one wolf

So I bought the 08 IS350 new in 07 - loved every second of it. But my then 6- and 8-year olds are now 12- and 14-year olds - the latter is now taller than me and the former is on track to pass me even sooner. So the back seat in the IS has become an issue. I'm only 5'8" and wife is 5'6" so the front has always been fine for us - not sure where the kids growth spurt is coming from - 14 year old is already 5' 9".

Anyway, I've been looking out for a similarly appointed LS460 to replace it with for quite a while. I have a line on one now but it's an hour away. I have seen a couple locally so I know what I'm looking at but would appreciate any last minute advice on specific things to look for on this one, and also feedback on price:

It's an 08 LS460 - not sure which options but it does have ML - that was a prerequisite for me. I love it in my IS.

It is a Leith dealer in the southeast but not a lexus dealer so it's not CPO.

70k miles. It was an auction car. Would appear to be trade-in or off lease but impossible to know for sure I think. Clean carfax, appears to have had regular maintenance, no major repairs done by dealer before putting it on the lot other than thorough inspection, fluids, etc. Car is from Florida.

I will test drive it hard like I am apt to drive it, and know what to listen and look for. Other than that, anything specific I should look at, listen for, or ask about?

I have them down to $31 for the LS and will give me $23 for the IS. Sound fair and reasonable?

Should I get an extended warrantee that will cover the ML and what would a reasonable price for that be?

Thanks so much in advance for any help.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Personally, I think CPO is a smart choice for the 460's. Especially, if you are spending 30 grand. They are great cars and besides the valve train issue the major components are solid. It's all the gadgets and suspension that will come back and bite you. Part cost is still rather high.

I would look for a single owner with full service history CPO. Worth it. You can also find low mileage 430's, which are more reliable and less money for upkeep. Good luck and be picky!

one wolf

Thank you. Good advice I agree, just easier said than done. I've been watching local dealers and by owners (and craigslist) for almost a year now - a 460 with <75k miles, colors I require, ML I require, less than $32k are actually very few and far between. Throw in CPO and I haven't seen any yet.

Is there an extended warranty option that will cover the valve train and also gadgets?

one wolf

Yes but they look and feel like grampa cars and I'm not there yet!

The 460 body upgrade, particularly the front end, was a serious upgrade for Lexus IMO.

grondie

For the miles and vintage I would second waiting for a CPO car. I just did a quick search around here and there are a couple of cars with less than 50k miles that are close to $32k - probably would be able to talk them close enough anyway. And these are 09's and 10's. 460's can be a lot more to repair if something does go wrong than an IS. Best of luck with your search, the 460 is a wonderful car.

one wolf

A couple of CPO 460's with <50k miles for $32k? Around where are you located?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Check this out:

http://www.lcpo.com/VehicleSearchRes...maxPrice=40000

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Grandpa.... lol. I'm only 35. Ah well, I love my 430 UL.

Nospinzone

I would go to Edmunds.com and plug in all the particulars on your IS and the 460 and see if you are getting a good deal.

As for the extended warranty I don't think that car will qualify for the Lexus platinum warranty. If you can't find a CPO, I'd look for one that at least qualifies for the Lexus warranty.

I8ABMR

I bought my LS non CPO and had no issues with it other than vibration but that came from the aftermarket larger 22" tires that were defective. If you can CPO may be a little safer . Either way I would say always get the warranty extended if its still under the original warranty ( prob not) or you can get a non Lexus warranty.

ryan78

iTrader: (2)

Not certain where in NC you are, but there is a Blue and Cashmere AWD with air suspension and 63k miles at the Land Rover dealer in Wilmington. Asking price is 33k

http://www.landrovernc.com/used/Lexu...3a7c663d13.htm

I would consider this one for myself since I am looking as well, but it is AWD and that is not a path I want to travel again - I have AWD on my GS and it does not like suspension modification. If that is not a concern for you, I would recommend having a look. I did not have a chance to test drive, but it looked clean when I had a walk around.

LXurious

As stated above go CPO any car above 25 grand used I would go for it its simply the more reasonable choice. Ive had no issues with my car other than the amp failure but its still worth it to me the peace of mind as well. You will love the 460 it gets the same 0-60 as your IS just not as nimble but hey with your family in the car who wants to race anyways?

one wolf

Thanks for all the feedback.

So these guys have come down on price enough now to make it worth assuming the risk of non-CPO. That is good but... one thing I noticed during the test drive was a little vibration, very subtle and not 100% reproducible but maybe 50% of the time and only for an instant each time - it happened when braking once the car was down to about 25-30 mph. Most typically it would occur when braking to turn a corner for example.

Doing some searching in this forum and others, I wonder now is this the brake actuator problem - in fact I can't imagine it's not. Since it has 70k miles and no longer under Lexus warranty, I would want the seller to repair this even though he's not a Lexus dealer (kia dealership but it's a megamall dealership with 5 different brands - each with its own service shop). Rather than just tell them "fix the brake vibration" it seems like i might as well tell them we can probably be 90%+ confident that it's the actuator - and fix is new actuator, bleed the system carefully, and turn the rotors. This seem like a reasonable ask of them before buying the car?

Also I listened carefully for wind noise, particularly at highway speeds - I didn't notice anything but then again I usually listen to loud music so I'm not sure I would know what I'm supposed to hear with the radio turned off.

Any other big 2008 LS Issues I might double/triple check?