robert1408

My folks buy a new LS every five years and the kids take turns on who gets first choice on the used car. We can buy the car at the trade in price and process the sale through the dealer. It is my turn now. The folks are planning to trade their silver '07 LS460 with grey interior and 31k this spring. It has the nav and ML sound package and the regular comfort package. I am hoping that the few small rock chips and our good friend, Mr. Depreciation might drive the trade-in value down to the 25-28k range by spring, but I'll have to wait to see.

Normally, I wouldn't be interested in a car like this. However, six months of driving the '97 LS400 I bought from my sister (yep, a family heirloom) has given me a real fondness for this type of car. A few long road trips is all it takes!

If it works out that I can buy the '07, it will still be inside the original power train warranty untill the end of 2012. Since these cars are seriously complex, I would try to get a Lexus extended warranty. I do not know what , if any recall or TSB's have been done on this car. I drove it some in May of this year and it was really quiet, no unusual wind noise. Drove very straight, no pulling. The folks had just put new tires on, Michelin MXM4's. I am going to use the search function before asking any questions, but believe me, I've got a bunch of 'em!

Mikey100

Welcome. This is a wonderful place to relax, make Good Friends, and learn a lot - quickly.

By the way, your potential "deal" sounds spectacular. Good Luck in bringing it home ! It'll make for a most cheery Christmas for you.

Mikey Lulejian - Lake Oconee,. GA

PRSUIT460

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like a good deal to me!

I8ABMR

You will be very very happy with the car. The warranty is a good idea just in case but the LS460 is pretty damn reliable.

iRyan

iTrader: (7)

That wouldbe good if u grab it

Tee

Man I say go for it if you can do it!

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Buying a 1-owner car that was well maintained is ALWAYS a plus
It helps when you know that owner is selling it to you at trade in price

Lextrician

it is a big car but trust me you will love it! especially after the 22's if you decide to go that route.

Nospinzone

Here are some negotiating tactics -

1. You always liked the others best, here's your chance to make up for it.

2. Dad, remember that thing you did that you told me to never tell Mom about.............

3. If I don't get that LS, I'll probably have to move back in with you guys.

4. Gosh, these student loan payments are just crushing me.

5. Well all the other kids have one.

6. Mom, remember that thing you did that you told me to never tell Dad about.............

DubbStep

Id go for it

bsl888

FYI, make sure the car is still within 48 months from original purchase in order to qualify for the Lexus extended warranty. The car must still be in the basic warranty period which is 48 months or 50K. Regardless, sounds like a great deal, go for it. If you can't purchase the Lexus platinum extended warranty, use that as a bargaining chip with your parents.

I have the same color and interior with the same options. It's an awesome car. You'll love it.

robert1408

This car will be well outside the 48month time window so Ill have to re-think the warranty situation. I've never bought any extended product warranty, automotive or otherwise. To read these forums, you could be led to think these LS460's are a ticking time bomb for expensive repairs. You tend to hear a lot about every problem but far less about trouble free ownership. I am willing to take my chances with no warranty; it's a gamble I'll most likely win or break even on. I work at an auto service place so routine service and most repairs are cheap for me.

My siblings and I are actually encouraging the Folks to keep this car. We have a humorous running exchange with them about them not spending our inheritance. But resistance is futile when they start talking about another car. KBB is showing trade-in prices on this car to be in the 32-34k range. Of course the dealer can jiggle the trade-in allowance and new car markup within a certain range inside the transaction price to "discount" the value of the trade-in. This happened in 2001 when my sister bought the 'rents '97 LS for 35% of original msrp. This is why I would buy the car from the dealer rather than directly from my parents. It is good business for all parties.