Hi all,

I'm about to purchase either a Certified PreOwned 2008 LX570 with 35K miles or a CPO 2009 with 44K. The 2008 is marginally less expensive by about ~$700 and they are outfitted the same except for a cold-box in the 2009.

Are there any significant differences in reliability or features (not listed) between the 2008 and 2009 models? My gut is generally to go with the lower mileage vehicle, but I know that between the 1st and 2nd year of a model vehicle year, often small improvements are made that are not documented at the dealership.

Any comments or advice would be appreciated . . .

Thanks

RMR2

 

from my experience 08 is just as solid as 09. the lx has been one well built car since day 1

 

Mechanically, the LX remains unchanged from 2008.

Look at this site for more info http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library/LX/2009.html

Good luck.

 

A lot of people believe that a new model such as the 2008 could have some issues because it is a first model year vehicle so a 2009 model might be a better idea.

 

There were no real changes made on the LX between 2008 and 2009. Both are wonderful vehicles with remarkable reliability.

 

2008 did not have factory tint (not a big deal, right?)

Double check if you really really need the cool box. I thought I wanted one too, and there is a high cool factor with keeping drinks cold. But the standard center console is much larger, and has a removable tray--I find it much easier to live with

 

No tint was reeally strange. The cool box is not a deal breaker to me, I would rather have storage.

 

Make sure the 2008 you saw did NOT have all glasses replaced with aftermarket because it should have privacy glasses per specifications

Glass
Water-repellent front-door glass with UV reduction
Rear privacy glass with in-glass antenna
Laminated windshield and front-door glass

 

Thanks for all the excellent and helpful comments.

I've narrowed down my selections to two 2009 CPO LX's with 41K and 44K miles. The only differences between them (outside of the minimal difference in mileage) is; the Silver one has an aftermarket rear entertainment package DVD system (a Rosen), and I was able to actually drive this one as it is local. Wonderful ride, no issues that were immediately obvious. The black one is out of state (TX, I'd have it transported to me in Maryland). It has the "Luxury package" which includes the cool box, and has a factory Rear Entertainment (DVD) system.

I noted on the Carfax of the black one (in Texas) that it was reported to have had "very minor right front accident damage, airbags did not deploy" --- not sure exactly what that means, but I'm assuming that if it's Lexus Certified, if there were issues when it arrived (that weren't corrected as part of the certification process), I'd be able to have Lexus take care of it.

I *really*, *really* didn't like the looks of the 3rd party DVD system in the local LX, but I appreciated the extra storage available without the cool box, not to mention that I was able to actually drive it. I'm also a bit leery about the 'accident damage' in the one in Texas, though I'd have a pre-purchase inspection done before any deal.

Again, any comments are appreciated. This forum has been invaluable . . .

 

That is really tough. I really like the way the factory DVD is integrated with the front screen: Controls, etc and if you are parked you can actually watch the DVD from the front as well (or buy an aftermarket module that enables it in motion). I agree with you on the aftermarket DVD "looks" there is something missing from that.

But I also agree (and I may be in the minority) that maximum center console storage > cool box.

I'd say...keep looking? Is that an option? Have you tried cars.com?

I had to have PCS on my car, and looked for a year until I found the right one (and locally!)

 

as much as i don't like anything aftermarket, including the rses, i will never touch a car that had been in accident in the past

 

Thanks for the fast replies.

Continuing to look is *definitely* an option -- for me, but my wife is rapidly running out of, or has already run out of patience, as I've been looking for several months so far.

I've used primarily AutoTrader, Cars.com, and Carsabi but ultimately decided that the Lexus CPO route was better for me. I made two email inquiries on privately owned vehicles, only to receive replies consistent with the infamous "Google Checkout" scam. My previous experiences with Lexus CPO have been overwhelmingly positive, despite the more limited vehicle selection, and I'd feel a bit more comfortable purchasing 'sight unseen'.

I totally agree with your comments. I greatly prefer the regular center console, but I really hate the aftermarket DVD (probably more than I like the extra storage). Also I did not know that the DVD screen was integrated with the front screen. Does that also mean that Nav info, etc. can be optionally visible in the rear? (just curious). I'm pretty sure it's not that way with an aftermarket model.

Agree also, with your aversion to vehicles with an accident history. That may truly be the deal-breaker . . .

BTW, what is PCS?

Thanks again . . .

 

pre-collision system

 

My local dealer has two 2010 LX570s. A black with 48k miles for $67k and and Mercury with 21k miles for $73k.

Why are they so expensive?

 

demand on lx570 is extremely high driving the resale to be very high as well