CPO - Certified Pre-owned

Alright, I am a definite car guy and have written many reviews regarding many different things. I purchased two certified pre-owned vehicles from the family of dealerships and have this to say. Be patient, I always have a point!

Let me inform you by saying that Peoria Toyota and Lexus of Peoria have got to be two of the most professional and industry leading dealers in my area. I digress. The certified pre-owned program available from Lexus includes a free 3 year 100,000 mile warranty as well as a very strict set of guidelines that the dealer must abide by prior to qualification for certification.

After a year of owning a 2003 Camry, I decided that I wanted another vehicle. But what kind? Sport? No. BIG HONKIN’ SUV? No. What to do? What to do? I had a budget established and was determined to stick to it! Since I was so pleased with my Toyota purchase; which, btw, has not been in the shop once in almost 3 years now. I decided to head to the Lexy dealer next door. Boy, was I impressed. What a flippin’ line up! Sport sedans, luxo-truck things, ballsy motors with plenty to spare and the desire to be driven hard!

I started with the LX 470 and decided that was just to darned big for my taste. Additionally, I did not want a third row of seats under any circumstance. I just don’t need all that. Next, I took a peek at the GS and found that although extremely fun, I just don’t want all that speed under me. For giggles, I took a gander at the LS; which even CPO, just didn’t fit in to my budget. Finally, I found the most darling, sporty, economical, desirable vehicle on their lot: RX 300 Silversport.

Let me start by saying that I love my little RX. It is silver with the navigation system, HID headlamps, jeweled tails, heated front seats, reclining rears, cd changer, auto up/down windows and moonroof with anti-pinch feature and much, much more. I will start with the outside of the vehicle for you. Please try to remember that this is simply my opinion. I am totally biased!

The profile of the RX is stout and pleasing. Smooth lines, nothing sharp on the vehicle to poke your eye out or create a hazard. The green tint of the headlamps is truly elegant and smart. The almost flush door handles are easy to grab even with an arm full of children, children’s things or groceries. Roofline is right at eye level for anyone over 5㤓” and the standard 16” 5spoke wheels are simple yet sporty. The jeweled tail lamps (clear outer lens, tinted internal lamps) are sporty and sleek while maintaining high visibility and elegance. Standard roof rack and power antenna are easily missed when admiring the vehicle from afar or up close. I truly enjoy the Black pearl emblems on the front and rear of the vehicle. Standard mirror tinting on all rear windows is just incredible. By far, my favorite feature on the outside of the vehicle.

Before we go inside, one tiny, but totally awesome feature available with out even asking. Simply press the ‘unlock’ button and the driver’s door unlocks. Press twice and all doors unlock. Press and hold and all the windows on the vehicle will open including the moonroof – allowing you to vent the vehicle prior to entrance whether for heat or if uncle Bill had been sitting in there alone after last night’s chili! The same can be accomplished by inserting the key in either front door, inserting, turning and holding in the unlock position. Very, very clever. A quick beep indicates the vehicle is secure and two beeps and two flashes of the parking lights will indicate the vehicle is unlocked and ready for what you have for it!

Taking on the chores of running the kids to school, church, practice or the guys to the game, dinner and the bar is a 3.0 V6 all aluminum motor which is fast enough to get a ticket but smooth enough that you’ll be shocked when you get pulled over. It does not require premium fuel and is very consistent in providing 19mpg around town and up to 25 while on the highway! The motor is mounted to a 5 speed automatic transmission and full time All-Wheel Drive. Nice.

Inside you’ll find luxurious accommodations, including automatic climate control, auto up/down windows, bright gauges, beautiful trim, easily accessible controls and knobs for everything you would like to do quickly or on a regular basis. The anti-pinch feature is nice to help keep those of us who do many things while driving from shutting our hand, head or fingers in any of the windows including the moonroof. The main gauges are large and easy to read while maintaining a certain simplicity. Nothing complicated about this system at all. The automatic climate control is integrated to the navigation on all Lexus models (when equipped with Nav) and is a little obnoxious when trying to find out the outside temperature. The buttons are very smooth and easy to use and find. Although the navigation, while touch-screen operated, has a much smaller screen than I would have liked. Other than that, the dash and door panels are well appointed in leather and high quality polymers.

The leather and carpets are very plush. I dare to say that in a mass-production vehicle, such as the RX, quality has not been spared on accoutrements. The leather is super soft and after spending a couple minutes adjusting everything the way you like, the seat is just as comfortable as your easy chair or sofa at home. Although I do not recommend trying to fall asleep in this seat if you are operating the vehicle. The carpets are very easy to keep clean and repel stains well.

The Silversport came with aluminum trim instead of wood grains. I preferred the sporty prowess of the Silversport rather than the standard. Quite a treat!

Another treat would be the lack of blind spots. The placement of the windows on the RX coupled with properly positioned mirrors and driver allows very confident views of the road as well as any cargo you may be carrying, i.e. co-workers, boss, friends, groceries or most importantly to you, your children. Adding to the safety is the Standard Lexus Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), ABS, traction control and Electronically Controlled Transmission. These systems together provide a piece of mind that is invaluable! When you can get in your vehicle and go with out worrying about the little things, it makes the experience of driving less of a chore and more pleasurable for all!

As far as interior room goes, you’ll love the ample front leg and side room. The rear seat is very comfortable for two full-grown adults (over 6’) and plenty of cargo. Should you make the emergency trip to Ikea, you’ll have plenty of room for most large items. To date, we have hauled desks, bathroom items (stool and sink), bedroom items, etc with no hassles. The high quality of the floor covering and polymers in the rear provide excellent protection regarding inconsiderate items with sharp edges or dirty potted plants.

The point is that this vehicle satisfied and exceeded every requirement I had. It remained in budget while being sporty, efficient (my standard), appealing, spacious, luxurious and finally a Lexus.

Once you go Lexus, you never go back.