AamirAtl

Hi All,

We previously owned a 2013 AWD with under 30k mikes that was totaled last fall. Our usage is low, approx 7500-10,000 miles per year. Now I have an opportunity to buy a 2014 FWD with 73k miles at a fair price and appears to be in very good condition. Being sold by a Lexus dealer.

Given the mileage, there is no factory warranty including drivetrain warranty. Purchasing a Lexus backed warranty or any aftermarket warranty is cost prohibitive.

Carfax shows 11 service records.

First oil change at 19k mi
Then a 25k mi service
Oil changes at 41k, 50k and 71k
Sime tire rotations and air filter changes in between

Generally Lexus has strong reliability and longevity. Given I have no knowledge of how the previous owner used it, should I be concerned that this vehicle is just out of drivetrain warranty and stay away?

jdshaw

Very high mileage for a 2014.

Oil change record, if accurate, is a red flag. Correct schedule is every 10k (synthetic only).

I would pass.

AamirAtl

Thanks for your reply. I wasn't too worried about the high miles given these engines are built to last. My two concerns were, no drivetrain warranty and oil change interval gaps.

I did some more looking into. It was serviced at a Toyota dealership, not Lexus. The first two oil changes on record are around 20k and 40k as previously stated, but 1 year time intervals, including in-service date. Not sure that makes it any better. Guess we really wanted to get our car search over with and were hoping this would be it.

lex_rx

What's the "fair" price? In 2015, I took a chance on a 2011 65K miles that had oil change gaps. It was a lease return at the dealer and they did a CPO work. But due to the high mileage, dealer didn't technically CPO (certify) it. We didn't have much time to research as the insurance company was pressuring us to settle on the totalled car and the clock was ticking on the rental car. It's been okay so far except for a couple of issues this month.

If the dealer will do the CPO work even if they will not certify it as such, you'd probably want to consider it in your shortlist.

My 02 cents.

AamirAtl

lex_rx

Asking price is $26K we are negotiating and will be around $22-23K. Dealer took this on a trade-in and did a multi-point inspection. They will install new tires, new brakes, new battery, new wiper blades, will do an alignment and 75K mile service as well are paint-touch ups and minor windshield rock chip repair. I will ask them to do a CPO inspection. I understand this will not be CPO and being sold as-is and buyer beware. Hence, the need to be thorough and cautious.

AamirAtl

What are the issues you started noticing recently?