ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012) Discussion topics related to 2007+ ES350

Which ES is better - 08 private sell vs. 09 Demo

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Old 03-30-10, 05:04 AM
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jb904
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Default Which ES is better - 08 private sell vs. 09 Demo

Recently came across two good deals and i am wondering which would be the better buy. I believe both cars have the same standard equipment (no extra options). The private seller has a 2008 ES with 9K miles and is looking for $30,900 OBO. The dealership is selling a 2009 demo with 12K miles and is selling for $28,400. Any advice on what i should haggle down the price to and which one would be the better buy?
Old 03-30-10, 05:55 AM
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raviola4
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Default 08 or 09 choice

If what i'm reading is correct, a no brainer from my view. The 09 from dealer below pricing of the 08 from private owner? Mileage is a non-issue. 09 all the way. Provided cars similar in "goodies".
Old 03-30-10, 06:03 AM
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LexBob2
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Is the '09 a CPO? If so, the extended warranty would be another good reason to go '09/dealer.
Old 03-30-10, 07:22 AM
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Joeb427
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$30900 is a lot for an base '08.
I'm not a fan of buying demos.Especially with 12K miles.Seems like a lot of miles for a demo.
Maybe it's a loaner which is even worse.
See if you can get a few grand off the '08.
Old 03-30-10, 07:53 AM
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jimmyford1
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How long do you normally keep a car? If less than 4 years, the one year model difference is worth 3-4k. You may want to find out the date of first use on both vehicles to determine how many months of factory warranty remain. If you're a high mileage drive and expect to go over 50k within 3 years, the dealer can certify the 09.
Old 03-30-10, 08:09 AM
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SteadyEddy
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I too would go for the 09. Less money newer car and if it's certified, if something does go wrong they fix it. Whereas the private owner you'll have to shell out more money for peace of mind. I bought a 02 ES loaner in 03. Never had any problems, only got rid of it once it was out of warranty and I wanted a new 07 ES.
Old 03-30-10, 09:55 AM
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zhivuyatut
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'09 Is very likely a past loaner. That may or may not be a concern. Lexus drivers rarely are abusive types. Would you really try to beat on the ES, if they give you one for loaner? Just get to work, and then back to the dealer. Since it was at the dealership all the time, it probably was always maintained on the schedule. They probably did not fix any small things like squeaks and rattles, finish and scratches. So, look out for those in the test drive.
'09 Sounds like a good deal to me, depending on the options of course.
Old 03-30-10, 04:33 PM
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JRey350hou
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IMO the 09 is better option but would definite neg min 1k or in 2-3k range off list they marked with that possibility. Would absolutely ask for vehicle to be CPO and you would be covered. One other question which comes into play for resale and even now......what color(s) are said vehicles. good luck.
Old 03-30-10, 06:20 PM
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MD350
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A couple of questions..

1) A demo usually means that the car has never been titled, but has miles. So, this unit has never been titled? If it has been titled, it is not a demo and is a used car.

2) Also, most demos are usually put up for sale around 6,000 miles or less. This one has 12,000 miles. Why?

3) If it is, in fact, a loaner..I would personally pass. I worked for Hertz Rental Car out of college and OMG what people do to these cars. Yes, Lexus owners won't abuse Lexus loaners as they do Hertz cars...but why risk it? Bottom line, the cars are not treated as if they were owned by the drivers. Enough said.

Good luck
Old 03-31-10, 03:56 AM
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CJS57
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I looked at 5 different 2008 loaners from a Lexus dealer. All had little marks, scuffs, dirty carpet, stains on the seats, little things like that. They were tatty. The same dealer had trade-ins that were all about mint! I was amazed that the loaners had been treated like rentals! They were all $28 firm with 18k miles. Got a brand new 2010 for $34, no brainer.
Old 03-31-10, 01:47 PM
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miniz
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Neither. They are both base models and will be very hard to get rid of when you go to sell it, plus they will bring less money. Very few used car buyers pick up base models. They will normally pass them over quickly. If you are buying used, there is no reason not to get a fairly well optioned car. $30k is way too much for a basic ES. Go find a used 08 Ultra Lux. You will be able to sell it later quickly and for more money.
Old 03-31-10, 07:23 PM
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sirCharles
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both are so new, either is good deal
Old 04-02-10, 03:58 PM
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garsarno
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Even if you don't resell for more money, when comparing the Ultra to the base, you will sell yours faster when compared.
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