Bought a Lexus ES350

[Nick1994]

After selling my Genesis for being unreliable, and in need of a daily driver that is reliable, I was on the hunt for a Lexus ES350, which is a Toyota Avalon in Lexus clothing.

Found it on Craigslist posted 3 hours prior. It’s a 2014, just shy of 90k miles, the guy and his wife bought it new (it was her car), they’re retired but when she did work she worked from home so it’s been garaged all the time. It’s been maintained really well and he just did new brakes and all the fluids. They sold it because they bought a new Cayenne to haul the grandkids around in.

I couldn’t be happier, nice simple daily driver. Not a single door ding or scratch on it. I’ve got some all weather floor mats coming since these are tan and stain easily, and I’m going to get some better leather cleaner for the seats.

 

[Hermann]

Score!

 

[Patrick0525]

How much did u pay for it?

 

[RoadDukie]

@Nick1994
Very nice indeed. A real cream puff. Last November, I bought a 2022 ES with 16K after I sold me Mercedes S500. Couldn't be happier!

Again, congratulations on a beautiful car.

 

[loneryder]

Looks like you found a good one!

 

[dnewton3]

Congrats! My wife's 2013 is almost identical, even down to the colors. Love that generation (2013-18). IMO, it's the best generation to have.

 

[GR_CoB]

Great replacement!!! Say hello to 30mpg+. Up to 32-33 is easy, but with some effort many hit 35-36. Not bad for a V6 comfy couch. Enjoy!!!

 

[Nick1994]

How much did u pay for it?

More than I wanted to pay, but once I saw it I knew I probably wasn’t going to find another one that was this well cared for. $17k

 

[dnewton3]

More than I wanted to pay, but once I saw it I knew I probably wasn’t going to find another one that was this well cared for. $17k

I paid WAY more than that when I got my new 2023 ES. And honestly it's not 3x better for 3x the money that you paid.
What you paid is very fair for a great car; your example is in premium shape and has a ton of life left in it.
If I had to do it over, I would have done the same and passed on the 2023.

 

[Exhaustgases]

Maybe with 25K miles it would be worth that cost. Just a lot of $ with no warranty's. Whats the car fax say?

 

[Nukeman7]

More than I wanted to pay, but once I saw it I knew I probably wasn’t going to find another one that was this well cared for. $17k

In the current market, $17K is reasonable for that ES 350 in that near pristine condition. While both are considered luxury brands, you will find the Lexus/Toyota experience to be a lot less stressful (and perhaps less exciting) than being a multiple time Genesis owner. My only concern would be with how well the pearl white paint will hold up over time. Hopefully, the past 11 years would have revealed any white paint adherence issues.

 

[Patrick0525]

How much did u pay for it

More than I wanted to pay, but once I saw it I knew I probably wasn’t going to find another one that was this well cared for. $17k

ok it is in the ball park.The Lexus dealer usually wants $15-$18k. In 2017, my wife bought from her girl friend a 2009 Lexus ES350 for $12k with 40k mi. It is a dream boat. Best of luck with it.

 

[14Accent]

Nice ride, but any car that requires the use of a mouse and cursor to navigate the infotainment is a no-go from me. I never understood what Lexus was thinking with that system.

 

[AZjeff]

Not a sport sedan but should suit you perfectly. And perfect Arizona colors in and out too. Are you digging the chrome wheels?

 

[burbguy82]

More than I wanted to pay, but once I saw it I knew I probably wasn’t going to find another one that was this well cared for. $17k

Hey, it is likely leaps and bound better than most cars today......I think you got a great deal, and sharp looking car. And it paid for.

 

[Oliveoil2]

That is a good deal and a great car. You wanted reliability and you got it! Comfort mpg and styling! Congrats.

 

[tbm5690]

Maybe with 25K miles it would be worth that cost. Just a lot of $ with no warranty's. Whats the car fax say?

Are you saying you expect to buy a clean Lexus with 25k miles for only $17k?

 

[tbm5690]

Nice buy OP. I assume no Mark Levinson? I tried zooming in for the logo but can't tell. Pretty rare option but thought I'd ask.

 

[Nick1994]

Great replacement!!! Say hello to 30mpg+. Up to 32-33 is easy, but with some effort many hit 35-36. Not bad for a V6 comfy couch. Enjoy!!!

My aunt had a ‘16 Avalon and when we took it to Washington/Montana we got low 30’s mpg at 80 mph. Plenty of power too.

Maybe with 25K miles it would be worth that cost. Just a lot of $ with no warranty's. Whats the car fax say?

That’s not how the car market works these days. These are $19k at a dealer plus taxes and fees, so minimum $21k-$22k. I’m OTD for $17k.

Carfax shows regular maintenance. The owner told me it’s never needed a repair before.

In the current market, $17K is reasonable for that ES 350 in that near pristine condition. While both are considered luxury brands, you will find the Lexus/Toyota experience to be a lot less stressful (and perhaps less exciting) than being a multiple time Genesis owner. My only concern would be with how well the pearl white paint will hold up over time. Hopefully, the past 11 years would have revealed any white paint adherence issues.

Ah, you’re right, it’s Starfire Pearl. I was thinking that was only with the plain white paint. Fingers crossed it holds up. It looks great now.

Not a sport sedan but should suit you perfectly. And perfect Arizona colors in and out too. Are you digging the chrome wheels?

I’m not much of a chrome guy, but it kinda works on this grandma car. I’ll polish them up some time. I’ve been inside for a bit and just walked outside to it, that white paint is blinding haha.

Nice buy OP. I assume no Mark Levinson? I tried zooming in for the logo but can't tell. Pretty rare option but thought I'd ask.

Unfortunately no. It seems to be really rare, I didn’t see it on any of the cars I was looking at.

 

[02SE]

Having recently reached near-oldman status, I'll send you a link for white New Balance Shoes, and white socks.