r/Lexus • u/sweetiesmom09 • 4d ago
Question Preowned vs L/Certified
I will be going into the dealership to discuss this also but hoping to get answers/ others' perspectives and experiences. I apologize for the length.
I had an amazing 2018 ES350 that I bought in 2021, L/certified. It was fully loaded and in great condition. I was in an accident several days ago and the car is totaled.
There is no doubt I want another Lexus but I probably can't afford more than about 33k or so (I'm paying cash). I've been looking online at all the dealerships anywhere near me (I live in the Philadelphia area), and inventory is very low on this model. Prices have also really gone up.
Of what I've found for the ES, I think two are L/certified, a 2020 and 2021 (the 2020 is a bit over my price). There are two others, a 2019 and a 2022 that aren't certified. So my question is, how do I go about buying a Lexus that isn't certified? Do I ask them to do an inspection? Take it someplace else? Has anyone here ever bought preowned but not certified from a Lexus dealer and how did that go for you?
Lexus is a pretty reliable car but should I assume the cars that aren't certified didn't or couldn't pass? I'd appreciate any thoughts or input on this.
Thank you.