Which is Cheaper to Maintain: Lexus or Toyota?
When it comes to car maintenance, we all want to save money. So, which is the better choice for your wallet: Lexus or Toyota? Here’s what you need to know:
1. Lexus is the premium segment of Toyota, so maintenance and repairs aren’t as cheap as your everyday Toyota. But don’t let that scare you off! Compared to other luxury brands, Lexus is still relatively affordable. In fact, RepairPal ranks it sixth overall for its low ownership cost.
2. Toyota and Lexus share a lot of the same parts, which means maintenance costs won’t be vastly different between the two. So, if you’re worried about expensive repairs, you can rest easy knowing that both brands are fairly comparable in terms of maintenance costs.
3. Lexus vehicles are generally more reliable than Toyotas thanks to the luxury brand’s higher quality standards. While both brands are known for their reliability, Lexus takes it to the next level with their commitment to quality. So, if you’re looking for a car that will last you for years to come, a Lexus might be worth the investment.
Ultimately, the choice between Lexus and Toyota comes down to your budget and preferences. If you want a luxury vehicle that won’t break the bank to maintain, a Lexus is a great choice. But if you need a more affordable daily driver, a Toyota is probably the way to go.
Introduction: My personal experience with owning a Lexus
As a car blogger who has owned both a Lexus and a Toyota, I have firsthand experience with the differences between these two brands in terms of maintenance and cost. While both brands are manufactured by the same company, Toyota Motor Corporation, Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. Therefore, it’s understandable if you’re wondering which of these two brands is cheaper to maintain.
In my case, I owned a Toyota Camry for five years before upgrading to a Lexus ES 350. Although the maintenance for the Lexus was slightly pricier than the Toyota, I found it to be worth the investment. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and insights on the differences and similarities between Lexus and Toyota maintenance, and help you decide which brand to choose based on your preferences.
Understanding the differences between Lexus and Toyota maintenance
It’s no secret that Lexus cars are designed to offer more than Toyota cars in terms of luxury and comfort. The interior of a Lexus is meticulously crafted with high-end materials and advanced technological features, which inevitably increases its manufacturing cost. These features require a higher level of maintenance and care than their Toyota counterparts, which is why the cost of repairing Lexus vehicles is typically higher than that of Toyota vehicles.
The cost difference is often dependent on the model and year of the car. For example, a Toyota Corolla is cheaper to maintain than a Lexus LS. That being said, if you’re considering a Lexus, you’re likely to be prepared for a slightly higher maintenance cost than if you were purchasing a Toyota.
The cost of owning a Lexus: Is it worth it?
Based on my personal experience of owning both a Toyota and a Lexus, I would say that owning a Lexus is worth the extra cost. It’s true that the maintenance cost of a Lexus is slightly more than a Toyota, but the level of comfort, style, and luxury that it provides is incomparable.
Additionally, according to RepairPal, a leading provider of auto repair and maintenance information, Lexus is ranked sixth overall when it comes to ownership costs. This is a strong indication that owning a Lexus is a wise investment in the long run, as the cost of maintenance or repair is not as expensive as you might expect.
Maintenance and repair expenses for a Toyota
When it comes to routine maintenance, Toyotas are known for their reliability and low-cost maintenance. Some of the maintenance and repair expenses you can expect when owning a Toyota include:
– Oil changes: $20-$50
– Brake replacement: $150-$300 per axle
– Wheel alignment: $75-$200
– Tire replacement: $50-$200 per tire
One of the biggest advantages of owning a Toyota is that the parts are readily available, and most auto shops have experience working on Toyotas. This translates into a lower labor cost since certification and experience with the brand is not always needed.
Maintenance and repair expenses for a Lexus
Lexus cars are designed to deliver superior performance and style, making them more expensive to maintain than their Toyota counterparts. However, the cost of maintaining a Lexus can vary depending on the model and year of the car. Here are a few examples of maintenance and repair costs for a Lexus:
– Oil changes: $60-$120
– Brake replacement: $200-$500 per axle
– Wheel alignment: $150-$300
– Tire replacement: $150-$500 per tire
It’s also worth noting that Lexus cars come with advanced technological features, which require a higher level of maintenance and expertise compared to Toyota models. This can result in higher repair costs at the dealer, as specialized equipment and parts may be required.
Comparing routine maintenance expenses between Lexus and Toyota
To give you a better idea of the maintenance costs of these two brands, I’ve compiled a list of routine maintenance expenses for a Toyota and a Lexus with the same year, model, and mileage:
Toyota Camry
– Oil change: $40-$60
– Brake replacement: $150-$300 per axle
– Wheel alignment: $75-$200
– Tire replacement: $50-$200 per tire
Lexus ES 350
– Oil change: $80-$120
– Brake replacement: $300-$600 per axle
– Wheel alignment: $150-$300
– Tire replacement: $150-$500 per tire
As you can see, the cost of maintaining a Lexus is almost double that of its Toyota counterpart. However, it’s important to remember that the Lexus is a luxury vehicle, and its superiority in comfort and technology may count as an advantage.
Luxury vs non-luxury: Breaking down the costs
When it comes to comparing the costs of luxury and non-luxury brands, it’s essential to recognize that there’s a significant difference in the level of quality and features that come with each brand. Compared to luxury cars, non-luxury cars are relatively cheaper to maintain.
To give you a better idea of the differences in cost, here are a few examples of other luxury and non-luxury brands:
BMW 3 Series
– Oil change: $90-$150
– Brake replacement: $400-$800 per axle
– Wheel alignment: $150-$300
– Tire replacement: $200-$600 per tire
Honda Accord
– Oil change: $30-$60
– Brake replacement: $150-$300 per axle
– Wheel alignment: $75-$200
– Tire replacement: $50-$200 per tire
As you can see, luxury cars like BMWs are more expensive to maintain than non-luxury cars like Hondas. However, the cost of maintaining a Lexus is relatively similar to other luxury brands.
Conclusion: My final thoughts on which is cheaper to maintain, Lexus or Toyota?
After owning both a Toyota and a Lexus and comparing the two brands’ maintenance and repair costs, I would say that Toyota is slightly cheaper to maintain. However, the higher comfort, style, and luxury of owning a Lexus make it worth the investment.
When it comes to choosing between Lexus and Toyota, it’s essential to consider your priorities. If you’re looking for a reliable, cost-effective car, Toyota is the way to go. However, if you’re willing to make a little more investment for a luxury car with superior features, Lexus is the right choice.
Ultimately, the cost of maintenance and repair is just one factor when it comes to deciding which brand to buy. I would advise considering other factors like fuel economy, safety features, and resale value before making a final decision.