If you feel unsafe, trade it in for something more low key but a 9 year old Lexus is not like rolling up there in a Bentley. If you keep it, you can go pretty much anywhere that services Japanese cars.

I’d contact the Toyota dealer and ask them if they can service your Lexus. If so, I would keep it.

-POC with a Merz

Anonymous wrote:I would trade it in and buy a car that can be easily repaired in your new location.

Has nothing to do with "how it looks" and more to do with making your life easier in the new place you move. You are going to have a hard time getting that 9 year old Lexus repaired.

Also, different areas do have different status cars. And it varies from area to area. A Lexus would not have been seen as a high status car in the small town I the south I lived in, just as a really odd choice.

Any place that can repair a Toyota Camry can also repair a Lexus.

I would trade it in and buy a car that can be easily repaired in your new location.

Has nothing to do with "how it looks" and more to do with making your life easier in the new place you move. You are going to have a hard time getting that 9 year old Lexus repaired.

Also, different areas do have different status cars. And it varies from area to area. A Lexus would not have been seen as a high status car in the small town I the south I lived in, just as a really odd choice.

I used to drive a Mercedes SL Convertible when I was 29-34 and single. This was back in 1991 to 1997. Mind you back then I loved Queens NY and dated girls in 20s to early 30s.

Folks thought I was a drug dealer or insider trading. I once dated girl in Long Beach with a very blue collar dad. I showed up and picked up daughter in the Mercedes and second date he asked for ride. I picked up girls in Hoboken and Queens same thing. It was a huge recession and I am driving a car like that.

I recall in Brooklyn at clubs they let me park on sidewalk. At parking garages or night clubs they leave it out front.

I really liked it. I bought it used 110k Miles. But I had it repainted in platinum silver and with black interior and convertible top down it was great. In retrospect. I jumped the shark in 1992 when bought a beautiful red wrangler. But did not yet want to sell Benz. I had them both.

My peak craziness was my apt I often really fight to get spot out front as worried get stolen. I had my Mercedes out front with my Red Wrangler in front on street.

I have a date, girl agrees to meet by my place and we are going to dinner. I take her down to my Mercedes and I am expecting her to be impressed. She goes it is nice but o am more of a wrangler person like one in front of us. I say get out for a second and lock car and say I own the wrangler too and took it. I never got another date. She must have thought I was a drug dealer. So yes too much is too much. And I was way out of place for a guy no parking spot.

Anonymous wrote:I own a Lexus. I currently live somewhere that is near 2 Lexus dealerships, in a neighborhood where a Lexus is fairly normal (not in DMV). But I'm relocating for a new job in a smaller town several states away. The closest Lexus dealership is 5 hours away in another state. I feel like the car will mark me as NOT FROM HERE. It's also 9 years old at this point. WWYD? Trade in for an unassuming Toyota, or keep it a few more years and just live with sticking out like a sore thumb?

Really? Are people really anxious about such things? A Lexus is an upgraded Toyota. It’s 9 yrs old. If driving this is going to “mark” you maybe you should reconsider moving there. I thought the post might say you drive a Lamborghini or something exotic.

One of the all time silliest posts…

I own a Kubota tractor and the nearest dealer is in PW County.

Lexus dealer is 5 hours away? In that case, get a truck. You'll fit in fine.

WTH are you moving where the closest Lexus dealer is 5 hours away?

Because that’s where I want to live.

I would just assume you bought it used since there are no dealers locally.

Every car is a used car anyway.

We're in a poor school district and I would say for sure the family with the Mercedes that drops off a child each morning does stick out. Everyone else is dropping off in beaten up 10-15 year old cars with the new Toyotas being kind of fancy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
So you're one of those people who always take their car to the dealership?

Ha ha ha.

Why are you complicating your life, OP? Just move with your car, and buy another one when it eventually dies. Get it serviced at whatever local garage is most honest (often not the dealership). Easy.

Why does everyone have to be a snide, superior jerk on DCUM? Did I say I get it serviced at the dealer? No. I was just making the point that no one owns one in New Location because there isn't anywhere to buy one. That's all.

You really think like that? Of course you'll see your type of car. They'll have moved into the area, just like you. Or maybe they drove the 5 hours to buy it. Lots of people do.

You're a little obsessed, OP.

You're not a POC obviously.
I think it's a legit concern. I wouldn't necessarily get a new car since yours seems like it's running just fine but I don't think you are crazy for bringing it up.

If you were driving a Lotus, sure, but a Lexus? They don't stand out at all.

If you're not white and you're going to a place with all white people, guess what's going to get you noticed?

Hint - it won't be your car.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
So you're one of those people who always take their car to the dealership?

Ha ha ha.

Why are you complicating your life, OP? Just move with your car, and buy another one when it eventually dies. Get it serviced at whatever local garage is most honest (often not the dealership). Easy.

Why does everyone have to be a snide, superior jerk on DCUM? Did I say I get it serviced at the dealer? No. I was just making the point that no one owns one in New Location because there isn't anywhere to buy one. That's all.

You really think like that? Of course you'll see your type of car. They'll have moved into the area, just like you. Or maybe they drove the 5 hours to buy it. Lots of people do.

You're a little obsessed, OP.