drew00

Narrowed my search down to two pre owned vehicles. Both at Lexus dealers. Same list price.

2012 RX350, 88k miles AWD, premium package, but no Nav.

2010 RX350, 55k miles, AWD, premium package, premium audio with Nav.

Both show a fair service history at Lexus dealers, but don't see evidence that the oil cooler lines have been replaced on the 2010, my understanding is 2012 has the metal lines as standard.

Both in very clean condition. What would you all lean towards? Hard for me to say if I'm leaning one way or the other. On the 2010, like the idea of super low miles, but also like 2 years newer and marginally more miles.

coachz

2010 you need to use premium gas. Insurance and extended warranty may also be cheaper. Also further away from 100k, which spark plugs and shocks are usually due for a change (at least thats when i have done mine). I wouldnt worry about the nav, phone updates are more recent, but always a nice extra feature. If you are concerned about oil lines, there is plenty of info here and it will cost you $80 to DIY. Just things to consider as far as ownership costs.

b2884987

Didn't know the 2010 model you need premium gas. Today I learned.

Both are good cars, but personally I'd take the 2012. Nav is a plus (I use Waze on my phone, so it doesn't matter). Premium gas costs a lot in the long term. Miles, eh, just only by 30k. And 2012 is the last year before the facelift. Try using negotiating power to lower the price on the 2012.

Don't be compelled to buy these cars if you can't, there's lots of other RX350s out there with low miles (recently bought mine with 36k miles). You can walk away if you can't decide, it's also a great negotiating tactic if the dealer is at a point where they almost close you in on the sale.

tn7con

You can use regular unleaded gas in 2010 RX without any issue ... Premium unleaded was recommended but not required ... the computer will auto adjust for it ... you might lose 1 MPG overall ... many on this forum (me included) have used regular unleaded without any issue ... YMMV....

Clutchless

You have to have the tow prep package to even have the oil cooler lines (and an oil cooler).

You should continue your search as there are lower mileage vehicles available with Nav (which also gets you better sound system and speakers and it is easier to program your phone and adjust personal features thru the Nav screen. Go to www.cars.com and do an advanced search.

coachz

Agreed, we bought our 2010 last September with every package and tow with only 41k. We go to Costco for gas so what I spend extra on premium fuel comes out to $100 more per year. I hadn't read that it is optional, but rather the only year designed that way. With all due respect, rather be dollar smart in the long run. I'll save the difference doing my own maintenance. The premium audio is definately nice on the 2010. And yes negotiate the price. Dealerships always have more wiggle room on used cars. While they may carry a higher interest, you can always refinance or bring in outside financing. We went through our credit union although I did buy from carmax as a former employee.

drew00

Thanks All, for the replies. I may keep looking around for the time being. If I decide on one I will report back.

Woodrow

Wow! Tough decision! 2 years fewer miles, but the same price. The only reason to get the nav, in my opinion, is all the rest of the things accessed through the improved interface. I think the mileage itself would point me to the '10.

ronmaiden

I'd go with the lower miles plus with NAV you get the 12 speaker setup vs 9 plus a couple other options I think can only be had with the inclusion of navigation and the resale should be higher with more options later on.

Plus with the Nav you get the back up cam on the big display vs a tiny screen built into the rearview mirror almost makes it worthless.

Trmag52

FYI. I bought a 2010 last year with 42,000 miles, AWD with premium package, Matador Red Mica. Previous owners maintained at dealer at scheduled intervals. Even did the 60,000 mile service with 4 brand new Michelin’s. No worries.

fastnoypi

i dont notice any significant mpg difference in my 2010 with regular vs premium gas. AWD with tow package. Go with whatever year has the most up to date maintenance records and any options that you may desire.

tomgwuyn

Hi Drew,

I am also in the market for a used Lexus RX 350. I zeroed in on a 2011 RX 350 (Nav) which was a one owner and was well taken care of. The dealer had replaced the front and rear brakes and rear shocks too and was asking 18000$. However before I could zero in, some other prospective buyer paid an advance on it. Now the dealer emailed me about a 2012 RX 350 with 80000 miles that just came into the shop it seems. Not sure if I will bite it.

drew00

I'm going to take the 2010 actually, sealing the deal as we speak. Too well optioned, and too low mileage to ignore. Complete service history all the way to current, and the wife will certainly like the (slight) upgrade over her 2007.

tomgwuyn

Congrats on your vehicle. Is it possible to know the price the dealer quoted for these two vehicles? and the one you are offering. Like I said, I am negotiating on a 2012 RX 350 with 80000 miles and the dealer was asking 18K? Not sure if it is the right price? He has replaced the shocks and drive belts. Do I need to ask him anything else?

drew00

18k is right in the ball park from what I have seen them listed for. Especially if we are talking from a Lexus dealer, there will generally be at least a small premium for those.

I always find creating an account with the lexus.drivers website and running the VIN helps, that way you can see any service that has been completed at a Lexus dealer.