Looking at the Lexus RX. What do you think about me buying a certified vs a new one. I don't need 4 wheel drive. I would appreiciate the input from existing owners.<br>Thanks

I went for a new '01 because after I ran the numbers, the difference was not enough for me to get pre-owned. Then again , I am on a lease (with tax write off capabilities). I personally think anything over low 30's is not worth buying, and was one always against leasing. <br><br>Financing 30-35K over 5 yrs is quite a hefty monthly bill for a depreciating possession- particularly when the RX is really on 2 yrs old a nobody really knows how it will hold it's resale value over many years.<br><br>I can thing of many other safe investments for the money that makes up the difference between lease vs. buy monthly payments.

Thanks Randy I am now retired and no longer can use a lease as a write off. I too have most of my money either in the market or in a mmkt waiting for the bottom. Thats why I am considering a used vehicle that way I would have about 10K more to leave invested in the market. YOU say the RX is only 2 years old I thought they started making them in 1996?? Please advise<br>Thanks <br>Willy

To the best of my knowledge, '99 was the first model year. I am an avid Toyota fan and believe they will hold their value quite well; the question is, are there going to be a lot of buyers out there if you choose to sell it privately in a few years. If not, then the certified pre-owned is a good deal since any RX you get will probably have less than 40K miles and Lexus will protect you 'till 100K- not bad at all. <br><br>On a personal note, I care for the newer cosmetics on the '01/'02 ie. front/rear lights, spoiler (which is the same on '00 but not the '99's) Other than that, they didn't change anything. <br><br>Good luck

randy Thanks I to am a Toyota fan MY wife's old vehicle is a Toyota pu which has 95000 miles I messed up and rented a volvo station wagon V70 for a road trip to AZ. Now my wife wants a new car we want the reliablity of Toyota but only thing that was comfortable was the Landcruiser but don't need the large size or awful fuel mileage. Thats why we are looking a Lexus RX and why I came to this site to read and discuss RX owners experiance's<br>Willy

I purchased my 2001 RX last April after tons of research and hours of test driving everything under the sun. I had looked in to buying a used model (2000) with 12,000 miles on it, but opted out for a brand new model for two reasons: I could order the EXACT options that I wanted AND the price was only $ 1500 more than buying one that someone had already driven. They DO hold their value very well (for the moment, at least !) Squeek

squeek... Thanks for your comments. I to spend a lot of time researching what vehicle I will purchase I now have it narrowed down to a few with the Lexus taking the lead. I know know what items are included with each optional package. Each time I have always bought new in the past, usually by the time I am ready to buy I know more about the vehicle that the salesperson. My problem is that my wife and I only put about 6000 miles a year on each of are cars. I thought perhaps we would just buy a certified and just keep it 2 to 3 years and the buy another. I to have found that a new vehicle usually only costs 2000 more that used of comp condition<br>Willy

Anyone not happy with their Lexus?? <br>Please post your thoughts<br>Thanks for you time<br>Willy

Lexus Rx300 should be modified to have space around driver & passenger seats so that the seat belts wont get stuck between seat & pillar. I am finding it always stuck in between and have to pull hard everytime. May be its just me!!!<br><br>They should have wheel mounted audio controls too.<br><br>Other than that, its a very good SUV. <br><br>Just installed a WAAG sportster front gaurd from www.overlander.com for $175, looks cool.