[damo]

Here in Australia (and I assume everywhere), there are a few different models of the ct 200h - my biggest problem is I'm happy with the "prestige" (i.e. base model), except I will miss features I've become used to from my darker days driving a peugeot.

Features I'm talking about are:
1. rain sensing automatic intermittent windscreen wipers
2. automatic head lights

stuff the Peugeot doesn't have, but I now want (having learnt of them) are:
3. auto-dimming exterior mirrors
4. auto-folding exterior mirrors
5. radar-assisted cruise control

So now to my question: is it possible to get any/all of these fitted to my ct 200h post-purchase? I'm happy to have Lexus fit them (or anyone really).

I guess I've been spoilt by the long list of over-priced "options" on other premium cars. I don't want to have to pay the extra $10k in Australia to upgrade to the Luxury model as that has a whole bunch of stuff I don't want (like the navigation screen for instance).

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Damo

 

[bilmat]

Here in the U.S. you would be paying not only for the optional accessory you wanted to add, but a healthy chunk of change for the dealer to install it. I don't know what the flat rate is now, but it used to be something like $120 per hour, often with a minimum of a half hour. Yesterday I received the Bamboo Dash Trim for my CT from an online vendor. Although it took only 60 seconds for me to install myself, my Lexus dealer would likely have charged me a half-hour flat rate time that would cost $60 or more US dollars.

Keep in mind that there are some options that can't be installed post market — or would be extremely expensive. Factory Nav is one example. Rain-sensing wipers might be another.

I bought a non-Nav CT Premium that came with few options (Cargo Spider Net; Illuminated Door Sills; and an Accessory Package that included a Cargo Net, Cargo Mat and Wheel Locks.) Since the purchase I have added the Bamboo Dash Trim, All-Weather Lexus Floor Mats, All-Weather Lexus Cargo Mat, and the Body Side-Moldings custom painted and fitted for the CT arrived today (I hope to install them tomorrow if the weather cooperates). None of these items required that I take the car to the dealer, and all were purchased at discount over the Internet.

My advice is to purchase a CT that comes with all or most of the luxury options you want. And if you or someone you know can install other goodies that didn't come with the car, buy them online at the best possible price, do the work yourself and you will be Aussie bucks ahead of the game.

 

[cenix]

when i inquired at my dealership for installing the electrochromatic rear view mirror with back up camera, they quoted me over $2k in parts alone. i was like --->

basically, i've been told as of now (here in the u.s.) that there are no ways to get certain add-ons at this time, and they're currently only available that way factory installed. they said maybe in the near future these add-ons will be more readily available and so it looks like we're forced to wait for the time being.

 

[damo]

thanks Bill -

they want $10k for the next model up (the "luxury"), and just for the bits I want, I think it's a bit steep - surely i'd be able to buy just the extra bits I want and get away with spending far less than $10k.

Anyway, which site did you get your bamboo trim from?

 

[damo]

basically, i've been told as of now (here in the u.s.) that there are no ways to get certain add-ons at this time, and they're currently only available that way factory installed. they said maybe in the near future these add-ons will be more readily available and so it looks like we're forced to wait for the time being.

Thanks cenix - I thought that might be the case - a bit disappointing, but I guess it's about cost-saving for Lexus at the moment.