theanimala

I am not looking for the deal of the century, but I want a decent price on a good truck. I'm also looking to trade in my '98 Audi A6 Quattro, which to be honest has been VERY unreliable.

I have it narrowed down to two RX's. Both are white and with exact same options (loaded with all but Nav).

1) 02 RX300 with 18,000 miles. Not Certified. Remaining factory warranty. Cost is $34,995, with $12,995 for the trade in. This is a very fair trade in as most people are only offering wholesale pricing.

2) 02 RX300 with 25,000 miles. Certified. Remaining factory warranty. Just had 30K service done with new brakes front and rear. $32,995. Trade in to be determined. They said they would get close to Edmunds price ($12,500).

The advantage of #2 is that it is fully certified, which gives an extra year of warranty, as well as special Lexus 1.9% financing for 4 years (non certified cars to not qualify).

The advantage of #1 is that is has 8,000 less miles.

In typing this I am thinking that #2 is a better deal, assuming they give a good trade in. Even if they come in at $10,500 the cars end up being the same price, with the higher mileage one having more warranty and better financing, which could end up saving even more money over 4 years.

Do these sound like decent deals from reputable dealers or am I nuts? My problem with buying from a private source is that I cannot trade in my car, and I am VERY reluctant to sell it privately because I know there are lots of issues getting ready to show up on the car...

Thanks for any advice...

BlackRX300

I would go with the second (25,000) certified RX. The extra 8,000 miles on a Lexus is nothing. Also comparing the 8,000 miles to the extra year warranty ....there is no contest. You would put more than 8,000 mile on the vehicle in a year anyway, plus the 30k service being done has already saved you a few dollars. Also figure the difference in the interest you would save between the two. That's even better.

So since you asked.......my 2 cents worth is go with door number 2.

Good Luck either way.

jeremyp111

I second that opinion for #2. Go for the CPO Lexus. Better warranty, better financing, loaner vehicle when you bring it in for warranty work, etc. Just a better overall buy IMO. Sounds to me like you're leaning that way too, so go with your gut feeling man, and buy the CPO! :P

Good luck,

Jeremy

rx300force

Have you consider buying 2000 model with low miles (around 28k miles)? You can svae around $8,000.

Carpe Diem

I agree, take door #2 but, just curiously, why is #1 not certified?

theanimala

I'm sure I would save quite a bit of cash, but I like the 2001+ because of the availability of VSC (want every safety feature available for the wife and kid), as well as the revised head and tail lights that I just like how they look better.

I'm on my way to the second dealer shortly, if all works well on the trade in I may be joining the RX club very soon...

rx300force

Originally posted by rx300force
Have you consider buying 2000 model with low miles (around 28k miles)? You can svae around $8,000.
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I was trying to offer my car. I can understand why you what 2001 and up. I like those light as well.

Da Hapa

option #2 without hesitation

theanimala

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. I just got back from Dealer #2 and ended up going with the CPO car. Ended up negotiating and getting the car for even less then car #1. Of course, I'm sure they would come down, but I'm not about playing those games. I test drove the car and it drove as if it was brand new. Hell, it almost is. We pick it up on Thursday, so I am quick stoked. What I am not looking forward to is calling dealer #1 and letting them know they lost the deal...

Thanks again!