the general view is that if you're are going to the trouble and expense of a protective coating then the work is best done by a specialist and not in the dealer workshops which is often the case.

Anyway, my 2cents, hope that helps

royoftherovers · June 20, 2019

1 hour ago, HMS said:

Hi all, I have placed an order for a brandnew IS300h with Comfort pack (given how much tech comes with the standard spec, I wouldn't have gone for extra but sadly the standard pack didn't include a rear parking camera!). Never bought a brand new car beofre so I would love a couple of suggestions- as with most carsales, my dealer (although without being pushy), want me to consider purchaing a number of additions (paint protection, alloy wheel protection, dashcam, GAP insurance etc). These add to up to a decent amount of money and I am thinking are these worthwhile investment (e.g. can you buy cheaper GAP insurance elsewhere, dashcams are also avalable for less).

Would be good to get some views.

Thanks

HelloSmuk and welcome.

Have no doubt that you will enjoy the car.Very few,if any, marques can equal Lexus.You have made an excellent decision.

My view is that none of the extras being pushed by the Salesman can be considered to be worthwhile investments, but I would recommend that you purchase and have Lexus install the dashcam for you.A dashcam is increasingly important given the poor behaviour displayed on the roads today.

Let`s have some piccies and a review when you are ready.

bobmc · June 20, 2019

Have you thought about / been offered a Service plan? A full service history will add value when you sell or px later on.

Herbie · June 20, 2019

When we bought our car last year we did actually take up some of the things you mention above - and then found out that we could have got them for about half the cost elsewhere. GAP insurance was £300 but could have been £150 if I'd known where to look after buying the car, so my advice would be to decline the dealer offers but yes, the products themselves are worth having.

As for the dashcam, it's completely overpriced and all you're paying for is the 'Lexus' name printed on the side. Nextbase, who actually manufacture it, sell the exact same model to the public for a lot less, so either go with the same model if you want, or go for a different Nextbase model, or even go for a camera from a different manufacturer altogether. They are very easy to fit yourself (took me all of 20 minutes from gathering my tools together to taking the car for a test drive to make sure the cam was positioned and working correctly and with all wires hidden) but even if you don't want to DIY, any decent auto-electrician will have the job done for about £30.

HMS · June 20, 2019

There is that too- I am yet to have that discussion- do you think they may offer any upfront deals? I noticed the even multiples of 10,000 miles are quite expensive,

bobmc · June 20, 2019

Lexus vary their service costs as minor/intermediate/full but the average cost compares favourably to BMW/Audi etc. A service plan just allows you to spread the cost over a couple of years

HMS · June 20, 2019

1 hour ago, bobmc said:

Have you thought about / been offered a Service plan? A full service history will add value when you sell or px later on.

1 hour ago, royoftherovers said:

HelloSmuk and welcome.

Have no doubt that you will enjoy the car.Very few,if any, marques can equal Lexus.You have made an excellent decision.

My view is that none of the extras being pushed by the Salesman can be considered to be worthwhile investments, but I would recommend that you purchase and have Lexus install the dashcam for you.A dashcam is increasingly important given the poor behaviour displayed on the roads today.

Let`s have some piccies and a review when you are ready.

great thanks for advice- will sure do when it is with me 🙂

HMS · June 20, 2019

21 minutes ago, Herbie said:

When we bought our car last year we did actually take up some of the things you mention above - and then found out that we could have got them for about half the cost elsewhere. GAP insurance was £300 but could have been £150 if I'd known where to look after buying the car, so my advice would be to decline the dealer offers but yes, the products themselves are worth having.

As for the dashcam, it's completely overpriced and all you're paying for is the 'Lexus' name printed on the side. Nextbase, who actually manufacture it, sell the exact same model to the public for a lot less, so either go with the same model if you want, or go for a different Nextbase model, or even go for a camera from a different manufacturer altogether. They are very easy to fit yourself (took me all of 20 minutes from gathering my tools together to taking the car for a test drive to make sure the cam was positioned and working correctly and with all wires hidden) but even if you don't want to DIY, any decent auto-electrician will have the job done for about £30.

That's great I too have a feeling that you can get cheaper GAP insurance and dashcam felt a bit pricey at over 250 quid. I am considering whether to go for SMART package though for paintwork and alloy wheel cover.... still quite a bit extra there!

wharfhouse · June 20, 2019

Most of those items you list are overpriced and you can get them cheaper - but - they have a high commission for the dealers built into them and so can be a good negotiating chip - if you want any of them then the dealer will usually either give them for free or at a decent discount to get the deal over the line. However, if you have agreed on a price now for the car probably too late to negotiate on them.

darrude · June 20, 2019

I paid for paint protection when I got mine. Complete RIP off, basically paid £400 to have £10 of paint sealer applied. For that price I could have had a ceramic coating applied at a detailer. Gap insurance, wish I'd gone elsewhere.

dashcam wasn't an option at the time for me, but installed my own, front and rear, there is a guide on here somewhere, cost £120. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself you can always get a quote from a local place.

I'd say no to all and see if they lower the price, you can always take it out later, I'm sure they salesman will happily take his commission for add ons even its it's a couple of weeks after the main sale.

PaulWhitt20 · June 20, 2019

I took out smart insurance, used it once. Probably not worth it if you keep away from the shopping trolleys and supermarket car parks. But may give peace of mind.
Gap insurance was cheaper via my own insurance.
What I did have and would definitely have again is the ceramic paint protection Gen 3 glasscoat in my case. After four years the paint is still shiny and easy to clean well worth it to me.
Not got a dash cam but notice insurance companies seem to ask if you have one now and after playing high speed dodgems on the motorway today I can see why it may be useful.

Gramate · June 21, 2019

I brought my Is300h f sport Takumi new in May and was also offered nearly £2000 worth of so called extras,.... Paint protection, GAP, Alloy wheel protection, Smart Protection etc.

I ended up taking none of the above, and plumped for GAP off the Internet for £150

I did take the service plan for £38 per month and that gave me 3 years servicing, worry free.

Another great saving was a boot mat from eBay that fits perfect and again a fraction of the cost of the Lexus one offered.

noby76 · June 21, 2019

7 hours ago, Gramate said:

I did take the service plan for £38 per month and that gave me 3 years servicing, worry free.

That's still a rip off considering it works out just over £450 a year..

£450 is an expensive oil/filter change and visual check considering it does not include changing your brakes and Tyres if they are worn as those will be extra charge if needed.

HMS · June 22, 2019

On 6/21/2019 at 3:44 AM, Gramate said:

I brought my Is300h f sport Takumi new in May and was also offered nearly £2000 worth of so called extras,.... Paint protection, GAP, Alloy wheel protection, Smart Protection etc.

I ended up taking none of the above, and plumped for GAP off the Internet for £150

I did take the service plan for £38 per month and that gave me 3 years servicing, worry free.

Another great saving was a boot mat from ebay that fits perfect and again a fraction of the cost of the Lexus one offered.

you don't see any merit in taking the paint and alloy wheel protent and Smart cover against bodywork? These are about 500 quid each and so not cheap atall but what measures are available if you get chips and dent on your car?

HMS · June 22, 2019

On 6/20/2019 at 9:17 PM, PaulWhitt20 said:

What I did have and would definitely have again is the ceramic paint protection Gen 3 glasscoat in my case. After four years the paint is still shiny and easy to clean well worth it to me.

Is this the same as Lexus Protect? as darrud says they applied some cheap paint sealtent coating. Did you have yours from the main dealers or did separately?

Gramate · June 22, 2019

I've purchased several cars and brought the paint protection. Some are good and some aren't worth the money at all.

If it's applied well, it definitely helps protect your paint work longer, but personally I wouldn't pay the dealer prices for this. I asked for a polish on collection and the dealer was good to their word and applied an Autoglym polish for free. Still looking good three months on.

Alloy wheels protection is good if you park in towns and are prone to kerbing, but read the small print, some large scuffs and scratches aren't covered.

PaulWhitt20 · June 22, 2019

I am not familiar with Lexus protect. My Gen 3 glasscoat was applied by the main dealer for around £300. It is a ceramic coating. When I had to use the smart insurance to get rid of a door scratch the repairer said that as I had the glasscoat the scratch had not penetrated the paint so could get the scratch out without repainting. I also use the glasscoat shampoo. Which costs a lot more than any shampoo I would put near my hair and hand wash using two buckets. The paint still has swirls in but stays clean for longer and still looks good after four years.

https://www.gen-3glasscoat.com

Cleaned it yesterday.

matt8 · June 23, 2019

If I purchased new and wanted to protect my paintwork, I'd be looking at getting these guys doing the work:

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/uf/new-car-protection-service.aspx

They know their stuff. And they're not cheap. Have you seen the price of gtechniq products?

They've done a few Lexus;

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care-blog/paintwork-correction/lexus-is-f-flagship-sports-saloon-revitalised-using-rupes-bigfoot/

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care-blog/new-car-protection/lexus-lc-500-v8/

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care-blog/gloss-enhancement/lexus-gs-f-comprehensively-protected-with-gtechniqs-composite-ceramic-coating/

Edit: reading them again, the GS-F owner is also the same LC 500 owner. I wonder if they lurk in these forums?

HMS · June 23, 2019

Wow, even more expensive! I guess there is this and then the warrenty cover for peace of mind....

rayaans · June 25, 2019

On 6/23/2019 at 6:38 AM, matt8 said:

If I purchased new and wanted to protect my paintwork, I'd be looking at getting these guys doing the work:

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/uf/new-car-protection-service.aspx

They know their stuff. And they're not cheap. Have you seen the price of gtechniq products?

They've done a few Lexus;

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care-blog/paintwork-correction/lexus-is-f-flagship-sports-saloon-revitalised-using-rupes-bigfoot/

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care-blog/new-car-protection/lexus-lc-500-v8/

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care-blog/gloss-enhancement/lexus-gs-f-comprehensively-protected-with-gtechniqs-composite-ceramic-coating/

Edit: reading them again, the GS-F owner is also the same LC 500 owner. I wonder if they lurk in these forums?

Are you sure? The LC500 is definitely @wendle's car. I wasn't aware he'd got himself a GS-F too!

wendle · June 25, 2019

On 6/23/2019 at 6:38 AM, matt8 said:

If I purchased new and wanted to protect my paintwork, I'd be looking at getting these guys doing the work:

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/uf/new-car-protection-service.aspx

They know their stuff. And they're not cheap. Have you seen the price of gtechniq products?

They've done a few Lexus;

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care-blog/paintwork-correction/lexus-is-f-flagship-sports-saloon-revitalised-using-rupes-bigfoot/

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care-blog/new-car-protection/lexus-lc-500-v8/

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care-blog/gloss-enhancement/lexus-gs-f-comprehensively-protected-with-gtechniqs-composite-ceramic-coating/

Edit: reading them again, the GS-F owner is also the same LC 500 owner. I wonder if they lurk in these forums?

Matt the Red LC500 is my car, I have used Ultimate Finnish for my past two cars, i don't own a GS-F.

https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care-blog/new-car-protection/lexus-rc-f-born-on-fuji-speedway-protected-at-brands-hatch/https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car-care-

blog/new-car-protection/lexus-lc-500-v8/?utm_source=LexusOwnersClubUK&utm_medium=ForumLinks

I have been very happy with not only the result of the car but they're expertise and honesty when it come to the protection they advise.

I asked for the seats to be protected in my RC-F, they had already quoted me a price for the car and seats but when i went to pick the car up they told me that the seats already had protection on them, which they could have easily had still charged me and i would have been nun the wizer.

Mention my name and car and you may get 10%off, or they might add 20% on.lol.

olliesgrandad · June 26, 2019

Forget about the paint protection. clay bar the car yourself and then use a good modern paint protection product like 'chemical guys' blacklight'.Then when you wash the car just spritz it with a gloss protectant. I use a, Chemical guys product. Think it's called Hypno 7. People comment how shiny my car is and it has a very hard life doing 3 to 600 miles a week. I only have to use the blacklight twice a year and it is very easy to apply and polish off unlike my previous favourite Collinite.

Protection for a cloth interior and carpets is easy. Chemical guys do a great product which prevents any nasties staining. Just spray it on and let it dry.

By the way I only use these products because I have tried lots and found them consistently good.

My car had gard x when new apparently. The leather had been treated with it so I have bought some off eBay (guys who apply it to new cars have surplus). Its fine but I'm sure you can find a similarly good product.