Home Automobiles A Buyer’s Complete Guide to Purchasing a Second-Hand Lexus

A Buyer’s Complete Guide to Purchasing a Second-Hand Lexus

A Buyer's Complete Guide to Purchasing a Second-Hand Lexus
Photo by Steady Hand Co. on Unsplash

If you buy a used Lexus, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of a premium car at a reasonable price. Lexus autos look stunning and provide incredible comfort both for their drivers and passengers. They are roomy, safe, and reliable — and they accentuate the high social status of their owners. From this article, you’ll get to know how to purchase a second-hand Lexus in very good condition and why you should choose this car.

The Benefits of a Second-Hand Lexus

Drivers who can’t afford a brand new car often can’t decide whether they should buy a used Lexus or a new vehicle of a more affordable make. The thing is that each car loses up to 30% of its initial price in its first year. So if you opt for a new car of a more affordable brand, you’ll spend a lot of money on prestige only. But if you opt for a second-hand Lexus, this might impress your surrounding people even more! Below, you’ll find a list of features that differentiate Lexus from all the other alternatives.

Affordable Maintenance

Compared to other premium cars, Lexus requires minimum investments. You won’t need to repair it or replace its parts too often.

State-of-the-Art Sound

Lexus was among the first carmakers that invested in a top-end sound system for its vehicles. Today, it’s one of the best vehicles for those who enjoy listening to music while driving.

Lexus dashboard
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Safety System

It includes the following elements:

  • Pre-collision system
  • Intelligent high-beams
  • Lane assistance
  • Dynamic radar cruise control

You would hardly find anything comparable in cheaper cars. Let’s have a brief look at the capabilities of each of these four components.

Pre-Collision System

It detects and warns the driver of any car or pedestrian that is within the Lexus path under specific conditions. The system automatically prepares to use brake assist and alerts the driver with audible and visual stimuli when a frontal collision is imminent. If the driver fails to apply the brakes within time, the brake assist component will do it, bringing the auto to a complete stop.

Intelligent High-Beams

It detects dark areas on the road and automatically adds illumination to them. When visibility returns to normal, the system will switch back to the low beams.

Lane Assistance

It keeps the vehicle within its lane. A camera monitors the lines on the road. The system will alert the driver via visual and audible stimuli if the car moves too close to the line or into another lane. To help the auto-return you to the lane, the steering assist feature will give a slight pull to the steering wheel.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Compared to regular cruise control, this is a more advanced system. The car is equipped with a camera and a radar. The system senses the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of Lexus and adapts to keep the car within a reasonable following distance. If Lexus becomes too close to the auto ahead or that auto slows down, the system will automatically decrease the speed of Lexus.

The Most Popular Second-Hand Lexus Models

No matter which Lexus you choose, you should be happy with your purchase. Yet, according to statistics, these five models generate the highest demand on the second-hand market.

ES

This one is famous for its comfortable ride and power driver seat. Its engine provides a nice amount of horsepower and performance.

GX

This SUV looks luxurious and provides an incredible level of comfort for both the driver and the passengers. It is equally efficient both in the on-road and off-road environment.

RX

This SUV delivers a smooth, comfortable, and quiet ride on any type of terrain. Its interior looks classy, and its seats are heated.

SUV Lexus
Photo by Daniil Lyusov on Unsplash

GS

You can put a lot of luggage in this roomy sedan. Drivers love it for its powerful engine and exceptional reliability.

IS

Its powerful engine allows for remarkably quick acceleration. Passengers will appreciate a cushioned and enjoyable ride.

The Most Common Faults of Second-Hand Lexus Cars

Before you buy any used car, you should thoroughly examine it. When choosing a Lexus, you should pay primary attention to the following four aspects.

Melting Dashboard

This might sound a bit ridiculous — but that’s a fact. If you leave your Lexus under direct sun rays for too long when it’s too hot outside, its dashboard can literally start to melt. The manufacturer offered to repair and replace defective dashboards at no cost to vehicle owners. So it might be wise to ask the previous owner whether they have replaced the dashboard.

Water Leaking

Again, that’s something that you would hardly expect from a premium car. Unfortunately, some Lexus vehicles have leaky cabins. Defects or damages around the sunroof might be to blame. Repairing such leaks is very costly. To prevent the problem, the vehicle owner should get it inspected regularly as it ages.

Oil Leaking

As the auto approaches higher mileage, oil might leak from the timing chain cover. The repair might be rather expensive. To postpone leaks, you should systematically service the gaskets on your car.

Drivetrain

Lexus cars with automatic transmission often face drivetrain problems. Their new counterparts come with a drivetrain warranty that covers any potential issues. The most frequent issues are slipping components and fluid problems. Trouble codes on the check engine light will let the driver know the reason.

Apart from these four cases, you should check the bodywork for rust, make sure that the air conditioning is working, and the brakes work as intended.

Final Thoughts

If you want a safe, comfortable, reliable, and stylish car, feel free to buy a used Lexus. Most likely, it will bring you much more satisfaction than a brand new vehicle of a more affordable brand. Make sure to thoroughly examine your Lexus before buying, and don’t hesitate to negotiate if you detect any flaws. Your friends, colleagues, and family members will be impressed by your choice, and you’ll enjoy every minute that you spend in the driver’s seat!

Featured Photo by Steady Hand Co. on Unsplash