first400h

We have zoned in on a 2006 with 70k miles (bamboo pearl) or 2008 with 80k miles (brandywine)....
They are about the same price - the 2008 may be a few hundred more. Both seem to be well maintained...

In general I have heard folks recommending to go for the lower mileage....

I like the wood trim but not a show stopper and appears like 2008 had some minor updates... Looks like brandywine will show scratches and dents more than the bamboo....I like Bamboo and wife likes the maroon...but we can live with the other one...

Any recommendations....I am confused...?

chrispham

We just bought a 2007 with 67,500 $17,500. It was a certified pre owned and the seller had it for two years abd it was well maintained. Out of all the research I did on the 2006, 2007, 2008. This is what I found that was the different between the three:

2006 - No wood, Gen 4 Navigation, No Hybrid Blue front & rear panel, orange door sill light, 2006-2007 front grill style

2007 - Wood grain, Gen 5 Navigation

2008 - Front grill is slightly different. Hybrid blue front and rear emblems, blue door sill light. Rear spoiler is painted to match car color, door handles are chrome.

If I were you, I would get the 2008 if the dents or scratches aren't too bad. I had a few door dings and scratches on the one I bought but I paid a dent specialist to remove the door dings $125 and now they are only visible by me because I know they are there. Also, the Gen 5 navigation has better resolution and is the newer generation. I bought aftermarket chrome door handle covers for around $20. You will want to make sure all recalls have been done to either cars because there are some major ones, especially for the inverter issue. I would also recommend getting the AWD model. That is the way to go.

I love my Lexus Hybrid. It's got a ton of power and although I have not gotten above 27mpg, that is still superb for a SUV. Good luck and hope this helps!

chrispham

PS. How much are they asking for those two cars? Just curious.

first400h

Thanks for your post - Was 17.5 you paid inclusive of registration etc?

first400h

16 for the 2006 and 18 (ask) for 2008 ...I think the 2008 can be brought down to 17.5 since it has more miles

jakenbake

If you go to the link below, it will show you all the little changes they made from year to year. I would go with the 2008, better navigation and the brandywine is gorgeous. Plus there have been a issues with the bamboo paint.
http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library/index.html

A note on the website. If you click on the year selection it will only go down to 2008. But if you select 2008 and then click on the year selection again, it will go down to 2006. On the top of each page it will give a list of all the changes that were made from the previous year.

chrispham

$17,500 is what I paid before the 6% PA Tax and registration fee's. It was a private sale.

thomas1

I would get the 2008, last of its production, and a great ride.

takeshi74

All else being equal lower mileage may be advisable but 10K isn't much of a difference. Have you had both inspected?

jakenbake

10,000 miles is about 6 months of driving....I would rather have the one that is 2 years newer. If you do a little math and subtract the 10000 miles (6 months) from the 2 years, that is still a year and half newer.

Below is a list of all the things that the 2008 has that the 2006 does not.

- New six-disc DVD/CD auto-changer for available Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System [2]
- New nine-inch screen for available Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES)
- Additional power lumbar support for 10-way adjustable front passenger's seat
- Upgrade to Generation 5 navigation system software
- Interior wood trim is now available for all interior colors
- Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System [3]
- New finish for existing grille design
- Chrome-finish exterior door handles
- Body-colored rear spoiler
- New blue front and rear badges
- Engine cover adopts blue highlight
- Headlamps lenses adopt blue tint
- Rear taillamps adopt blue tint
- New exterior color Smoky Granite Mica
- New exterior color Golden Almond Metallic
- New exterior color Classic Silver Metallic
- New exterior color Brandywine Mica
- New exterior color Desert Sage Metallic
- New exterior color Matador Red Mica
- New exterior color Breakwater Blue Metallic
- Flint Mica, Savannah Metallic, Millenium Silver and Neptune Blue Mica exterior colors discontinued
- Black bird's-eye maple wood trim available with Gray interior
- Illuminated scuff plates adopt blue illumination