alder8

I'm considering buying a 2009 LX with 36K. Dealer (not Lexus, just a regular car dealer) is asking $53K. I know LX is very reliable, but i'm a little bit concerned about buying a 4 y.o model without a warranty. I always wanted to have an LX, but 2011 and 2010 are out of my price range. Any advice or opinions on the price and 2009 vs 2010 and 2011 would be greatly appreciated. Thanx.

MjThind

Your concerned about warranty? Won't need it, this thing is bulletproof! My uncles '08 has 175,000m(bought it brand new) and has never been to a dealer for any other reason except oil changes and routine maintenance and recall or two.

SaniDel

I must disagree with MjThind, not because the LX isn't bulletproof ... it is, but unlike his uncle's '08, which was bought brand new and maintained, you have no proof the one you are considering was maintained. The dealer may have records that it was, but you weren't there when they claim it was ... especially since it's not a Lexus dealer ... so who and where was it maintained? More to the point ... what's the dealer's liability if it wasn't or are you on your own?

You may be eligible for an extended warranty ... a 2009 with only 36K miles may still be under factory warranty. Expect to pay about $2,400 to extend the factory warranty, but only if it is still in effect ... is it?
Regards,

SaniDel

alder8

Thanks for your input! The dealer told me that car had one owner, and I would check the maintenance records before buying the car - I also will have it checked out by independent mechanic. I know that original warranty has expired, so I won't be able to renew it. I'm still not sure about the price - with 2014 models coming out soon, this car is almost 5 model years old, so feel a little hesitant paying 50K for it. But on the other hand, LX's reliability is very high, that's why it's so difficult to decide.

SaniDel

You are welcome! Buying a used Lexus is no different than any other used car ... it's a PITA as there are so many ways for you to be disadvantaged. That's why Lexus offers their CPO program to remove some of the worry.

There's no substitute for due diligence ... pay an independent mechanic to inspect it, look up its history on CarFax and get those service records. Being a Lexus makes it reliable by design, but any vehicle can become unreliable due to poor maintenance.
Regards,

SaniDel


P.S. I'm guessing that the vehicle was serviced by Lexus during its factory warranty, in which case those records are available as they are kept by Lexus at their headquarters. You may be able to access them through a local Lexus dealer.

ggebhardt

I would agree and you MUST take it to Lexus dealer for an inspection. Just one major defect, even though they are rare, will ruin your investment.

CBRDude

If the original owner had it serviced at Lexus, you can log onto the Lexus site a print out the service records. It won't give you the owners info just what was done, servicing dealer and dates.

I have a 2009 bought off non-lexus dealer. Logged onto the Lexus site and the previous owner had all the service done at the selling dealer.

Also most service facilities sell their RO to CARFAX as well.

Also pull a CARFAX report to see where the vehicle came from. Cars from NY, PA, CT and NJ that were in Sandy are now showing up on lots on the eastern seaboard. Even though they were branded flooded or salvage they are being cleaned up and sold without the branded title or the titles have been washed. Some were not totally submerged but still sat in salt water for while are still prone to damage. I'd pass on any of the states unless you have the vehicle thoroughly inspected. CARFAX will wiggle out of it's clause, as they never received documentation about the vehicle. They can even get it after you have bought it, then you're really screwed.

SaniDel

Would go so far as to say that if the original owner did NOT have the service done at Lexus ... run, don't walk!

Lexus service is expensive, but the first service is free so it should cost nothing until the first oil and filter change, which in the case of a 2009 with only 36K may not have been until its second year. An owner who buys an LX new, but chooses to "pinch pennies" while the vehicle is under warranty is not the owner from whom you want to buy.

What else was done ... or not done during its first four years to save money ... ?
Regards,

SaniDel

UZ214

I bought a cpo 08 with 51k for 55 that was about a year ago, car was full maintained at lexus of towson.... 2 months ago my rear ac stopped working was at the dealer for 3 days and they fixed the problem covered under warranty. It would have probably cost me about 2k out my pocket. These are not lx470 those we far better. I would never buy a post 06 lexus without a warranty

kenriclex

I have a 09 LX570 with 33000 miles that I will sell for same price 53. It has all the option except for cool box. Chrome wheels ect. Always garaged. Pm me if interested. Twilight grey metallic.

tkbalt

We have an 09 - bought it used 2 years ago with 47K miles - Lexus dealer CPO. I think we paid in the low $60's then. Now with 67K miles, and never an issue other than routine maintenance. I think 50-53K is reasonable if the vehicle is mint AND checks out by a Lexus Dealer. I would also advise the selling dealer that if it cannot be substantiated that the 30K service was done as a Lexus Dealer, you want a credit for that service.