Gabytx12

I have been seriously looking for about 2 weeks now for a RX330, after looking at dealerships, I started to look at personal adds. I found 2 that I still have yet to test drive, VIN's check out with all maintenance and no issues (at least nothing reported by dealership maintenance.)

Both have about 130K miles.
The 2004 asking $3000 more than blue book indicates for a "private party value" EXCELLENT condition. Already said not willing to budge much on price.

The 2005 asking $2400 more than blue book indicates for a "private party value"
EXCELLENT condition. Not sure willingness to negotiate.

Assuming both are in EXCELLENT condition, I would not want to pay that much more than the car is worth.

So, is Kelley Blue Book a good gauge for pricing or should I be looking elsewhere.

xis

What is total asking price and what options do they each come with?

You can negotiate. Even if they say they are not willing to budge, when it comes to taking the money and actually selling the car they want to sell - when they get a real offer, they WILL negotiate. It isn't like there aren't a ton of them out there!

Gabytx12

Total asking price for 2004 127K miles( BASE MODLE) is $14,500
Total asking price for 2005 130K miles (BASE MODEL) is $14,500

I know that Lexus is not really BASE but these dont have any extra packages...

gsenthil

Checkout cargurus.com and claz.org for more coverage on ads. My friend bought a 2007 RX350 AWD/Nav for 16500 so their asking price is still way off

nguyend27

I just bought my 2006 lexus rx 330 for 25,200 with low miles of 4200 on it

Carver

Just some general thoughts on car shopping. Dealers do not negotiate with 'squirrels', people who are just looking, starting to look, interested, etc. they don't waste energy on lookers. As a buyer, there comes a time to stop flitting from car to car, find a car you would actually buy if the price is right, decide what price you will pay for that particular car and make an offer on it. Dealers get very serious at that point and you will soon know if that is the car you will own.

Stop worrying about what they are asking and decide what you want to spend and go from there, make the car fit your price. On your two examples, I would offer 12,500 and be ready to pay for it at that price. You have to be ready to buy to even get a dealer to pay attention to you, they do not negotiate with lookers.

If you are nervous about fighting with the dealer (or private owner), then do it by phone after you leave the dealership. The key is to decide that you would buy that car if the price is right, amazing things will happen once you make that step.

glassmanj

also, my tip is to always get the newer model year. i'd choose the 2005 over a 2004 simply because they've had more time to work out any kinks in the system as they'd say.

also remember dealership probably gave trade in price and is looking to make a nice profit if they can. seeing how long the care has been listed also let's you know if they are in more of a hurry to get rid of it.

and having a second option where you can simply walk away will get them dealing with you more. always jsut walk away and they'll chase you down. a sale making only $500 for a salesman is many times better than no sale at all.

also make sure if timing belts have been changed.

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

KBB is a little high with pricing cars. Check NADA.

gsenthil

Not sure where in TX you at but some sample pricing from cargurus
2007 AWD Nav Silver/Grey 135k 15750 Dallas
2007 AWD White/White 109k 15,888 Dallas [Park Cities Ford Lincoln]
2007 AWD Silver/Gray 94k 16,500 Houston [Former CPO]

xis

I have a fully loaded 2004 with 97K on it that I am thinking about selling... Come on down to Phoenix and I will make you a deal!

Gabytx12

Hey, xis dont tempt me...I have family in Scottsdale....!!!!!

Carver, yes you are right time to put my boots on and make a decision!!!!!
I just want to be fair and want to show that I am interested so dont want to low ball them. These prices seemed high to me, this type of negotiation is new to me, so trying to get as much feedback as possible.
But, deciding on what I WILL pay will put me in the right frame of mind!! I will also check NADA.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and comparison vehicles, it really does help!!!

Carver

Massey Cadillac in Garland has an '04 with 129k for 10,950, might be worth looking at. It's on eBay right now.

Gabytx12

Carver, I did see that one, the mainentenance on it looks sketchy....
101723 1665504 DECLINED MIRROR REPLACEMENT EST $778
51529 0088697 FRONT/REAR BODY
32998 0065673 OTHER INSPECTION

No indication of oil changes, much less timing belt...
I guess it could not hurt to go drive it.
thanks,

Carver

At that price you could afford a lot of maintenance that needs to be done.

Must do:
Brake fluid change
Radiator change
Power steering fluid
Trans drain and refill
oil change
timing and water pump
Plugs if not done at 120

Should check:
Brakes and rotors
tires and alignment
Battery/alt

Stuff that happens:
shocks and struts at some point
power steering rack
fogged headlights

These will be considerations on any car you buy so one for 10k gives you a lot more room than one at 15k that may need the same work.

txcoupe

In general, all cars seem to be priced high compared to several years ago when economy was better. We bought our 2 cars in sig in the last few months. I used kbb as guide just so I know if car was priced right. I use private party good value as max whether Seller is dealer or indiv. Never want to pay over that. Bought RX at just under private good condition from dealer. Bought GS at fair good condition value per kbb. RX are popular SUVs. Many people price their cars unrealistically. Also, be sure to check option pkgs when comparing prices. I wanted hid so easily ruled out the ones without it.