First Lexus (Maybe)

[CinRedMan]

Hello everyone,

Just lost my 05 BMW 330CI in an accident; all people involved were safe and sound, but car is "total loss" and I'm back in the market after only 22mo of ownership.

I am currently considering an 04' and seek advice from owners regarding common issues or problems. The car in consideration is (i believe) pine green with the saddle interior and the Odometer reads just past 54k miles. Local Lexus dealership has the car 4-sale.

Drove car and really loved the interior look, fit and finish. Car drove like a dream too and the top functioned without any issues. Honestly, I cannot get this car out of my mind and will most likely visit the car on Monday. So, I'll be reviewing all the posts here on this site, but I sure would appreciate any words of wisdom you all might share!

One big question is with the assumption I can trust a Lexus dealership's representation of the car.

[Dora]

Chris, I'm a relatively new owner (Nov. 2012). I researched this car extensively online and gathered as much information as I could through this forum before I purchased. I recommend that you get as much history on the car as you can. Carfax is a good start, but not fool proof. An independent inspection might be in line and may give you the peace of mind you're looking for in your purchase.

You are aware that the 430 is not a BMW. The steering and cornering capabilities are not the same, not as precise. However the ride of the 430 is softer, smoother (especially after replacing the run-flats with conventional rubber). This is what I was looking for in a car and I'm not disappointed. The Lexus service manager refers to the 4.3 engine as the best that Lexus has produced (apart from gas mileage). Bulletproof was the word he used. I expect, if you purchase this car (great color combo by the way), you'll be happy with the lower maintenance in the long run for the 430 by comparison to the 330. From a very satisfied owner to a prospective owner, I hope this helps.

[pj8708]

Hi Chris and welcome to the Lexus Owners Club. We are glad you and Mark have joined the almost 144,000 members around the world.

I can only affirm Mark's suggestions and add a few more. Lexus reliability has consistantly been rated among the best and has been the number one selling luxury car in the USA for the past several years. Even so, I would suggest you ask if the 430 is being sold as Certified Pre Owned car. This certification provides for a warranty period of usualy 4 years or "X" number of miles. The car has been thouroghly inspected and repaired were needed at 120 points. I have purcased two cars under this plan and have been very pleased.

Let us know what you decide and how you like your new car.

Paul

[CinRedMan]

First, thank you for the responses, comments, suggestions, etc. I'm truly struggling with a decision. After driving the sc430 for a second time, I really like the car, but wish those backs seats...where...well, you guys know, "seats". On occasion, there could be 3 in the car and I actually tried that rear seat; OMG - maybe punishment for one of my kids :-)

Now, with that said, I have some additional observations and questions;

1. Daily driver, including winter time (Cincinnati/Dayton) area. Assume snow tires "Blizzaks" would be best

2. Front speakers (right/left) are messed up (blown). I'm good with tools, what kind of expense to replace?

3. As this is a 2004, stereo doesn't support bluetooth and the 6-disc doesn't support mp3 files. Suggested options? Like, does a later model radio fit?

4. Navigation updates, what is possible?

5. I assumed the car was too old for "Certified Pre-Owned", PLEASE, tell me more...

[lenore]

I would negotiate the repair of speakers etc in the deal...How many miles are on it?

[CinRedMan]

45,290 miles on the Odometer.

[lenore]

with that mileage it could still be a CPO....Is the car in decent shape other than the speakers?

Get the vin # and then register on MYLEXUS.com and run a history on its maintenance.

[CinRedMan]

with that mileage it could still be a CPO....Is the car in decent shape other than the speakers?

Get the vin # and then register on MYLEXUS.com and run a history on its maintenance.

Had not considered mylexus, thank you.

Inerior is outstanding , exterior clean with minor chips. Wheel rims are stock and crap condition, figured to reuse rims with snow tires if snow tires are necessary.

I have a fairly good ownership history, but will do the mylexus report. CPO is advertised as only available for cars 6 years or less than 70k

[CinRedMan]

Here is the complete history. A few things catch my eye and make me scratch my head, such as;

- Front/Rear Body

- Waiter

- Front Axle

How do I gain insight into these specific services? Call the dealer listed and as for the specifics?

Dealer Reported

03/11/2013 Lexus of Dayton 45416 0202287 NON WARRANTABLE OPERATION CODE

Dealer Reported 10/16/2012 Lexus of Dayton 45302 0197394 OTHER INSPECTION CHANGED TO 000989 DO NOT USE

Dealer Reported 10/16/2012 Lexus of Dayton 45302 0197394 ENGINE OIL

Dealer Reported 12/30/2011 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 40588 0225807 LOANER CARS

Dealer Reported 12/30/2011 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 40588 0225807 BODY INTERIOR

Dealer Reported 11/28/2011 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 40000 0223953 DISTRIBUTOR/HDLIGHT/T. SGNL

Dealer Reported 11/28/2011 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 40000 0223953 BATTERY/COIL SPK PLUG

Dealer Reported 06/22/2010 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 32372 0188840 FRONT/REAR BODY

Dealer Reported 06/18/2010 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 32372 0188458 35000 MILE SERVICE NON WARRANTY-NON OEM

Dealer Reported 06/18/2010 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 32372 0188458 WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Dealer Reported 06/18/2010 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 32372 0188458 FRONT/REAR BODY

Dealer Reported 06/18/2010 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 32372 0188458 NY STATE INSPECTION

Dealer Reported 12/01/2009 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 30868 0173652 LOANER CARS

Dealer Reported 12/01/2009 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 30868 0173652 30K-04 MODELS

Dealer Reported 12/01/2009 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 30868 0173652 OTHERS

Dealer Reported 12/01/2009 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 30868 0173652 WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Dealer Reported 12/01/2009 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 30868 0173652 FRONT/REAR BODY

Dealer Reported 04/29/2008 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 24256 0128285 25000 MILE SERVICE NON WARRANTY-NON OEM

Dealer Reported 04/29/2008 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 24256 0128285 2008 ES350

Dealer Reported 04/29/2008 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 24256 0128285 BATTERY/COIL SPK PLUG

Dealer Reported 04/29/2008 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 24256 0128285 FRONT/REAR BODY

Dealer Reported 08/07/2007 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 20274 0106877 WAITER

Dealer Reported 08/07/2007 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 20274 0106877 NON WARRANTABLE OPERATION CODE

Dealer Reported 09/05/2006 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 16039 0080979 WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Dealer Reported 09/05/2006 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 16039 0080979 FRONT/REAR BODY

Dealer Reported 08/31/2006 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 16035 0080853 20000 MILE SERVICE NON WARRANTY-NON OEM

Dealer Reported 08/31/2006 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 16035 0080853 FRONT/REAR BODY

Dealer Reported 08/31/2006 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 16035 0080853 FRONT AXLE

Dealer Reported 12/19/2005 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 12626 0062261 15000 MILE SERVICE NON WARRANTY

Dealer Reported 12/19/2005 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 12626 0062261 ACCESSORY

Dealer Reported 03/09/2005 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 9129 0043166 10000 MILE SERVICE NON WARRANTY-NON OEM

Dealer Reported 03/09/2005 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 9129 0043166 ACCESSORY

Dealer Reported 06/25/2004 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 5189 0026995 WAITER

Dealer Reported 06/25/2004 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 5189 0026995 5,000 MILE SERVICE

Dealer Reported 10/29/2003 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 1136 0012298 1,000 MILE SERVICE

Dealer Reported 09/19/2003 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 17 0132685 NEW YORK STATE INSPECTION NYSI #12174029

Dealer Reported 09/19/2003 Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont 17 0132685 P.D.I RECHECK

Dealer Reported 09/09/2003 3 0036206 PRE-DELIVERY SERVICE FOR USA

Dealer Reported 09/09/2003 3 0036206 CLEAN FOR DELIVERY AUTO DETAILING

[CinRedMan]

Holy CRAP, Batman - this myLexus site is one of the best...

[CinRedMan]

Ok, folks, apparently, I'm just not too sure how valuations of used cars work these days. I have always relied on KBB and edmunds to perform realistic valuations on used cars. Armed with this information, I have successfully negotiated many a deal. However, in the case of http://www.lexusofdayton.com/VehicleDetails/used-2004-Lexus-SC_430-2dr_Convertible-Centerville-OH/1842487253, the dealer's offer was their LP and further stated they would only be looking to knock a few hundred off the LP. I offered $18k (yes, started low), but countered with "depending on my mechanic's inspection, I could see moving my offer a bit North of $20k. Even with an excellent rating, the 2004 value is under $20k. The current dealer has "owned" this car for 6 months, the tires are average, factory rims look average, front door speakers are blown and the navigation dated. I would certainly think now is the time to start dealing with a more realistic price. Due to the back seat configuration, I am of the "opinion" these cars appeal to a small segment of the market (myself included), so potential buyers are not your run of the mill shoppers. Yet, there the car sits, $8k over suggested and a dealer who showed zero interest in negotiating a fair price. So, for all you SC owners, a big ol Kudos. Likewise, I included a link to the car, just in case one of you are interested. It is a great car, but $27k for an 8 year old car is amazing. As I understand, the original pricing was around $63k and now days, even BMW, who has some of the best residuals values, only gives about 63% of MSRP after 3 years! Sorry if this posted offends any owners, that is not my intent. However, I just can't make sense of a dealer holding a car for over 6 months and keeping it priced at 30% above valuations...

[lenore]

I agree totally, I tried dealing with a ridiculous price two years ago, and was getting no where. I than was told by Lexus to pursue CarMax for a trade in value of my existing RX300 and while waiting accessed their computer and found a RX400h one year newer and 6k cheaper than the best price at Lexus...All of the same bells and whistles, and Yep bought from CarMax and have been delighted in my 6k one year newer RX400h which Lexus of Sacramento said hey its not CPO, and I replied hey for 6k I can buy a warranty. You might try private, or CarMax and have the same success, good luck in your quest....they really are great vehicles after you own one.

[CinRedMan]

Quick update. Lost the sc430 to another buyer, but ended up with a 2003 RX300 instead. Overall condition is very good, but what really sold me was the service history on mylexus.com. I mean, it is a complete history with all work being performed at the Lexus dealership who sold the car and from which I purchased today for $10,650

The car has 97,604 miles and the 100k service has been performed. As I really couldn't find what I wanted in a convertible, this will get me from here to there and I anticipate it possibly going to my 20 something college student in a year.

[lenore]

Wow, talk about a change in venue, congrats on your purchase, great car enjoy.