Are Lexus' Expensive To Maintain?
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Building a luxury brand is a mammoth task as it can’t be rushed. Even the most popular luxury brands had decades to a century’s worth of history before making a significant impact in the market. But then there’s Lexus – a luxury brand with only 30 years of legacy under its belt, but it’s one of the most popular cars available.
If you’re interested in Toyota’s luxury segment, you’re likely wondering: are Lexus expensive to maintain?
Luxury cars have the reputation of being unreliable, complete with expensive parts, specialized services, and frequent repairs. Does that apply to Lexus?
For today’s post, we’ll look at the overall ownership cost of owning a Lexus. Are Lexus cars reliable? What are the standard services for Lexus vehicles and their costs? Let’s answer these questions and more.
Lexus Vehicles: Are They Reliable?
Lexus is the luxury segment of Toyota, that little-known company that has built its legacy on reliability with models like the Corolla, Prius, Camry, Highlander, etc. So is it fair to assume that Lexus is also reliable by association? Absolutely!
According to RepairPal, the Lexus brand has a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a high rank of 7th out of 32 car brands. Try browsing the top lists of the most reliable luxury brands from your favorite auto blogs (including this one), and you’ll likely see two to three Lexus models.
Of course, the more reliable the brand is, the lesser the maintenance costs. RepairPal’s reliability rating depends on three primary factors: average repair costs, frequency of repairs, and probability of major repairs. Based on these factors, here’s how Lexus fared:
- Average annual repair cost = $551 per year. One of the strongest testaments to Lexus’ reliability is its annual repair cost which is lower than the overall average of $652 across all brands and models. This is seriously impressive considering that Lexus is a bonafide luxury brand.
- Average visits per year = 0.5 times a year. This is slightly higher than the general average of 0.4 times per year. This stat means that Lexus owners may need to visit a mechanic once every two years.
- Probability of major repairs = 8% of repairs. This is the percentage of major repairs out of all visits with your Lexus vehicle. Once again, Lexus impresses with its reliability because the overall average across all car models is 12%.
Reliability is one of the most significant factors to consider when buying a new or used car – this is doubly so when you’re considering a luxury model. Lexus knocked it out of the park in all three main reliability metrics. The “Kaizen” philosophy of continuous improvement really did pay off for Lexus.
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The Costs of Maintaining a Lexus
Are Lexus expensive to maintain? Evidence points to “no.” However, if you’re still not convinced, we’ll look at several popular Lexus models, check their reliability, and how much it costs to maintain them.
Lexus ES Hybrid Maintenance Costs
The Lexus ES Hybrid line has always been a solid pick if you want a luxurious, spacious, and fuel-efficient sedan. As per RepairPal, the Lexus ES Hybrid has a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, which is nothing short of impressive. Furthermore, it’s the 3rd most reliable vehicle out of 31 luxury midsize cars.
If you own a Lexus ES Hybrid, expect to pay an annual average of $524 for repairs and maintenance. Compared to the $739 for luxury midsize cars and $652 for all models, it’s clear that the Lexus ES Hybrid is a relatively low-maintenance ride.
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Lexus LX570 Hybrid Maintenance Costs
The Lexus LX570 is a luxurious SUV with a generous cargo, posh interior, and legit off-roading chops. According to RepairPal, the Lexus LX570 has a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, making it the 9th most reliable full-size luxury SUV out of 30.
With an annual repair cost of $832, the LX570 has a higher ownership cost than $652 for all cars. However, it’s still lower than the average of $976 for all full-size luxury SUVs. LX570 owners will likely visit the shop 0.8 times per year, twice as likely as the national average of 0.4 times for all vehicles.
Lexus LS460 Hybrid Maintenance Costs
The Lexus LS has been a solid alternative to its more expensive rivals like BMW and Mercedes, thanks to its distinct style, tranquil cabin, and reliability. RepairPal gave the Lexus LS a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5.0 with a rank of 10th out of 30 luxury cars.
Lexus LS460 owners are expected to shell out $767 annually for repairs. It clearly has the upper hand over its luxury full-size rivals at an average of $976. Moreover, LS owners will likely bring in their cars at an average of 0.6 times per year, still lower than the average of 0.8 times for luxury full-size cars.
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Average Costs of Common Maintenance Services for Lexus
Are Lexus expensive to maintain? At this point, you should have a good idea of Lexus’ overall reliability. If not, here are some of the standard services and their costs for Lexus.
Oil Change
- When: A good rule of thumb is to change oil every 7,500-10,000 miles
- Cost: Between $60 and $180
- Why: Maintains engine lubrication and improves longevity
Tire Replacement
- When: If your tires are more than six years old
- Cost: $150 - $350 per tire
- Why: Old, worn-out can affect vehicle performance and makes you prone to accidents
Windshield Replacement
- When: If there’s any damage to your windshield like cracks, chips, etc.
- Cost: $350 to $750 (some reported that replacing the windshield can be more expensive)
- Why: Driving with a damaged windshield isn’t only dangerous but also illegal.
Spark Plug Replacement
- When: Lexus recommends changing the spark plugs between 40,000 to 60,000 miles
- Cost: Between $377 and $449
- Why: OId spark plugs can cause engine damage
Engine Replacement
- When: If your engine is failing, damaged, or has reached its lifespan
- Cost: Between $4,000 and $6,000
- Why: An engine that works is vital to your car’s performance and safety
Are Lexus expensive to maintain? Lexus is known to be one of the more reliable luxury car brands, and that’s demonstrated by its low ownership cost and minimal repair frequency.
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