nelsona

Hello,

I've been looking for a CPO ES 350 and have noticed that very few dealers wish to have their vehicle looked at by a 3rd party mechanic.

There was one 2014 ES in particular with the UL package and Mark Levinson audio for a great deal (3 - 5K less than KBB and Edmunds).

However when I asked for the following:

1. That the open recall be taken care of.

2. That I receive a scanned copy of the maintenance for the vehicle (as the CarFax showed no maintenance history for a personal lease ES 350 with 20K miles).

3. That the car be taken to a 3rd mechanic (near the dealership) to be inspected.

I received no response for a day and half. I sent another email and still have received no response (for approximately 2 days).

Am I doing something wrong or does the Lexus dealer sound shady?

I assume that if the car is certified that there shouldn't be any issues as I still have the balance of the original warranty + 2 years. But still, I'm not sure why they have such a problem getting the car looked at by a mechanic.

Any pointers or tips on getting a Lexus dealer to get a CPO looked at by a 3rd party mechanic (preferably a Lexus mechanic) would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nelson

bc6152

I wouldn't assume that the dealer is underhanded, but on the other hand, there should be no reason why they wouldn't - or shouldn't - allow a third party inspection. I don't think that there's any secret way to convince them to do this. If they want to make a sale they'll allow the inspection and give you a maintenance record. If not, then you have a decision to make. I'd call next time and ask their intentions.

mspearl95

Yeah definitely call them and state your needs, or just go in. I wouldn't assume from lack of email response that they are being underhanded. Mb you are getting caught in a spam filter, for example.

Mike728

1) I agree that any recall should be taken care of.

2) If the car wasn't maintained at a Lexus dealer, or a place that reports, how would they have a copy of its maintenance history?

3) Are you asking them to take the car for an independent inspection? That won't happen. I'm sure they would allow you to take it to one, though. If not, run!

Talinder

Agreed with Mike728. The dealership won't pay for it, but usually they will let you take the car and get it done yourself. If they refuse I wouldn't look back. The last time I was having this done the dealership got on Google and found some local places I could try since I was there from out of state.

nelsona

@Everyone: Thank you for your input.

@Mike728: I was referring to having the car looked at by a mechanic by myself (during the test drive).

I've made a secondary request to the Sales Manager.

Hopefully they don't turn me down.

Thanks,
Nelson

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Two things come to mind. They know a mechanic will find something that would threaten it's eligibility to be a CPO. Making them fraudulently offering a car as CPO quality.
Second, they are under the impression that you won't pay the asking/agreed upon price.
If you tell in advance: let's agree on the price I'll pay, assuming it passes the CPO test points. Make it clear you'll handle the transportation and fee to have it inspected. Or bring a mechanic in. But I'm a bit leery of this car the way you've presented the situation.

My CPO came with a filthy air and cabin filter. These aren't necessary to qualify for CPO. Actually there are a lot of things that will qualify, such as a minor accident.
Where in CA? I got mine in San Diego county.

Eslader

A 2014 would be right on the border of eligibility for CPO, which is 6 years or newer. If that car was sold in 2013, as many 2014's are, it's not eligible, and so you might be dealing with a pencil-whipped CPO that the dealership doesn't want you to find out about.

On the other hand, you might be dealing with a dealership that still sucks in the internet department. A surprising number of them are still stuck in the 1980's and don't give online sales the attention they should.

You'll have to either call or go there. There's no trick to it. "I'm gonna take it to X mechanic at X address now to have it inspected before I buy." If they say no, walk.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I agree, walk away if they don't allow an inspection. Print out a page from Lexus that describes what qualifies/disqualifies a CPO. It may surprise you what they allow to slip through. The warranty will be good if the paperwork says CPO. Good luck and let us know.

bc6152

The OP probably has bought two more cars by now as this thread is 4 years old... I hope that he has received an answer from the dealer by now... LOL...

swfla

iTrader: (1)

LOL. I pressed the button for new posts. Funny how such an old one came up.