kinsale

Hi all,

My first post here. My wife is due for a new SUV in the next few months. She currently drives a Pontiac Torrent. I would like to get here something nice. She does like the RX350 but figures it is out of her price range. My budget is $28K including any warranty.
Question is would you get, a used 2007 RX350, 2007 XC90 or a brand new RAV4/CRV?

I want at least 3/36k warranty. I do not like out of pocket repairs. I also want a safe vehicle (hence throwing in the XC90)

Please give your opinion as to what you would do were it your significant other or indeed for yourself.

thanks
ian

redrocks

Does anyone like out of pocket repair? Raise your hand!

Seriously, sounds like you should go with the brand new RAV4/CRV. Get Financing as low as 0% APR on all 2010 RAV4 Models or Save up to $2,000 on Specially Equipped 2010 RAV4 Models with an Extra Value Package of Options.

redrocks

Seems like current Pontiac owners can get $1000 Purchase Cash!

tftimm

You should be able to find a Certified Pre-Owned RX350, maybe a 2006 or 2007 for that price with about 50-60K miles. Don't get scared, Certified Pre-Owned will give you a better than new warranty for 3yrs/or up to 100K miles, whichever comes first. I got my 04 RX330 w/54K miles a couple of months ago. I was in the same boat, but looking to spend about $22K or less.

Well, I did, picked up my CPO 04 RX330 for $20K and it comes with basically a 3/46K mile warranty, better than a new Toyota.

Don't be so worried about the mileage, find one that has a good maintinance record, and pick yourself up a CPO RX and you'll be glad you did. I also think that there are discounts on CPO Lexus', but that may have ended.

Don't sell yourself short, you can get a nice CPO RX in your price range no problem.

Good luck and let you us know what you decide. Check Consumer Reports and that will take the XC90 out of the picture. The RAV4 is a nice little SUV, but you can't compare the ride, options, and smoothness of the Lexus.

Good Luck!

hypervish

I agree with tftimm, get a certified pre-owned RX. You won't regret it.

tm510

We are probably a pretty biased group, but I think you'd find the majority to say "you can't compare a RX to a RAV/CRV". There's a reason why the RX is more expensive. It's an age old decision that most of us face; older and nicer, or newer and planer. I have been picking the older/nicer for the past few vehicles (RX, SC430, Maxima) and have to say they've been the right picks for me.

(Cj)

Your wife would probably enjoy the Lexus service experience

Get her a nice Certified RX and she'll be very happy I can assure you

kinsale

Thanks everyone for their replies. I know you all are biased but you are also the most informed about the Lexus. I have heard the Lexus service is good. She would like that. She hates going to a GM dealer right now.
I have gone new and planer as you put it for her last few cars. I think I'd like her to have something nice this time around.
So for a 2007 which would hopefully give me 3 years warranty, what price should I be looking at for a 30-40k mile vehicle. The only option I need are heated seats really. Must be AWD.
thanks

tftimm

I come from Acura and they claim their service is good. After experiencing Lexus, it makes Acura look decent at best. From the way they talk to you to the lounge area, free massages, you can't beat it.

For a CPO 2007 AWD w/40K, your probably looking at around $29-31K asking price. I'm sure you can get it down a couple from there. In San Antonio, there are two 2007 CPO RX350 AWD:

1) 51,000 miles, asking $29,495
2) 32,884 miles, asking $30,995

#2 has heated seats. It may be standard for 2007, but I can't verify for the first because there are no pictures.

Keep in mind, those are asking prices so figure 5-10% less, your right in your range.

Keep in mind, regardless of the year, as long as its a CPO, you get 3 years/100K mile warranty from the date YOU purchase it, not when it was purchased new. If you bought at CPO 2007 with 40K miles, in effect, you'd be buying a vehicle with a 3yr/60K mile Lexus factory warranty.

dsandife

For What it's Worth.............. I happen to own a 2002 Honda CRV and a 2004 Lexus RX330, both of which I bought new. They have more than 100,000 miles.

The Lexus has been in the shop for problems somewhere between 12 and 15 times. The Honda has never a single problem!

While the Lexus is much more comfortable, luxury seems to come with more potential for problems. I will never buy another Lexus. I will buy either another CRV or a RAV4 when I finally need to replace one of these. I am leaning toward the RAV4, as it hasn't (yet) been redesigned to the point of creating poor rear visibility. Both the CRV and the RX350 have been sloped in the rear to look more streamlined, but much worse visibility. Don't take my word for it - Consumer Reports says the same thing.

tftimm

I'm a bit suprised, so I guess throw what I said out the window. Just kidding...

My work vehicle is a 2010 Honda Odyssey which is suppose to be a very good van. It is, but I've had more problems with that than my 6 year old RX.

1) AC squeaks when it is turned on
2) A horrible rattle/squeak from the rear drivers door

As I said, I had 3 Acura's before my Lexus and I like Honda vehicles. I'm really suprised with my Odyssey, and I have enjoyed my RX. Also, gas mileage in the RX is about 17-18 in the city, 24-25 on the highway which is competative.

redrocks

1) Sounds like you need a new belt

mandyfig

Go for a CPO or a low mileage 2007 RX350. Patience and some luck will be required. But your wife will be so happy, as is mine!

xenonrider

i actually just sold my '04 XC90 a couple of weeks ago and my girlfriend has the RX. i had the turbo-charged T-5 so the fuel economy was decent, but was under-powered. the volvo is nice in that it has tons of space and can carry a lot of cargo... however, that's where the advantages ends for me. the RX is better in just about every other way: better drive, more comfortable, better seating position, easier to drive and park, more fuel efficient, better interior and materials and lower maintenance cost. unless those few extra cubic feet is an absolute necessity, the RX is definitely the better of the two SUV's.

Lex2000TL

If you want piece of mind, reliability and low cost maintenance, and are not concerned about high quality customer service– go for RAF or CRV.

If you want luxury, comfort and a touch of prestige - go for RX.

Stay away from Volvo! Its reliability is terrible.