Please excuse this if I posted in the wrong place.

I'm considering getting back into a Lexus LS460. The one that I'm considering is at a Lexus dealer. It's a 2014 with 40,000 miles on it but does not come as a Certified Pre Owend. Sales lady said that was one of the ways to keep the asking price down on it, and it IS priced considerably less that similar LS460s.

I know Lexus/Toyota are known for reliability. Since it's a a 2014, I assume the 2 years of wants extension would be up soon anyways. What are you thought on this?
Thanks!

 

The cost explanation makes sense a couple of ways. The cost of the L/Cert is nearly $2K and on a 2014 would
include the 2 year extension and 2 years of maintenance but you can buy those ala carte for this one.
The probable cost consideration might be that the original owner replaced parts such as the brake pads and/or
windshield with aftermarket pieces. They likely work fine but the car can not be certified without tearing them
out and replacing them. Check the logo in the lower corner of the windshield. To add $1200 windshield to the
L/Cert costs would require asking quite a bit more than you are currently being asked.
Treat is as any smart Used Car purchase, Carfax, comprehensive test drive, Lexus Service Records.

 

As long as the car checks out with an independent mechanic and has a good history.

Keep in mind that since its not a CPO car, minimal work was likely done to also keep the cost down. Although its fairly low mileage for a '14, things like brakes/rotors/fix curbed wheels/fix minor dents or scratches/bumper recondition/etc may need to be done at some point in the near future.

If you save the money up front getting it in overall good condition non-CPO, you can use any money you saved to help pay for those wear/tear things that might come up soon. Nothing beats a test drive, personal inspection and independent mechanic inspection.

 

Lexus dealers absolutely do hold back certification to save list price. You can add it on top, its like $3,500.

 

Nothing wrong with buying a non certified Lexus. But be sure to check all maintenance records using the Lexus Owners site. Make sure it's not been in a wreck. See if basic services have been done over the long haul and in regular intervals. Consider the aftermarket extended warranty. I got one at my Lexus dealership. It's a 5 year (lower mileage since I don't drive mine much), and it covers all the important stuff. I have a $100 deductible. So should something major occur, I'm good.

 

Why don’t you ask them how much it would cost to have the car certified? If they are reluctant to offer it as certified there could be something wrong with the car.

 

I have found CPO is just a scam to get more money

 

It could have been in an accident as well which is why they are not putting it through the CPO process.

 

Lexus does sell cars without certification all the time that have not been in accidents

 

Can you elaborate? They come with a warranty, which adds cost (and value) whereas a non-CPO would not have warranty coverage. What's the scam?

 

I haven't found my CPO lexus to be a scam at all. In fact at this point I really don't think that I would buy another LS460 without a warranty. Maybe others have had better luck than I have but my warranty has paid for itself several times over already. I started with a CPO and then extended it an additional 2 years. Sure you might pay a small premium but whats a couple thousand extra for a car you really love? We as retail consumers know that buying a car is a loosing proposition anyways.

Regardless of how reliable the Lexus brand is, they are very complex automobiles and are expensive to fix.

 

scam, noun - a fraudulent business scheme
L/Certified provides: 2 years/20K miles Maintenance (4 tire rotates, 2 synthetic LOF)
Towing to nearest dealer, Loaner Car and/or Travel Protection (at a dealer or out of reach of a dealer)
Two years added to original 48 month new car period. Example: 3 1/2 year old car would get 2 1/2 years coverage.
Unlimited Powertrain Warrantee
Nearly all dealers inspect used cars prior to reselling them, L/Cert stipulates that all four (4) tires match size and brand,
two (2) remote key fobs be provided, all parts including windshield and brake and powertrain parts are genuine Lexus.

While these items would be of limited value to anyone intending to modify the vehicle or who lives hundreds of miles
from a Lexus store to collect on the benefits many folks do gain from this "best in class" program.

 

Based on my experience with a CPO 2010 460L, I would, ever consider owning a 460 without a warranty of some type.

 

I don't think CPO is a scam at all, I just don't know that you should automatically expect a car is excellent because its CPO.

When buying a used Lexus within the original warranty also remember you can still buy a Lexus extended warranty up until that original warranty runs out which might be better for less money.

 

I personally wouldn't see much value out of a CPO on a Lexus unless it had ~50k miles (where the free service visit would cover a potentially-costly 60k mile service) because of the engineering quality - that said, also like mentioned, you can still get a Lexus extended coverage from Lexus directly in lieu of the "certification" cost...