Need Advice Buying CPO RX 350
03-21-21, 08:26 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Need Advice Buying CPO RX 350
After test driving the RX 350 (and many other SUVs--BMW X5, Ford Edge, Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain, Subaru Outback), etc.), we've decided to buy a CPO or L/Certified. Any advice about the below criteria? I've searched this forum, the Lexus Owners site, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Carfax, trade pubs/online articles, countless YouTube videos from owners and mechanics and talked to friends who either have RX 350s or other Lexus vehicles (and have owned them for 5 to 20 years).
Criteria:
Lexus RX 350 (Not F Sport, Not 350L)
MY: 2018, 2019, 2020; possibly 2017 but 3G discontinuation impacts decision (and this forum supports it being a no-go for safety reasons)
Budget: $30-35k, possibly $40k for 2020 MY
Mileage: 30k max
Exterior (rank order): Eminent White Pearl, Nightfall Mica, Caviar, Obsidian, Matador Red Mica
Interior: Black or Stratus Gray, no Parchment (too light, we have a small child and we are an active, outdoorsy family--but not getting a Subaru Outback)
Other criteria
Criteria:
Lexus RX 350 (Not F Sport, Not 350L)
MY: 2018, 2019, 2020; possibly 2017 but 3G discontinuation impacts decision (and this forum supports it being a no-go for safety reasons)
Budget: $30-35k, possibly $40k for 2020 MY
Mileage: 30k max
Exterior (rank order): Eminent White Pearl, Nightfall Mica, Caviar, Obsidian, Matador Red Mica
Interior: Black or Stratus Gray, no Parchment (too light, we have a small child and we are an active, outdoorsy family--but not getting a Subaru Outback)
Other criteria
- 1-owner, no accidents (clean Carfax)
- Must-haves: AWD and Sunroof/Moonroof
- Preferred: All-weather cargo and floor mats, heated steering wheel, 20” wheels (preferred but none of these things are deal-breakers)
- Deal-breakers: history of punctured tire w/ a patch*, corporate fleet vehicle that was used as a rental**, holes in headliner or other damage that isn’t under warranty that Lexus won't repair for free under L/Certified warranty or the original manufacturer's warranty (if it hasn't ran out; 2017 won't likely be under warranty at all in some cases)
*Tire Patches: the tire patches seem to give owners many problems and I've read maintenance records indicating coming into the dealer for fixes/patches because of low PSI and/or tires leaking air
**Corporate Fleet Vehicle: in our area (NY) I've seen RX 350s with Avis stickers on the front passenger side on the "corporate fleet vehicles" and read online that Avis and Enterprise rent the RX 350s; that equals a lot of wear and tear from multiple drivers who do not care about a vehicle like someone who has owned or leased it
Inventory is low in our area due to the pandemic. Appreciate the advice!
Last edited by FAM3T; 03-21-21 at 08:40 PM.
03-21-21, 10:49 AM
#2
Whatever you do, do not buy fleet vehicles or rental cars. They are prone to substantial wear and tear! Just think about abuse and most likely regular gas was used all the time. Recently I purchased 16 RX350 with 38k miles and notice that many dealership (in CA) are raising their prices. Just be patient and pretty sure you will find your RX. Good luck.
03-21-21, 01:01 PM
#4
Whatever you do, do this: have a quality, independent mechanic give the vehicle you think you want a thorough going over. The few hundred dollars that will cost pales in comparison to what you will pay for the vehicle.
BTW, CarFax is not always reliable, and, often, services performed that show up in CarFax were self-entered by the owner.
BTW, CarFax is not always reliable, and, often, services performed that show up in CarFax were self-entered by the owner.
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coolbrazz (03-22-21)
03-21-21, 02:06 PM
#5
I wouldnt worry too much about the "lexus cpo" or "Lcertrified" it really is a way for the dealership to just charge more for the same car. The rx has a solid foundation in terms of longevity and reliability if regular maintenance was done. You can save 2-3k if you get one which isnt Lcertified and its the same car.
But for colors I wouldnt get the eminent white pearl. The f sport's "white" is the color ultra white and honestly its a big big difference. Other eminent white pearl rx owners have asked me what wax I use to have my car shine when i havent washed my car in months and they just wash/waxed theirs, but its clear to see its a more duller more muted "white" you know? It doesnt seem like a big difference till you actually compare both of them side by side. Especially at dusk or sunset, the eminent white pearl will look a off tone of white/silver while the ultra white shines pure whites. For color on the base model rx's I would 100% get the atomic silver or satin cashmere, every time I see both of those colors I wish I had gotten them. The satin cashmere looks like crap in pictures but in real life it looks GOOD, like if you have the chance to go check one out in person definitely do it. My dealer told me the satin cashmere doesnt come in f sport so and they didnt have any silvers in f sport coming in anytime soon so I just got the ultra white but those two colors are the best imo.
But for colors I wouldnt get the eminent white pearl. The f sport's "white" is the color ultra white and honestly its a big big difference. Other eminent white pearl rx owners have asked me what wax I use to have my car shine when i havent washed my car in months and they just wash/waxed theirs, but its clear to see its a more duller more muted "white" you know? It doesnt seem like a big difference till you actually compare both of them side by side. Especially at dusk or sunset, the eminent white pearl will look a off tone of white/silver while the ultra white shines pure whites. For color on the base model rx's I would 100% get the atomic silver or satin cashmere, every time I see both of those colors I wish I had gotten them. The satin cashmere looks like crap in pictures but in real life it looks GOOD, like if you have the chance to go check one out in person definitely do it. My dealer told me the satin cashmere doesnt come in f sport so and they didnt have any silvers in f sport coming in anytime soon so I just got the ultra white but those two colors are the best imo.
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FAM3T (03-22-21)
03-21-21, 03:52 PM
#6
A tire patch is a deal breaker? Good luck finding out if a tire has a patch. In any case, tires wear out and CPOs do not have new tires, so it will be replaced fairly soon anyway.
I have bought one new, one CPO, and one older used Lexus vehicle in a private sale. Never plan to buy a CPO again. Rather buy new, than a recently used CPO. Then I know the history and get to enjoy the new car. For the best deal in terms of $/year spent in ownership, is the older, lower than average mileage Lexus.
I have bought one new, one CPO, and one older used Lexus vehicle in a private sale. Never plan to buy a CPO again. Rather buy new, than a recently used CPO. Then I know the history and get to enjoy the new car. For the best deal in terms of $/year spent in ownership, is the older, lower than average mileage Lexus.
03-21-21, 05:43 PM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
I wouldnt worry too much about the "lexus cpo" or "Lcertrified" it really is a way for the dealership to just charge more for the same car. The rx has a solid foundation in terms of longevity and reliability if regular maintenance was done. You can save 2-3k if you get one which isnt Lcertified and its the same car.
But for colors I wouldnt get the eminent white pearl. The f sport's "white" is the color ultra white and honestly its a big big difference. Other eminent white pearl rx owners have asked me what wax I use to have my car shine when i havent washed my car in months and they just wash/waxed theirs, but its clear to see its a more duller more muted "white" you know? It doesnt seem like a big difference till you actually compare both of them side by side. Especially at dusk or sunset, the eminent white pearl will look a off tone of white/silver while the ultra white shines pure whites. For color on the base model rx's I would 100% get the atomic silver or satin cashmere, every time I see both of those colors I wish I had gotten them. The satin cashmere looks like crap in pictures but in real life it looks GOOD, like if you have the chance to go check one out in person definitely do it. My dealer told me the satin cashmere doesnt come in f sport so and they didnt have any silvers in f sport coming in anytime soon so I just got the ultra white but those two colors are the best imo.
But for colors I wouldnt get the eminent white pearl. The f sport's "white" is the color ultra white and honestly its a big big difference. Other eminent white pearl rx owners have asked me what wax I use to have my car shine when i havent washed my car in months and they just wash/waxed theirs, but its clear to see its a more duller more muted "white" you know? It doesnt seem like a big difference till you actually compare both of them side by side. Especially at dusk or sunset, the eminent white pearl will look a off tone of white/silver while the ultra white shines pure whites. For color on the base model rx's I would 100% get the atomic silver or satin cashmere, every time I see both of those colors I wish I had gotten them. The satin cashmere looks like crap in pictures but in real life it looks GOOD, like if you have the chance to go check one out in person definitely do it. My dealer told me the satin cashmere doesnt come in f sport so and they didnt have any silvers in f sport coming in anytime soon so I just got the ultra white but those two colors are the best imo.
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03-21-21, 07:45 PM
#8
I agree on a bright day driving by it looks pretty great haha. I just really dont like the look at night time, it seems like it hides all the nice body lines.
03-21-21, 08:34 PM
#11
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Whatever you do, do this: have a quality, independent mechanic give the vehicle you think you want a thorough going over. The few hundred dollars that will cost pales in comparison to what you will pay for the vehicle.
BTW, CarFax is not always reliable, and, often, services performed that show up in CarFax were self-entered by the owner.
BTW, CarFax is not always reliable, and, often, services performed that show up in CarFax were self-entered by the owner.
The following users liked this post:
coolbrazz (03-22-21)
03-21-21, 08:38 PM
#12
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
A tire patch is a deal breaker? Good luck finding out if a tire has a patch. In any case, tires wear out and CPOs do not have new tires, so it will be replaced fairly soon anyway.
I have bought one new, one CPO, and one older used Lexus vehicle in a private sale. Never plan to buy a CPO again. Rather buy new, than a recently used CPO. Then I know the history and get to enjoy the new car. For the best deal in terms of $/year spent in ownership, is the older, lower than average mileage Lexus.
I have bought one new, one CPO, and one older used Lexus vehicle in a private sale. Never plan to buy a CPO again. Rather buy new, than a recently used CPO. Then I know the history and get to enjoy the new car. For the best deal in terms of $/year spent in ownership, is the older, lower than average mileage Lexus.
03-21-21, 08:39 PM
#13
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Whatever you do, do this: have a quality, independent mechanic give the vehicle you think you want a thorough going over. The few hundred dollars that will cost pales in comparison to what you will pay for the vehicle.
BTW, CarFax is not always reliable, and, often, services performed that show up in CarFax were self-entered by the owner.
BTW, CarFax is not always reliable, and, often, services performed that show up in CarFax were self-entered by the owner.
03-21-21, 08:42 PM
#14
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I wouldnt worry too much about the "lexus cpo" or "Lcertrified" it really is a way for the dealership to just charge more for the same car. The rx has a solid foundation in terms of longevity and reliability if regular maintenance was done. You can save 2-3k if you get one which isnt Lcertified and its the same car.
But for colors I wouldnt get the eminent white pearl. The f sport's "white" is the color ultra white and honestly its a big big difference. Other eminent white pearl rx owners have asked me what wax I use to have my car shine when i havent washed my car in months and they just wash/waxed theirs, but its clear to see its a more duller more muted "white" you know? It doesnt seem like a big difference till you actually compare both of them side by side. Especially at dusk or sunset, the eminent white pearl will look a off tone of white/silver while the ultra white shines pure whites. For color on the base model rx's I would 100% get the atomic silver or satin cashmere, every time I see both of those colors I wish I had gotten them. The satin cashmere looks like crap in pictures but in real life it looks GOOD, like if you have the chance to go check one out in person definitely do it. My dealer told me the satin cashmere doesnt come in f sport so and they didnt have any silvers in f sport coming in anytime soon so I just got the ultra white but those two colors are the best imo.
But for colors I wouldnt get the eminent white pearl. The f sport's "white" is the color ultra white and honestly its a big big difference. Other eminent white pearl rx owners have asked me what wax I use to have my car shine when i havent washed my car in months and they just wash/waxed theirs, but its clear to see its a more duller more muted "white" you know? It doesnt seem like a big difference till you actually compare both of them side by side. Especially at dusk or sunset, the eminent white pearl will look a off tone of white/silver while the ultra white shines pure whites. For color on the base model rx's I would 100% get the atomic silver or satin cashmere, every time I see both of those colors I wish I had gotten them. The satin cashmere looks like crap in pictures but in real life it looks GOOD, like if you have the chance to go check one out in person definitely do it. My dealer told me the satin cashmere doesnt come in f sport so and they didnt have any silvers in f sport coming in anytime soon so I just got the ultra white but those two colors are the best imo.
03-21-21, 10:14 PM
#15
A well-trained mechanic will have the tools and the experience to identify actual and potential areas of concern. Kind of like a physical exam. An independent mechanic can perform a variety of on-board diagnostic tests with a scan tool - everything from cylinder compression tests to transmission tests to catalytic converter tests. And a whole lot more. Plus, the mechanic can inspect the body and undercarriage for signs of damage. If, in fact, the mechanic does find some trouble areas (actual or potential), you have additional leverage with the dealer. Or, ultimately, you can avoid a purchase mistake.