danwink

Hello everyone. Nice website.


I am considering the purchase of a used Lexus LS or possibly SC. I have owned a couple of used luxury cars from Europe (audi V8 and Saab 9_3) and was burned by both cars very expensive and regular breakdowns. I am looking for a car that will run for a long time and won't have all of the little problems that the European cars seem to suffer.

Please share any problem areas with Lexus as well as certain models / years you enjoy. I would probably prefer the 4 door LS but the SC4 might be acceptable. I don't think the V6 300's would provide enough performance for me.

GA400

I would strongly suggest doing a forum search on the models and years you are considering. Set aside some time to read all the posts before you go look at the vehicles, then you will know what to look for. In any event, the Lexus models across the spectrum have led the JD Power ratings and Consumer Reports ratings for reliability with few exceptions.

Good Luck!

GA400

danwink

I found this info on the web, does it seem about right? Some things (Like Alternator for 700) seem a bit high, others pretty normal.




Average Replacement Cost
A/C Compressor $1,430
Alternator $735
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,380
Brakes $210
Radiator $675
Shocks and/or Struts $500
Timing Chain or Belt $290
Universal Joints $1,125

GA400

The repair prices seem about average to me. It was a surprise to me too until someone pointed out that you can expect the parts off a $50,000 dollar car to cost quite a bit more than the parts off the domestic cars I was used to. Some of these parts, such as the A/C compressor and power steering pump (not mentioned but a common problem), can be rebuilt instead of replaced, usually for far less.

GA400

gebo

Consumer Reports has their annual "auto" issue every April. They review new and used cars with all types of repair history, customer satisfaction, etc.