Buying a car that holds its value makes financial sense whether you’re shopping for a new luxury vehicle or in the market for a used model. Most Americans own their cars for an average of eight years. However, the savvy buyer will tell you to buy, trade-in, or sell a luxury model before then to capitalize on its resale value.
You’re in a good spot whether you’re considering a Lexus as your next purchase or you own one already. Lexus has a well-earned reputation for building quality vehicles that hold more value longer than other brands. This article highlights the cars and SUVs that make buying a Lexus a good investment and selling one a profitable effort.
What Affects Resale Value?
Many factors contribute to a vehicle’s resale value. As a general rule, mileage, age, and condition tend to top the list.
Mileage
Mileage tells you how far the car has been driven. On average, Americans drive around 12,000 miles a year. So, if you find a 3-year-old vehicle with less than 36,000 miles, you can consider it above average in terms of miles driven.
Age
Age is also a factor, but you should consider the mileage when assessing a vehicle’s age. For example, a 5-year-old vehicle with 60,000 miles would be right on average. But a 5-year-old vehicle with 40,000 miles has less wear and tear and is thus considered a better investment. Conversely, a 5-year-old vehicle with 80,000 miles has been driven much more than the average, which affects its longevity and value.
Condition
The condition of a vehicle also affects its value, but evaluating the condition can be more subjective than precise. In any case, if a car is deemed in excellent condition, you can ask for top dollar when selling. If you’re buying the same excellent vehicle, you can expect to spend more to purchase it.
Driving Style
A frequently overlooked aspect of mileage, age, and condition is how a vehicle was driven. For instance, driving a car in stop-and-go traffic puts additional strain on the engine, transmission, brakes, and steering systems. It may be in excellent condition to the naked eye, but the mechanical systems have endured significant wear and tear.
On the other hand, a car primarily used for highway commutes tends to have less wear and tear on these systems. As a result, the mechanical systems are in better shape.
Unfortunately, the online valuation tools that assess vehicles don’t consider how a car was driven, so you need to ask questions about driving habits before you buy or present your vehicle for sale.
Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship refers to the quality and reliability of a vehicle. Mechanically speaking, vehicles that were built better perform at their peaks for longer. And vehicles made from superior interior materials and design last longer and retain their beauty and appeal better than vehicles built with less expensive materials and a poor design.
Good craftsmanship is what gives brands like Lexus an advantage over other manufacturers. Thoughtful interiors with premium materials and cutting-edge technology add long-term value. A powertrain that has proven to perform better than other cars over time also adds appeal.
Lexus Vehicles With the Highest Resale Value
If you’re buying or selling a Lexus, you already know you’ll pay or receive more as part of the deal. However, here’s a list of Lexus vehicles that top the charts in resale value.
Lexus IS
The Lexus IS sedan offers buyers an opportunity to enter the luxury market at a reasonable price. Voted “Best Resale Value” for an entry-level luxury car by Kelley Blue Book for 2022, the IS sedan delivers sleek style, a high-quality cabin experience, and impressive driving dynamics. The models in its 300, 350, and 500 series give you performance options to suit your driving style.
For example, the base-model IS has a 241-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine, or you can opt for the V-6 engine that generates 260 horsepower. The IS 350 F-Sport Design trim has a V-6 engine that produces 311 horsepower with a sport-tuned suspension system.
Choosing the IS 500 F-Sport Design gets you a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that puts out 472 horsepower for a truly exhilarating ride. The Premium variant adds features such as a 10.3-inch touch screen, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound audio system, and triple-beam headlights.
Lexus LS
If you like a full-size sedan, you’ll love the Lexus LS. With the Lexus LS, you get the spacious cabin you need with the curb appeal you desire and the performance you demand. Lexus makes the LS sedan in three trims. The entry-level model LS 500 has a V-6 engine with twin turbochargers that puts out 416 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
Choosing the LS 500 F Sport adds exterior performance style, sport-bolstered front seats, and an instrumentation system that delivers performance metrics as you drive. Lexus also offers the LS 500 in an all-wheel-drive mild-hybrid system that delivers top performance on normal and slippery surfaces.
Lexus LX
SUVs continue to gain market share in the industry, and the Lexus LX has the resale market cornered. Lexus makes the LX in five attractive trims. The base model LX 600 has a twin-turbo V-6 engine that makes 409 horsepower and features a full-time four-wheel drive. The Premium version adds an adaptive suspension system, power rear door with kick sensor, and seating for seven.
The Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling model has sport-inspired front and rear fascias, 22-inch trim-exclusive alloy wheels, and a Torsen limited-slip differential system. Opting for the Lexus LX 600 Luxury model gets you semi-aniline leather seats, 22-inch forged alloy wheels, and a 25-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.
As you might expect, the LX 600 Ultra Luxury trim delivers the pinnacle of premium interiors. A four-seat configuration features massaging captain’s chairs in the second row, a reclining rear seat with a sliding ottoman, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Find a Lexus in San Jose With the Highest Resale Value
Whether buying or selling, Lexus of Stevens Creek should be your first and only stop. We have the most expansive inventory of new and used Lexus vehicles with top resale values. You can start by shopping our virtual inventory online. Once you find a car you like, you can visit our Stevens Creek Boulevard dealership. One of our friendly, professional staff members will show you your preferred vehicle and let you take it for a test drive.
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