JeremyBin

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/d/2014-lexus-rx350-clean-carfax/6598485885.html

Rx 350, 2014, 100k miles, serviced every 5k

Too risky with high mileage? Looking for reliable for wife and baby to get around. Also considering Subaru outback and Acura rdx.

Don't want to spend over $20k

Thanks

Toys4RJill

mmarshall

Welcome to CL.

I checked KBB, and the Private-Party asking price for that vehicle, in excellent condition, with that mileage, is almost right on. It looks pretty good, at least in images......but, of course, any used vehicle needs a good inspection and test-drive. Normally, 100K would be considered a lot of miles, and somewhat risky. But, since this vehicle is only four years old with that kind of mileage, it is likely (but not definitely) to be of the less-stressful type accumulated on long distance and Interstate highways...which means that, barring a lot of traffic-jams on the interstate, it probably didn't get a lot of stress on the engine, brakes, and transmission from stop and go driving. I'd say at least consider it if you like it, it passes your inspection/test/drive, and a CarFax report doesn't show anything fishy or damaging.

On the choice between the Outback and RDX, the RDX is likely to have a more reliable engine and be somewhat more reliable overall, but the Outback drives more sedan-like and has what is arguably the best car-based AWD system in the business if your wife has to get around in snow. I owned an Outback myself for some six years, and virtually nothing stopped it in the winter, even with factory all-season tires.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

The car is/was religiously serviced at Lexus of Towson. Brakes (front) look to be done at 70K miles. Overall clean. My one concern would be:
R/F DOOR ACTUATOR BEGINNING TO FAIL. CLIENT AWARE, $685.00

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Toys4RJill

sears1234

checking if it did 90k service, which is a big and costly service.

JeremyBin

Wow, thanks for all the great feedback! Very helpful. So after more consideration I'm not sure I want to take the risk.

Looks like if we want a Lexus RX with peace of mind we'll have to spend closer to 30k, and go for Lexus certified, which looks like it comes with a pretty good 2 year warranty to cover factory recommended maintenance. Any contrary thoughts? Is the Lexus certification a good idea here?

Found 2 that seem like decent deals.
2014 33k miles $28777
2015 36k miles $28k

Can't paste link from cars.com app for some reason, but below are some screenshots.

Toys4RJill

JeremyBin

Looks like the 2015 would have a year left of original warranty + 2 years of cert warrsnty. Seems like a great deal.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Lexus CPO is decent. It's 2 Years / Unlimited Miles + balance of remaining factory warranty. It also comes with 4 complimentary services available to be utilized at any Lexus dealership.

bagwell

sears1234

Wow, can't believe CPO 15' RX350 with 36k ask for only 28k, you should take this.

theory816

I think, in order to sell a high mileage car at a high price, the owner should have strong proof of maintenance, provide background information on his/her occupation/use of the car if they want to gain the trust of the buyer. No one is going to spend 20k on a 100k car, especially when there are a ton of better options, of course, with having to spend a tad bit more.

Also these lexus suvs are such gorgeous cars. All years of the RX looks nice.

These are my criterias for buying an older car for anyone interested:

1. Less than 20-30k miles
2. Interior must be free of scratches. Seats have little to no stretch marks.
3. If suv, it cannot be a base model - those things are way too boring as is.
4. One owner.

Other than that, im buying NUEVO everytime suckas

Fizzboy7

Not risky at all. It's a Toyota/Lexus, and they are made to go 200k with minimal hassles. What's good here is the age- it is young. And if the price is good, you are sitting pretty with saving. But, this would only work if you were only going to put low miles on it. As it stands now, it is still relatively new and hasn't reached a mileage point of becoming failsome. Once you own this for another 50k miles, things may start going. So keep in mind how many miles you plan on adding to it. That will be your determination.