Let's say Toyota doesn't make something that suits your style, but you still prioritize dependability. Then, you will likely love what Lexus has in its portfolio. Be it new or used, a vehicle wearing the iconic "L" badge is going to make you feel just a bit more special. Moreover, chances are that it won't affect your finances because rates are attractive even today. That is, of course, until a Lexus needs to be repaired.
People who haven't owned a Lexus may think the brand is only about luxury, which must automatically mean high maintenance costs. After all, it is said that the brand's name originates from the "luxury export to the United States." While that's not true because Toyota just blended the "luxury" and "elegance" terms to come up with "Lexus," what's real is that repairing one will set you or your insurer back unexpectedly much.
Fixing up a damaged Lexus can result in high bills because almost all parts are replaceable nowadays. Your shop of choice will have to assess what works, what can be saved, and what is toast. Then, they will order the right items.
Believe it or not, on relatively newer Lexus models, replacing the grille emblem (the iconic oval badge) can cost over £1,000 ($1,249) in the UK with the value-added tax (VAT) included. That's only the cost of the part. You or the insurer will have to cover the labor cost, too. Automakers being cost-conscious is old-fashioned now.
Initially, anyone might be inclined to think that's what happens when shops get ahold of a project where the insurer will pay without thinking twice about it. However, OEM procurement has become quite a challenge. Even known parts dealers won't budge on the price because that's what Lexus charges. The 2014-2021 NX front badge can cost up to £928 ($1,159) even when you buy it yourself from a trusted seller.
In the US, things are not much different. Some sellers will send you a grille emblem for around $35, but it wouldn't do much good for your smart Lexus. You would still need the right part. A used one costs around $225 on various e-commerce platforms. A brand-new item will set you back around $600 before tax. It can be a bit cheaper stateside compared to the UK, but it's still unexpectedly expensive.
The Japanese automaker's logo represents a curved road that aims to make you think of a smooth ride and adventure. However, besides aesthetics and hidden meaning, it also has a functional role.
Photo: Lexus
The emblem hides the radar sensor for cruise control, automatic emergency braking, front parking warning, and forward collision warning. It's part of the Toyota Safety Sense suite and has a smooth feel when you touch it. It's more than a simple badge. That's why it costs so much to get a new or slightly used grille emblem.
Still, Toyota managed to oversee one very important aspect: winter. Even though it's so expensive to replace, almost all models that display the emblem with a blue outline have no heating. That means grime, snow, or ice can accumulate on the logo and render the radar sensor useless. The driver is forced to use the basic cruise control by pressing the dedicated button for about five seconds. It won't maintain a safe distance from the car in front of them, but it will at least help them rest their foot on longer journeys.
Ultimately, this happens when cars become very advanced and have systems that are supposed to ease the pressure on the driver or prevent accidents. And if you think that a pricey emblem is outrageous, wait until you find the cost of one Lexus ES LED headlight – around $3,500 before tax.
Technology ain't cheap, and there's nothing we can do about it. Almost everything's replaceable, and very little's fixable in a repair shop. That's a reality we must embrace or find new ways to properly maintain older vehicles. It's yet another reason why insurance premiums rise.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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