2011 LX vs 2015 LX - trading in my 2002 LX

[Rhythmdoctor]

I realize there are a ton of threads on similar topics and I do apologize if you're annoyed. I've read a ton of those threads and maybe I'm just at the point of paralysis by analysis. BUT, I am looking at 2 local LX 570s that are $14k difference in price and I'm having trouble deciding. I will go check out one of these tomorrow, which should be my priority?

• 2011
  • 47k miles
  • listed for $39k
  • seller is a non-lexus dealership
  • Carfax shows routine maintenance inspections every 5k miles up to 30k then was sold and new owner took it to Meineke 3 times, 2nd time for the following:
    • Wheel locks installed
      Oil and filter changed
      Rear brake pads replaced
      Tires rotated
      Front brake pads replaced
      Cabin air filter replaced/cleaned
  • Meineke again a year later for wheel locks installed (again?)
• 2015
  • 52k miles
  • CPO
  • listed for $52k
  • seller is a lexus dealership
  • Carfax shows very little activity early but last year+ is all in/out of said lexus dealership with regular maintenance inspections every 5k miles

I would like to think each offers a little wiggle room. I will be trading in my 2002 LX 470 with about 153k miles. My local mechanic who I trust and has a good reputation has listed out about $7k in work that is needed. I am not a mechanic and don't have the patience or tolerance to look further, so I think I'd rather trade it and upgrade. I've been looking for a reason to upgrade anyways, this is the perfect catalyst.

Thoughts, suggestions? I'm in Chicago, these are in 2 different suburbs in different directions. Trying to prioritize my day tomorrow as I don't have time to see both. Obviously I'd much rather spend $15k less if these two are pretty identical. I don't think I'll care much about minor upgrades but if there's something extra special about 2015s compared to 2011, I'd like to know. My gut is telling me the 2011 is the way to go but the Meineke maintenance makes me nervous. Plus the current dealer put $2k into it this week. I think rear lift gate was one of the things and maybe something with AC? I wish I could recall.

 

[SWUtah]

Check for rust your in Chicago

 

[gaijin]

I will go check out one of these tomorrow, which should be my priority?

The 2015 CPO at the Lexus dealership ... for all the reasons you have read elsewhere.

HTH

 

[M1911]

Check for rust your in Chicago

Yup. Have the dealer put it up on a lift for you to see the underside. Since you are in the rust belt, I’d get the 2015.

 

[SWUtah]

Get the 15 if not rusted

 

[grinchy]

Have you looked at the other used car options, like carvana, vroom etc? Or the auction driven eBay Texas based sellers? It’s tough to limit the search to two local vehicles, particularly if your locale might have subpar examples due to road salting.

 

[Noah Miller]

Grab the 15 and the platinum warranty, CPO 15 myself and Bumper to Bumper for another 70K miles. Went in for an oil change (covered by CPO deal) and they tested the battery, it failed so they installed a new battery. Assuming you have a good dealer locally.........some are not.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

Have you looked at the other used car options, like carvana, vroom etc? Or the auction driven eBay Texas based sellers? It’s tough to limit the search to two local vehicles, particularly if your locale might have subpar examples due to road salting.

I'm not familiar with those sites but I will check them out. How do you get around not being able to inspect the vehicle when it's too far away? I'm not sure I could buy something at this price without a guarantee or a window to return.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

Have you looked at the other used car options, like carvana, vroom etc? Or the auction driven eBay Texas based sellers? It’s tough to limit the search to two local vehicles, particularly if your locale might have subpar examples due to road salting.

Ok, been looking at Carvana for the last few minutes. This site is potentially a game changer. Thanks!

 

[grinchy]

I'm not familiar with those sites but I will check them out. How do you get around not being able to inspect the vehicle when it's too far away? I'm not sure I could buy something at this price without a guarantee or a window to return.

There are services like lemonsquad to do the assessment.