All,

I currently have a 2002 Lexus IS300 that I love, but I am really getting tired of paying $250+ everytime I take it to the dealer for service.

I live in Smyrna, TN (where Nissan is) and can get the "Friends and Family" discount. I can buy a loaded 2003 Maxima GLE for about $23,000 (and get about $8,000 in cash for the trade on the Lexus).

I thought of waiting for the '04 Maxima, but from what I have seen, I really don't care for it.

My questions...
Would you buy the Maxima again?
Is it worth the money?

Thanks for your help!!!

 

You are already trading in a 2002?? And shouldn't it be under warranty so you don't have to pay $250/time.

I love my 2K Max and I would get it again. The only reason I would trade it in is to get a 2003 Maxima.

 

asu174,

The $250 is for "normal" maintenance.
Although the Lexus dealership is nice enough to detail the car as part of the maintenance.

 

asu174,

The $250 is for "normal" maintenance.
Although the Lexus dealership is nice enough to detail the car as part of the maintenance.

 

I think you may regret trading in your almost new Lexus for a Maxima, especially when you do it for service cost savings. I don't see how you can spend $250 per visit when all you need is oil and filter change every 5000 miles with occasional brake inspection and tire rotations. I think you are just being ripped off by the dealer so why not change the dealership or find an independent shop?

 

stick with the lexus. Nissan paint, brakes, rotors, stereo, interior noise/rattles, all suck. I can't imagine having those problems with a lexus.

 

Great price for the Maxima, but horrible trade. Don't do it. Your IS300 is a very nice car. Find a different dealership even if it means driving a good distance.

 

You are getting ripped off on your "service" and you are going to get ripped off on that trade.

Learn how to change your own oil. Save yourself $240.

 

if i had a lexus, i would not trade, but i think that the MAXIMA GLE is a GREAT car for the money

 

i'd have to agree with my fellow org members...you're talkinga about cars in two different classes. the ONLY significant thing that yuo're going to like about the max over the IS is straight line acceleration. your car handles like it's on rails, the max will feel like a boat in comparison.

yeah, the max is bigger, but if you bought the IS in the first place, does roominess matter to you? nissan can only dream of being mentioned in the same sentence as lexus when it comes to quality.

look into finding another dealer, my parents have an RX300, and they pay nothing close what you do for maintenance.

i love my max, but personally, i wouldn't follow through on what you're considering.

best regards.

 

The IS300's a nice car and from what I understand, the aftermarket suport for it is pretty good Intense Motor Sports

If I were you, I'd keep it and look at the aftermarket support. I know they make turbo's and SC's for it if your looking at more power. As for the dealership charging you $250 per visit, I would sit down and think carefully what you could consider as "major service" that they should do and "minor service" which you may either do on your own or have a personal mechanic do.

From some of the nightmare stories I've heard here, going from Lexus service to Nissan service would be a downgrade.

Good Luck!