I'm in the exact same position. I just yesterday paid for a 04 with more miles, but $1000 less price. For me the list of items to check included:
- carfax. The more history the more confidence you can have on it's treatment over its childhood.
- wheels and tires. Are they satisfactory or do they need changing. I had to change pie plates out, so having found a car with aftermarket wheels saved me $2000. And that they have Toyo Proxes (non Run Flat) tires saves me another $1000 that I would have spent.
- dvd all working?
- floor matts in good shape?
- keys. does it have at least two master keys, and hopefully a valet key (although in my 45 years on this earth I have yet to need one).
- warranty - in service date. This is a biggie to me. If the car has some warranty left I feel I have some protection. And if its still under warranty you can buy a lexus extended warranty for a reasonable price . (PM me for details if you're interested and I'll let you know where they're 30 - 45 % off.)
- seller. Are they a little broker or a large dealer. I have more confidence buying from a Lexus dealer than some small lot auto broker in Parsippany. :-)
Jerry
