Help Me Choose an '08 GX

[ZiaMan]

Hi Everyone!

I've been a long time lurker (as in about 10years) and am very excited to be buying a GX to be able to actually post and contibute (Headlight Harness will be my first how-to!). I've been closing in on two different GX's and would love some input into which one to pick.

First up, the California option:
http://www.dchlexusofoxnard.com/Veh...-GX_470-Sport_Utility_4D-Oxnard-CA/1966115953
I have not seen this GX in-person but is a non-accident, California car. Being in Chicago, most of the GXs around here have a good amount of surface rust (plus I grew up in NM and hate cars that have rust). The only concern I have would be buying sight unseen.

Second Option, Chicago:
http://www.lexusofnaperville.com/Ve...Lexus-GX_470-4WD_4dr-Naperville-IL/1946160993
I have driven this car and drives nice, has a great interior. It has also been in an accident (per carfax) and the dealer replaced the engine in about 10k miles ago. Nothing wrong but does have rust underneath - you can see some coming through on the tow hitch.

Assuming prices are the same, the Califonia car would cost about $1000 more due to shipping. I'm leaning towards the CA car as I would rather have a clean start with no rust. I'm not worried about any maintenence issues, as I am very hands on and can fix just about anything.

Thoughts?

 

[IanB]

Why was the engine replaced on the Chicago car? Between that and the accident it's a distant second in my mind. And is it just me or can you see the adhesive behind the "V8" badge on the Chicago one? I'm guessing the accident was to the rear end? How's the rest of the repair?

 

[GXO]

What do you plan on doing with it? More road or offroad?

If you are going for more mods/offroad a low mileage 03 is superior in my mind, even with the engine changes and KDSS being lost.

It is the SAME CAR otherwise and no TPMS, no NAV (so you can do what you want aftermarket), and still the same look.

If you are going more on-road with occasional off I would lean toward California or keep searching as there are SO MANY for sale.

 

[04UZJ100]

Why would you ever consider a car that was in an accident AND had the engine replaced....move on.

 

[rommelrommel]

Any reason you are so set on an 08?

As said, engine replaced before 80000 miles? I would want to know WTF happened there. Also, details on the accident. That plus early rust... walk. It's not even that cheap for an 08.

Find a no salt 1 owner with reasonable mileage and really, you can buy sight unseen from a respectable dealer as long as you ask a lot of questions. Maybe even pay a local mechanic to go give it a once over.

 

[ZiaMan]

Thanks for the advice! I actually walked on both - the accident/engine one due to, well, yep the accident and engine. The CA one, wasn't super inspired by the dealer and the Carfax (seeing quickie lubes, and not a lot of dealer maintenance). Actually found a different 08 in CA that is private owner, dealer serviced, all records from day 1, etc.

I like the 08 due to the the upgraded Nav, Aux, etc. First time I am buying a newer, luxury vehicle and don't mind paying up for something newer, rust free, and good history.

Looking forward to owning it for a long, long time!

 

[BonnerBB]

Glad you walked them both.

 

[Makakio]

Keep in mind 07 was the upgrade year for nav, aux. You an go there too. I'd just find the cleanest, lowest-mileage CPO you can for 07-09 and pull the trigger. can't go wrong with the CPO option...