$19,500 is definitely a premium price but you have to consider all the factors.
1) Maintenance is up to date and it's been well taken care of.
2) It is local to you so you won't have to spend $1,000 give or take on airfare and gas to pick one up out of state.
3) Financially, it's significantly easier to trade yours in. Despite what others may say, paying extra for convenience is okay.
4) Rust is there but it's not bad considering the location and it can be treated.
5) The interior is extremely clean which is getting harder and harder to find, even in low mileage cars.
6) AC system. It seems that the dealer tried to do the right thing and get it fixed. A short term warranty on the system like you mentioned would be good to have. However, you may want to see if the lines are corroded and how bad the surrounding parts are if the issue returns.
Overall I'd say try to get it for less if you can. Otherwise, If you're comfortable with the price, it's not a bad deal at all and grab it. You will be paying a premium but if you find one for $15k, you may still be at that price once you get it home and get the maintenance up to par.
Don't get to wrapped up in the 100 vs 200 debate. I looked at some 200's (LC and LX) after my wife got her GX. The new features of her GX are nice and I was drinking the "new is good" kool-aid. Yes, the 200 is an upgrade in every way as some people say. But I still prefer driving my 100 as it's just a better fit for me. Personal preference is a big part to the equation.
Indeed, that is a good amount... but looking, it's inline with the market from what I can tell...
1) Maintenance all checks out and well taken care of at the Lexus dealership
2) it's about 90 miles from me, so a quick car ride away.
3) definitely convenient to purchase from the dealer and since i'm doing so, I want a clean rig
4) yeah, doesn't look too bad and I will be checking all the know rust spot issues (ac drain line, etc)
5) it is! i'm very picky when it comes to that. I'm happy to pay more for a cleaner interior
6) Yea, I figure that isn't much to ask the dealer to cover. I will definitely be checking it over in person though.
I will do what I can to haggle the price but if all checks out, I am comfortable paying the premium for convenience. Especially since the maintenance is up-to-date, has a well document service history, and is clean inside and out.
Honestly, not even considering the 200, I like the boxy look of the 100 and prefer it... Oh, I understand the "new is good"... ha-ha, I am a network administrator (IE: I build a lot of computers) and a member of Slickdeals... a deadly combination to the wallet ha-ha!
Thanks for your input!