I really should have started one shopping thread instead of multiple questions. Sorry about that!

A 23 300H is available locally at a Honda dealer that is owned by nation chain. It has a little over 10k miles, and a little less than 2.5 years left on the original warranty.

The chain has a Lexus dealer about 90 miles away. Has anyone looked into having a car CPO'd and sold through a related dealer? Any idea of the cost or whether it makes sense? I drive about 12k a year.

Other thoughts on this one?

Link - https://www.autonation.com/cars/58ada1c14pu029226/lexus-es-2023

 

Save your money, buy it at the Honda dealer and enjoy the remainder of the factory warranty. CPO'd cars bring about $3k more than non CPO cars and the only advantage is the extended warranty. You'd be saving that $3k and be able to use it in the case of any issues. Most of the things they check on the car to make it a CPO is just that; Checks...The only thing I'd be concerned with would be why someone traded a year old car in with 10k on the clock. If things check out IMO this would be the ideal car to buy and save the CPO charges. GOOD LUCK

 

Thanks. It is also a little odd that it's at a Honda dealer. Mile's are very low considering it originally sold in 12/22. Carfax shows nothing until the Honda dealer got it.

 

If you do a search on the VIN you'll find that vehicle listed for sale a multiple AutoNation affiliated used car dealers in that area at different prices. The LEXUS OF PALM BEACH listing is $2000 more than other listings and I see nothing indicating that is a Lexus CPO listing. Whether or not that Lexus dealership would sell it as a CPO and at what additional cost for CPO is unknown.

 

In CA at least I was told it's 3800$ to cpo a car. But the car must meet requirements such as service schedule followed, certain incident types must not show on record, and "161 point inspection" must pass. I purchased one from MB dealer and it was a lemon, then went to a Lexus dealer to check a non CPO and it had serious bumper alignment issues indicating accidents. Finally got a CPO and it has been great.
Also gets 4 services included, which otherwise would've been like 1500$ out of pocket if paying full price (60k mile internal being 350-950$, depending on negotiation).

 

Perfect example... A CPO Lexus that turned out to be a lemon. And the 4 overpriced "free" services for $1500.00 is a rip. Simply find a nice low mileage Lexus that has been maintained and save the $3000. - $3800. CPO added money. Then take your car to your trusted independent mechanic for maintenance and save loads of money. Easy/Peasy...

 

Meant to say I bought my first ES from Mercedes dealership (non-CPO) which was a lemon. I've been satisfied with their CPO program, but I would consider non-CPO as well, just make sure it has been maintained properly. And the 60K service interval actually does have some meat to it, though overpriced of course.

 

This one has just over 10K, and the only maintenance on the Carfax is from the selling dealer . It's probably the only service that's been done. With this low mileage, the "free" maintenance would be pretty inexpensive intervals. I do like the extra 2yrs, unlimited miles with CPO. My old 2004 GX470 and 2013 Sequoia were both CPO's. I have a very good mechanic I trust 100%.

 

Oh, autonation is where I got the ES350 that I returned because it had too many issues. I do love their 5 days return policy, but I feel like it's overpriced. But their 5 day return policy did work for me, but takes an extra ~15 days to get your money returned.

 

As noted above, I would be comfortable with a Lexus with just the remaining warranty. You can still buy an extended Lexus warranty if you feel you need it.

To your question, I was looking for a used GLS450 and in November 2022 found one online at the local BMW dealer, owned by a national chain that also owns local Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, and Honda dealers. I talked to the used car manager at the Mercedes dealer who suggested having it transferred to them so they could better inspect it. I did and in the negotiations had it certified and added the additional two year extended CPO warranty. It had 14 months of warranty left, plus the one year CPO warranty, plus the extended CPO warranty so I am covered thru February 2027. They also took my leased MDX in trade, processed thru their Honda dealer.

 

Thought I'd circle back on this.

I test drove this ES Saturday. It had a few nicks on the trim, and scuffs on the dash. Other than that, it rode very nice.

I've driven a 2013 Sequoia for about 8 years now, and the ES felt cramped to me, especially in the back seat. While it is a very nice car, I decided an SUV is a better fit. Now to decide whether to get one to replace the Sequoia (needs to tow about 4,000) or get something like an NX Hybrid. Too many decisions!

 

I did a test drive in an NX and it felt cramped compared to the ES.

 

LOL! Im really spoiled with my Sequoia. At 160k it still rides great and no mechanical issues.

 

Before deciding on any used car, if possible, commission 1-2hrs of your trusted mechanic for a test drive & inspection. It goes a long way. I once had my trusted Honda Mechanic inspect a used company manager Acura TL SH-AWD. Within 5-10 minutes he noticed many things I missed; and saved me of a future mechanical headache. Good luck with your search!

 

NX is tight indeed. My wife wanted to test drive one to replace her RX but it was a non starter.