Lexus is widely recognized as a luxury car brand, but when considering purchasing a used car on the used car market, some people say, “Avoid buying a used Lexus.” It’s true that as a luxury brand, there are some things to be aware of and some drawbacks to buying a used Lexus. However, there are also many benefits and appealing aspects that are unique to used Lexus cars. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the negative opinions and concerns surrounding used Lexus cars, as well as how to choose wisely and recommend some models.
The appeal of used Lexus cars
Used Lexus cars are packed with high-quality materials and advanced technology. While new Lexus cars are expensive, used cars are relatively affordable, making them an attractive option for many people who dream of owning a luxury car. In addition, Lexus is known for its durability and long lifespan, so a properly maintained used car can be expected to last for a long time.
Negative opinions about used Lexus cars and their reasons
- Lower status: Lexus has a strong image as a luxury car brand, and some people may feel that driving a used car lowers their status. In particular, for those who are particular about new cars, the fact that it is a used car may be a point of concern.
- Risk of breakdown: Although Lexus is a high-quality car, as a used car, there is a risk of breakdown. The risk of breakdown tends to be higher especially for older used cars or used cars with high mileage.
- Lower resale value: Because new Lexus cars are expensive, their prices tend not to drop even when they become used cars. However, depending on the model year and mileage, resale value may drop significantly, so caution is advised.
- Lexus Owners Card : This is a special card that only Lexus owners can have. This card offers a variety of benefits and services, making your car life as a Lexus owner even more fulfilling and comfortable. If you purchase your car from an authorized Lexus dealer, you will receive a Lexus Owners Card, but if you purchase it from a general used car dealership, you will not receive one. You can get one by purchasing a Lexus Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle listed below .
Is it embarrassing to buy a used Lexus?
Some people say they feel guilty about buying a used Lexus, but that’s just a biased view.
The reason behind this mindset is the high brand image that Lexus has. Owning a luxury car like a Lexus is seen as a symbol of success and wealth, so many people tend to buy it as a new car.
However, used cars have many advantages that new cars don’t have. For example, they are priced lower than new cars, so you can get the luxury car of your dreams even on a limited budget. Maintenance costs are also often lower than new cars.
Used cars may require more maintenance and cost than new cars, so it’s important to carefully check the condition of the vehicle before purchasing.
Some people’s opinions
- Some people are reluctant to drive a used Lexus because of its reputation as a luxury car.
- Some people consider buying a new car a status symbol, so some people view buying a used car negatively.
Important things
- The car you choose should fit your lifestyle and values, not depend on what others think.
- Even if it’s a used car, driving a Lexus that you like will bring you satisfaction and joy.
Things to consider when choosing a used Lexus
However, you need to be careful when purchasing a used Lexus. First of all, it is important to carefully check the maintenance history. As a luxury car, Lexus requires regular maintenance. By choosing a vehicle with a well-maintained maintenance record, you can avoid any problems after purchasing.
When choosing a used Lexus, keep the following points in mind:
- Choose a certified pre-owned car: Lexus certified pre-owned (CPO) cars are used cars that meet Lexus’ strict standards, offering peace of mind in terms of quality and warranty. CPO cars are slightly more expensive, but are recommended for those who want peace of mind when driving a used Lexus.
- Thoroughly check the condition of the vehicle: When buying a used car, be sure to inspect the vehicle in person and carefully check the condition of the interior and exterior, mileage, maintenance history, etc. If possible, it’s a good idea to bring a trusted mechanic with you to get professional advice.
- Check the warranty details: Used cars may come with a dealer’s own warranty or a manufacturer’s warranty. Be sure to check the warranty details and period carefully to prepare for any breakdowns that may occur.
- Repair costs are high : Lexus is a luxury car, and its parts are expensive. Therefore, repair costs in the event of a breakdown can be higher than for an ordinary car.
Next, make sure you buy from a reputable dealer. Dealers and certified pre-owned car dealers that handle used Lexus cars have a solid quality guarantee and you can expect support after the purchase. Buying from private sellers or dealers with low credibility is high risk and should be avoided.
Lexus Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)
Lexus Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles are high-quality pre-owned vehicles certified according to Lexus’ own standards. The CPO stands for Certified Pre-Owned, and aims to provide the product quality and reliable hospitality that only Lexus can offer.
The CPO certification criteria are strict: vehicles must be within seven years of first registration, have less than 100,000 km on the odometer, and have no history of repairs. Accident-hit vehicles, vehicles with high mileage, and vehicles with excessive mileage are also excluded. Before delivery, 12 parts are replaced and over 90 inspections and maintenance are performed. A Lexus CPO pre-delivery confirmation sheet is issued after the inspection is complete.
Owner benefits are available even for Lexus Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles.
- Access to the Owners Lounge : Enjoy a luxurious lounge in a Lexus dealership, where you can relax and unwind while your beloved car is undergoing maintenance.
- Issuance of a Lexus Owners Card : This is a special card that can only be held by Lexus owners, as explained above. It allows you to use the parking lots at Lexus dealerships nationwide, and also allows you to use the services of the Lexus Owners Site and the Lexus Owners Desk.
- Lexus Card (with credit function) : You can issue a platinum card, the Lexus Card (annual fee: 22,000 yen).
Lexus CPO: What you need to know to avoid regrets
Disadvantages of Lexus CPO
- High price: The price is set higher than that of a typical used car.
- Limited options: You may have limited options for car models, grades, and colors.
- Older model years: The latest models take time to become available as CPOs, so you need to be careful when looking for a newer used car.
- Be careful if you are a party to a fair : I have heard that if a car is a party to a fair, you can only purchase it at the store that sells it , and that you may not be able to purchase it if you are from another prefecture.
Reference: Lexus Certified Pre-Owned Car CPO
Recommended used Lexus models
Lexus NX
Here are some of the most recommended used Lexus models:
- SUVs: The RX and NX are very popular and there are plenty of options available on the used car market.
- Sedans: The ES and IS are models that offer a luxurious feel while also offering a sporty driving experience.
- Compact cars: The LBX and UX are easy to handle and have good fuel economy, making them recommended for first-time Lexus buyers.
LEXUS LBX
A word from the editorial department
Used Lexus cars have many advantages and charms as well as disadvantages. Use the points to note and how to choose introduced in this article as a reference to find the used Lexus that is perfect for you.
Frequently asked questions and answers about Lexus
Lexus is a popular luxury car brand, but many people have various questions when considering purchasing one. Here we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Lexus and their answers.
How much does it cost to maintain a Lexus annually?
-
The annual maintenance costs for a Lexus vary depending on the model, grade, mileage, region, etc., but are roughly estimated at around 300,000 to 500,000 yen. This includes automobile tax, automobile weight tax, compulsory automobile liability insurance, voluntary insurance, gasoline, and maintenance costs.
Is a Lexus a fragile car or a durable car?
-
Lexus is known for its world-class quality standards and low failure rates. JD Power , a U.S. customer satisfaction research company, released the 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) on February 18, 2021. In the brand rankings, Toyota’s Lexus took first place in the luxury car category and first place overall.
How long can you drive a Lexus?
-
A Lexus is a car that can last for 10, 15, or even longer, but it’s important to maintain it regularly and drive it properly.
How much does it cost to buy a Lexus?
-
The annual income required to purchase a Lexus varies depending on the model, grade, payment method, whether or not you have a loan, etc. Generally, it is said that it is a good idea to aim for about half of your annual income . (Note: This is a guideline.)
What is the cheapest Lexus model?
-
The cheapest Lexus model used to be the CT. It was a compact hatchback model, and the new car price at the time started at 3.88 million yen. Currently, the LBX starts at 4.6 million yen.
How long does it take to deliver a certified pre-owned Lexus?
-
The delivery time for a Lexus certified pre-owned car varies depending on the inventory and the maintenance required, but it is usually between two weeks and one month. If the car is currently at the dealership, it will take about one to two weeks.
What year is the Lexus certified pre-owned vehicle?
-
Lexus certified used cars are strictly regulated to be vehicles that are less than seven years old since their first registration, have less than 100,000 km on the odometer, and have no history of repairs.
What’s the smallest Lexus SUV?
-
The smallest Lexus SUV is the LBX .
How much does a new Lexus top-of-the-line car cost?
-
The new car price of the LM , Lexus’ top-of-the-line model , is between 15 million and 20 million yen.
If you are considering buying a new car, check the price online beforehand.
MOTA New Car Quote
MOTA’s new car quotes (inquiries) are the answer! Compare quotes from multiple manufacturers for free and negotiate discounts. If you want to buy a car at a good price, it’s important to get quotes for cars with the same specifications from rival manufacturers. One technique is to negotiate the price while quoting the other car during the sales negotiations.
If you want a used car, you should check in advance.
Gulliver
You can search for used cars from unlisted vehicles. Gulliver operates approximately 460 stores nationwide, so you can search from a large inventory of approximately 500 cars arriving every day. Once you register, you can find your ideal car.
If you want to sell your beloved car at a high price
Rakuten Car
After applying, all you need to do is a phone call and a one-time vehicle inspection. Sell your car easily and hassle-free! The key to selling your car at a high price is to compete for the purchase price. Rakuten Car Buyback features over 2,000 carefully selected used car dealerships. In typical buying systems, the costs of middlemen can lead to lower purchase prices. However, Rakuten Car Buyback achieves significant cost savings by eliminating middlemen. This is why we are able to offer high purchase prices.
Ucarpack
Ucarpack is a new type of used car appraisal service that utilizes an auction system. Through this system, you have the chance to sell your beloved car at a high price to a dealer who understands its value. Ucarpack has 8,000 participating dealers, and the large number of bidders is one of the reasons you can expect a high purchase price. Also, unlike typical bulk appraisal sites, there are no price negotiations with multiple dealers or sales calls. This means you can sell your beloved car without any hassle.
Lexus
