Why Buying a Lexus RX350h Makes More Sense Than Leasing
Are you considering a Lexus RX350h? You might be tempted by those attractive lease offers, but hold on! After crunching the numbers, it's clear that buying this luxury SUV could be a much smarter move. Let's dive into the details and see why the Lexus RX350h is a vehicle you'll want to own long-term.
The Lexus RX: A Leader in Reliability and Sales
Lexus has been crushing it lately. They've recently claimed the top spot in JD Power's dependability survey, cementing their reputation for reliability. The RX model, in particular, has been dominating sales charts:
In 2024, Lexus sold about 118,000 RX units
The next closest competitors? BMW with 72,000 and Mercedes with 67,000
It's clear that Lexus is doing something right with the RX. But here's where it gets interesting...
The Case for Buying vs. Leasing
Let's look at a specific example: a Lexus RX350h Premium AWD with an MSRP of $58,320. After some savvy negotiating (we're talking about 8% off MSRP), you could potentially get this beauty for around $53,654.
Financing Scenario
If you finance this amount at 4.9% for 60 months:
Monthly payment: $1,026
Total 5-year cost (including taxes and fees): $64,970
Estimated resale value after 5 years: $31,492
Leasing Scenario
Now, let's consider leasing:
36-month lease payment: $693 (not including tax)
Total 3-year cost: $28,308 to $30,858
At first glance, leasing might seem attractive. But here's the kicker: after three years of leasing, you're left with nothing to show for your $30,000 investment.
Why Buying Makes More Sense
Long-term Value: By financing, you'll own the vehicle after 5 years. Given Lexus's reputation for reliability, you could easily drive this car for 10+ years.
Resale Value: Lexus RX models hold their value exceptionally well. A 2020 RX450h with less than 60,000 miles is currently listing for about $37,000 on CarGurus.
No Mileage Restrictions: Unlike leasing, owning means no worrying about exceeding mileage limits.
Customization: Want to modify your RX? Go for it! When you own, you're free to make it truly yours.
The Current Market
It's worth noting that inventory for the RX is currently tight. Lexus has about 3,800 RXs available nationwide, with slightly more hybrids than gas models. This scarcity might make negotiating a bit trickier, but it also speaks to the model's popularity.
Conclusion: Think Long-term
While that $700 monthly lease payment might seem tempting, remember this: for about $300 more per month and two extra years, you could own this reliable, high-quality vehicle outright. The Lexus RX350h is a car built to last, so why not reap the benefits of ownership?
If you're in the market for a luxury SUV that combines reliability, performance, and long-term value, the Lexus RX350h should be at the top of your list. And when you're ready to buy, remember to negotiate hard – aim for that 7-9% discount off MSRP!
Have you had experience with Lexus vehicles? Are you considering buying or leasing an RX350h? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more detailed pricing information and negotiation tips, check out the video this post was based on. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more automotive insights!