Two used RX 350s - which one is better?
 

I narrowed my choices to the following two 2010 RX350. Both have AWD and Nav. Both are also CPO. Both are going for $30,900.

Car 1: 2010 RX 350, 28,300 miles. Carfax: bought from an auction and one accident reported. No service records. Car was driven in NYC. Black color

Car 2: 2010 RX 350, 33,133 miles. Carfax: single owner, bought from the same dealership that is selling it now. No accidents, detailed maintenance record. Water pump was replaced. Car was driven in MA (probably around Boston). Silver color

Car 1 appears to have slightly better exterior. I also prefer black color. However, given the above information, which one is a better bet?

Thank you!

In my opinion, the Lexus backed CPO is worth the extra $900, no doubt. The CPO warranty can be used at any Lexus dealer's repair facility, not just the one where you purchased the vehicle.

You will not be able to get a Lexus backed warranty that can be used at other repair facilities.

Again, in my opinion, third party warranties are garbage. They do what they can to deny your claim and avoid paying out. You jump through a ton of hoops when something does go wrong. Stay away from those.

Welcome to CL, Andy. You can purchase an extended warranty from Lexus within the four years or 50K miles warranty. There's a slight chance that the RX you're looking at could be out of warranty already. So I would find that out first to see if you can even purchase one. Then do a search for extended warranties in this forum to see what other people have paid. At any rate I'd say $900 for an extra 3 years or 72K miles is a bargain. And yes it can be used at any Lexus dealer.

Two used RX350s - which one is better?
 

I narrowed my choices to the following two 2010 RX350. Both have AWD and Nav. Both are also CPO. Both are going for $30,900.

Car 1: 2010 RX 350, 28,300 miles. Carfax: bought from an auction and one accident reported. No service records. Car was driven in NYC. Black color

Car 2: 2010 RX 350, 33,133 miles. Carfax: single owner, bought from the same dealership that is selling it now. No accidents, detailed maintenance record. Water pump was replaced. Car was driven in MA (probably around Boston). Silver color

Car 1 appears to have slightly better exterior. I also prefer black color. However, given the above information, which one is a better bet?

Thank you!

mods: if possible, could you merge my other thread titled "Value of a CPO" with this one.

No way to tell ... each used car is unique. Unless you are buying from a family friend, you are just getting some random car that has an unknown past history (but, hopefully a detailed maintenance history at a minimum). You need to look each car over very carefully ... check everything. I wouldn't buy a Lexus without a service history ... no excuse.

Hummm..i wonder why car 2 already had water pump replaced at 33 k miles?

No question in my mind. I'd pick #2. I don't like the fact that #1 was in an accident and the fact that there are no routine maint. records is a red flag saying neglect to me.

Car #2 for sure

Thank you all. I went with car #2.