Lexus extends used-car program

LEXUS has broadened its certified pre-owned vehicle program, which could now cover most of its vehicles sold in Australia.

More than 25,000 pre-owned Lexus vehicles qualify under the program – which includes a special used vehicle warranty available through 20 dealerships.

The new program applies to all Lexus vehicles less than eight years old that have covered less than 120,000km.

Any purchaser of a certified pre-owned Lexus not only has warranty protection but also some special customer services that are popular with owners.

Free pick-up and delivery of the customer’s car when it needs service or the provision of a loan car are two of the benefits.

Lexus Australia divisional manager Scott Grant said the program was designed to bring more people into the Lexus family.

"Our motto is to treat our customers as if they were guests in our own home and, once people have experienced the truth of that statement, they tend to stay with us," he said.

Lexus has operated a certified pre-owned program for some time, but only on select models.

A vehicle qualities if it has serviced by a Lexus dealer and has an up-to-date log book.

"There are a few exclusions, for example that it must not have been used as a taxi or for driver training – but our experience is that such uses are quite rare," Mr Grant said.

The warranty coverage included in the Lexus certified pre-owned package offers owners coverage for 24 months or until the vehicle reaches 180,000km.

"The scope of the program is extraordinary," Mr Grant said. "At this moment, in terms of the age limit, it potentially embraces every IS200 ever sold in Australia and it certainly covers every one of our top-selling RX330 SUVs.

"That means a lot of potential first-time customers are going to be able to experience Lexus through pre-owned vehicle acquisition with the assurance of a very comprehensive warranty as part of their purchase."Participating dealers are required to undertake a 68-point inspection and rectification program to ensure the certified vehicle complies.

Every customer receives an identification card, which can be used at Lexus dealers nationally to ensure service is carried out under the warranty.