Should I buy the service plan for my IS300?

texpilot

Hi gang,
I ordered an IS300 in October and it has FINALLY arrived. I take delivery on Monday and look forward to joining the IS family! I am trying to decide whether I should buy the Service Plan or not. I fully intend to keep my IS for 6-8 years and intend to have it factory serviced to ensure I get the best service possible -- but don't want to pay out the rear for it either as one normally does at the dealer.

My last car was a 2002 BMW 325i and in 3.5 years of ownership the O2 sensor went out twice and of all things my right front wheel bearing had to be replaced. All covered under warranty of course but would have hated to pay those maintenance bills.

Anyone have any experience good or bad with the Lexus Service Plan?

Also wondering if anyone has any advice re: buying the extended warranty?

I'm in Dallas and will be using Park Place Lexus for service. Thanks in advance for any/all info. Best regards,
Terry

Steve Lextasy · Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 2:23 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the Lexus family!

You will soon notice the difference between Lexus and BMW.

DO NOT get the service plan. Your IS300 will be more reliable than your wrist watch!

Spend the extra cash on accessories!
www.lextasy.com

texpilot · Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 3:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the welcome Steve. So I won't get the "extended warranty," but I'm still up in the air over the Service Plan.

Do you service your vehicle yourself or take it to Lexus? Or to another "qualified shop"? What are your service costs like? I'm not really as worried about things failing like they did on the BMW, but I do want to keep the costs of regular service as reasonable as possible while also ensuring quality maintenance as well.

Since posting this I learned that my dad bought the service plan for his ES300 in 2002 (he lives in CA, I'm in TX, we don't talk cars too often!). It was $1371 and is good for 4 yrs/48K miles. His service invoices read:

7.5K $140, 15K $375, 22.5K $140, 30K $375, 37.5K $140, 45K $375

The math adds up to $1569 -- he saved about $200 by paying for the service in advance. I'm more or less guaranteed to put 13K per year on the car so I should get all the service intervals in before the 48 mos. expire. I just don't know what the service rates are for a 5-speed IS and don't want to get taken buying the plan. Of course I'll ask for info from the dealer on Monday, but I wanted to hear from actual owners' experience if I could. Thanks again in advance.

Steve Lextasy · Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 4:50 am Post subject:

All you need is to change the oil and do a tranny flush at the same time (every 3/4 Months). Rotate your tires and your done.

Jetyaboy · Lexus Owner Joined: Sep 27, 2004 Posts: 5

Hi Terry,
First off welcome to Lexus. Me and my wife both have IS300 ones a 2003 the other a 2004. We have not had hardly a single problem. As for the service plan GET IT its well worth it and Lexus always offers a free loaner usually a ES hehe. Anyways your car, we have hardly had any problems with our cars. Just the stereo sometimes doesnt like burned cds.....other than that EXPECT great service from it..just treat him well and trust me he will go ALONG WAYSSSSSSS! Good luck...
Larry.