christy873

Hi CL members! I'm new to this forum and I'd like to know your opinion on which car I should purchase. As you can see in the title, I'm looking to buy a new 2015 IS350 or a CPO GS350.

Going into this, I thought I was definitely going to buy the IS350 (my price range was ideally 45k, but I am willing to stretch). I've never owned a brand new car before, and I thought this is my chance. But one day I was talking to my neighbor, and he suggest I buy a CPO; he saves b/w $10k-20k and he changes his cars every 5 years or so. After that, he kinda got me thinking, I plan on keeping this car for about 7-8 years, so is CPO worth it? Then, I went over to CA to visit my cousin, who just purchased a 2015 GS350. He let me take it for a test drive, and let me tell you, I really enjoyed it. I, for sure, I could not afford a brand new GS350 but a CPO? Possibly. So I looked in my area, and there happen to be a 2014 GS350 @ 12,190k miles for $44,993. Its cheaper than the 15' IS350 ($47,908).


I commute about 20 miles to work everyday and on occasion I might have to drive to a conference, which takes me about 2.5-3 hours.

As for financing goes, my parents are giving $30k for a down payment then I am financing the rest. Also, I plan on paying either car off in 24 months.

(As for the 30k my parents are giving me, it was suppose to be for a college grad present, I had to pick a car that was under 30K, and I had the option of getting a fully loaded Camry or Accord. I didn't want anyone of those cars, so now that I'm older, and have enough money, I am cashing in that 30k that they were going to give me.)


This is the link for the GS350:
http://www.nalleylexussmyrna.com/Veh...-GA/2510488203


IS350:
http://www.nalleylexussmyrna.com/Veh...-GA/2525150763

Nobeanspls

If you get a CPO Gs350 you are getting more car for the same price. Buying a brand new car is nice only in the sense that you get to do the break in and can feel great about the fact you owned it from go. Even then you know someone else's *** has already been in it between the factory to dealership.

That being said, here is why I like CPO over new:

1. Depreciation hit is taken by some one else (after 3 new cars I have learned this part sucks when you get the bug to change cars and its you taking the hit);
2. I do not feel as bad when the car get a ding for the first time, chances are its not its first one anyway;
3. I get more car for the same money;
4. I still get a warranty anyway for a few years
5. I tend to mod, so its easier to tear into a used car than a new one (purely mental thing but whatever)

There are some downsides of course such as no new car smell, someone else's prior treatment of the car is unknown, etc. However, if you pick carefully from the CPO stock you can end up with a nice car that is almost like new.

rijc99

CPO Lexus' are fine. They don't tend to have major mechanical issues. CPO Europeans are a different story.

jkeller

Nice GS build date 6-2014 original sticker was probably 55-56k. I don't know if they are offering you a good price or not, someone with more knowledge about that will chime in on that. The GS is larger on the inside and a better ride, comfort-wise, than an IS.

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

I see no reason to buy the new IS. The minute you leave the dealership, your new car will lose plus or minus $3000 in value. So, you'll end up driving a used car, a much smaller car than a GS with fake leather seats lol ( sorry to all the IS guys, but I just can't get over the fact that a $45K car comes with fake leather )

dchar

Go with the CPO GS350! You'll definitely like it more than the IS for its better ride, size, and refinement. Not really sacrificing much in performance and handling especially since you're looking at an F-sport. Your passengers will also appreciate it It will definitely be more comfortable to drive to your conferences. Not really any drawbacks especially with the CPO warranty, except less of a new car smell. It looks pretty clean and well taken care of. The price seems ok, especially since I saw a GS350 non-F sport going for around $41,9xx in their inventory. Unless the car has been on their lot for awhile, the price stays pretty firm.

popping

Better yet, find a CPO Fsport! I'm assuming you're < 30 years old, so this will give you the sporty feel of the IS but the luxury space of the GS. As many have said, go the CPO route.

sarcoptic

Yes GS all the way....I just traded my '14 IS350 off due to missing all the amenities that come standard with the GS such as memory seats. You also get real leather and overall the car actually feels like a better build. However if you want the aggressive look the IS has that over the GS.

Kane007

I just recently bought a cerfified preowned 2013 GS350 and I am in love with it.. after taxes and fees I paid a little over $37k.. and it has the luxury package.. I love the fact that I bought a $60k (new) car for $37k and it looks and feels brand new..

grayson73

How do you know the build date?

grayson73

The GS350 that is linked is the F Sport.

r4nd0

Open the driver's side door and look down. It's on a sticker along with the VIN and other info. Here's an example from another thread.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Without any hesitation, the GS.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

The GS hands down, better car and more space.

grayson73

Thanks, I see the picture now. http://www.nalleylexussmyrna.com/Veh...-GA/2510488203