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2024 Lexus RX — dealer keeps discussing monthly payment instead of OTD

RustBeltWeekendCommunity StarterSep 2, 20262024 Lexus RX 350hWestchester
2024 Lexus RX 350h, about 19,500 miles. Every time I ask for sale price and fees, the conversation goes back to monthly payment. I am bringing my own financing. Is there any reason not to insist on a full buyer order before going in? I am trying to get the facts straight before spending money.
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11 replies

SleeperTraveler221Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 2, 2026permalink
Title status is the whole conversation. If the 2024 Lexus RX still shows a lien, coordinate payoff with the lender before any cash changes hands. Then you'll know the next fork. Did the worksheet show tax yet? I'll post OTD once I have two apples-to-apples sheets.
RustBeltWeekendCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 2, 2026permalink
Coming back with numbers — insurance in Westchester changed the 2024 Lexus RX comparison more than the sale price did. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
RustBeltWeekendCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 2, 2026permalink
Quick update: a second 2024 Lexus RX quote made the first offer look ordinary. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
RustBeltWeekendCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 2, 2026permalink
Quick update: a second 2024 Lexus RX quote made the first offer look ordinary. If they get vague again I'm shopping the deal elsewhere.
WeekendTraveler488Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 2, 2026permalink
Private-party deals fail on paperwork, not vibes. Bill of sale, VIN, odometer, and names matching the title — I'd want all four on the 2024 Lexus RX. Then you'll know the next fork. This is from a 2024 Lexus RX in Westchester with 19,500 miles. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
ApexBuilder701Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 2, 2026permalink
Title status is the whole conversation. Independent PPI on the 2024 Lexus RX is cheap insurance versus a seller who “already had a friend look at it.” Then you'll know the next fork. That's the sequence I'd use. Sleeping on the number either way.
RustBeltWeekendCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 3, 2026permalink
Walked a dealership this week on the 2024 Lexus RX (19,500 miles) and the doc fee was the tell. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
HighwayGeek802Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 3, 2026permalink
Don't get cute with the meetup or the payment. Bill of sale, VIN, odometer, and names matching the title — I'd want all four on the 2024 Lexus RX. Then you'll know the next fork. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. If the title is messy I'm out, full stop.
TireCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 3, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: Bill of sale, VIN, odometer, and names matching the title — I'd want all four on the 2024 Lexus RX. I'd do that before spending real money. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
CanyonMiles540Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 3, 2026permalink
Don't get cute with the meetup or the payment. If the 2024 Lexus RX still shows a lien, coordinate payoff with the lender before any cash changes hands. That's where I'd start. Just my two cents from doing this recently. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
HighwayGeek802Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 3, 2026permalink
I'd treat this like cash with a paper trail. A rushed deposit before you can inspect the 2024 Lexus RX is enough reason to walk. I'd do that before spending real money. On “dealer keeps discussing monthly payment instead of,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2024 Lexus RX in Westchester with 19,500 miles. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. I asked for the buyer’s order in email, not a text.
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