Hello,

I did a search for this information, and am surprised nothing came up. I'm planning to purchase a Lexus ES 350 this weekend and am deciding between 2011 and 2012 vehicles. I'm wondering what the differences are? I realize that the differences will most likely be minute, because the 2010-2012 where all in the same generation, but I'd like to know any small differences there are as that may go into my decision.

Also any input on the two vehicles I'm deciding between is welcome

One is a 2011 with 22.5K miles for ~ 26K
The other is CPO 2012 with 17K miles ~ 31 K
Both with perfect routine service records and are the same color

Obviously with the prices being equal the latter one is better, but I don't know if I can justify a 5K difference for what I'm looking at.

All input is welcome thanks.

 

same options/trim for both?

Optional Features
Exterior options include Xenon adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a panoramic sunroof. On the inside, upgraded leather upholstery is available, as well as a wood-trimmed steering wheel; adaptive cruise control; heated and ventilated front seats; power rear sunshade; premium 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system; and a hard-drive-based navigation system. Lexus' proprietary telematics system is also available.

 

Yes both have the same options.

 

Well then one question becomes really is the car worth the asking price, I'd say if they are bare bones cars they are both too expensive, and if the are both "fully" loaded (and thats a lot of extras as per the above list) they are both worth asking. Don't know what your cars have.....

 

If trims and condition are the same, go for '11. There is no difference between them to my knowledge, that means even if some components changed they are so not worth 5k. The other point is when you will be selling the car the difference in price wouldn't be 5k between 11 and 12.

Also to make your decision even easier open drivers door on both cars and look at the date when they were manufactured. You may find that the real difference is one month.

 

The 2012 is too expensive.

 

They both have wood interior, heated/ cooled seats, navigation (not a selling point for me, but it's there) the 2012 has parking sensors and rear cam, but I don't think the 2011 does.

Thanks for all of the input thus far. I was thinking that 5k wasn't worth the difference, but I had to be sure.

BTW I don't know if it makes a difference that the 2011 doesn't come from a Lexus dealer (Cadillac). I'm assuming that a Lexus dealer will do a more thorough inspection in addition to offering a CPO warranty.

 

Part of the $5K difference in cost is due to the CPO warranty you get on the 2012. This generally costs about $2000, give or take a few hundred dollars. So a true and fair comparison of the two vehicles shows that they are about $3K apart. Plus, the 2012 has more features. So, the $3K difference is about right.

 

Thanks for the input. Even though I like the idea of a CPO I'm wondering if it's worth it on such a low millage vehicle. I've actually never negotiated a vehicle price before. I'm thinking I'll start with the 2012 and try to get them down to 27.5 and maybe throw in the first service check. If we can't get there then I'm going with the 2011

 

I just bought a 2011 with 54K miles, CPO from Lexus. Car is pristine. Paid $23K.
Hope that helps.

 

They are basically the same vehicle.

 

I bought the 2012 for 27.8K I think I got a good deal on it.

 

 

Best of Luck. These are simply great cars.

 

Yeah, this thing is like driving a damn couch (I mean that in a good way). I have to make sure to never drive when I'm too sleepy. Right now the big issue I'm having is knowing what speed I'm actually going. I guess I'll get used to it, but on my first day I hit 80 and thought I was only going 50. One thing that was really sweet was that my vehicle came with new tires (they still had the rubber "hairs" on them).

Is there a way to set the vehicle to auto lock? With keyless entry I may end up walking away from the vehicle and not locking it. It'd be great to be able to set a time length for the vehicle to auto lock.

Also any tips someone would like to give me about this specific vehicle I may not know?