Just Got An 05

[Julie Anne]

I had been dreaming about owning this car since I saw one in 2002. I read about how amazing they were to drive and then read other people's responses that the cars weren't really "all that". I gotta tell ya - it is ALL THAT and then some!!! This car is so smooth it's like a dessert on wheels. :P

I test drove a lot of other cars - very nice cars - BMW 330i, Infiniti G35, Mercedes SLK 350 (2006)... I knew if I got anything but the SC 430, I would keep feeling like I was missing out. I am SO GLAD I HELD OUT.

The gas mileage is better than I had expected. I do a lot of highway driving and at one point it was registering 28 mpg. Now with air conditioning, I am at around 25.6.

The car is at 45,000 miles, so I can get the extended warranty - the Lexus dealership said that National has a better warranty than Lexus (???) I found a thread that recommended dealing with a guy that will sell the Lexus one over email - it seems like a no brainer to get one - but a friend who owns a Lexus said they never break down and that I am throwing 2 grand down a hole. I have to make a decision fairly quickly.

The only issues with the car that we are aware of are that the volume up and down switches on the steering wheel don't work well and the trunk does not open with the key button. Other than that, you could easily have convinced me that it was a new car. I will make sure I get those little things taken care of before the factory warranty is up. If I recall correctly, those kinds of things are not included in the extended.

Any relevant (or irrelevant, I don't care!) thoughts or experiences would be appreciated. :D

[cmartin248]

The extended warranty usually only covers the engine and transmission. My wife's 2003 has 170,000 on it and absolutely trouble free. I did change the timing belt at 140,000 but the old one looked good. If you ever do need engine or trans service then take it to a good toyota mechanic and save yourself a bundle. For my vote keep your money to buy tires with, because the car has no design flaws mechanically except alignment. Read the postings on tires and deal with a good alignment shop that can set it up for the way you drive, not to factory specs.

[aquanuke]

If it only covers engine and transmission then I wouldnt bother. If you can get a bumper to bumper than that would be worthwhile, the mechanical roof could potentially be very expensive.

In my five years of ownership all Ive needed was an 02 sensor.

[aquanuke]

"trunk does not open with the key button"

umm.. is that the same with both keys? maybe the key button contacts are worn out (new key casing needed) or try replacing the key battery. Ive changed my key batteries 3 times now so they don't last that long.

[Julie Anne]

Thanks for the responses.

I wasn't holding the trunk button long enough. I was just clicking it, like I do with our other vehicle... I am relieved that it turned out to be nothing but "operator error" ;)

The extended warranty would cover the electrical system, and would include the navigation system... Husband is voting no on buying it - he is quite "mechanical", and really thinks we should keep the money and use it if we need to - on repairs.

I have done as much research as I could and although cars do break down and there are no guarantee's - this car has a really good track record.

We will take the advice regarding the alignment issue - thanks again :)

Julie