Preowned vs L Certified
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 115
Likes: 6
From: CO
Most shops will look over a car for a minimal fee. You just need to ask the current owner of it's ok if you take it to a shop to get looked over. There are also several decent videos on YouTube on what to look for when buying a used car.
I've already started noticing that the L/certified 161 point inspection they did on my car either wasn't very thourough, or that some specific points aren't included in the 161 points. Granted, I haven't looked at exactly which specific points are actually checked out in this 161 point inspection. But on my car for example, I'm missing the insulating "floor" for the front interior door handle grab in the arm rest (I e-mailed them about it, but never got a response). And also I believe the driver's side door seal rubber is slightly deformed -allowing for some very minor wind noise at highway speeds. Also, I had 3 specific scratches that weren't addressed initially. 1 was actually very noticeable & deep, which they just smothered some touch-up paint on. Another they polished out. And the third one they forgot about -but they sent me a small bottle of touch-up paint for it though.
I honestly expected a little more attention to detail in a CPO Lexus vehicle, but I'm still happy overall. Not sure if I'll go CPO again though.
I've already started noticing that the L/certified 161 point inspection they did on my car either wasn't very thourough, or that some specific points aren't included in the 161 points. Granted, I haven't looked at exactly which specific points are actually checked out in this 161 point inspection. But on my car for example, I'm missing the insulating "floor" for the front interior door handle grab in the arm rest (I e-mailed them about it, but never got a response). And also I believe the driver's side door seal rubber is slightly deformed -allowing for some very minor wind noise at highway speeds. Also, I had 3 specific scratches that weren't addressed initially. 1 was actually very noticeable & deep, which they just smothered some touch-up paint on. Another they polished out. And the third one they forgot about -but they sent me a small bottle of touch-up paint for it though.
I honestly expected a little more attention to detail in a CPO Lexus vehicle, but I'm still happy overall. Not sure if I'll go CPO again though.
Ive ranted a bit in above posts, but my CPO was actually cheaper than any other pre-owned in my area when I got it (and I was in the market searching for a while). CPO doesnt mean its always going to be 2.5k more expensive.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 394
Likes: 40
From: New Jersey
Most shops will look over a car for a minimal fee. You just need to ask the current owner of it's ok if you take it to a shop to get looked over. There are also several decent videos on YouTube on what to look for when buying a used car.
I've already started noticing that the L/certified 161 point inspection they did on my car either wasn't very thourough, or that some specific points aren't included in the 161 points. Granted, I haven't looked at exactly which specific points are actually checked out in this 161 point inspection. But on my car for example, I'm missing the insulating "floor" for the front interior door handle grab in the arm rest (I e-mailed them about it, but never got a response). And also I believe the driver's side door seal rubber is slightly deformed -allowing for some very minor wind noise at highway speeds. Also, I had 3 specific scratches that weren't addressed initially. 1 was actually very noticeable & deep, which they just smothered some touch-up paint on. Another they polished out. And the third one they forgot about -but they sent me a small bottle of touch-up paint for it though.
I honestly expected a little more attention to detail in a CPO Lexus vehicle, but I'm still happy overall. Not sure if I'll go CPO again though.
I've already started noticing that the L/certified 161 point inspection they did on my car either wasn't very thourough, or that some specific points aren't included in the 161 points. Granted, I haven't looked at exactly which specific points are actually checked out in this 161 point inspection. But on my car for example, I'm missing the insulating "floor" for the front interior door handle grab in the arm rest (I e-mailed them about it, but never got a response). And also I believe the driver's side door seal rubber is slightly deformed -allowing for some very minor wind noise at highway speeds. Also, I had 3 specific scratches that weren't addressed initially. 1 was actually very noticeable & deep, which they just smothered some touch-up paint on. Another they polished out. And the third one they forgot about -but they sent me a small bottle of touch-up paint for it though.
I honestly expected a little more attention to detail in a CPO Lexus vehicle, but I'm still happy overall. Not sure if I'll go CPO again though.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: CA
Depending on what kind of issues I end up having in the long run on this car (towards the end of the CPO warranty) will determine whether or not I go this route again. The unlimited mileage was the main attraction for me, but it seems like these cars are built very will -so we'll see if it even matters at all. There are definitely some very good points brought up in this thread.
Oh, and add to the list that I also had to do some tweaking to the rear air vents because a week after I took the car home, I noticed that one of the rear vent fin adjustments was inoperative. Like someone harshly bumped into it & popped the swivel pin out, thus jamming all the blade adjustments. Not too big of a deal -I fixed it myself. But in my opinion that should have been something the dealer should have caught doing their "detailed" inspections.
Oh, and add to the list that I also had to do some tweaking to the rear air vents because a week after I took the car home, I noticed that one of the rear vent fin adjustments was inoperative. Like someone harshly bumped into it & popped the swivel pin out, thus jamming all the blade adjustments. Not too big of a deal -I fixed it myself. But in my opinion that should have been something the dealer should have caught doing their "detailed" inspections.
The Difference between a Used Lexus at a Non Lexus Dealer, and/or a Used CPO or Non CPO at a Lexus Dealer is simply the Cars status, and what you Paid for it.
For sure you will Pay much more for a CPO Lexus, or NON CPO from a Lexus Dealer.
Not for sure is that you will get a better car than you could find at, other than a Lexus Dealer.
For sure you will Pay much more for a CPO Lexus, or NON CPO from a Lexus Dealer.
Not for sure is that you will get a better car than you could find at, other than a Lexus Dealer.
Driver
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 115
Likes: 8
From: Texas
In the end it is to each their own. I have my peace of mind until the car screws up. At this time, 5 months into my ownership, my mind is peaceful and my heart is content. Love my ride. Good luck with your decision. The best price is the one YOU are willing to pay.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: MD
Yes, I think some dealers don't care what they certify. I'd buy my CPO all over again, knowing what I know now. . Plus you're chasing a private warranty company. I graduated from and automotive AST program. One of the guys ahead of me now owns a warranty company. He's has few windows on his building. The ones there have bars on them and he has cameras everywhere, if that gives you any idea of the amount of repairs that get approved.
i ended up buying a CPO and I love it. Everything I was looking for and incredibly low in miles. The additional CPO warranty gives me additional peace of mind so I’m feeling good about the purchase
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: MD
Thanks! I feel the same way - 1 day later 😀
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 602
Likes: 116
From: Mass
>I have my peace of mind until the car screws up.
That's the way I've always felt about CPO, full warranty for a number of months/years during which I become accustomed to the car and its inherent problems. Then it's on me.
And I'm glad a did. My 2015 always had a rattle/noise that I kept trying to track down. Thought it was the grab bar, stuff bouncing around in the trunk, a loose latch on the fold down rear seat. Could never pin it down. A month before my warranty ended I took it in and found that 2013-2016 cars had a problem with the sun roof track.
It took them over 6 weeks to get the part and make the repair, during which time I had a loaner. Would have been a >$3K repair had I paid for it. Car's a quiet as a tomb now.
Will never, ever, buy an expensive car w/o a factory warranty.
=================================
My karma just ran over your dogma
Current Hers: '13 Lexus ES350
Current Mine: '15 Jaguar XF (its aubergine)
That's the way I've always felt about CPO, full warranty for a number of months/years during which I become accustomed to the car and its inherent problems. Then it's on me.
And I'm glad a did. My 2015 always had a rattle/noise that I kept trying to track down. Thought it was the grab bar, stuff bouncing around in the trunk, a loose latch on the fold down rear seat. Could never pin it down. A month before my warranty ended I took it in and found that 2013-2016 cars had a problem with the sun roof track.
It took them over 6 weeks to get the part and make the repair, during which time I had a loaner. Would have been a >$3K repair had I paid for it. Car's a quiet as a tomb now.
Will never, ever, buy an expensive car w/o a factory warranty.
=================================
My karma just ran over your dogma
Current Hers: '13 Lexus ES350
Current Mine: '15 Jaguar XF (its aubergine)
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: MD
I bought my car 2 years old it was not cpo and I didn’t buy extended warranty. 5 years into my ownership it needed a major repair. Warranties give you peace of mind because sometimes ish happens and sometimes it doesn’t. You can predict when and if however.
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