On the Lexus forums, there seems to be a feeling that for some reason, the 2nd Generation Lexus IS (referred to as ISX50) has some kind of curse placed upon it. Members have posted stories of door dings, rock chips, even a vandalized IS that included busted out windows, slashed tires, and keyed door panels. (The consensus on the forums is that it was done by a jilted ex-lover, or boyfriend of said ex-lover). Normally, I’m not one to believe in curses, but I am starting to think this one just might be real.

I’ve had my IS250 for just over three years now. The first year was smooth sailing. Aside from the paint swirls that I discovered are a way of life with a black car, I didn’t have any issues (save for the rock chips, where I picked up more in 1 year than I did with 3 years with my Passat). Then the curse struck. On the 1 year anniversary, almost to the day, I was backing out of my parent’s garage, when the edge of the bumper caught a box laying on the floor and ripped the left side of the bumper away from the car, bending it forward. Well shit. $750 later, I had a brand new bumper, and I was on my way. Another year passes, I’m driving on I-5, and a busted tire appears in front of me. Unable to swerve, I eat it. And it eats my bumper. Off to the body shop again for a repaint and a wallet $500 lighter. Couple months later, I’m on I-210, and while I’m trying to key in an address on the nav, I hear the familiar sound of me hitting some road debris. (Note to Caltrans, clean up the fucking freeways. After spending a week in Oregon, California highways are a disgrace). This time, I busted the fog lamp as well. Thankfully, insurance covered this one, so I was only out $250.

Fast forward to earlier this month. I tried to be a good college student and went to Starbucks to finish taking some notes for class. Upon exiting the shop, I see a security guard putting something on my windshield. I walk up to see what is going on, and he informs me that I was hit by someone backing out of their parking space. Sure enough, a nice streak of red paint and a gauge in my rear bumper. Wonderful. He goes on to explain that he and another security guard saw the whole thing happen, and were able to stop the woman from driving away and inform her that she is required to leave a note when she hits a parked car. Next morning, I visit my body shop guy again (you know shit is bad when you have a body shop guy) and get a quote for the repairs. $475. Call up the attempted hit and runner, and let her know that it will be $475 for the repairs and another $125 for me to get a rental for the three days the car will be in the shop. She offers me $300. Apparently someone failed basic math and thinks 475 + 125 = 300. After some back and forth, she tells me that she wants her husband to see the damage before she gives me any cash. Fair enough. So I meet with the woman and her daughter, and they try giving me some sob story about how the daughter is going away for college so money is tight. My first thought was: tough shit, give me some cash or I’m calling my insurance company. Thankfully, once she saw the quote and realized I wasn’t trying to screw her over, she forked over $600 cash. A couple days in the body shop, and Laquisha’s rear end was looking as good as new. (Note, my car is named Shannon for most areas, but when in the hood, she’s called Laquisha. Why? Cause she’s black and has a big ass.)