drfranklin

I'm currently evaluating several older Lexus models (looking at the GX470 as well) - I've found a local 2006 LS with 99K/2 owners - see listing here

Any comments from the forum experts? Clouded headlights (need to be restored) - ? XM antenna on trunk lid. I'm not sure why the Carfax is not available.

(my ideal LS430 is a '06, one-owner, grey or black interior, non-nav, no air susp, with regular maintenance records)

Yohimbo

Service history on this is probably the "tell" as to whether this is a decent price or not. The year model is desirable, as is the ML package. Miles are high for the price and I would most definitely want to know whether the timing belt and water pump were done. That's a good $1500 you can negotiate with them off the bat, if not.

warminwisc

Have em do all the fluids make sure the tires are newer and decent, belt has been done, is then a fair price from a dealer imo.

drfranklin

Thanks for the replies -

The Carfax lists 3 owners and Autocheck lists 2 owners - both evaluations look entirely different

Carfax states the drive belts were replaced but does that include the timing belt/water pump?

tallcaguy

For that price, I'd want a full service history. I just bought a Cypress Pearl 04 w/ Modern Luxury, leather upgrade. 102k miles, one owner, full dealer service history. ML amp replaced at 95k was a plus. Downside was worn tires and steering wheel doesn't telescope. Paid 13k

JffGRY706

auto check is better I think. My car had a clean Carfax when I bought it, NO ACCIDENTS, but auto check shows an accident 3 and a half years before I bought it. If the Carfax is free then it is worth the price.

Yohimbo

I don't think timing belt is included in drive belt replacement. Timing belt and water pump are entirely different procedures (and more expensive).

drfranklin

Thanks for the replies - I recently came upon a '05, low miles (27K), one owner for sale - see here - price seems high plus it's a bit of a drive for me - but, I will be going to Destin, FL in the next 2 weeks and Dothan, AL is en route. Any opinions on this one for sale?

Yohimbo

It looks like a base model...no UL package for sure. You may not care about the optional package and upgraded stereo system, but for the price it looks reasonable for the miles, just a bit more than I paid for my 05 UL with 28k.

tallcaguy

Sure the low miles are nice but you def pay a premium price! If the miles are so low, did it just sit? Sometimes driven short trips to the grocery store? Neither are particularly good for a car. Something w/ 80-90k (when many people sell because of the timing belt) is a lot less expensive. If it's been well maintained, still lots of life. Market price is 12-13.

Duck05

Go to the Lexus Drivers web site, register, and look up the service history for this car (I just did...). Maintained by "Jim Hudson Lexus, Columbia" and you will see all the work and events recorded.....

https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/

drfranklin

Duck, thank you...yes, I've been registered for months - however, within the past month, I haven't been able to log in (even with repeated password resets) - it just states, "Invalid User Credentials"

tallcaguy

I registered w/ Lexus Drivers. It worked for awhile then got "invalid user credentials" when I tried to log on. I set up access w/ a different email. So far, it works. This site was great for checking service on my recent 04 purchase.

Duck05

The site appeared to have changed from a selected User ID to forcing the members to use a valid email account. Now, you have to use a valid email account password combo to log in now.... I have three cars listed and added the one for Franklin to see the history. I already deleted it from my list......

drfranklin

I appreciate all the replies - to update from my first post: I'm still interested in a local 2006 LS (here is the specific information). The local Lexus dealer has confirmed that the timing belt has not been changed "yet" (per email today - not sure what "yet" specifically means) - I plan to test drive today or tomorrow.

The headlights need to be restored - also, I'm very concerned about a 10 year old Navi screen dying (as it controls other functions, not just navigation). Additionally, Autocheck and Carfax both list a different number of owners (not sure if this is a concern or just an error). I may take the recommendations above and negotiate all fluids changed/flushed, headlight restoration, and timing belt/water pump/tensioner/etc replaced as part of a package deal - anything else?

Honestly, I'd like to get this specific LS reduced $1-2K as this will be a near even trade with my '09 CR-V.