If it's a CPO car, would there be a need for an independent inspection other than for paint work? After all the car will be warrantied for most items...Isn't it?

 

Yes, there is always a need for an inspection by both a body shop to spot paint work and frame damage, and then one by a mechanic who knows the car well. Never ever trust the CPO badge.

 

Good info. The dealers around here in Florida are not big on allowing the car to leave the dealership for inspection unless it's a few blocks away. I have a trusted mechanic but he's 30 miles away and I've already received a definite "NO" for that one.

 

If it were any other brand I'd be worried. But Lexus is very careful with the reputation of its CPO product. They will tell you up front if the car has had any damage or defects and what was done to get it CPO shape. My experience is that Lexus won't CPO a car with major defects like frame damage. They send the dogs and beat or high mile cars to the auction and the third party guys buy them cheap at auction and sell those cars with no warranty. If its from Lexus dealer and they are CPO selling it you should be fine. If you can't trust them then you should not buy the car from that dealer. You can always have it inspected immediately after you buy that car and take it back if its been misrepresented. The Lexus dealers I have worked with have been scared to death of a customer complaining to the Lexus HQ mothership that they got a bad deal or were lied to about a car.

 

You guys must be dealing with shady dealers! I bought a CPO 04 ML package with sport suspension/18s for $27k in October, 57k miles. Then again, that's a pretty unique model. My dealer is well-established as probably the best overall car dealer in the area. Yes, the car had some paintwork, but it was very good, and I could find no evidence of damage - possibly cosmetic. I'm in NC. I have yet to see anything newer than an 04 CPO for under low-20s now, with base equipment.

And, indie inspection for a CPO car? My dealer bent over backwards to fix odds and ends before purchase, and PP service has been the same. I guess even with Lexus, dealers vary widely