http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...item3f212850fc

Seem to be a good deal for the low mileage?

 

Am I missing something? The ad says it is a 2005? The link also says 2005

 

Very interesting. It's definitely a MUTT. My vote is an +'05 that's rec'd a ton of expensive attention. If true, I wonder why go to the time, effort and expense?! Wouldnt be surprised to hear it's a wreck. Maybe a super storm Sandy flood damage car? (Check out the crack or poorly fitted plastic trim on the int rear barn door.)

On the inside, the wood and chrome speaker trim says +'08 to me. On the outside, the chrome door handles and rear tail lights also say +'08.

On the inside, the gen of nav isn't right at all; it's too old for an '08. Same for the radio ... too old. On the outside, it's lacking the chrome trim at the base of the rear windshield and the base of the side windows. The roof rack appears to be body colored and should be chrome if it were an '08. The ext door handles should be chrome, but I can't tell if they're chrome or body colored.

Not sure when the AUX jack made an appearance but it's here and it's in at least '08s. Same for tires - not sure if they were used before '08, but def were spec'd in '08. Not sure about this either, but I think +'08 wheels are hyper silver and these aren't. Anyone can switch out badges, but the rear L badge on the barn door is a hybrid emblem ... when it's added to the rest of this funny biz, you gotta stop wondering and run away.

Anyone else care to weigh-in?!

 

It is 2005.

- It is missing chrome strip on the rear window.
- It also has rear L symbol that comes only on RX and not GX

Carfax says it is 2005:

http://www.nyautogiant.com/AutoCheck...d=TegQKmbsXDA=

When you check the car in person, look for little details:

- ensure there is a VIN sticker on each door, panel, hood, etc.. If vehicle was flooded, some of those will be missing or damaged.

- ensure all trim pieces are perfectly aligned and color-matched.

- I'm very suspicion why there was no registration renewal between 2009 and 2013

Something is not right about this car in my opinion.

 

Good catch on the L. It's a hybrid L too I think. I am curious as to how the chrome trim is in the doors where the speakers are. Mine is an 06 with the ML system, same color interior. No Chrome.

 

Firstly the Chrome GX trims were introduced in 2008 models onwards. So whatever you are seeing could be owner has personally gone the the extra mile to have the looks a bit different.
Yes this is 2005.

 

I figured. Interesting as well. So they replaced the whole door panel or added the trim?

 

I suspect the car was flooded or something major has happened. Since it is being sold by the dealer, they have access to relatively cheap Lexus parts. Nobody makes 2005 parts anymore, so they replaced all they could with 2008+ parts. That's why it looks like that.

Definitely look for VIN stickers on doors, fenders, hood, etc... Neither the mileage, nor the condition of the car is what 2005 car should look like. Very suspicious.