Buying a used 2013..help?
 

Hi im looking to buy a used es 2013. I hope you can help me with a few questions:

1. How do i know what options and original msrp was based on the vin? The vin decoder seems to offer only the basic information.
2. What are top priority things to look for in the 13 es 350? Including significant recalls?
3. Is it ok to buy from independent dealers / brokers? Ive heard of horror stories where they were sold a car from the auction, fixed up damages (unreported to carfax), and sold them as perfect.

Sorry for questions. Im on mobile and challenging to do search function. Much appreciated.

Lexus has now been #1 in reliability ranked by J D Power for six years in a row. They are also the third least expensive to maintain behind two other Toyota products.
http://twocents.lifehacker.com/the-c...ver-1781639773

Never heard of a recall for a 2013 ES which is what I own. Get a Carfax on the car. Register on line with Lexus.com and go to owners section. There you can enter the vin# as if you already own it and it will give you complete service records done at any Lexus or Toyota dealer. Any trouble, post the vin and I will help. Attached Thumbnails
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...ds_chart_1.jpg

In the past you could email Lexus corporate with the VIN and request a build sheet/options list, but I dont know if they still do that. Might be worth a try. Here is link from and older discussion. . https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...n-the-car.html

The 2013 Lexus ES350/300 had one recall to the best of my knowledge which was the pull tag opener in the trunk. If one got locked in the trunk you could pull the tag and the trunk would open. Apparently the tag broke off when pulled and Lexus initiated a recall for this. I had mine replaced in early 2014. I don't know if the recall applied to all 2013's.

I'm a coward, so I bought a CPO from my local Lexus emporium.

Too old for the aggravation of the other way.

There was another recall, but it only applied to vehicles with the Pre-Collision System.

I owned a 2013 ES for 3 1/2 years. Other than a couple of oil changes and tire rotations, there was no need for any other service or repairs on the car. The ES, including the 2013 model year, is about as dependable and problem free as any car could be.

You can also check out this web site: www.VinDecoder.net Insert your VIN and It explains what your VIN numbers actually mean.

Also beaware of water damaged vehicles considering the flooding going on recently and unscrupulous sellers/used car dealers not showing "Salvaged " on the title.