RileyED

I'm stuck between a rock and a hard spot. I have two options for an ES350, same price, model, etc. However, they have differences. I'm wondering which one is the smarter choice. Here the the options:

1) - 2009 Lexus ES350
- Color: Black
- 71,000 miles
- 3 previous owners
- accident history (rear end, repaired)
- Premium Sound (14 speakers)
- Panaramic Sun/Moon roof
- $16,000

2) - 2009 Lexus ES350
- Platinum (Dark Grey)
- 91,000 miles
- 1 owner
- No accident, well kept history, Dealership maintenance every 3,000 miles
- no premium sound (8 speakers)
- Moon/Sun Roof (no panaramic)
- Clean Exterior
- $16,000


CAR #1 or #2? Which one would be more reliable?

John U

#2 has had the care of the original owner. #1 will forever have a Carfax showing an accident, lowering it's value.

garsarno

For me, would pass on both. 3 owners and a hit versus 91,000 miles with possibility of something pricey going.

LexBob2

I agree. Keep looking. There are a lot of these out there. If you can stretch the budget a bit you can find a lower mileage car. Or, consider using the $16k towards a newer car not necessarily a Lexus.

vankiz

I would never get an accidented car. For different reasons. One main was already mentioned. It will always stay on the record, and lower the value of car. No matter how good repair was done it will never be perfect. Panoramic sunroof and extra 20k km miles really are not worth that. And who knows what else might be there... it was most likely the owner wanted to get rid of his car. 3 owners kind of makes you wonder, why would someone buy a car and get rid of it in ~1 year time, good chance it had something they didn't like and it would make a pretty good chance that you will regret it too..And if you are superstitious, I've heard that if once accidented, it might be again Lol, but that's just me.
Anyways, Best bet stay with a clean record, which was obviousy take care of by one owner.
Choice #2

Norbecke

Honestly a car is decreasing in value everyday, so an accident really shouldn't make any difference unless it totaled the car.

christcorp

Even if neither had an accident, I would pass on both of them mainly because of the mileage. Depending on when the car was actually first bought, the one car is averaging 20,000 - 25,000 per year. The 2nd car is averaging 18,000 miles per year. For me, that's simply too much. There are exceptions, like where I live in the wide open spaces and an individual commuted to college every day. Basically 50 miles each way; 5 days a week. But here, it's all highway miles. 50 miles is about a 35-40 minute drive. But I'd have to know the individual personally.

For close to the price range you're mentioning, around here, you can get a 2008 with 55,000 miles or even a 2007 with 45,000 miles. And unless you're paying in cash, you could easily get a 2009 with 50,000 for about $18-$19,000. Of course, where I live and you live are probably 2 totally different parts of the country.