Seeking the ultimate in comfort for $50K or less: NEW ES350 vs USED 2011-13 LS460
#1
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Seeking the ultimate in comfort for $50K or less: NEW ES350 vs USED 2011-13 LS460
HI LS Forum,
I'm looking to move on from my 05 ES330 - the goals for my next Lexus are to MAXIMIZE COMFORT: ie. comfortable ride, minimize shocks and jars from road bumps, and comfortable seat to minimize back pain. I have no aspirations to a sporty ride etc.
My price limit is $50K, ideally $45K or under, so that is limiting me to thinking new ES versus Pre-Owned LS. Certainly, on test drives, the LS is more comfortable for sure . Of course there are pros and cons with going with an older car than a new. I have my own independent mechanic who I have been using for my current ES (a former Lexus Master Technician now with his own shop), so I dont have to get a CPO, it can be a non-CPO from anywhere, even a private party if they let me have car checked out by my mechanic.
The question I suppose is this - if I am going to get an LS460 with 50Kish miles on it, I would want to keep it for a while. When your LS460s have reached up to the 150K-200K mileage range, does maintenance become an issue/major cost factor? I would also worry about worsening shock absorption etc as the car ages. Comments?
-Boston Snowboarder (not in Boston anymore, now in the car-friendly world of southern california)
05 ES330
I'm looking to move on from my 05 ES330 - the goals for my next Lexus are to MAXIMIZE COMFORT: ie. comfortable ride, minimize shocks and jars from road bumps, and comfortable seat to minimize back pain. I have no aspirations to a sporty ride etc.
My price limit is $50K, ideally $45K or under, so that is limiting me to thinking new ES versus Pre-Owned LS. Certainly, on test drives, the LS is more comfortable for sure . Of course there are pros and cons with going with an older car than a new. I have my own independent mechanic who I have been using for my current ES (a former Lexus Master Technician now with his own shop), so I dont have to get a CPO, it can be a non-CPO from anywhere, even a private party if they let me have car checked out by my mechanic.
The question I suppose is this - if I am going to get an LS460 with 50Kish miles on it, I would want to keep it for a while. When your LS460s have reached up to the 150K-200K mileage range, does maintenance become an issue/major cost factor? I would also worry about worsening shock absorption etc as the car ages. Comments?
-Boston Snowboarder (not in Boston anymore, now in the car-friendly world of southern california)
05 ES330
#2
Seeking the ultimate in comfort for $50K or less: NEW ES350 vs USED 2011-13 LS460
You lost me right at the subject line of the title with the ES vs LS comparison. I personally don't care what year the ES is, the LS is a superior vehicle and the ES isn't even in the same arena, let alone sport. Just my two cents. A newer ES may have more tech,but the ride and experience is night and day despite the age gap
#3
Lexus Fanatic
Ditto what CJITTY stated. No comparison. Add to that the fact that the ES is front wheel drive which removes it from any consideration I would have.
There's no reason the LS can't go the distance (and some have reached that 200k mile hurdle already.
There's no reason the LS can't go the distance (and some have reached that 200k mile hurdle already.
#4
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You lost me right at the subject line of the title with the ES vs LS comparison. I personally don't care what year the ES is, the LS is a superior vehicle and the ES isn't even in the same arena, let alone sport. Just my two cents. A newer ES may have more tech,but the ride and experience is night and day despite the age gap
#5
Lexus Fanatic
This is a tough one only because the ES is new and the LS is used.
The LS is hands down the superior vehicle in every way, its smoother, quieter, more refined, more substantial feeling, better built, more comfortable.
BUT...if you're buying a new car with a 5 year car loan, buying an already 3-5 year old LS with 50k miles where once its paid for it would be 8-10 years old with 130k miles is a little scary, thats what kept me in new ES's in 2003 and 2010 when what I really wanted was an LS.
A used LS is a great buy, they age really well and they're pretty reliable, but making payments on anything 7+ years old and with 100k+ miles is a little daunting to me. Great buy if you can pay cash, or finance on a short term, or don't drive a ton, etc.
So...I would choose the new ES.
The LS is hands down the superior vehicle in every way, its smoother, quieter, more refined, more substantial feeling, better built, more comfortable.
BUT...if you're buying a new car with a 5 year car loan, buying an already 3-5 year old LS with 50k miles where once its paid for it would be 8-10 years old with 130k miles is a little scary, thats what kept me in new ES's in 2003 and 2010 when what I really wanted was an LS.
A used LS is a great buy, they age really well and they're pretty reliable, but making payments on anything 7+ years old and with 100k+ miles is a little daunting to me. Great buy if you can pay cash, or finance on a short term, or don't drive a ton, etc.
So...I would choose the new ES.
#6
Pole Position
For $50k I'd certainly take a look at a 2013 LS460. I've seen several under that price with under 50k miles. I'm sure a new ES has peace of mind. My friend had a 2012 Es and every time he rides in my 08, he says: "I could probably use a bigger car like your LS." There has to be the right LS deal with CPO out there for you.
Good luck.
Good luck.
#7
Thread Starter
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Yes, I will need a loan either way, which complicates things. Your points are well taken. On the other hand, I see from other threads that Lexus has started back the option to lease a CPO. So that would be an intriguing angle - find a CPO LS460 priced around $50K, and take a lease on it......... perhaps not the most financially wise decision, but intriguing......
silly question that I never thought about until now - but I wonder if one leases a CPO, does the lease agreement require going to the dealer for maintenance during the lease?...or perhaps not so silly
silly question that I never thought about until now - but I wonder if one leases a CPO, does the lease agreement require going to the dealer for maintenance during the lease?...or perhaps not so silly
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#8
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by bostonsnow
Yes, I will need a loan either way, which complicates things. Your points are well taken. On the other hand, I see from other threads that Lexus has started back the option to lease a CPO. So that would be an intriguing angle - find a CPO LS460 priced around $50K, and take a lease on it......... perhaps not the most financially wise decision, but intriguing......
silly question that I never thought about until now - but I wonder if one leases a CPO, does the lease agreement require going to the dealer for maintenance during the lease?...or perhaps not so silly
#9
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and yes, ES leases are way lower. A pretty well loaded ES300h lease promotion is now $389 a month for 36 months. That is quite a good lease deal
#10
Lexus Fanatic
Well, $6k down is a lot and that doesn't include taxes or any of the other drive off costs, and that's probably a 7,500 mile lease. $7k or so out of pocket is a lot, that payment on the CPO one is nothing down and 15k miles. Comparably a new LS460 is about $1,000 a month.
#11
I would honestly just spend less at Starbucks and lease the new. You'll thank me later. There's nothing like driving around a brand new virgin car, and the LS is definitely the king of new cars.
The price difference isn't worth it IMO. Plus, I honestly think you can haggle more off of the new then used. Aim for at least $5k off MSRP. Forget the payment as it will take care of itself. You can also inquire about multiple security deposits, which are refundable, to really lower your payment.
Good luck and enjoy the ride!
The price difference isn't worth it IMO. Plus, I honestly think you can haggle more off of the new then used. Aim for at least $5k off MSRP. Forget the payment as it will take care of itself. You can also inquire about multiple security deposits, which are refundable, to really lower your payment.
Good luck and enjoy the ride!
#13
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by Rhambler
I would honestly just spend less at Starbucks and lease the new.
Last edited by SW17LS; 02-27-16 at 07:15 AM.
#14
Hey, some people spend $10+ a day at that place. My ex-wife use to spend $20 a day there, going back multiple times, lol.
If you think about it, that's a car payment in itself and most people never keep track of that. I consider that stuff discretionary spending and while it doesn't seem like a lot, it ADDS UP.
And yeah, I didn't get a divorce because of her Starbucks bill, lol, I use to go there daily too, although one cup a day. Now, I just drink coffee at home and pocket that money.
If you think about it, that's a car payment in itself and most people never keep track of that. I consider that stuff discretionary spending and while it doesn't seem like a lot, it ADDS UP.
And yeah, I didn't get a divorce because of her Starbucks bill, lol, I use to go there daily too, although one cup a day. Now, I just drink coffee at home and pocket that money.
#15
Lexus Fanatic
True, it does add up.