hschultz

I'm thinking about purchasing a used 2007 RX350 and was just wondering if you could give me some pointers on what to look for when shopping around.

I've never owned a Lexus before, but we've narrowed it down to a used RX350 (it seems to me that some of the previous RX issues were resolved with the 350 in 2007), a used/new Highlander Limited (I believe the new RX due out in 2010 will be based on this platform, but I may be mistaken), or possibly a used/new Honda Pilot (the 2009's are due out in March/April I believe). We don't typically buy used vehicles, but after watching what our boys have done to our Honda Ody (bought new in 2003), I don't think I can bear to see them trash another vehicle, so I'd rather try to find a good deal on a depreciated vehicle this time around until they're old enough to quit making a mess in the back seat.

We're not planning to buy until next Jan/Feb (2009), so I have about a year to think about (I like to think ahead), as that's when my current car's (Boxster S) lease is up.

I thought xenons were standard in 2007, but in reviewing some used cars on cars.com, they list halogens as standard features. I don't believe there were any major improvements for 2008 (chrome door handles?), nor are there any planned for 2009 as best I can determine. I'm thinking I'd like to get a nice, clean, CPO'd vehicle with 25k miles or so for around $30k. I know you'll think that's aggressive, but I think it will be achievable.

Thanks in advance!

salimshah

Is there something like taking over some one's lease which expires in a year?

Salim

arnieosp

iTrader: (1)

Well, I seriously doubt you can find a decent '07 RX350 for less than about $35K. I was in the same position two months ago. I found few '04-'05 RX330 for $28-33K, but I wanted a 350, which excluded anything older than '07.

Anyways, I went to a dealer and they offered me a brand new '08 for $39000. I figured it's worth spending extra $4-5K for a virgin. Then you can chose a color you want and so on. As far as headlights, I know that HID are atill an "option", but i don't think you can find one without them anymore.

hschultz

I thought my aggressive pricing would generate some responses! Pls keep in mind that we're not looking to buy until this time NEXT year (2/09), right before the redesigned 2010 models come out.

A co-worker of mine bought an '07 CPO'd ES last week and got $3,500 off asking price. I stopped by the same dealership (Pohanka/Chantilly) on Friday, as I was out that way on business, and explained to the guy that I was looking for used RX's in the $33-34k range, as I knew they had $3-4k wiggle room. He didn't beat an eyelid and basically said "we'll do whatever it takes to earn your business". While it may be difficult to find an '07 in my price range today, I don't think it will be 12 months from now (at least that's what I'm counting on). So then the question becomes, new '09 (being phased out this time next year) for close to $40k, or slightly used CPO for $31k. We don't put many miles on it, so buying an '07 with 30k miles on it won't be a problem at all, and I really don't want our goldfish/McDonald's-eating boys to trash a brand-new Lexus. I don't let them eat in my Boxster and I didn't let them eat in my Bimmer before that, but my wife doesn't mind them eating in her car (Ody, and Ody replacement). While I would agree with you that it'd be worth it to get new for a 4-5k differential, I can't argue the same for 8-9k, but that's just me.

Kostyan

hschultz, I like your positive thinking. Good luck to you and let us know if you'll find a CPO 2007 RX 350 with 25K mi for 30 grand. I'll take two:-)

I was shopping for a used RX last fall in the same area where you are, and also in neighboring states. A CPO vehicle always commands a 2-3 grand premium on a vehicle. Some dealers won't even sell non-CPO because it robs them of profit. Same hailed Pohanka Lexus openly laughed in my face when I told them I am looking for an 05 AWD NAVI with under 40k mi for low 30's. Right now, they will promise to work with you but wait til you are actually ready to buy. This is like trying to find today a 2006 CPO with 25k mi. Not going to happen unless they give you pennies on your trade, or the price of gas will go up so much that the whole used car market will crash. Anything CPO with that low of a mileage you're looking to spend at least 35K on the road.

mandyfig

He's right about a CPO. The risk of getting a used RX outside the dealer is high. Try craigslist in your area. As always, a plan and a lot or research pay off.

hschultz

Ok, so how's about this one?

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

2007 Lexus RX 350 - $32,970
Dealer: Lexus of Towson (MD)
Call: 877-353-3914

Stock #: 89736
VIN: 2T2HK31U17C015215
Mileage: 29,840
Drivetrain: AWD
Leather, sunroof, heated seats

Assuming one is in agreement with me (that's there's at least $3k worth of play in the price), then I can have this one tomorrow for $30k. It has 30k miles on it, which is fine, since there's no way we're putting more than 15k miles on it per year. I think if one has the time/patience to shop carefully (remember, I'm not buying until Feb 2009), one can get a cherry deal.

mandyfig

Go! As long as it has not been in an accident.

hschultz

Exactly. Has to have clean/clear title, and of course, I'll run a carfax and check out the vin with the dealership to review service records.

Anything I should be looking at with '07's? I think they're pretty clean and straight-forward, best I can tell.

gizmozoid

I'd recommend looking for an RX at a non-Lexus dealership. The ones near me only sell CPO (if it's a couple years old and less than 50k miles), so you'd have to deal with that $3-4k markup.

I saw several 07 350s at CarMax for about $34-35k with low miles, HIDs and nav. I'm actually selling mine so I've been doing some pricing research as well, and even with only 18k miles and nav, the highest quote I got was $30k (so you know the crazy margins they'll be making!)

For 07, halogens were standard. Premium packages had the HID lights included. I don't know if it was a standalone option.

Have you considered sites like swapalease.com? I don't know how risky going through a private seller would be, since the typical RX driver won't drive it like a race car, and if the miles are low, there's still plenty of manufacturer warranty left.

Good luck!

pjrt1

Last March I bought my RX 350 2007 CPO with 15,050 miles for $33K.