tednord

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a used RX 2010 AWD for my wife. There are plenty of them around in my area , but I've found one that I think is a good match, with the color and options we're looking for.
RX 350 AWD, 2010, about 17000 miles with Nav, Premium, Comfort, Tow Prep and Accessory Packages, and park assist, 19"alu, 12-speaker system and roof crossbars as loose options.*
Dealer is asking 44k. I'm going to look at it tomorrow and wonder if you have any advice on what to look for? It's a CPO, BUT...it's a former service loaner at the dealer... What kind of damage/issues should I look for ?

Thanks!

TriniGS

iTrader: (2)

If you not in a hurry you could probably wait till the end of the year and pick up a 2011. Last year Dec I could of gotten a new 2010 for 42800 with Nav with Premium, Comfort and some other options but pulled out of the deal because my Wife changed her mind.

44 for an RX almost two years old with 17000 miles seems high but then again you may be in a different area than me.

UCSB

Seems expensive ... couldn't you get a new 2011 or 2012 for that price?

EDIT: I just configured the car and I think I could buy a new 2012 for less than $42,000 ... certainly for $44,000.

tednord

Thanks for all the feedback!
If you guys were in the lot, what would you make sure to check/look for on a used car like this one?

Thanks!

RXSF

condition of the seats and the interior is where a loaner would be hit the most. I have been in loaners where shoe marks were on the seats/seat backs. Scuffs on the interior door panels would probably be very obviously damaged. If I was dealing with the car, I would ask them to tack on extra warranty as part of the deal as these cars are pushed to their limits by people. They put in regular gas at their local no named gas mart and floor it when they get the chance.

js619858

Yea in CA they charge extra because it's CA! I wanted to buy my 2008 ISF in SoCal and tried to get me to pay between 47-50k, I instead bought mine for 42.5k from Lexus of Germain in Columbus, OH and that included shipping to San Diego and they also sent me a check for $900!

If you want you can try buying from the East Coast or South and ask dealer to ship, trust me much cheaper from anywhere else than the West Coast or wait till December to buy!

BatmobileX

I got my 2010 for $10,000 less, although the only thing I got was the premium package. I don't know if those added options are worth another $10,000. Maybe on a new car, but on used, I don't know. But it could be a regional thing.

kitlz

The price is high. I know my dealer gets rid of their loaners in a year. The mileage isn't bad but definitely go over it for the abuse loaners are usually subjected to like everyone's pointed out. I'm curious if it has Lexus Enform or sunglass holder.

UCSB

I wouldn't buy a loaner. But, to answer your question about what to look for ... I would drive over some rough road, speed bumps or whatever is available to see if the car has rattles. It is a generally quiet car and rattles will be annoying. Rattles can be hard to find and fix. Outside of that, inspect the CarFax report on the car to make sure it has not been in accident and been fixed. Some of the OEM tires on these cars can be almost worn out at 17,000 miles. Check tires and if almost gone, get them to put a new set on.

MEP7557

I think the price is high too. My dealership just notified me they are selling all of their new cars at dealer invoice this weekend. Might be worth a drive to AZ. If they had made any changes for 2012 I might be down there myself.

I would never buy a rental or loaner car. They are abused.

tednord

Hi again,
Thank you all for your great input.
I thought the price was bit high, but still OK. I checked the used car pages /Edmunds, KBB and they told me around 46k for that car with those options.
Today I got an email from a dealer about a brand new 2012, almost the same options, just below 46k! (+tax and registration) What's going on here I ask myself, difference between new 2012 and 2010 service loaner with body & interior scuffs etc, just below 20k miles is only $2-3000???? What am I missing, how can this be?
Check this webpage, full of 2010 service loaners, all similar equipment, all around $43k.

http://www.lexusstevenscreek.com/Veh...G=18&maxMPG=34

I'm puzzled by all this. I've never bought a car here in the US before, What am I missing here? How can the difference between new 2012 and used 2010 be so slim?

Thanks!

BatmobileX

I'm thinking there are additional charges on the 2012, i.e. dealer fees etc that bring it closer to $50,000.

tednord

Thanks, I'll confirm with them tomorrow if that's the case. They mentioned that the price was "my price plus 55 doc. fee, state taxes and dmv license fees"

Thanks!

RXSF

Used car prices are at their highest right now. Its all about supply and demand. People are not buying new cars because of the economy and are buying used instead. I just read an article about this subject as well and it confirms that at least 117 car models are selling more as used than their new equivalents.

tednord

Hi RXSF,
Very interesting, how could this be? Are there any hidden costs with new cars that I'm not aware of?