max3800

I'm interested in buying a 2009 Lexus RX 350 from Lexus of Tampa Bay, it was a leased vehicle purchased in 2008 (1 owner) and the maintenance inspection was done by Lexus of Tampa Bay in a timely manner.

There were 2 items on the inspection sheet I need your advice on:

1. Ignition coil(s) replaced, battery/charging system checked on 7/09.

2. Engine oil cooler lines replaced 12/09.

Mileage is currently 26,181 and sales price $33K.

Is this a good purchase???

Rainbird

Need more vehicle information. Is it all wheel drive? Does it have the premium package with Navigation System?

Item #2 above was a Lexus recall that applied to all RX350 models. It is good that this was done.

RX330inFL

Welcome to Club Lexus.

A few notes for you...

First, that is an Autoway shop, FWIW. Same with the Clearwater shop.

That price seems to be what they are offering for most of their 2009 RX350 on the lot. However, it does not say what all the options are. Prices can vary widely based on various upgrades such as if it comes with navigation system, has the upgraded Mark Levinson stereo system, etc. If this is just a run of the mill unit, without the above, the price is a bit high, IMHO. I would see about a better price.

"Plenty" of RX units on the road in FL. Check around. Check Sarasota as well. There are always units coming off lease. Keep in mind the 2011 is out now.

Make sure you are getting a "Certified Pre-Owned" as it comes with an enhanced warranty.

I would not worry about the items they fixed/replaced.

max3800

It has the navigation system, new tires and brakes. It's not precertified but has a clean carfax.

RX330inFL

Too much money for not being certified. They need to come down on the price and throw in some extended warranty.

Check the other dealers as mentioned before. You can always go back to Tampa for your service if you want.

Rainbird

Being it's a 2009 it still is covered by the Lexus factory warranty (4 year, 48K). The price is about what I would expect for a 2009 with this mileage. However, I would not just accept the sticker price. Offer less and see where it takes you.

Rainbird

One more thing to think about. The 30K service will be required in very short order. This service is more extensive and more expensive. Make sure they do that as a condition of purchasing the vehicle.

mandyfig

Try to get a CPO car. Peace of mind.

ripster

Agree CPO is outstanding have used it a couple of times all ready for small items.

ripster

Rainbird, what was the cooler lines recall for? Where they failing or plugging.

Rainbird

The rubber portion of the oil supply hose for the VVT-i actuator may degrade over time. The condition can cause oil to leak from the VVT-i hose producing abnormal engine noise and the oil pressure light to illuminate. If not caught immediately the result is total engine failure. Affects Lexus 2007 - 2009 vehicles among other Toyota Models. They replaced with a newly designed hard rubber hose. Starting with the 2010 model year they started using metal supply lines.

Bluesjam

I bought my Pebble Beach Edition 09 RX350 about 4 months ago. It was CPO and has the full 3 year - 100,000 mile warranty. It had 30K on miles and their price was $31,000. I believe the Kelly blue book price would have been $31,800. It has Nav. This was at Lexus of Palm Beach, you can guess that's not the cheapest place in town.

mandyfig

CPO whenever possible is a good strategy. Does not mean you do not negotiate. Negotiate, it is your money. Then after purchase, enjoy your car. Never look back.

ripster

Take a few printouts from other dealers, they will deal if they want to sell the car, use other lexus dealer's pricing, they will move.

max3800

thanks for the info on the cooler lines recall. I've not been able to find the actual recall notice and would like to reference it to Lexus. Please let me know if you have the site.