wkilby

Hey all, I've decided to upgrade and I'm thinking about going to look at a 2013 ES 350 Ultra Luxury with 82k. It's at an Audi dealership, clean, local one owner car with regular oil changes and a clean CarFax. The CarFax is extensive but lists nothing other than regular oil changes/inspections etc. No accidents/damage. The dealer is asking $17,800 for it. When I go to test drive, is there anything to look for/be wary of when buying a higher mileage ES? I'm especially worried about transmission issues because I've been burned on a used car with a bad transmission before. I'm hoping this one will last me at least two years with little to no problems. I only live about 10 minutes from my current job and I'll probably only put about 12-14k miles on it per year. Right now I just don't feel 100% confident in my 10-year old RAV4 and would like to upgrade while my expenses are relatively low and before big repairs start coming up on my current car.

Only reservation about the ES is the CarFax is showing all of the maintenance was done at a Precision Tune Auto Care (local chain shop) after about 10k miles. Don't understand why you'd do this to a near $50k car...

Any and all input is appreciated. I've looked for "problem threads" for this year ES on here and I'm pleasantly surprised that there are practically none, but would be interested to hear input from everyone. Thanks.

Freds430

I went on the Lexus owners site and ran the service history there. Found your car on cars.com and got the Vin #. At 4,900 miles the truck release lever was replaced. At 9,000 it needed a jump start. Assuming that was all the problems up to 50,000 miles because it was under warranty. The only red flag is the brake fluid was not changed at 30,000 or 60,000 miles at the dealer. I would call Johnson Lexus either Durham or Raleigh and ask the service manager if that could be a potential problem. Before I bought it I would at least take it right down the street to Hendrick Toyota and let them look it over. The Service Manager there is Brian Flick. You could ask him about the brake fluid. Lexus has been #1 in dependability for 8 years in a row by J D Power. The ES has been #1 in the mid size premium class too. They got the oil changed somewhat regularly but does Precision Tune use synthetic.

Not sure about the maintenance issues. If it is a really good price I might buy it.

wkilby

Thanks for taking the time to reply and do all that! I found a 2012 ES with 40k for the same price, so I may be leaning towards that one. I know this isn't the right place for the 2012 discussion, but any known major problems with those?

Poppa

well me personally, I'd opt for the 2012 model with 40K less miles on it. Now that said I'm assuming it's in very good shape and there are no flags on anything mechanical. I think that price of 17,800. may be a bit steep for a 7 or 8 year old car, but that is a pretty low mileage car.

mandyfig

Take note that the 2013 had a facelift (what they call mid-model change). If you do not care about it, then go for it.

Mike728

Way more than just a "facelift". It was completely redesigned. It went from being based on the Camry, to the all new Avalon in 2013.

mandyfig

I would go with the 2013 for sure!