curtnc

Ok guys new to the forum but i'm looking for good advise. Time to by the family a new ride. We drive the wheels off them so I'm looking to replace a 2002 Ford Escape, this is really be a good SUV, now with 150k miles as you can tell its time. We want a RX 330 or RX 350. Need to keep the price as low as possible this is what i'm looking at in Charlotte NC 2006 RX 350 this is a certified
Lexus car buying from the Lexus dealership. it has 56k miles on it and they are asking 27kI know this seems a little high, but it is certified, and has all the CPO benefits. Questions should i buy a older Lexus or would it be smarter to my a newer SUV like maybe a Honda or another Ford. Thank for your good thoughts and ideas. Curtis / Indian Trail NC

redrocks

Doesn't sound like a Lexus RX would be a good match for ya. I reco staying with a Ford. If you really were interested in a Lexus, you would notice the differences between a Ford vs Lexus vs Honda.

action

ditto. These cars arent really rugged SUVs. more of a luxury cruiser. I would take a Toyota 4runner over a honda anyday though.

salimshah

My first new car buying experience went like this ...
I was approached by a salesman and he said he wants to ask questions so that he may match the right vehicle for me ... I had done my research and all I wanted was to negotiate a price. Needless to state, I walked right out.

To answer the OP's question:
1. Buying a new vehicle only makes financial sense if you plan to keep it for a very long time. The new vehicle depreciation gets divide by the extra number of years you keep the vehicle.

2. Personally (others may disagree) the CPO is extended warranty and no one should expect more than that. [One can buy extended warranty on Lexus vehicles before the base warranty runs out and that requires no testing].

3. Cost of maintenance and repair is higher in Lexus and overall ownership experience is better [imho], but all of the Lexus vehicle owners pay for it.

4. Other post suggest this that you are the best judge as to which vehicle fits your need. RX can go off road, but should not be purchased for off-roading.

5. Do ask the dealer for maintenance/repair history. Look for indirect information such as odo readings over time.

6. Back when I made my purchase '98, there were very few SUVs to choose from. Now you have many options. Look at each, test drive them and see which appeals to you the most. I have not regretted my choice.

Finally, post specific question about RX that other owners can answer for you. Hopefully the answers will help you decide.

Salim
count down continues 10, 9

curtnc

I guess my question really ask about the value of a used Lexus. Except for age, and engine size is there really that much difference between the rx 330 and 350? Would I regret buying the 330 rather than saving a little longer so we could purchase the 350. Thanks for all your input. Curtis

ycl1688

rx330 last year of production is 2006, if you could go for rx330 say 2006 would give you better deal than 2007 and after rx330, with lexus quality you will not regret buying it. Again you can always shop around with different brands test drive your vehicles before buying as someone suggested.

Adamjeeps

If you want a Lexus, I would try to find an 07-08 CPO RX 350. You can get them with less than 50,000 miles for under $30,000. I would want the extra power and the same mpg (or even slightly better). I would also get the Nav as it has bluetooth built in.

If that is too high, I think the Pilot is a good vehicle that will last and is a few thousand less expensive than RX 350 and is very nice.