I was talking to my wife about her 2013 RX450h. We were discussing it's value. We purchased it in August, 2013. The 2014 was not out at the time. Now it is the first of May, 9 months later, and her 9 month old car is 2 model years old. The 2015 models have been out for a month now. This will no doubt result in a much larger loss in value than normal. The more we discussed it, the more upset we became. One certainly does not expect a 9 month old car with less than 8000 miles to be 2 model years old. Anyone else feel this way?

 

I wouldn't worry about it. In the long run, it will all work out. Lexus is probably planning on introducing the 2016 redesigned 4th Generation RX early in 2015. Perhaps in spring time frame. If they had started the 2015 model year in the fall and then replace the 2015's with a new model six to eight months later, that would truly be something for people to get upset about.

Luxury cars can really lose value fast. On some models it is really amazing just how fast they can depreciate. My advice is just enjoy the car and when you go to sell it this small little timing problem will not matter much. You are definitely giving up less than the people that buy the 2015's only to have the redesigned model replace their car nine months later.

 

Don't worry too much about figures on paper. An RX you buy in any way for the long haul. You have a very "strong" vehicle there, that can do things most other's can't and it will probably outlast them. If I look at prices still fetched by even ten year old RX's in the US, you shouldn't lose any sleep, just don't look at at it in the short term. Yes, I know its not your main concern, you feel upset about the quick change in models. We all know that feeling of being cheated, but we have at least this on our side: if they make some mistake with a new model, like a bad gearbox etc, ours will be more delectable on the used market.
90% of the world's population will give their front teeth for your 2013 450h, so the artificial value the so-called motor trade slaps on it, has nothing to do with its real value.

 

Personally, I really try hard not to be concerned about the perceived value my car until it's time to replace it. Lexus makes it pretty easy to focus on what I like about our cars, instead of constantly worrying how much it's worth at any given moment. This only detracts from my enjoyment, and devalues the investment. When the time comes to replace the car, I have plenty of opportunity to determine if the actual cost of ownership was worth the enjoyment I received. To me, this is the real value, and it seems to me that deciding after only 9 months might be a bit premature unless you're ready to sell it now.

Personally, I choose to lease cars. Partly because the cost of the car over the term of the lease is fixed, and I know exactly what it's going to cost. This way I don't worry about things I can't control, like accelerated depreciation due to the release of new or upgraded models. I'm clearly not a financial whiz, but I honestly feel like I can relax and maximize the investment we all know isn't a very good one to begin with, by simply enjoying the car more.

I hope you enjoy your 2013 as much as we do! Have you had the opportunity to see what a GREAT car it is for road trips?

 

TRCR,
The three people that replied to your post have made valid points. There's more to life than having second thoughts about the timing of your car purchase. Stop and smell the leather.
Lexus enjoys excellent resale and trade-in value as well as an exemplary driving experience, no matter when it was purchased, in my opinion.
Ray A.

 

Excellent advice from all. And I can vouch for the well above average trade-in value. Being a MY behind or two is nothing especially when they're essentially the same vehicle save some minor changes. No doubt depreciation is there. But don't let it spoil the experience. Remember, there are plenty of people out there driving cars that have more to worry about than you. And life's too short

 

Car loses 20% of its value ( from MSRP) the moment you drove it of the lot.
Go ahead, sell the same car the next day, even with less than 100 miles, it's considered USED.

Try visiting the Porsche and Corvette forums.
You'll be surprised how much depreciation the FIRST owners are getting after paying 500-2000 above MSRP When that model came out.

And who ever said that a car is an investment?

 

I hope you enjoy your 2013 as much as we do! Have you had the opportunity to see what a GREAT car it is for road trips?[/QUOTE]

Very true. Take that RX450h on a cross country trip and you'll never sell it.

 

My wife loves it. I am still getting used to the engine shutting down at a stop light. That just ain't right! We just got back from a 3 day, 900 mile trip. I really miss the seat extenders our 2010 RX350 with the luxury package had. no complaints otherwise.

 

Get used to it. The technology is finding its way into vehicles other than hybrids. With the CAFE requirements going up manufacturers have to use any and all tricks to eek out an additional MPG or two.

 

I Suppose you're not talking about that stomach turning feeling that the car won't start again. I got it in my daughter's BMW, but she assured me it is not part of the deal. Had an uncle who broke off the key in the ignition of a Ford F150 from sheer panic, way back when it stalled at the lights. My daughter reckons it's hilarious, especially the shell shock my generation displays when a car is actually made to cut out at a stop.
Still think about what you said about new model releases and the effect of it on your RX's value. A lot of people make a good living out of this artificial manipulation of depreciation on late model cars. Just don't participate in the charade.

 

These stories should put things in perspective and help you sleep at night.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/news...alue-the-worst

http://jalopnik.com/5982789/the-most...past-ten-years

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...-crash#slide-1

 

There are perhaps more vehicles than one might initially think running Stop-Start technology. Even the list at the following wiki page is a bit out-of-date as I know GM has been implementing it as well:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Start-stop_system

http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewd...rt-technology/

 

Quite a rework on self starter technology was done to beef it up for the extra work thrown at it. On the RX450 though, it's another ball game than on a non-hybrid. Quite logical that it should cut the petrol engine as it doesn't need it to get rolling again if everything goes according to script. The 400h I've driven, restart the main engine without a big fanfare, just after you've left the intersection. If you do not sit with your nose pressed tightly against the info screen to watch the magic, you probably wouldn't notice the happening.
Think you have a cool ride there trc1@gran. Soon you and the lady of the castle, will have those key wrenching matches to drive it. Mark my words!

 

The 2016 model starting in the spring of 2015 will probably go to September of 2016 before the 2017's are out. At that time you will be back to the normal cycle.