MannyRCF

Well thats exactly how i felt..but well said...i dont blame them..I woudnt help myself either if i was in their shoes...I dont look like a baller..hahahah

rominl

iTrader: (4)

doesn't surprise me anymore. you have to hear all my stories about dealership people thinking i am just a kid and not worthy of anything -- until i leave and show them what i drive and they all cry regret

ghenley

I do this type of thing a lot because it's more comfortable and to judge other's reaction. I feel very fortunate to own an LS 460.

Greg

amcdonal86

What makes buying a used LS460L smart? Don't kid yourself, these Lexuses are very reliable, but as also very expensive to maintain, although they are a bit less expensive to maintain than their German counterparts.

What is the definition of "slightly used"? To me, a car that's 3 years old and already has 40k miles on it is just that much closer to the next major service. Maybe the ones you are looking at are newer and have fewer miles, but I don't think you can go ahead and make an apples to oranges comparison and then turn your nose up at someone who bought a new MDX.

That being said, you shouldn't feel bad for wanting what you want. It's not like you're buying a Hummer H2 or something.

miniz

Very reliable? How about the most reliable production car EVER made? The world record holder for the reliability? Yup, that is the LS. They are only expensive if you go to a Lexus dealer for every single service. That is unnecessary and a waste of money. Something a simple as switching to a Toyota dealer will save you 20-30%, then going to an indy will save more, then doing stuff yourself will save even more. Its not exactly hard to change the cabin air filter or engine air filter yourself. That will save you 80% over Lexus dealer installation right there.
A car with 40k miles is also closer to the cost of a lower caliber car. You just saved $20,000 on the car, so what is a 40k mile service? Its a drop in the bucket (unless you like to spend $125/hour at the dealer).

MannyRCF

Some valid points...

usermel

Great points miniz! Great points!!! L.G.N.M

amcdonal86

What makes you think that this isn't true for an Acura, or any car for that matter?

It is true that the depreciation hits very hard in the first few years of Lexus, but this is also true of any luxury vehicle, including the Acura MDX.

I just don't buy the argument that "OH, for the price of a new car X, I can get a slightly used, older much better car Y!" The reason you could buy used car Y for that price is because it's only as desirable as a new car X at the time you want to buy the used car Y.

I still think the "because I'm smart" answer was kind of silly. The better answer would've been "because I love the car!"

miniz

If you have a set budget in mind, say $40k, then you can ALWAYS buy a better used car then a new car for the same amount of money. That is not a new notion. Lets say with $40k you can buy a nice new ES350 or a 3 year old LS460 with moderate to low mileage. The LS is a better and higher caliber car then the ES. Its not to say the ES is bad, its just the LS is better. AND to top it off, the first owner already ate $20k+ in depreciation that I don't have to. If buying a better car for less money isn't smarter, then I don't know what is.

j stuff

iTrader: (5)

Very interesting thread. Glad you brought this up and no I think you are smart as well.

When I was in the market for a car I did not want a brand new entry level vehicle. I knew I would eventually get tired of it fast. I decided on getting a used GS400 and have not regretted it at all. Although it was used and I was the 2nd owner, it is smooth, powerful and looks great. I have no intentions at all to sell this vehicle anytime soon whereas im SURE if I purchased a new civic I would have been tired of it long ago.

j stuff

iTrader: (5)

Good post whenever i see the msrp on the new ES or similar models in that price range, I always think to myself "Damn i could get a used LS for this price instead"

Also to the person who posted earlier about their father only purchasing new, and stating that 'you are purchasing someone elses problems' this is so not true. People trade in/sell for MANY reasons. But many people just refuse to think that way. Usually they are just more ignorant when it comes to cars in general regarding maintenance, features, etc.

I have already decided that my next car purchase (which wont be for a good while) will be a used LS460.

tftimm

I didn't get an LS, but I understand where you are coming from.

I recently purchased a used CPO 2004 RX330 for $20K. I felt obligated to explain to people why I chose a used Lexus over a new 2010 base CRV or Rav 4. The warranty on the CPO is better (46K miles/3yrs), I enjoy the smooth ride of the Lexus and the technology features.

Should I? I did the same when I bought my 2008 TSX. I got it brand new for $26.5K. A V6 Honda Accord w/leather is more expensive. If I show up with the Accord, nobody says anything, with the Acura...ewww, an Acura.

I know maintenance is more expensive, but I enjoy the comfort and features of a luxury vehicle.

I'm not a flashy person at all, very quiet and reserved, but everyone thinks that because you have a Lexus, you must be rich. I am very money consious and like to treat myself to some luxury when I can afford it.

miniz

You can respond to anyone with.....Who's car is going to hold more residual resale value later? The base CRV/Rav4 that nobody will want to buy because it doesn't have any options, or your fully optioned vehicle that cost twice what the CRV/Rav cost new? I think you know the answer.

amcdonal86

Actually, the 5 years ownership cost of a fully loaded 2010 Acura MDX and 2007 LS460L AWD are almost identical, even including depreciation. If you need evidence, go ahead and look it up on Edmunds TCO. From a purely cost standpoint, buying a used LS460L isn't necessarily any smarter than buying a new MDX.

I don't know about you, but some people just like having a new car that is fully covered by a warranty. I know I would. That new car smell and seeing <1000 miles on the odometer is priceless!

Maybe I'm just a little bit more tolerant of other people's decisions, and I don't proclaim everything I do to be the "smartest" thing. There is no need to get worked up over this.

amcdonal86

Probably a fully optioned CRV/Rav4 (as a percentage of original MSRP)...