General questions from new owner...
05-08-16, 12:24 PM
#1
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General questions from new owner...
Sup boys. New owner of a 2012 AWD SWB w/ very low miles. Car is cherry and well-loaded. Have no current intentions of modding (with the exception of maybe HKS S/C someday; car is still L-certified till' end of 2017).
I've done a fair amount of research but still have some ?'s...
Air Suspension - Anything to worry about there? Avg. lifespan?
CA bushings - I've read one post where someone said anecdotally that the issue was fixed in 11'. Can anyone confirm? Was there a press release?
AWD system - Any concerns?
ML Stereo - Is the amp an issue?
Rear seats heaters/vents - Probably not get much use. But I figure the fronts have been built for regular use. Just wondering if the rears flake out.
Engine - Seems bulletproof. But I've read that it switches from port FI to DI, depending on engine speed. Pretty seamless? Nothing to worry about?
Anything I'm missing, outside of regular maintenance?
Thx fellas.
I've done a fair amount of research but still have some ?'s...
Air Suspension - Anything to worry about there? Avg. lifespan?
CA bushings - I've read one post where someone said anecdotally that the issue was fixed in 11'. Can anyone confirm? Was there a press release?
AWD system - Any concerns?
ML Stereo - Is the amp an issue?
Rear seats heaters/vents - Probably not get much use. But I figure the fronts have been built for regular use. Just wondering if the rears flake out.
Engine - Seems bulletproof. But I've read that it switches from port FI to DI, depending on engine speed. Pretty seamless? Nothing to worry about?
Anything I'm missing, outside of regular maintenance?
Thx fellas.
05-08-16, 01:11 PM
#2
My only complaint about the engine in this car and many modern cars is that the DI makes them sound like tractors or old diesel cars when they are idling. Mechanically the engines are pretty bulletproof, congratulations on your purchase! Post some pics, we all want to see it, hahaha.
05-08-16, 01:50 PM
#3
Pole Position
I don't think your going to have any problems with the fuel delivery, I haven't heard of anything.
The control arms may fail, but it's usually around 80,000 plus miles, and there are aftermarket control arms readily available if you choose to go that route.
I haven't heard of any heated seat failures on these cars...front or back.
The air ride will eventually fail - just like all air rides - it depends on the type of driving you do.
The have been reports of amp failures.
There have been reports of a vibration issue with AWD models, I believe there's a technical service bulletin for it.
Other than that they're pretty bullet proof - the control arms are no bid deal at all - I honestly think it's the single most overblown thing I've ever seen. There have been brake actuator failures, that to me is more serious/costly, because there aren't a lot of aftermarket parts for that item (the best I can find is used u its for $700-$1000 on eBay). Otherwise Lexus will nail you for a couple grand.
Of course none of the big ticket items should be of concern, you have the extended warranty, but even if you didn't...none of it would probably be a concern anyway. I've driven mine 125,000 miles and all I've replaced is a wheel bearing and some control arms. Total cost $700.
The control arms may fail, but it's usually around 80,000 plus miles, and there are aftermarket control arms readily available if you choose to go that route.
I haven't heard of any heated seat failures on these cars...front or back.
The air ride will eventually fail - just like all air rides - it depends on the type of driving you do.
The have been reports of amp failures.
There have been reports of a vibration issue with AWD models, I believe there's a technical service bulletin for it.
Other than that they're pretty bullet proof - the control arms are no bid deal at all - I honestly think it's the single most overblown thing I've ever seen. There have been brake actuator failures, that to me is more serious/costly, because there aren't a lot of aftermarket parts for that item (the best I can find is used u its for $700-$1000 on eBay). Otherwise Lexus will nail you for a couple grand.
Of course none of the big ticket items should be of concern, you have the extended warranty, but even if you didn't...none of it would probably be a concern anyway. I've driven mine 125,000 miles and all I've replaced is a wheel bearing and some control arms. Total cost $700.
05-08-16, 03:11 PM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
Sup boys. New owner of a 2012 AWD SWB w/ very low miles. Car is cherry and well-loaded. Have no current intentions of modding (with the exception of maybe HKS S/C someday; car is still L-certified till' end of 2017).
I've done a fair amount of research but still have some ?'s...
Air Suspension - Anything to worry about there? Avg. lifespan?
CA bushings - I've read one post where someone said anecdotally that the issue was fixed in 11'. Can anyone confirm? Was there a press release?
AWD system - Any concerns?
ML Stereo - Is the amp an issue?
Rear seats heaters/vents - Probably not get much use. But I figure the fronts have been built for regular use. Just wondering if the rears flake out.
Engine - Seems bulletproof. But I've read that it switches from port FI to DI, depending on engine speed. Pretty seamless? Nothing to worry about?
Anything I'm missing, outside of regular maintenance?
Thx fellas.
I've done a fair amount of research but still have some ?'s...
Air Suspension - Anything to worry about there? Avg. lifespan?
CA bushings - I've read one post where someone said anecdotally that the issue was fixed in 11'. Can anyone confirm? Was there a press release?
AWD system - Any concerns?
ML Stereo - Is the amp an issue?
Rear seats heaters/vents - Probably not get much use. But I figure the fronts have been built for regular use. Just wondering if the rears flake out.
Engine - Seems bulletproof. But I've read that it switches from port FI to DI, depending on engine speed. Pretty seamless? Nothing to worry about?
Anything I'm missing, outside of regular maintenance?
Thx fellas.
05-08-16, 06:12 PM
#6
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My only complaint about the engine in this car and many modern cars is that the DI makes them sound like tractors or old diesel cars when they are idling. Mechanically the engines are pretty bulletproof, congratulations on your purchase! Post some pics, we all want to see it, hahaha.
Pics incoming for sure...I don't think your going to have any problems with the fuel delivery, I haven't heard of anything.
The control arms may fail, but it's usually around 80,000 plus miles, and there are aftermarket control arms readily available if you choose to go that route.
I haven't heard of any heated seat failures on these cars...front or back.
The air ride will eventually fail - just like all air rides - it depends on the type of driving you do.
The have been reports of amp failures.
There have been reports of a vibration issue with AWD models, I believe there's a technical service bulletin for it.
Other than that they're pretty bullet proof - the control arms are no bid deal at all - I honestly think it's the single most overblown thing I've ever seen. There have been brake actuator failures, that to me is more serious/costly, because there aren't a lot of aftermarket parts for that item (the best I can find is used u its for $700-$1000 on eBay). Otherwise Lexus will nail you for a couple grand.
Of course none of the big ticket items should be of concern, you have the extended warranty, but even if you didn't...none of it would probably be a concern anyway. I've driven mine 125,000 miles and all I've replaced is a wheel bearing and some control arms. Total cost $700.
The control arms may fail, but it's usually around 80,000 plus miles, and there are aftermarket control arms readily available if you choose to go that route.
I haven't heard of any heated seat failures on these cars...front or back.
The air ride will eventually fail - just like all air rides - it depends on the type of driving you do.
The have been reports of amp failures.
There have been reports of a vibration issue with AWD models, I believe there's a technical service bulletin for it.
Other than that they're pretty bullet proof - the control arms are no bid deal at all - I honestly think it's the single most overblown thing I've ever seen. There have been brake actuator failures, that to me is more serious/costly, because there aren't a lot of aftermarket parts for that item (the best I can find is used u its for $700-$1000 on eBay). Otherwise Lexus will nail you for a couple grand.
Of course none of the big ticket items should be of concern, you have the extended warranty, but even if you didn't...none of it would probably be a concern anyway. I've driven mine 125,000 miles and all I've replaced is a wheel bearing and some control arms. Total cost $700.
Just need to find a clean set of the 19"s now...
05-09-16, 05:36 AM
#7
Congrats and enjoy! No vehicle is perfect and problems do occur so hopefully you want have any serious issues with your LS. If so my opinion it would be the air suspension and amp failure
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05-09-16, 11:51 AM
#8
To be fair, people complaining about control arm failures on these ought to go and chat with BMW owners
Very little goes wrong with these cars, I have had one recently with a blown ML sub, but overall they're pretty bulletproof and we have some customers who use them as Car Service Limos.. think 200,000++++++ miles in and out of NY City.
Very little goes wrong with these cars, I have had one recently with a blown ML sub, but overall they're pretty bulletproof and we have some customers who use them as Car Service Limos.. think 200,000++++++ miles in and out of NY City.
05-09-16, 07:32 PM
#9
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To be fair, people complaining about control arm failures on these ought to go and chat with BMW owners
Very little goes wrong with these cars, I have had one recently with a blown ML sub, but overall they're pretty bulletproof and we have some customers who use them as Car Service Limos.. think 200,000++++++ miles in and out of NY City.
Very little goes wrong with these cars, I have had one recently with a blown ML sub, but overall they're pretty bulletproof and we have some customers who use them as Car Service Limos.. think 200,000++++++ miles in and out of NY City.
05-10-16, 06:47 AM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
My only complaint about the engine in this car and many modern cars is that the DI makes them sound like tractors or old diesel cars when they are idling
As others have stated here, the LS is not perfect, but so far with nearly 110k miles on my car, it's about as perfect as any car is gonna get. One battery and a water pump so far. No ML amp failures, no CA failures (so far), nada.
05-10-16, 06:56 AM
#11
I'll just say that I am probably pickier about engine sounds than most people, but the DI ticking is there in every LS. Maybe calling it diesel bad was overstating it, lol.
05-10-16, 03:31 PM
#12
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Jeeeez....if your car sounds ANYTHING like an old tractor or ANY diesel, you've got a problem. As the former owner of a recent diesel, my 08 LS sounds NOTHING like it. In fact, it's one of the quietest car I've ever owned. Now, I will admit that my hearing ain't what it used to be, but I can still hear a diesel when it pulls up to me at a traffic light.
As others have stated here, the LS is not perfect, but so far with nearly 110k miles on my car, it's about as perfect as any car is gonna get. One battery and a water pump so far. No ML amp failures, no CA failures (so far), nada.
As others have stated here, the LS is not perfect, but so far with nearly 110k miles on my car, it's about as perfect as any car is gonna get. One battery and a water pump so far. No ML amp failures, no CA failures (so far), nada.
FWIW, here's a link to the car at the dealership. Should be leaving in a day or two to make its way to L.A... Any of you in the Northeast? Any comments on buying cars that were driven on salted roads?
http://www.lexusofmadison.com/Vehicl...-WI/2756540423
05-10-16, 09:23 PM
#15
Lexus Fanatic
Beautiful! I love the interior.