Hello,

I’ve been in the market for an LX for the last few months; trying to hold out for single owner, low mileage, 2016-2018 with luxury package and all creature features. I found a decent deal at CarMax for a 2016 with 15k miles for $65k, however after further inspection of the online pictures (I need to pay to have have it shipped to my local dealer), the rear bumper/cover seems to be aftermarket. I’m concerned the vehicle has been in an accident, although nothing was reported to insurance with little info on Auto Check and no damage on Carfax. Has anyone seen a none color matched rear bumper cover on an LX like the black one below? The body lines of the bumper don’t match the OEM cover meaning it wasn’t just painted black, it’s aftermarket.

I did confirm the additional two parking sensors are in the bumper (4 total) although you can’t tell from the dealer pictures due to saturation/editing. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

You've got some homework...

#1, get the VIN, log onto lexus.com and go to the owners' section. Give yourself a name and password & log in. You can then access the service records from when the truck was first delivered. See if any work was done at the dealer after an accident. Not only that, but take a look at service records and see if any work was declined by the owner.

#2, realize that it's easy to avoid an accident record...all it takes is cash.

#3, I'd avoid Carmax like the plague. Trade in values are low and selling prices are not the best. You can usually do a lot better by biding your time 'til a better deal appears, and it will.

#4. Make arrangements with a dealer or good indy shop in your area for a pre-purchase inspection. It's a very well spent $150 or so. Get the truck on a lift, remove the underbody sheet metal and see if anything looks bent or otherwise funky.

Good luck. I'd say patience is a virtue, especially since winter is approaching or already on you...we got ~2" of snow yesterday and more is coming down as I write this.

hth

Steve

 

Steve,

Thank you for the detailed reply. I as not aware you could use the VIN on Lexus' website to register and pull service records. I absolutely agree with the pre-inspection, I was going to take to my local Lexus dealership for review. I'm going to pass on this LX, just needed some encouragement for more patience. Perhaps we'll see an increase of lease returns during the Lexus "December to Remember" with folks trading in their 16-17' with the standard 4 year terms ending.

Thanks again

 

You're welcome. The only other advice I could give is to have your financing ready to go prior to searching for a truck. I searched for an LX or Land Cruiser for a couple of months before seeing an ad from George Gee Porsche/Audi in Spokane. Called the first day the ad appeared, negotiated pricing, and took a 6am flight from BOI to Spokane the next morning. Took a 2-3 hour test drive and got a cashiers check on the way back to the dealer. I drove it home that afternoon...heavy forest fires from around Pendleton to the Idaho border. No unexpected issues after 6 years and 100K or so.

You're in a very good area for Land Cruisers or LX. Good luck.