So the wife's 2021 Highlander is being totaled (struck by lighting) and we are looking at replacements.

The local dealer gave us first crack at a new 2024 Grand Highlander coming in in August. It is $55k. We may have to wait another month for the vehicle. We are holding it with a $500 deposit.

For that or less, we could get a slightly used Lexus today.

Are Lexus maintenance costs similar to Toyota or do you get screwed because it is a luxury car?

In my experience my wife's 16 gx 460 has not been any more expensive than the two tundras I had previously. It is all wheel drive and we have done an alignment several times but it's not expensive. The biggest difference has been the great service/ loaner vehicle always available at Houston's north side Lexus.

Recently bought a 23 gx 460 and trying to decide what to do with the 16. Did not want to play the trade in game.

As long as it doesn't have Air Suspension, there isn't a noticeable difference in maintenance cost. All of the parts on the Lexus are stamped "Toyota", and generally everything is interchangeable between Highlander and Lexus RX models.

Lexus dealership may charge a higher shop rate to offset the step up in customer service (loaner vehicle, espresso machine, bidet, etc)

Which model Lexus? Is it a CPO?

If it's a GX, then paying extra for a CPO is usually for peace of mind only. As they typically won't be in the shop. If out of warranty, you don't need to take it to the dealership for service. Air suspension can have issues but typically after 8 or so years, the airbags can develop a tear. I had to replace them twice on my 04 over 13 years owning it. The newer generation has a timing chain so no need to change that. They are fairly straightforward with normal maintenance.

Between my cousins, aunts & uncles, and me, we have owned at least 8 GXs over the last 10 years. No issues to speak of, other than my airbags. But I keep mine longer then they do.

Flaith said:

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As long as it doesn't have Air Suspension, there isn't a noticeable difference in maintenance cost. All of the parts on the Lexus is stamped "Toyota", and generally everything is interchangeable between Highlander and Lexus RX models.

Lexus dealership may charge a higher shop rate to offset the step up in customer service (loaner vehicle, espresso machine, bidet, etc)

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QFT. Nailed it.

Flaith said:

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As long as it doesn't have Air Suspension, there isn't a noticeable difference in maintenance cost. All of the parts on the Lexus is stamped "Toyota", and generally everything is interchangeable between Highlander and Lexus RX models.

Lexus dealership may charge a higher shop rate to offset the step up in customer service (loaner vehicle, espresso machine, bidet, etc)

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Those loaners are pretty nice, too. They always seem to be current model year higher trim levels.

Rx 350

Bidet!

I could be interested in the 16 GX460 if you are selling. Send some info to 832 8 2 3 1339. Thanks!

That 460 would be a prime car for the GXOR groups on FB.

My 2017 NX with 63k miles has been oil changes yearly and filters as needed since I got it in 2018 (slightly used). As cheap to maintain as any vehicle I've had that used synthetic. Probably in the $70-150 per year range. Hasn't even needed new tires yet. Boring as hell vehicle to drive with zero personality, but it's rock solid and a great dependable vehicle for road trips and long work trips.

The 2012 BMW 135is that sits next to it, otoh…
But even that has been surprisingly rock solid for the most part, even off warranty, with regular maintenance that's pricier, but no significant repairs to date (knock on wood). And it makes up for the lack of fun factor from its neighbor.

I bought a '13 ES 300h from Carmax in Dec '19 with 57k miles for $19k. (Remember those days?)

Rock solid car.

Texker said:

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I bought a '13 ES 300h from Carmax in Dec '19 with 57k miles for $19k. (Remember those days?)

Rock solid car.

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I bought a 2013 Lexus ES 350 with 70k miles for $16k right around that time.

I'm interested in the 16. I'm changing jobs with my company and losing my company car. My wife had an 05 and kick myself that we traded it in