BenGiza

Hey guys, my first time posting here so if this comparison has been done before, my apologies. I just had a question for the ES experts out there to try and get some appropriate feedback.

I am in the market for a used ES350, either a 2011 or 2012 year.

My only dilemma was trying to determine if I should spend about 3-4000 more for a 2012 with around 37-39k miles on the meter, or save 3-4k by purchasing a ES350 with 50-54k miles on the meter?

I could ideally use the extra 3-4k to put towards some other debt, but I wonder if there is really that much of a difference in buying a car with 39,000 miles on it, versus 51 or 52,000?

Am I just splitting hairs here, or is there a lot more to consider when the car has over 50k miles?

ESh

That car with 20 000 less miles doesn't worth 3000-4000 bucks more so I would go for more miles and less money.

speedkar9

10K miles isn't much, especially on a Lexus. Since you're already looking at the 2010+ face lifted models, you shouldn't be missing out too much on features either.

isfdude

iTrader: (11)

Same here, I would care more about if the car was taken care of properly.

BenGiza

Thanks for the feedback guys. I knew I was leaning in the right direction.

Also, the Acura TL I drive now currently has around 241,000 miles on it and still runs well.

Is it realistic to expect a used ES350 with around 51-52k miles on it, as long as I am on top of the fluid maintenance and everything else, can reach a similar mileage without many problems? 200k+ we are talking about.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I wouldn't hesitate to take an ES350 with 200k miles across the country. These cars are as reliable as your TL as long as you maintain it properly.

isfdude

iTrader: (11)

There's no doubt in my mind that you will get way over 200k with it. Just be on top of maintenance. Especially transmission servicing every 50k, even though they are known to be a sealed unit the fluid goes dark at around 50-70k with most cars. I always get the transmission filter changed and use OEM fluid. Very smooth shifts like day one.

scharffnh

I agree with all the comments that say it's probably not worth the extra 3-4K to buy the 2012 with 10-20K fewer miles. Besides the 2011 and the 2012 are virtually identical cars mechanically and in appearance. In fact, Edmunds says that the 2012 is "unchanged"--only slight exaggeration, given that there are a couple of discontinued colors and a couple of added colors in the 2012, and one new leather color option for the seats (saddle tan). For what it's worth, I would add that for me, it was important to really compare apples only with other apples: Same features? Same road feel when driven? Cheaper car missing one or two things you really wanted? Etc.

BenGiza

Great responses, thanks.

The only other thing that crossed my mind is that I forgot, in order to get the Lexus Extended Warranty, the car has to be under 50k miles and no more then 4 yrs. old.

So by purchasing a 2011 with 51-52k miles on it, that already disqualifies me from the Lexus EW

There are other warranty options to choose from for cars older then 4 yrs with 50k + miles?

I can only assume there has to be, but maybe not as reliable as one from the actual Lexus brand?

Aron9000

I wouldn't buy a warranty personally, you are wasting your money. These are very reliable cars and don't cost a fortune if something does break.

99custom

I'd avoid it like the plaque unless they've done the regular scheduled maintenance, including the timing belt/water pump after 10 years. A lot of these low mile cars just sit in some old person's garage, and never get any scheduled maintenance. The tires might even still be original which would be a huge safety hazard.

I apologize for bumping a seriously old thread, no idea how I even came across it.

mrsteve7

2GR-FE has timing chain, not belt.
Good points otherwise.

Tootsall

Responding to a 3-1/2 year old post. He's probably bought by now.

Riick

But it's only a probability, I knew someone who took two years to decide on a convertible.

tolian21

I am of an opinion that age is a much bigger contributor than miles. Even if car has 10k miles but 10 years old.... it’s old and outdated, and all the components have aged/rusted and seals have dried out. Unless of course the low miles car was meticulously washed and garaged 24/7, but that’s unrealistic.
high miles usually means highway driving, which is a very low wear