Looking for Advice on Possible 4GS Purchase
12-26-15, 10:35 PM
#1
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Purchased my 4GS!
Well Everyone,
I got the car I wanted - 2013 Riviera Red on Black GS350 AWD L / Certified w/ Luxury Package and Mark Levinson Audio. I did a thorough inspection of the car and it is indeed in excellent condition, near-mint in fact. Has 32k miles but drives like it is brand-new! Had to drive past Detroit to Utica, Michigan from Cleveland (Ohio), but it was well worth the trip. Absolutely love this car and thus far have no real complaints. There are some features missing (remote start, power folding mirrors, etc.) due to it being a 2013 model year 4GS, but I knew that going in and thus they weren't deal-breakers. Once again, I'd like to thank bclexus and everyone else who shared their advice and tips, it really helped me out and I certainly appreciate it. Pictures will be posted soon!
I got the car I wanted - 2013 Riviera Red on Black GS350 AWD L / Certified w/ Luxury Package and Mark Levinson Audio. I did a thorough inspection of the car and it is indeed in excellent condition, near-mint in fact. Has 32k miles but drives like it is brand-new! Had to drive past Detroit to Utica, Michigan from Cleveland (Ohio), but it was well worth the trip. Absolutely love this car and thus far have no real complaints. There are some features missing (remote start, power folding mirrors, etc.) due to it being a 2013 model year 4GS, but I knew that going in and thus they weren't deal-breakers. Once again, I'd like to thank bclexus and everyone else who shared their advice and tips, it really helped me out and I certainly appreciate it. Pictures will be posted soon!
Last edited by pryde5abi; 01-04-16 at 09:19 PM.
12-27-15, 08:02 AM
#2
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I forgot to mention Edmund's suggested trade in value of ~ $31.3k (though considering it was leased and that "auto auction" isn't mentioned in carfax leaves us unsure of what they paid for it), hence why it appears to be a great deal and why I doubt that there will be much room for negotiation, especially considering how some of you have mentioned that Lexus is moving towards no-haggle pricing for used cars. It should be noted that Edmund's true market value for both trade-in and certified used pricing is essentially the same in the Michigan location and my dealer's location.
12-27-15, 09:17 AM
#4
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12-27-15, 05:37 PM
#6
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Indeed, that's what I was thinking of as well. What I really meant to say is that the color combination might not be favorable to your average, regular-old Lexus buyer (meaning non-enthusiast) who doesn't do much research, browse Lexus forums, etc. and simply buys whichever car is available in their favorite color (white, silver, gray, blue, etc.) at a nearby dealership. But I agree, they may have simply looked away immediately upon noting the car being red. Works for me though 
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12-27-15, 06:14 PM
#8
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12-27-15, 06:47 PM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
12-27-15, 08:37 PM
#11
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I'm basing it of off my vehicle searches thus far as any car being sold by its manufacturing dealership (Lexus dealer for a Lexus, BMW dealer for a BMW, etc.) as a certified preowned car hasn't listed a single accident on the carfax for any of them - if they had any damage they are being sold as "used" only (I understand that minor dents etc and other incidents may not be reported by whoever owned/leased the cars previously and simply paid out of pocket for fixes); I always read up on others' reviews for any dealership that I plan on possibly dealing with to ensure they would not use such tactics (hiding damage if they knew about it, etc.). Also, I rather doubt that premium/luxury car dealers like Lexus and BMW would be deceptive as it would only damage their reputation, which is something they certainly wouldn't want. Covering up and attempting to hide damage is typically reserved for independent dealers and regular dealers (Chevy, Ford, Kia, etc.) that buy luxury cars at auctions in attempts to flip them for a profit. In any case, the original price of $35k (perhaps even $32k would be, depending on extent of damage) would be too high for a car that was damaged in any way no matter how small, in my opinion. If there are any really minor issues with this car that the Lexus dealer is upfront (smaller scratches etc.), I wouldn't mind them as long as they are taken care of and are considered in negotiations. I have a rather keen eye for details as does my father, so I would most likely detect any such suspicious issues.
12-27-15, 08:38 PM
#12
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12-27-15, 11:11 PM
#13
Hello Everyone,
I'd like to get your advice and thoughts on this CPO 2013 GS350 w/ Luxury Package and Mark Levinson Audio - 32k miles, $32k asking price (originally $35k) - http://www.lexusoflakeside.com/detai.../7743795?cid=2
It seems to be a great deal in my view, considering the true market value for it (used Edmund website tool) is suggested to be $38.5k. So my questions are -
1) Is asking $31k out-the-door (initially, 32k final offer) after trade in (my car valued at ~2600 according to KBB AND Edmunds - I intend to get close to that out of it) reasonable? Do you guys think I should adjust my offer?
2) Should I wait it out? I'm not in a rush to buy as I have up to the end of summer 2016 to buy a car, but at the same time I don't want to miss out on a great deal, which this would be if that $38.5k figure is relatively accurate. Not to mention that this is the cheapest CPO (period) within 200 miles of my location (NE Ohio), with the luxury package and ML Audio (which seems to be a rare option) being icing on the cake. Many say that end-of-month and/or end-of-year are the best time to buy a car, due to sales quotas needing to be filled and less foot traffic, etc. I'm wondering if incoming 2016 GS inventory will affect this pricing at all (the only reason why I would regret not waiting - if this did happen to 2013 models), though it doesn't seem like it would drop much more at all.
3) I'm curious as to why this car took essentially an entire year to sell (lease, actually) and furthermore why its been sitting since Sept. 2015 and has yet to be sold. Perhaps the drop from 35k to 32k was recent. Any thoughts/ideas?
4) Plan on having my local Lexus dealer transport it here and sell it if a reasonable deal is made; transporting the car shouldn't cost them much, correct? I'm using Carmax delivery/transfer as a reference point - equivalent distance (~190 miles) would be below $300, if not free. I may have some leverage on my local dealership as their quality of service has been quite poor in our two visits and they haven't been living up to the Lexus motto (once in a lifetime experience, everytime) or their standards, while their sister Toyota dealer across the road has always excelled whenever we have had to go there (this is quite pathetic, in my view) - they are supposed to make every effort to earn my business, I shouldn't have to give them multiple chances to earn it. I would rather purchase from the closest location and thus go there for future purchases if I am satisfied - again, this is supposed to be their job, not mines - they should aspire to gain my business as a lifetime client and build a solid relationship.
Let me know what you all think, thanks in advance!
- Preet
I'd like to get your advice and thoughts on this CPO 2013 GS350 w/ Luxury Package and Mark Levinson Audio - 32k miles, $32k asking price (originally $35k) - http://www.lexusoflakeside.com/detai.../7743795?cid=2
It seems to be a great deal in my view, considering the true market value for it (used Edmund website tool) is suggested to be $38.5k. So my questions are -
1) Is asking $31k out-the-door (initially, 32k final offer) after trade in (my car valued at ~2600 according to KBB AND Edmunds - I intend to get close to that out of it) reasonable? Do you guys think I should adjust my offer?
2) Should I wait it out? I'm not in a rush to buy as I have up to the end of summer 2016 to buy a car, but at the same time I don't want to miss out on a great deal, which this would be if that $38.5k figure is relatively accurate. Not to mention that this is the cheapest CPO (period) within 200 miles of my location (NE Ohio), with the luxury package and ML Audio (which seems to be a rare option) being icing on the cake. Many say that end-of-month and/or end-of-year are the best time to buy a car, due to sales quotas needing to be filled and less foot traffic, etc. I'm wondering if incoming 2016 GS inventory will affect this pricing at all (the only reason why I would regret not waiting - if this did happen to 2013 models), though it doesn't seem like it would drop much more at all.
3) I'm curious as to why this car took essentially an entire year to sell (lease, actually) and furthermore why its been sitting since Sept. 2015 and has yet to be sold. Perhaps the drop from 35k to 32k was recent. Any thoughts/ideas?
4) Plan on having my local Lexus dealer transport it here and sell it if a reasonable deal is made; transporting the car shouldn't cost them much, correct? I'm using Carmax delivery/transfer as a reference point - equivalent distance (~190 miles) would be below $300, if not free. I may have some leverage on my local dealership as their quality of service has been quite poor in our two visits and they haven't been living up to the Lexus motto (once in a lifetime experience, everytime) or their standards, while their sister Toyota dealer across the road has always excelled whenever we have had to go there (this is quite pathetic, in my view) - they are supposed to make every effort to earn my business, I shouldn't have to give them multiple chances to earn it. I would rather purchase from the closest location and thus go there for future purchases if I am satisfied - again, this is supposed to be their job, not mines - they should aspire to gain my business as a lifetime client and build a solid relationship.
Let me know what you all think, thanks in advance!
- Preet
12-28-15, 03:55 AM
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12-28-15, 04:58 AM
#15
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Rust is a serious consideration because its AWD and sitting in Michigan. I have lived in Michigan for five years and they have bad winters there and almost always throw salt into the roads which will rust the heck out of your GSs underbody.
I have owned a Brand New 2013 RX350 in the last year living in michigan and it got alot of rust down there. And thats only 1 year of driving in the snow and salt of Michigan. Imagine what that GS must look underneath. Id say if you want to buy it inpsect it yourself or have someone or pay someone to inspect it. Otherwise for that price its a great deal. Remember that when new a Loaded GS Luxury cost $61,000 or more. So your saving $30,000.
I have owned a Brand New 2013 RX350 in the last year living in michigan and it got alot of rust down there. And thats only 1 year of driving in the snow and salt of Michigan. Imagine what that GS must look underneath. Id say if you want to buy it inpsect it yourself or have someone or pay someone to inspect it. Otherwise for that price its a great deal. Remember that when new a Loaded GS Luxury cost $61,000 or more. So your saving $30,000.
Last edited by AL13NV8D3R; 12-28-15 at 05:02 AM.