Where can I find the best deals on used Lexus RX models?

Question

Ive been looking at CarGurus and Autotrader for weeks now trying to find a decent RX 350 but the prices are just stupid right now. I saw some people online saying to check private sellers on Facebook Marketplace to save on dealer fees but honestly every listing I see looks like a scam or the car is totally trashed.

My logic was that a 2017 or 2018 would be down to like 22k by now but everything I find within 100 miles of Dallas is closer to 30k even with 100k miles on it. I need this car by next month for my new commute and my 25k budget is getting me nowhere. Are there specific regions or maybe certain sites Im missing that arent just the big corporate ones? I feel like Im hitting a wall...

njkijwkeny · Accepted Answer

Honestly, Dallas is a tough spot for Lexus deals because every commuter wants one for that smooth ride. I spent months hunting for a 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport a while back and had the exact same sticker shock. Lexus resale value is basically a cult... it barely drops even with high mileage. I would suggest checking the classifieds on ClubLexus or looking at smaller towns 200 miles away from the DFW area. Prices in the city are always inflated. But man, be careful with those deals on Facebook. I almost pulled the trigger on a cheap one that turned out to have a washed title from hurricane damage. If your budget is firm, you might want to consider a 2015 Lexus RX 350 AWD instead. It is the older body style, but it actually fits your price range without the scam risk.

ElvenShadow · Answer

Check ClubLexus classifieds for private sales and the Lexus Drivers portal for history. You might wanna consider a Lexus RX 350 2015 AWD to actually stay within your 25k budget.

ytipzoxyyv · Answer

Just saw this. Honestly, the 2017-2022 generation is holding its value way too well for a 25k budget in Texas. Unfortunately, I've seen too many people buy these at that price point only to find out they have structural issues or the adaptive cruise control sensors are shot from a cheap bumper repair. The technical reality is that the Lexus RX 350 3.5L V6 uses the 2GR-FKS engine which is basically a tank. Because of that reliability, the depreciation curve is almost flat once they hit five years old. If you are stuck at 25k, you might have to look at these options:

Search the ClubLexus forum classifieds instead of Marketplace. You actually get real service records there from enthusiasts.

Look into the Toyota Venza 2.5L Hybrid AWD from 2021. It shares the TNGA-K platform and might be closer to your price if you find a high-mileage one, though it is smaller.

Try looking at listings in San Antonio or even Oklahoma City. DFW has a massive markup on luxury SUVs that is just not as good as other regions.

Consider dropping back to a late 2015 model. You lose the 4th gen styling but you get a more realistic price for the same reliability. The market is just frustrating right now and I dont see the RX dropping soon. The inventory for a clean 4th gen at that price just isnt there.