Hello everyone,
I am currently running out of a lease on a 2021 Audi A6. Last year around July, the mechatronic unit failed on the Audi & I had to tow the vehicle to the dealership. Thankfully, it was covered under warranty. I'm not looking to extend the lease and instead, trying to find something that is reliable & suited for the next 5-6 years (at least until ~2030)

Vehicle - 2016 Lexus 300H
Odometer - 105,861
Price - 19k (via CarMax) + CA tax
Ownership - 2 owners, showed used as a Fleet, leased vehicle. No records after ~19k probably when it was taken in a lease vehicle because, it was serviced in-house (checked VIN through My Lexus)
No accidents.
Region - looks like it has stayed in the CA-state. Mostly nice weather

At ~105k, I am a bit worried about the hybrid battery & the conditions the car's pushed through. No service records available online. And, lastly - MaxCare does not seem to cover hybrid batteries as they are considered normal wear/tear (at least from my understanding). MaxCare priced ~2800 for a $200 deductible covered until 150k or 3-years whichever comes first.
External - looks good. No visible damages. Paint looks good. Car looks fairly well taken care of at least from the outside.

2nd option
Spend ~25-26k + tax for an ES350 (Odometer between 35-46k) previously L-Certified & now on sale through a third-party dealership. No accidents, etc. Obviously, it will be fuel-heavy compared to the hybrid but, will save me the headache of battery issues + replacement long term. I know Lexus certifies current vehicles for 10 years (150k) vs. 8 years (100k) previously.

Any suggestions? Should I buy this vehicle w/ MaxCare or without it and play the risk? Some research shows that Hybrid replacement can be done for ~2.5k (worst case scenario) that amounts to the same I'm playing upfront for the CarMax MaxCare. I know CarMax extended warranties are considered better versus competitors & I've read good reviews in-general. Please let me know! Thank you in advance!

 

I would say keep looking for a low mileage 2016 hybrid. You don’t want to take a gamble without detailed service history. In house serviced lease cars would not be using genuine parts and the cheapest budget oil.

best ones are single owner ones serviced entirely at Lexus dealer. You can then be assured it’s well looked after. If driven by senior citizens even better, it would have had an easy life. For these examples, you can skip the optional warranties.

v6 is just too thirsty and will drain your back account the more you drive.

 

The 300h is an extraordinary value and exceptionally reliable choice. It will get 41 mpg in town and on the road. I had a 2010 hybrid from 2016 to 2021 and had no problems with it. Did replace the 12 volt battery. But that was a small expense. I now have a 2013 ES with the 2GR-FE V6 and get 24-25 miles per gallon in town and 31 mpg on the road. Both cars had just under 100,000 miles on them when I got them and have had no problems with either. I would say your concerns about reliability rest on you having each checked out by a Lexus mechanic before you make a decision.

 

The first year of the hybrid for ES was 2013.

 

Maybe he meant a 2010 Camry Hybrid?

 

The hybrid I owned was a 2010 HS250 H. It was a pleasure to drive.