Almost there!!

[Chief2221]

1 hour ago, Malc said:

just as an aside I'd be thinking the garage vendor has plenty of leeway to offer you a good warranty ......... I'm thinking their purchase price might have been @£3k  .....but that configures with whatever the deal might have been done with the seller, if it was a p/ex or not 

.......... possibly going to be nigh impossible for you to determine the veracity of it all 

 

Good luck whatever 

Malc

Thankyou Malc. I’ve received excellent advice on this forum and so very grateful. Will be an interesting chat on Friday!

[Chief2221]

1 hour ago, royoftherovers said:

An important question Jim.

He may say there is no warranty on a car with such mileage, in which case walk away.

He may say 3 or perhaps 6 months in which case you will have to make a decision.In my view £7.2k for a 240,000 mile car is too much. By way of an example, I have owned from new a 255,000 miles E Class Merc Estate for which WBAC has offered me £155 !   I aint sellin !

The price however has to be one with which you and only you,are comfortable. I am of the view that if you are buying from a Dealer, and it seems that you are, then, regardless of the price you pay in this instance, he is legally responsible under the 2015 Consumer Rights Act, for any significant problem which occurs within 6 months of your purchase. Some Dealers play fair and others don`t.

Do keep us all informed.

I meant to say, when I spoke with Lexus Canterbury this morning I asked her what she thought of the price bearing mind she had its service record in front of her and she said she would expect it to retail at 8k, which made me think I was onto a winner!! Mmm, perhaps not so but Friday will be interesting! I shall keep you all updated. 

[Moleman]

4 minutes ago, Chief2221 said:

I meant to say, when I spoke with Lexus Canterbury this morning I asked her what she thought of the price bearing mind she had its service record in front of her and she said she would expect it to retail at 8k, which made me think I was onto a winner!! Mmm, perhaps not so but Friday will be interesting! I shall keep you all updated. 

Have a look at Auto trader, gives a good indication to compare.

[Mr Vlad]

John. The only expert transmission specialist, which I've mentioned in the gen2 is section within gearbox oil change, is in Leigh. Can't remember their name but they do auto box work on Ferrari, Porche, Rollers, Jags, basketball all top end motors with gearboxes that cost 2-3 times more than our 'old' cars.

[Malc]

Jim, maybe ask a auction house for a possible likely sale value too ?

Malc

[royoftherovers]

34 minutes ago, Mr Vlad said:

John. The only expert transmission specialist, which I've mentioned in the gen2 is section within gearbox oil change, is in Leigh. Can't remember their name but they do auto box work on Ferrari, Porche, Rollers, Jags, basketball all top end motors with gearboxes that cost 2-3 times more than our 'old' cars.

ok Vlad, thanks.

I only  mentioned Thamessside Transmissions because Matt of High Peak spoke highly of them.

I had a search last night for Reviews and whilst there were one or two unsatisfactory ones usually not related to quality of work completed or Technical Competence, the vast majority were complementary and related to quality of work completed and value for money.

[Chief2221]

Just an update….spoke with TT in Manchester and they said they wouldn’t be able to offer an oil change so spoke with Lex Tek in Sheffield. Very knowledgeable and helpful and he (Davey) said this model can have both front and rear oil changed and at this mileage he would recommend it. Said he has lots of customers with older RX’s who have it carried out. Cost is exceptionally reasonable (under £200) so if the sums are right tomorrow than I shall be visiting Sheffield!

Also spoke with 2 auction houses and both were reluctant to offer a ball park figure on what they think it could be sold for as it’s unpredictable depending upon the customers on the day. But thankyou for prompting me to ask.

Fingers crossed I can get some sort of deal tomorrow. Thankyou all again. 

[royoftherovers]

3 hours ago, Chief2221 said:

Just an update….spoke with TT in Manchester and they said they wouldn’t be able to offer an oil change so spoke with Lex Tek in Sheffield. Very knowledgeable and helpful and he (Davey) said this model can have both front and rear oil changed and at this mileage he would recommend it. Said he has lots of customers with older RX’s who have it carried out. Cost is exceptionally reasonable (under £200) so if the sums are right tomorrow than I shall be visiting Sheffield!

Also spoke with 2 auction houses and both were reluctant to offer a ball park figure on what they think it could be sold for as it’s unpredictable depending upon the customers on the day. But thankyou for prompting me to ask.

Fingers crossed I can get some sort of deal tomorrow. Thankyou all again. 

Thanks for the update Jim. It is appreciated. Full marks to Lex Tek.

[Malc]

Jim .  how about trying WBAC and those others for a buy-in price as another guide

Malc

[Chief2221]

48 minutes ago, Malc said:

Jim .  how about trying WBAC and those others for a buy-in price as another guide

Malc

Hi Malc, I’ve tried WBAC and a couple of others and the quotes are around 5.5k so there’s certainly wiggle room. I think if I can get a 6 month warranty and get him to around 6.8 ish, I’d be a lot happier particularly now I know the transmission oil can be changed. Mileage aside, it’s difficult to find a quality vehicle with such a steadfast and comprehensive service history and in such good condition too. Problem is I’ve always wanted one of these and there lies the problem(!)  -  I mustn’t let my heart rule my head!! 
 

best, Jim

[Moleman]

20 minutes ago, Chief2221 said:

Hi Malc, I’ve tried WBAC and a couple of others and the quotes are around 5.5k so there’s certainly wiggle room. I think if I can get a 6 month warranty and get him to around 6.8 ish, I’d be a lot happier particularly now I know the transmission oil can be changed. Mileage aside, it’s difficult to find a quality vehicle with such a steadfast and comprehensive service history and in such good condition too. Problem is I’ve always wanted one of these and there lies the problem(!)  -  I mustn’t let my heart rule my head!! 
 

best, Jim

That sounds better, if you can get a 6 month warranty and a price under £6.5K, then you may have found the car you have always wanted. Good luck.

[Malc]

gearbox on 240k should hopefully be ok  ....  mine's done 238k now ..  a different beast I know and I did have a partial oil change some years back ..........  it's a Lexus ....  you should think to go forward with a degree of confidence ( hopefully ) 

Good luck today whatever you decide to do

Malc

[Chief2221]

Hello all, well, gravely disappointed to inform you I am not the owner of an RX 450h!!  3 hours travelling time (one way), and when we arrived it was already prepped for us.  Chap told us to go and inspect and take our time, key was already inside and when we were ready we could take it out.  So far, so good......however, as we got closer, I noticed the bodywork was nowhere near immaculate.  Yes, 12 years old and 240k but, it had been keyed along the drivers side, down to the metal, same on passengers side but only half way.  lots of blemishes and scuffs where the owner had scraped both rear sides (behind the wheels) down to the metal.  Alloys were good as were tyres.  A large piece of the paintwork, probably double the size of a 50p had been taken off down to the metal on the drivers door and just had some touch up paint put on it which didn't match.  There was also sun damage on the paintwork which I was surprised at (on the front and sides) and patches on both sides above the wheel arches.  Inside, well, there had been DVDs behind the headrests and apparently, the owner wanted to take them with him so he removed them and left two gaping holes in the leather - as in, they had been cut out.  No attempt to make good.  I explained my disappointment at driving such a distance without being told of these issues, don't get me wrong, I expected some blemishes but not the amount that was on the vehicle.  (I would rate it cosmetically as poor.)  So, down to business, my mind had already been made up by this time and the younger chap seemed genuinely apologetic but the older chap who I suspect was the owner offered £100 and a 3 month warranty and was reluctant to budge stating it had a full history!  After some haggling he reduced it to 7k.  I said thankyou very much and walked away.   None of the pictures that were sent highlighted any of the issues and 'implied' it was in excellent condition throughout which is what I told him.  Very disappointed but hasn't put me off.  Vehicle wise, it was everything I hoped it would be, comfortable an all the bells and whistles (and more I could want).   Just to say thankyou all for your help and advice, it really is appreciated.

If you know of any specialists (remember I'm new to the brand!) who dabble in the second hand market, I'd appreciate any pointers.  I'm happy to drive nationwide for the right vehicle.  Back to my trusted 400k S60 for the time being lol!

[Malc]

I should have thought to have suggested that the vendor maybe did you a close-up video walk around of the car .............  that should have highlighted much of what you've sadly experienced 

I did this with a guy on here the other day selling a rare Gs460 ......  his suggestion about the video ...........  that showed up a little too much that I wouldn't wish to cope with ......  and saved me a loooong and fruitless 900 mile round trip to bonny Scotland

Malc

[royoftherovers]

 

I`m so sorry to read your latest update Jim,but pleased that you have not been relieved of a considerable sum by a crooked man-the sort that give car dealers a bad name. A thoroughly bad person.

Tell us your max budget for an RX450h and we`ll all keep our eyes peeled for you.

On 5/12/2022 at 9:20 AM, Chief2221 said:

Just an update….spoke with TT in Manchester and they said they wouldn’t be able to offer an oil change so spoke with Lex Tek in Sheffield. Very knowledgeable and helpful and he (Davey) said this model can have both front and rear oil changed and at this mileage he would recommend it. Said he has lots of customers with older RX’s who have it carried out. Cost is exceptionally reasonable (under £200) so if the sums are right tomorrow than I shall be visiting Sheffield!

Also spoke with 2 auction houses and both were reluctant to offer a ball park figure on what they think it could be sold for as it’s unpredictable depending upon the customers on the day. But thankyou for prompting me to ask.

Fingers crossed I can get some sort of deal tomorrow. Thankyou all again. 

Thanks for the update Jim. It is appreciated. Full marks to Lex Tek.

[Chief2221]

24 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

 

I`m so sorry to read your latest update Jim,but pleased that you have not been relieved of a considerable sum by a crooked man-the sort that give car dealers a bad name. A thoroughly bad person.

Tell us your max budget for an RX450h and we`ll all keep our eyes peeled for you.

Thanks for the update Jim. It is appreciated. Full marks to Lex Tek.

Thanks John that’s kind.  Max budget is 9k. (Would consider a GS too!)

[Chief2221]

30 minutes ago, Malc said:

I should have thought to have suggested that the vendor maybe did you a close-up video walk around of the car .............  that should have highlighted much of what you've sadly experienced 

I did this with a guy on here the other day selling a rare Gs460 ......  his suggestion about the video ...........  that showed up a little too much that I wouldn't wish to cope with ......  and saved me a loooong and fruitless 900 mile round trip to bonny Scotland

Malc

Ahh, no problem Malc, I should have thought too but I’ve learnt a lesson from it! Glad you saved yourself a 900 mile trip!

[Mr Vlad]

What a bummer. That stealer ooops dealer needs naming and shaming.

[royoftherovers]

5 hours ago, Chief2221 said:

Thanks John that’s kind.  Max budget is 9k. (Would consider a GS too!)

Keep looking in "Cars for Sale" section which is below each of the Forums on the Forum page. Members advertise their cars there.

[Spacewagon52]

I have travelled some distances to buy cars and have had the same experience. You try to cover all the bases before travelling. When I travel to see a car, I view it as a day out. I am then not as disappointed! Buying "locally" is by far the best but with Lexus cars you often need to travel to find the one you want at the price you are prepared to pay. Buying a Focus or Fiesta is much easier, as there are so many about.

The prices for these cars, compared with 18 months ago are very high. If your Volvo is reliable and will pass the MOT, keep it for now. If you are determined to buy a Lexus, have you considered the RX 400h? You may get an older car but in better condition.

 

Just my thoughts. Please keep us all updated on your search. Good luck Jim.

 

 

[Spock66]

19 hours ago, Chief2221 said:

After some haggling he reduced it to 7k.  I said thankyou very much and walked away.

I think you did the right thing and dodged a bullet.

My suggestion would be save up a bit more if possible, yes it will cost you more up front but potentially a very large saving in repair bills. Even if the car had been much better cosmetically at 240k miles there is no knowing what repairs you may face in the future. I know there are owners on this forum with mega miles cars but I think keeping and owning a car at high mileage that you have owned for a long period is a different proposition to buying a high miler.

[Chief2221]

3 hours ago, Spacewagon52 said:

I have travelled some distances to buy cars and have had the same experience. You try to cover all the bases before travelling. When I travel to see a car, I view it as a day out. I am then not as disappointed! Buying "locally" is by far the best but with Lexus cars you often need to travel to find the one you want at the price you are prepared to pay. Buying a Focus or Fiesta is much easier, as there are so many about.

The prices for these cars, compared with 18 months ago are very high. If your Volvo is reliable and will pass the MOT, keep it for now. If you are determined to buy a Lexus, have you considered the RX 400h? You may get an older car but in better condition.

 

Just my thoughts. Please keep us all updated on your search. Good luck Jim.

 

 

Thankyou, actually, we stopped in London for a bite to eat for lunch so not completely wasted!!  Again, excellent advice, many thanks.  The Volvo is reliable but she needs the cam belt renewed on the next service in a couple of months plus a major service, so the plan was to replace her before hand but, these things happen and if we can't find another suitable than as you say, we'll save a bit more and wait for the right one to come along.

[Chief2221]

1 hour ago, Spock66 said:

I think you did the right thing and dodged a bullet.

My suggestion would be save up a bit more if possible, yes it will cost you more up front but potentially a very large saving in repair bills. Even if the car had been much better cosmetically at 240k miles there is no knowing what repairs you may face in the future. I know there are owners on this forum with mega miles cars but I think keeping and owning a car at high mileage that you have owned for a long period is a different proposition to buying a high miler.

Absolutely this....

[Chief2221]

3 minutes ago, Chief2221 said:

Thankyou, actually, we stopped in London for a bite to eat for lunch so not completely wasted!!  Again, excellent advice, many thanks.  The Volvo is reliable but she needs the cam belt renewed on the next service in a couple of months plus a major service, so the plan was to replace her before hand but, these things happen and if we can't find another suitable than as you say, we'll save a bit more and wait for the right one to come along.

We have had a look at the 400 too but I just can't get comfortable!  The drivers chair doesn't go back as far as I need it too (fairly tall) and I find my knees are almost at the steering wheel.  There are some cracking 400h's out there, I just need to shrink slightly!!