Sechkin

Hello again guys. I still have not decided what to buy. I saw a nice looking Mercedes C300 which has 45k on it for sale today. Owner is asking the almost same amount of Lexus RX at the dealer. I know they are totally two different cars but would you guys take 2011 C300 with 45k on it or 2009 Lexus Rx with 69k ? I'm between two of those cars so if you guys share your opinions I would be gladly happy. Thanks.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

think about reliability.....RX is a no-brainer....LOL

lexsc4

I have owned a BMW 540i before and my dad currently owns a 2007 E350. Both cars were and are somewhat reliable but expensive to maintain and many small issues to deal with.
Honestly I will never buy another German again when the Lexus are just as good, ie 2013 GS (hopefully I will own one next year), RX, NX..........At this point in my life (early 40s), the German "prestige" brand does not mean anything anymore. I will take a reliable ride over anything, especially with wife and kids and MORTGAGE. And here in the SF bay area, Lexus, Mercedes, BMWs, Audis, Acura are dime a dozen.

08 RX350 AWD (wife)
08 Avalon Touring (mine)

lexsc4

I understand this is not a good comparison. But my opinion is that the 2010-on model tries too hard to imitate the BMW X3 or X5. If I want that sporty ride, I will buy a Infinti FX or X3/5. Just saying.

08 RX350 AWD (wife)
08 Avalon Touring (mine)

lexsc4

I have bought many car over the years and have done this before. If you are really sincere on buying the car and most Salesman can tell, he/she should let you. If the dealer (especially an official Caddi dealer, not just a mom/pop shop) is NOT willing to let you do this, then walk. Trust me, there are plenty more RXs out there. You just have to be patient.

ranma21

iTrader: (2)

I would say one of the most realiable luxury cars out there is Lexus, I have owned a 2004 325i, a IS250, a RX350 and a LX450. Non of The Lexuses are new, the 97 LX450 has 133k used for wheeling and offroad, not a single problem and it is 17 years old! The 325i is brand new and visited the service departments more than the rest of my Lexuses! Still love the way bimmer drives, my IS is not bad too. For long term reliability and resale value, I will stick with Lexus. Of course maintenance and care are priority.

jakenbake

69k miles is nothing for a Lexus. I have had a Navigator and stuff was always breaking on it...Nothing that would leave me stranded. Stuff like the seat heaters, or the interior lights stopped working, and the air suspension. (NEVER BUY A CAR WITH AIR SUSPENSION!)....My Lexus has 115k on it and not a thing has broken.

Band

Apples vs oranges. I bought my '05 RX330 last year with 73K mi and it is like a new car. I expect several years of trouble free service with routine maintenance. I'd take the car that best suits my needs; 69K mi is not that much, but I'd check service records.

Henry2024

Same here. I got a 2007 RX 350 with 79K miles and with complete service records where it showed the CV joint replaced, engine oil cooler line replaced. And it's practically new. So now I'm hoping for good reliability now with regular maintenance since those have been replaced. The only thing I'm worried about is the rack and pinion problem that seems to be so common among RX's.

Sechkin

Thanks for all your answers guys. I made my mind about the car and I talked to the dealer again and they said i could take the car to the service for pre purchase inspection. There is official Toyota dealer where is very close to the my house and the dealer which i am buying the car. Official Lexus dealer is almost one hour away from and they have no available day till next week. I'm just wondering If i can take my car to the Toyota dealer for pre purchase inspection or taking it to the Lexus would be a better experience ?

lexsc4

A Toyota dealer should be able to inspect it or even service. The RX350 is not much different than a Highlander.
Good luck.

08 RX350 AWD (wife)
08 Avalon Touring (mine)

RX330inFL

The Toyota dealer will be just fine. You are just looking for an independent set of eyes to give a careful inspection to the vehicle while up on a lift. Hopefully, the vehicle will check out and you will be able to continue using this Toyota shop for your service needs going forward.

mandyfig

Let us know what the mechanic says. Tons to tell when you look at the underside of a car.

DixieLex

Bought my daughter to NON-CPO's w/70K or more miles (from a Lexus dealership) and never had an ounce of probs.

I understand coming from a Ford product your skittishness, but most Lexi/Toyotas are very very reliable. (Tacoma: 158000 and one trip to shop for minor repair and Sienna: 130,000 1 shop visit)

Get it checked out by a certified mechanic and get a list of anything wrong. If you feel good about, then go for it and don't worry. Its a Lexus!

Sechkin

Hello everyone. I went to the dealer today to talk about the final price and ask him about the pre-purchase inspection. The last price that he was asking was 20900$ and he said he could drop to price 20500$ if i don't take car to the inspection. I asked him to get the car for 20500$ + tax and everything and taking it to the Toyoto service also. He did not accept that. So I told him that I would give 20900$ and take the car to the service. I took the car to the service and after inspection they told me car has problem with :

* Power steering rack (leaking) = 1100-1300$ estimated cost
* Front and rear rotors (developing a rust ridge and needs to be replaced) = 1000$ estimated cost
* Left rear strut (leaking also) = 800$ estimated cost
* Bald spare tire = 150$

So after all that, I decided to not to spend almost 3000$ for a car I will pay almost 21k. I'm keep searching to Lexus IS 250 or RX350. Another option is 2011 Mercedes C300 (with manufacturer warranty for one year) I hope I can find something that I would like to drive any time soon. I want to thank all of you for all answers and helps.