I'm planning to purchase a used 1999 GS300 - 30 to 50k miles. Most
likely from the dealer. Would appreciate advice from anyone who's
made a similar purchase recently or would have insight into the
process:

* How much were you able to negotiate the dealer down (pls include
year & miles)
* What's the markup on Certified cars - how does that affect price
* How were you treated on your trade-in

Also, with the special used Lexus financing in effect, does that put
more pressure on the dealer to move units this month?

Pls e-mail a1andy (AT) aol (DOT) com. Many thanks!

a1andy (AT) aol (DOT) com (Andy) wrote in message news:<68b4b0c3.0307202209.4b218362 (AT) posting (DOT) google.com>...

When I was with my son last year and he was buying a used 2000 ES, the
dealer offered to certify it for $850. Since it had only 16K on it and
2 1/2 years left on the warranty he passed. So I would think that the
$850 is about the cost of certified over non certified.

I've seen certified 99 GS300 for 22,995 - 26995 with around 45-55 k
miles.

a1andy (AT) aol (DOT) com (Andy) wrote in message news:<68b4b0c3.0307202209.4b218362 (AT) posting (DOT) google.com>...
Also many certified Lexus are available with the 1.9% Lexus financing.

You are right about the extended warranty on a Lexus or Toyota, not really
worth it. When we bought our 2 year old '02 Lexus from a Lexus dealer I
negotiated a price then told the salesman I wanted the 6 year extended
warranty (in other words, another 2 years past the 4 year standard warranty)
for no additional charge. He hemmed and hawed, but I said I'd walk otherwise
(and meant it), so he gave it to me.

The only warranty claim I ever made was for a broken bracket in one seat,
and that happened within the original warranty period. Zero claims during
the extended warranty period - and the only thing that went wrong since was
an oxygen sensor that went south and I had to pay $150 to replace.

I know this is just one data point, but it testifies to excellent
Toyota/Lexus reliability and makes me question whether an extended warranty
is worth paying for at all. Getting it for "free" is another matter.

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"Iona Camry" <ionacamry (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote