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In the market for a 2016 300 F - I think I found the one, maybe....

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Old 12-08-18, 06:36 PM
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daays
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Default In the market for a 2016 300 F - I think I found the one, maybe....

Hey guys! So looking at possibly picking up my first Lexus! I've had 3 Subarus and a VW (currently in a 2017 GTI Sport) and now I'm looking at getting back into something AWD that my wife can drive. We've got a Highlander, which we purchased after she had a 2014 Corolla for almost 4 years. So far we've had great experiences with both of those vehicles, so I'm sure Lexus will be no different. I've been searching for the right vehicle for the past few days, debating between a 2015 350 F or 2016 300 F. I'm leaning towards the 300 F to keep it in budget and still newer, and I think I've found one that so far seems great. The only downside I can tell however, is that it was a 'corporate fleet vehicle' per Carfax. Decent service records (I'm hoping the oil changes just weren't logged, there's nothing from 10 mi to 20k mi) and history, no issues with accidents etc. I'm curious what your guys' thoughts are on the possibility of a corporate vehicle? I know that the general consensus on fleet/rentals is that they're ran hard, but I've also heard sometimes they have better maintenance than personal vehicles. The one in question is a 2016 300 F in Nebula Grey with Rioja Red interior at 38.5k miles listed for $25.5. Honestly, I think this might be one of the better ones I've found in the Tri-state area that doesn't have accident damage per carfax, because every other one I come across in this range seems to have issues on Carfax/Autocheck. I'd be bringing some equity (hopefully $3.5k) from the GTI, and if everything seems right I'd like to be out the door @ $21.5k all told. Dealer in question has no fees etc, and since Oregon has no sales tax (thank god for military residency) I'd be looking at registration and that's it. I'll link it below and I'd love to have your guys thoughts! Should hopefully go in some time this week to see it.

https://www.phillyauto.com/detail-46...6-Lexus-IS-300

Edit: managed to pull up the vehicle history on Lexus' website, looks like the first service was done at just over 10k, then 19k and regular 5k intervals roughly from there on. Rear tires were replaced about 5k miles ago per Lexus.

Last edited by daays; 12-08-18 at 07:46 PM.
Old 12-08-18, 06:41 PM
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EZZ
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Test drive both. After 4K rpm, the 350 is faaar better. The 350 FSport also comes with adaptive dampers which aren't available in any other trim. Makes the 350 handle better than other trims. If these aren't important than the 300 is fine.
Old 12-08-18, 06:46 PM
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daays
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Originally Posted by EZZ
Test drive both. After 4K rpm, the 350 is faaar better. The 350 FSport also comes with adaptive dampers which aren't available in any other trim. Makes the 350 handle better than other trims. If these aren't important than the 300 is fine.
If I come across one in my range I will definitely. Unfortunately, there's not a lot around here where I'm at price wise that don't have accident history and/or a salvage title. Plus, Nebula + Rioja is . How much does the RR tune change the 300? I know the numbers look good, but I'd like to know if it has any noticeable impact on the feel. And I'm sure the adaptive suspension is cool, just not sure if it's worth the extra $$$ to me as this most likely won't be tracked. Maybe some very infrequent spirited driving on back roads, but that's it.

Last edited by daays; 12-08-18 at 07:45 PM.
Old 12-08-18, 08:42 PM
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rL-gT
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RR tune basically turns the 300 into a 350.

I went with a 2016 300 with Mark Levinson cause I knew about the tune + I planned on over hauling the whole suspension system anyways.

IMO go with a loaded 2016 IS300
Old 12-10-18, 04:52 AM
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Originally Posted by rL-gT
RR tune basically turns the 300 into a 350.

I went with a 2016 300 with Mark Levinson cause I knew about the tune + I planned on over hauling the whole suspension system anyways.

IMO go with a loaded 2016 IS300
​​​Hey, ​@rL-gT , the tune probably has other effects besides increasing power, right?

But yeah if it were me, I'd only go for the 350 if it were RWD. The 300 is pretty much a "discount" 350 AWD.
Old 12-10-18, 06:47 AM
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Originally Posted by rL-gT
RR tune basically turns the 300 into a 350.

I went with a 2016 300 with Mark Levinson cause I knew about the tune + I planned on over hauling the whole suspension system anyways.

IMO go with a loaded 2016 IS300
What are the effects of the tune? Any negatives so far? Less reliable?
Old 12-10-18, 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by arentz07
​​​Hey, ​@rL-gT , the tune probably has other effects besides increasing power, right?

But yeah if it were me, I'd only go for the 350 if it were RWD. The 300 is pretty much a "discount" 350 AWD.
They upped the redline slightly. Unfortunately they do not offer the 350 in RWD up here in Canada

Originally Posted by lychee416
What are the effects of the tune? Any negatives so far? Less reliable?
0 negatives so far and I've had 0 issues with my car. Got it tuned in 2016 and I've been fine since.
Old 12-10-18, 06:35 PM
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daays
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So I'm going to check it out tomorrow. I called the closest Lexus dealership and asked about a pre-purchase inspection, they said $135+tax. I'm on the fence. On one hand, I haven't bought a used vehicle in 10 years. On the other hand, this is a fleet owned, serviced, clean carfax vehicle with 12k/1 year left on the bumper to bumper warranty. I plan on buying the extended warranty, just not sure if I should pull the trigger on a pre-purchase inspection or not. There's also the issue of timing, because unless I can get one done tomorrow I don't think I'll have everything lined up to buy until Friday because my bank wants a physical purchase order and I have to get a physical check from them. I had planned on going out of town this weekend right after work so that makes it hard. What do you guys think? Anyone not gotten one on a 2016+ and regretted it?

Last edited by daays; 12-10-18 at 06:41 PM.
Old 12-12-18, 08:52 AM
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TonyN
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Originally Posted by daays
So I'm going to check it out tomorrow. I called the closest Lexus dealership and asked about a pre-purchase inspection, they said $135+tax. I'm on the fence. On one hand, I haven't bought a used vehicle in 10 years. On the other hand, this is a fleet owned, serviced, clean carfax vehicle with 12k/1 year left on the bumper to bumper warranty. I plan on buying the extended warranty, just not sure if I should pull the trigger on a pre-purchase inspection or not. There's also the issue of timing, because unless I can get one done tomorrow I don't think I'll have everything lined up to buy until Friday because my bank wants a physical purchase order and I have to get a physical check from them. I had planned on going out of town this weekend right after work so that makes it hard. What do you guys think? Anyone not gotten one on a 2016+ and regretted it?

was as in the same boat and it came down on how far I wanted to go to modify the car. I don’t need AWD, I never had a real use for it on my Sti. MPG was one of my top priorities so I went with the turbo 4, I’m getting 29-30mpg with mix daily driving. I do miss the power and just recently sold my 600whp Supra. This is my daily so power was not a top concern, I have other cars to fill the power needs, everyone has individual priorities.

regarding the year, I passed on a 16 and went with the 2017+ because of the refresh, bigger screen (from 7 to 10), the updated radar and lane departure is standard on the 17+, plus a few interior tweaks.

I would pass on the pre purchase inspection, you still have a warranty for major stuff, just do your standard checks for brakes and such. I would also suggest buying a certified Lexus since you get an additional 2 years unlimited mileage warranty that is comparable to the new car warranty.

After considering multiple 2016 is350, is300, IS200t, rc350, etc... I narrowed it down to 2017+ model year and IS and RC. I ended up with a 2017 Lexus certified atomic silver with red interior with 17k miles, I paid $30,250 before TTL.
the I could have definitely save a few grand going with a non certified with more miles but this car checked most of the box I wanted, only thing missing was the ML system I wanted.

I would make a priority check list and go with whatever check the most in the color you want, these are not rare cars and plenty of options out there if your willing to travel.
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