mikes rx

iTrader: (14)

Also, another thing to think about, although it applies to more higher end luxurys, and is also market dependent:

There are lots of people that can afford any vehicle, and don't care what the cost is. They just buy a new car because it's convenient and because they can.

So, at least in my area, the resale value on higher end cars (ie- LX or LS lexus, mercedes SL class) is somewhat poor. The reason for this is that not too many people can afford one either way, but if they're going to spend $85K on a used one, they'd can probably afford to just spend $95K on a new one. And, when they go to trade in the car for a new one, they may not care about what they get for it. So, the used car value on these vehicles takes a tremendous nose dive, and although difficult to find used, they may be at an attractive price.

Again, this is market dependent too. In my area, cars > $60 are pretty rare to see in general, whereas in other markets cars < $60K may be rare

tex2670

why would you go from contemplating spending $60K on an IS-F, to trying to get a deal on a used 350?

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Tex,I was thinking the exact same thing!

greg0723

go new u know what u getting. i dont like used never know what the driver b4 u did to it. if u do get used make sure the miles are low on it

tex2670

Of course you were--how could you NOT?

mikes rx

iTrader: (14)

That's what they make warranties for. You can use some of the money saved and buy the extended warranty. Or, you can sell it before the warranty goes out.

Obviously, if it's in POS condition, you probably shouldn't buy it. But, if you know what to look for in a used car, then it's a very lucrative alternative. It's hard to cover up body damage, frame damage, etc (again, if you know what to look for).

calboy76

iTrader: (1)

i like to consider used is350 becuz if it works out the way i like it, then i am willing to either upgrade it to a new one when the 09 model comes out.

if it's not to my liking, then i will get the is f later.


getting used means i intend not to put in too much money first. and save the money for later use in case i change my mind..


but, before i make up my mind, i love to hear more of your inputs so that i can make the best decision for myself.

thank you all

Lama

Buy used certified or very low mileage, let someone else take the depreciation. You just need to know you won't be able to pick colors and options as easy.

I got my used IS350 for a great price, and I do not regret not losing $10k right off the lot.

tex2670

Whether new or used is best choice is a personal decision, but "losing $10K off the lot" is not a not a valid reason to buy used--it's just not true. I'm not going to say this across the board for all cars, but do a search on cars.com or ebay motors for a low mileage 250/350--do you see any that are selling anywhere close to $10k below the original cost? I don't--I thought about pre-owned, but (1) it was near impossible to find a 250AWD with the Lux Pkg (and certainly not in any color combo I desired, or within 75 miles of me--I wasn't too interested in driving 150 miles just to "see" the car), and (2) many of the asking prices were higher than the price I paid for new--I realize those prices are negotiable, but, they aren't suddenly going to drop their price $8000-$10000.

mikes rx

iTrader: (14)

^^Yeah, 10K off the lot would be more typical if it was a $35K DOMESTIC car.

Although, some people can negotiate good deals on cars, especially if the seller needs out of it.

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

I just checked autotrader in a 100 mile radius.

Of all the used cars selling for less than what I paid for my brand new 08 I find a handfull of 06s and 07s with 20-40k miles on them, none with lux or sport, none with ML. A couple had nav, but just with base options or premium.

Depreciation ain't that high on these cars, especially if you can get a deal reasonably in the range of invoice on a new one.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

if you plan to keep it for long, brand new would be a better choice....

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Don't buy used. The dealers are asking almost the same for a 2 year old IS as you can buy new for $4-500 over invoice! Good resale values are only attractive on the surface - you pay top dollar to buy one used, but try getting KBB wholesale from a dealer when you trade it in!

The 2009 IS isn't going to be significantly different from the 2008 - certainly not worth trading in a 2006-2008 for the 2009.

Just my $0.02 worth.

hellasboy

I bought my IS last April. At the time, the 2006 IS was about 3k less than what I bought mine brand new (3-400 over invoice). And believe me, it was the cheapest used IS I could find (non-dealer) and I really pushed them into lowering the price.

In addition to having an extra year warranty, I had 8 miles on the odometer, navigation, HID, and a color combo I preferred. I'm sure when I do sell my IS, I'll be able to ask for a little more than the '06 I could have bought.

Janizary

While I agree that finding a low miles, used IS350 for a decent price 'IS' difficult, it is possible. You can find a used IS350 at attractive pricing.

That said, you have to stalk autotrader (and other resources) every day and get out to see it ASAP. As mentioned previously in this thread, I checked frequently and often found those that looked good (low miles/good price) to be gone by the time I got around to calling, or made it out to look at the vehicle.

In the end, I did manage to find a well-priced, low miles IS350. And the following week the same dealer had an 06 with under 10K miles with a sport package on the lot, also at a very attractive price.

Does it take some effort? Yes. Frankly, if I lived in So. Cal it would have been easier as many of the decent deals showed up in that area. Needless to say, Vegas is a MUCH smaller market. That is why I had pretty much resigned myself to buying a new IS out of So. Cal.