I am looking to buy a CPO from across the country and will not have a chance to
see the vehicle personally..

Are there any gotchas/questions that I should be looking/asking specifically ?

One question I can think of - Does the car have any odor (smoke or otherwise) ?

Thanks !

 

Personally I would never buy a vehicle without seeing, driving and yes smelling. Is this a special edition RX like the Thundercloud or Pebble Beach?

You might want to run the VIN on this vehicle at the Lexus website to check the maintenance done by Lexus and any recalls or TSB's. (link below).

https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home

 

Are you having it shipped or going to go get it? If you are going to pick it up the worst that can happen if it's a dud is you've wasted a trip, they can't make you take it. If it's being shipped you will most likely be stuck with it.

 

Not a special edition, just regular RX350.

I will be getting getting it shipped. I looked at the service records and it appears all maintenance was done as scheduled (except for a delayed 30K) at the dealership.

To put the question otherwise, how much faith should we put in the CPO process ?

 

There are reports of bad things slipping through the process but the CPO warranty is system wide and any problems should be able to be resolved. If there are any scratches, dings, stains, etc you will be on your own.

Can't they email you a video walk around at 1080P?

 

1. have them send you pictures of everything, in details (i.e scratches, dents, rips or creases in the leather and roofliner, door jams and trunk jam, tires and rims)
2. have them send you a start up video, you want to see the car started and the temp guage at zero (dont want them to send you one that is already warm)
3. if the dealership will not do this for you, WALK AWAY!!!!

-That is all

 

You're nuts to go out and buy this without seeing it. There's a lot of cosmetic things you cant see through pics and shipping a car can be hit or miss damage wise. Last thing you want is an rx with damage that no one admits too. The only tip i can provide is never buy an expensive car without seeing it first!

 

Maybe ask someone on the forum that's in the area for help.

 

Yes, where is it located?

 

The dealer has posted quite a bit of pics here

According to the salesperson who did a walk around & drive there are no issues other than a couple of scratches on the door.

js619858 - Good suggestion about reaching out to local CL members.

At this point, I have a deposit down and if anyone is close by & willing to take a look for me , I will be more than happy to compensate for gas/time. PM me.

 

ofcourse he's going to say that. Good call on having a local member check it out though.

 

Fellow members near the dealership, will somebody step up the plate and help?

 

Yeah, because all dealerships send their sales managers all over the country to see cars before they buy them...

 

I know I know. Lexus brand reputation is my hope

 

That is a good price for a 2009 AWD with Navigation and only 40K miles. You couldn't touch that car in California for less than $32,000.