Car buying advice

**cdekovic** · 03-29-2009, 01:51 PM

I have a choice to make and need some expert advise. I have the chance to buy a 2007 Lexus RX 350 for about the same price as a 2009 Toyota Rav4. Both have similar features, V6, 4x4, heated seats, retractable moon/sun roof. Which would you select and why?

**CycloneErik** · 03-29-2009, 01:53 PM

You could buy a less expensive car and send the difference to me!

**CYKID** · 03-29-2009, 02:04 PM

This is for your wife ,right? Buy the Toyota or you will never get her off of the Lexus brand and it will cost you more in the long run.

**dmclone** · 03-29-2009, 02:08 PM

Depends on a lot.

How many miles are on the Lexus?
Is it Lexus Certified?
How long do you plan on keeping it?

The Lexus has already taken it's depreciation hit. I'd be more inclined to go with the Lexus even though there is nothing wrong with the RAV4. They are both near bulletproof vehicles. Betts(Willis) Lexus will put Toyota of DM's service department to shame. I've used both.

**Jeremy** · 03-29-2009, 02:09 PM

I would say Toyota - we've had amazing luck with ours and especially if you use Toyota of DM, they're terrific. Also, I would assume the Toyota has fewer miles and much more warranty remaining.

Besides the Lexus name, the Toyota would seem to be the "smarter" buy - especially for a RAV4.

**cdekovic** · 03-29-2009, 02:46 PM

he Lexus has 11000 miles and is currently being leased by my father-in-law. It is not a Certified Lexus as it hasn't been turned back in yet. I usually keep cars a long time.

Originally Posted by dmclone

Depends on a lot.

How many miles are on the Lexus?
Is it Lexus Certified?
How long do you plan on keeping it?

The Lexus has already taken it's depreciation hit. I'd be more inclined to go with the Lexus even though there is nothing wrong with the RAV4. They are both near bulletproof vehicles. Betts(Willis) Lexus will put Toyota of DM's service department to shame. I've used both.

**CycloneErik** · 03-29-2009, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by cdekovic

he Lexus has 11000 miles and is currently being leased by my father-in-law. It is not a Certified Lexus as it hasn't been turned back in yet. I usually keep cars a long time.

It isn't like it's history is unfamiliar. That would be nice.

**Cycofan1** · 03-29-2009, 02:58 PM

If I were you I would buy a Hummer. But out of the 2 cars I would choose the 2009 Toyota Rav4 (Here are the cars pictures)

2009 Toyota Rav4

2007 Lexus RX 350

**dmclone** · 03-29-2009, 03:58 PM

11,000 miles and the same price? No doubt, I'd get the Lexus.

Just think about when you still have it 5 years from now.

In 2014 and the Rav4 has 90,000 miles and the RX350 has 101,000.

Take a look and see what a 2004 Rav4 goes for compared to a 2002 Lexus.

A completely loaded 2004 RAV4 with 90K miles has a KBB of $12K

A 2002 RX 300 with 101K miles has a KBB of $13K

Not a huge difference. If I was you I would just drive both of them and see which one you like. I have a feeling that you could get a huge discount off the price of a V6 RAV4 right now. One negative on the Lexus is that there is a brand new version out so it may look a little dated but no more dated than the RAV4.

Edmunds says that the RAV4 has a "budget feel" interior even with leather. It looks like they finally got rid of that rear wheel on the back. My mother has a 2007 RAV4 and I hate the wheel on the back.

**erikbj** · 03-29-2009, 04:04 PM

I would go with the Lexus, they have been rated as the most dependable brand for the past 20 years. I have never heard anyone disappointed in their lexus.

**LeSchmick** · 03-29-2009, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by Cycofan1

If I were you I would buy a Hummer. But out of the 2 cars I would choose the 2009 Toyota Rav4 (Here are the cars pictures)

Can this kid's rep be reset back to zero?

**Cycofan1** · 03-29-2009, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by LeSchmick

Can this kid's rep be reset back to zero?

No, I actually like the Hummer HX but it's only a concept car.

**dinger** · 03-29-2009, 04:09 PM

buy the 09 toyota. lexus is just a fancy toyota anyway. you dont get what you pay for with a lexus. its not like a bmw where youre getting more quality for your buck. but the biggest deal... im guessing you'll get some nice warrenties with the brand new car.

**acrozier22** · 03-29-2009, 04:14 PM

I'd go with the lexus. My wife has a RAV4 and I think they are too loud inside. We are about to trade in our RAV4 and buy a Lexus 400.

**ericlambi** · 03-29-2009, 04:14 PM

With only 11,000 miles, I personally think its a no-brainer to buy the Lexus

BTW, I think you are probably getting a pretty good deal on the Lexus relative to current market prices if the two really are the same price.