Repost, accidently posted in First Generation forum.
We've been looking to replace our ancient 96 Jeep. We've decided on a Lexus RX350 and have been looking at '11, '12 and '13 year models. Today we stopped at a dealer and looked at a 09 with 58K on the clock and really liked it, especially the price that's around $14K less than the others. So our question is, this car spent five years in Naples Florida. How well do the Lexus RX 350's hold up in a relatively salty environment? Should we look for anything special? We are bringing the car to a Lexus dealer tomorrow for an inspection and I want to point them in the direction of any areas that are of concern for a car that spent some time in the Gulf Coast.
Also, the price on this car is $25K. Based on what I've seen this is in the middle of the price range for similar cars, but this one is the Pebble Beach model which we found kind of attractive. Any thoughts on the price? Too high or about right?
Thanks for your input. Tomorrow afternoon could be a make or break day for us with this car.
But if we don't buy this one, we still see an RX350 in our future.

 

The range for 09 on cars.com is 15k to 27k . The one for 27 has 61K so you are right in there. We don't see any rusty Florida cars, the standard paint process seems to withstand a bit of salt air. It's the northern cars that suffer the most from winter salt, avoid those.

Your dealer will give it a thorough inspection. You can go to https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home and get the Lexus service records on the car, you must have the VIN.

Lots of '09s http://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars...rice&curpage=1

 

FL cars are normally good.

 

look for water pump issues and steering rack issues

 

Thanks for all the input. The inspection had to be postponed until Tuesday. I will post the results here.
BTW, what's included in the 60K mile maintenance. I'm guessing the tranny fluid for starters. Anything else?

 

The 2009 RX uses only World Standard Transmission Fluid and Toyota says the fluid is good for the life of the vehicle. Many here dispute that and change it at the 90k service. They also change the coolant at 100k and the spark plugs at 120k.

Here is a schedule from Lexus on the RX350:

 

I just got rid of my 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and went with a= 2008 rx 350. Its at 60,000 miles and looks, drives, and feels brand new. Tell me that was true with my Jeep! LOL

I do all of my own maintenance and I cannot even describe how much better this Lexus is built. You can point at price, but that Jeep was well over $35,000 when it was new. The Lexus is easy to do maintenance on, and is completly amazing to deal with. My complaint for not calling it the perfect vehicle????

Some people like this, but I like feeling connected to the road. My Mazda 3 does this. It steers great, and you can feel what the vehicle is doing. In comparison, the Lexus feels computer controlled, and disconnected.

I did notice my power steering fluid was burned. I changed it, so we'll see. I still have two years of Lexus Warranty, so no big deal.

The vehicle itself???? You know what? Just forget the Jeep ever existed. It may be necessary to get professional counseling, but do it.