Hello all , I am looking for some used car purchase advise and appreciate any feedback.
I’m in process of purchasing 2015 Lx from a Lexus dealer it’s not CPO , 70k miles, one owner no accidents.

Test drove the vehicle and only found vibration at speeds over 65mph. Noticed the tires are all different but more than half tread life left. Might need balancing. I asked the dealer to fix this issue and I will buy the vehicle. Put a deposit down and waiting for them to fix it.

Should i I take the vehicle for a prepurchase inspection ? The closest other Lexus dealer is 20 miles away , I live out of state so cannot take it to my mechanic as it’s too far. What kind of buyer protection do I have usually with non cpo vehicle from Lexus dealer ?

 

Can your mechanic recommend someone near that area? If that Lexus always serviced at Lexus dealer, then you should be able to get all the service records from dealer. Those should be within dealer database no matter which Lexus dealer had done services in the past. Last but not least, ask dealer to provide a Carfax report if hasn’t done so.

 

Did you request pictures of the undercarriag to check for rust?

 

I was able to get under and check for rust. Looked rust free. Dealer provided carfax and looks like car was serviced only at Lexus dealers as recommended intervals.
Is there some sort of inspection document a dealer provides which protects the buyer in case of mechanical problem ? Or it’s usually buy at your own risk? Dealer will only provide about a month warranty in case problem arises.

 

You tell me if you think $100 or so for a PPI is worth it. Take it to the other Lexus dealer, or better yet, an indy shop that specializes in Land Cruisers and LX. Make sure they remove the underbody shields so they and you can check rust.

That said, sounds like you're forging ahead with a down payment. Go to lexus.com, register in the owner's section, and input the vin number. You'll get a printout of anything done to the truck by a Lexus and sometimes a Toyota dealer starting on the date of delivery to the first owner. Any Lexus dealer can also get you a complete service and maintenance printout, just ask.

You have ZERO buyer protection...same as any other used car. You may have state-mandated lemon laws or similar. 70K on a '15 is average mileage.

Let us know what happens and good luck.

 

If the underbody shields were not removed you cannot inspect the frame or much else for rust...

Mechanical problems are at your own risk. The F&I person at the dealer may try to shove an extended warranty down your throat but the general reliability of the LX and Land Cruiser indicate that's wasted money on the great majority of trucks. If you want the extended warranty, the price is always negotiable...the first price you get should not be what you end up with.

 

With the tires being 'all different', I am assuming of the 4 tires on the ground, some have different brand / model? If that's the case, personally that's not good as the previous owner (even the seller) didn't take good care of the vehicle!!! Would you wear nike on one side and new balance on the other foot?

 

BTW, don't rely too much on carfax as they don't pick up 'out of pocket' fixes / shady bodyshop work that's not reported to the insurance..... get a good shop and have them inspect the vehicle.

 

That's an assumption that needs to be verified. Spend the money for a pre-purchase inspection from a shop or Lexus dealer which is not involved in the sale.

 

I would agree with this - for me it would cause concern that the pervious owner did not care for the vehicle. I would be concerned about them timely maintaining it or repairs that don't show on a Carfax. If you have the ability i'd take it to a paint shop to have them look over all the panels thoroughly. I have one by me that did this for no cost.

 

One little trick i found when i was shopping for my LX was that you can register the VIN # on Lexus' site for owners. Search for lexus owners and you'll find it. Within that you can register that VIN and it will give you all of the Lexus Dealership service records.

 

That's definitely better than Carfax, imo.

 

I appreciate everyone’s input, just got the service record from the Lexus website , looks like most scheduled service was done by Lexus Dealers. The only issues I see were noisy brakes which dealer replaced pads and at 20k miles customer was offered to rotate and balance tires but decline service. Other than that nothing unusual.

The Lexus dealership selling the is about 70 miles away from me. I don’t know any mechanics in the area the car is being sold , only a Lexus dealership 20 miles away. Seems like this is the best option aside from randomly choosing a mechanic. If I bring my own mechanic would anyone allow him to look at the car during pre purchase inspection ? I assume shops don’t allow outside mechanics in their business.

 

Your assumption may or may not be correct. Bring the mechanic and introduce him as a good friend or brother-in-law.

 

If the dealer is willing to put it in writing....."there is NO repaint in any body panels.....Vehicle is free from any accidents....." and they can throw in and oil change, tire rotation (w/ the same tires on all 4 corners, brake pad thickness at 8mm+, brake fluid replace (if not at 30/60k), coolant replacement..... I think you should be ok. How did the vehicle end up at a Lexus dealership? I wonder if they purchased it from an auction.