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I just joined this forum today in the hopes that I will becoming a Lexus owner here soon. But I just though I would post here and get an opinion on an LS purchase. So me and my wife are set on this 2008 LS460
However it has 135 thousand on the odo and the dealer is asking $15,990 for it.
It was a non smoker. I believe it was one owner and looks to be well maintained. If I cant get this one I'm looking at 3 other LS' with similar millage. I basically want to know what things should I look for that could be wrong on this with this many miles, or if an LS with this many miles is even a good buy. I know they are way better than comparable 7 Series, S Classes and A8's. But any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm going to look at the car this weekend.
Do you have an actual link to the car for sale if its online?
If you get the VIN, you can plug it into this site HERE and check the service history.
The items that have failed on some cars are the Control Arm Bushings, the ML amp, and the brake actuator.
I wouldnt even look at a 7 series period, nevermind with that many miles on it. Or anything else for that matter. An LS with that mileage properly cared for is just warming up.
Hmmm.....Nash Auto in Costa Mesa, CA? I've been tempted to look at these guys for awhile. Please let us know how your experience with this dealership went.
Do you have an actual link to the car for sale if its online?
If you get the VIN, you can plug it into this site HERE and check the service history.
The items that have failed on some cars are the Control Arm Bushings, the ML amp, and the brake actuator.
I wouldnt even look at a 7 series period, nevermind with that many miles on it. Or anything else for that matter. An LS with that mileage properly cared for is just warming up.
Originally Posted by islandbeef
Hmmm.....Nash Auto in Costa Mesa, CA? I've been tempted to look at these guys for awhile. Please let us know how your experience with this dealership went.
Will do. They should be pretty reputable being in Costa Mesa. They have alot of nice vehicles as well.
Beautiful '08 460 and more reliable than the European automakers. Look for a good service history, factory recalls and if possible contact the previous owner and talk to them. Hopefully no multiple owners and definitely check for accidents and repainted parts. Check the spare and the equipment to make sure it all there and all power accessories work. Listen for unusual noises or smells. Welcome to the club and I hope your weekend be a good one.
Yeah I would definitely check service history. You can do it online or nicely ask a service advisor at any Lexus dealership to pull service records with a vin.
As others have mentioned, see if the control arms have been replaced (depending on model year as the problem was corrected after a certain year I think). That seems to be the biggest money sink.
And frankly, in this day and age (and even if buying from a "reputable" dealership, Lexus or not and no matter what they say), I think getting it checked out by a third party is well worth the money. There are actually specialized companies that offer technicians to give it a once over, checking paint thickness, overspray and other incidentals that could give an indication of an unreported accident. Search online or find a reputable mechanic to help you. Money well spent IMO.
Yeah I would definitely check service history. You can do it online or nicely ask a service advisor at any Lexus dealership to pull service records with a vin.
As others have mentioned, see if the control arms have been replaced (depending on model year as the problem was corrected after a certain year I think). That seems to be the biggest money sink.
And frankly, in this day and age (and even if buying from a "reputable" dealership, Lexus or not and no matter what they say), I think getting it checked out by a third party is well worth the money. There are actually specialized companies that offer technicians to give it a once over, checking paint thickness, overspray and other incidentals that could give an indication of an unreported accident. Search online or find a reputable mechanic to help you. Money well spent IMO.
I was actually thinking of doing that. Finding an outside person to inspect the car. But I found the service records:
SERVICE TYPE DATE SERVICE PROVIDER MILEAGE REPAIR # DESCRIPTION
Dealer Reported 02/16/2016 Newport Lexus 134277 0004739 PERFORM MPI INSPECTION. TIRE PRES:L/F: 35 R/F: 35 L/R: 35 R/R: 35 **MECHANICA PERFORM MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION. INSPECT FLOOR MATS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION. - MPI - PERFORM MPI INSPECTION. TIRE PRES:L/F: 35 R/F: 35 L/R: 35 R/R: 35 **MECHANICAL FUEL PUMPS LEAKING OIL AT VALVE COVERS **CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WORN/TORN
Dealer Reported 02/16/2016 Newport Lexus 134277 0004739 CUT OFF POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL REPLACED BATTERY AND CLEANED CORROSION ADD CUSTOMER STATES CHECK BATTERY TERMINAL AND CABLES. ADVISE. - BATTERY CRACKED AND FAILED TEST POSITIVE TERMINAL DAMAGED DUE TO CORROSION - CUT OFF POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL REPLACED BATTERY AND CLEANED CORROSION ADDED ANTI - CORROSION SPRAY TO TERMINALS/POSTS ALL CHECKS OKAY
Dealer Reported 02/16/2016 Newport Lexus 134277 0004739 REPLACE BATTERY PARTIAL PARTS WARRANTY LAST BATTERY REPLACED ON 102013 - CUSTOMER STATES CAR WOULD NOT START. AAA STATES CABLES ARE CORRODED CAUSING PROBLEM. CHECK AND ADVISE.**TOW IN 3RD SHOP. LAST BATTERY REPLACED ON 10/2013 TEST AND ADVISE. - BATTERY LOAD TEST AND CRACKED BAD CELL - REPLACE BATTERY PARTIAL PARTS WARRANTY LAST BATTERY REPLACED ON 10 - 2013
Dealer Reported 11/25/2015 Newport Lexus 130678 0096649 PERFORM MPI INSPECTION. TIRE PRES:L/F: 35 R/F: 35 L/R: 35 R/R: 35. PERFORM MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION. INSPECT FLOOR MATS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION. - PERFORM MPI INSPECTION. TIRE PRES:L/F: 35 R/F: 35 L/R: 35 R/R: 35.
Dealer Reported 11/25/2015 Newport Lexus 130678 0096649 REPLACED DRIVE BELT TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT. CUSTOMER STATES THERE IS A HIGH PITCH NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, PLEASE CHECK BELT - DRIVE BELT TENSIONER SPRING IS WEAK - DRIVE BELT IS SLIPPING. - REPLACED DRIVE BELT TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT.
Dealer Reported 10/07/2015 Newport Lexus 128328 0091794 PERFORM MPI INSPECTION. TIRE PRES:L/F: 35 R/F: 35 L/R: 35 R/R: 35. PERFORM MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION. INSPECT FLOOR MATS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION. - MPI - PERFORM MPI INSPECTION. TIRE PRES:L/F: 35 R/F: 35 L/R: 35 R/R: 35.
Dealer Reported 10/07/2015 Newport Lexus 128328 0091794 LOAN CAR RETURNED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIME FRAME. TO PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICE TO ALL GUESTS WE REQUIRE THAT LOAN CARS BE RETURNED THE SAME DAY YOUR CAR IS COMPLETE. 75.00 PER DAY CHARGE WILL BE ADDED - LOANER - LOAN CAR RETURNED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIME FRAME.
Dealer Reported 10/07/2015 Newport Lexus 128328 0091794 PERFORMED REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR GASKET CUSTOMER STATES SAFETY RECALL ELF - REMEDY NOTICE - VARIOUS MODELS - POTENTIAL FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR LEAK - ELF RECALL - PERFORMED REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR GASKET
Dealer Reported 09/16/2013 Newport Lexus 99558 0021307 PERFORM MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION PERFORMED MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION. SET TIRES PRESSURES TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS AS OUTLINED IN WORLD CLASS INSPECTION. - PERFORM MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION
Dealer Reported 09/16/2013 Newport Lexus 99558 0021307 LOAN CAR RETURNED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME. TO PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICE TO ALL GUESTS WE REQUIRE THAT LOAN CARS BE RETURNED THE SAME DAY YOUR CAR IS COMPLETE. 75.00 PER DAY CHARGE WILL BE ADDED - LOAN CAR RETURNED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME.
Dealer Reported 09/16/2013 Newport Lexus 99558 0021307 REPLACED VEHICLE BATTERY. CAR WOULD NOT START CHECK AND ADVISE 11/8/10 LAST BATTERY WAS REPLACED. - BATTERY FAILED PERFORMANCE TEST AND LOAD TEST. - REPLACED VEHICLE BATTERY.
Dealer Reported 09/16/2013 Newport Lexus 99558 0021307 REPLACED VEHICLE BATTERY. PRORATE CAR BATTERY - BATTERY FAILED PERFORMANCE TEST AND LOAD TEST. - REPLACED VEHICLE BATTERY.
Dealer Reported 05/04/2013 Lexus of Riverside 92586 0097540 LOANER GUEST STATES PLEASE RETURN LOANERS ON TIME. ADDITIONAL DAYS ARE $95.00 - LOANER
Dealer Reported 05/04/2013 Lexus of Riverside 92586 0097540 TIRE PRESSURES AT 32PSI GUEST STATES RECORD BEFORE AND AFTER TIRE PRESSURES AS PER C.A.R.B. RULE AB 32. - TIRE PRESSURES AT 32PSI
Dealer Reported 05/04/2013 Lexus of Riverside 92586 0097540 REPLACED RADIATOR AND TSTAT W/COOLANT - GUEST STATES RADIATOR LEAKING. TECH 313 TO INSPECT. NEED BY SAT. - CRACK ON TOP OF RADIATOR CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK. - REPLACED RADIATOR AND T - STAT W/COOLANT
Dealer Reported 09/07/2012 Newport Lexus 83596 0089787 PERFORM MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION CUSTOMER STATES PERFORMED MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION. SET TIRES PRESSURES TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS AS OUTLINED IN WORLD CLASS INSPECTION. - PERFORM MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION
Dealer Reported 09/07/2012 Newport Lexus 83596 0089787 REPLACED SPARK PLUGS****LABOR DISCOUNT DUE TO RECALL WORK PERFORMED CUSTOMER STATES PLEASE REPLACE SPARK PLUGS WITH CUSTOMER CONSENT. $269.00 - ORIGINAL PLUGS CURRENTLY ON VEHICLE (DUE AT 60K) - REPLACED SPARK PLUGS****LABOR DISCOUNT DUE TO RECALL WORK PERFORMED
Dealer Reported 09/07/2012 Newport Lexus 83596 0089787 9LA REPLACE FUEL DELIVERY PIPES FOR LS460 CUSTOMER STATES 9LA - CERTAIN 2006 - 2007 GS, 2006 - 2008 IS AND 2007 - 2008 LS VEHICLES, REPLACEMENT OF FUEL DELIVERY PIPES (FUEL RAILS) - 9LA CAMPAIGN - 9LA REPLACE FUEL DELIVERY PIPES FOR LS460
Dealer Reported 09/07/2012 Newport Lexus 83596 0089787 ALE REPL COMP SPRINGS & LASH ADJUSTERS FOR GS460, LS600HL CUSTOMER STATES ALE - SAFETY RECALL ALE - CERTAIN LEXUS GS 350, GS 450H, GS 460, IS 350, LS 460, LS 460 L, AND LS 600H L VEHICLES - VALVE SPRING - ALE CAMPAIGN - ALE REPL COMP SPRINGS & LASH ADJUSTERS FOR GS460, LS600HL
Dealer Reported 04/30/2011 Lexus of Westminster 59162 0469528 REPLACE NAVIGATION HARD DISK DRIVE CUSTOMER STATES NAVIGATION INOP
Dealer Reported 04/30/2011 Lexus of Westminster 59162 0469528
Dealer Reported 04/30/2011 Lexus of Westminster 59162 0469528 THE TIRES ON YOUR VEHICLE ARE BEING INFLATED TO THE RECOMMENDED AIR PRESSURE DUR THE TIRES ON YOUR VEHICLE ARE BEING INFLATED TO THE RECOMMENDED AIR PRESSURE DURING THE CURRENT SERVICE VISIT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS ACT OF 2006 (AB32).
Dealer Reported 11/08/2010 Newport Lexus 51072 0032545 PERFORM MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION CUSTOMER STATES PERFORMED MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION. SET TIRES PRESSURES TO OEM SPECIFICATIONS. - PERFORM MPI WORLD CLASS INSPECTION ""INSPECT HAZARD LIGHTS(S) OPERATION ""INSPECT TAIL / BRAKE LIGHT ""INSPECT TURN SIGNAL ""INSPECT SIDE MARKER, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS ""INSPECT HORN OPERATION ""INSPECT WIPER REFILLS AND OPERATION ""MEASURE TIRE TREAD DEPT
Dealer Reported 11/08/2010 Newport Lexus 51072 0032545 REPLACED BATTERY CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER APPROX 3 DAYS OF PARKED, CHECK BATTERY AND CHARING SYSTEM - CHECK AND REPORT - BATTERY FAILED LOAD TEST // CHARGING SYSTEM OPERATING AS DESIGNED - REPLACED BATTERY
Dealer Reported 11/08/2010 Newport Lexus 51072 0032545 ALL TIRES WERE LOW ON PRESSURE. SET ALL TIRES TO SPEC. CUSTOMER STATES TIRE LIGHT ON - CHECK AND REPORT - ALL TIRES WERE LOW ON PRESSURE. SET ALL TIRES TO SPEC.
Dealer Reported 05/28/2008 Newport Lexus 5697 0046102 SECURED LOOSE PANEL. CUSTOMER STATES: PANEL HANGING DOWN BY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CHECK AND ADVISE - CUSTOMER RAN OVER SOMETHING THAT STRUCK PANEL AND CLIPS BECAME UNDONE - SECURED LOOSE PANEL.
Dealer Reported 05/28/2008 Newport Lexus 5697 0046102 WIND NOISE FRONT WINDOW R&R GLASS REPLACED FRONT DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS WINDOW CUSTOMER STATES: EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE FROM DRIVERS DOOR - CHECK AND ADVISE - WIND NOISE. - WIND NOISE FRONT WINDOW R&R GLASS REPLACED FRONT DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS WINDOW
Dealer Reported 04/23/2008 Newport Lexus 4499 0043332 ADJUSTED TIRE PRESSURE NO LEAKS FOUND. CUSTOMER STATES: TIRE LIGHT IS ON - CHECK ALL TIRES EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE. - TIRE PRESSURES WERE TOO LOW. - ADJUSTED TIRE PRESSURE NO LEAKS FOUND.
Dealer Reported 04/23/2008 Newport Lexus 4499 0043332 NO ABNORMAL SOUND HEARD AT THIS TIME. CUSTOMER STATES: DRUM SOUND LEFT REAR OF CAR AT FREEWAY SPEEDS - CHECK - NO ABNORMAL NOISE HEARD ON ROAD TEST. - NO ABNORMAL SOUND HEARD AT THIS TIME.
Dealer Reported 04/23/2008 Newport Lexus 4499 0043332 5,000 MILE SERVICE CUSTOMER STATES: PERFORM 5000 MILE SERVICE - 5K SERVICE - 5,000 MILE SERVICE
Dealer Reported 12/20/2007 Newport Lexus 210 0032613 NO CHARGE NO WORK DONE. CUSTOMER STATES PAINT PROTECTION - CUSTOMER STATES PAINT PROTECTION - NO CHARGE NO WORK DONE.
Dealer Reported 09/13/2007 Tustin Lexus 12 0080562 PERFORMED PREDELIVERY INSPECTION - PERFORM PRE - DELIVERY INSPECTION - PERFORMED PRE - DELIVERY INSPECTION
Nice, I wish more people would post these. It's always interesting reading these and sometimes indicative of general issues, that may or may not crop up. I feel like I'm reading someone's credit history, but it's very telling. People, who buy used cars should always do this.
Two glaring things staring at me are the control arms and fuel pumps. The control arms have seemingly not been replaced. Replacing these at the dealer is extremely expensive, less so if you can do it yourself. The other is the leaking fuel pump. No idea how costly that is, but I think you can search here for answers.
In any case, those are two potentially big repair bills, well I know one is for sure and it's a common problem. Thousands upon thousands potentially. If I were buying this I would ask the dealer fix those issues first or get a repair quote and have them discount the car an equal amount.
Nice, I wish more people would post these. It's always interesting reading these and sometimes indicative of general issues, that may or may not crop up. I feel like I'm reading someone's credit history, but it's very telling. People, who buy used cars should always do this.
Two glaring things staring at me are the control arms and fuel pumps. The control arms have seemingly not been replaced. Replacing these at the dealer is extremely expensive, less so if you can do it yourself. The other is the leaking fuel pump. No idea how costly that is, but I think you can search here for answers.
In any case, those are two potentially big repair bills, well I know one is for sure and it's a common problem. Thousands upon thousands potentially. If I were buying this I would ask the dealer fix those issues first or get a repair quote and have them discount the car an equal amount.
I noticed that as well. I was going to ask the dealer about some kind of discount or have them foot the bill, but then they could try to up the price on me because of it.
I'd ask how many owners the car has had and if multiple, how long the last owner had it before parting company with it. I have a 2008 LS that I bought on eBay with 26K miles without looking at it other than on line pictures - I got lucky other than having the valve recall done, the car is in pristine condition. I also bought an SC430 with 5K miles (10 years ago) on eBay from Florida - although I did take an in-person look, did not bother test drive before buying (just listened to the engine after they swapped out the dead battery) . . . The point is, Lexus should last you a long long time if regular maintenances are done (mainly oil changes). Note, the 2008 LS has a complaint about retarded acceleration (not on mine that I could tell) - you may want to make sure. I'd give eBay, Autotrader around your area a look to see if you could find other deals (I don't like buying from dealers, especially non-Lexus dealers). The car you are looking at does have a long list of things (looks like it did have the valve recall done with a few others) that I'd hesitate.
My rule of thumb for used car is less than 30k but for Lexus, I'd take the risk with higher mileage cars if the interior and exterior are pristine, start and drive good at low and high speed.
Good luck, Lexus is good brand with established reliability.
I'd ask how many owners the car has had and if multiple, how long the last owner had it before parting company with it. I have a 2008 LS that I bought on eBay with 26K miles without looking at it other than on line pictures - I got lucky other than having the valve recall done and the car is pristine condition. I also bought an SC430 with 5K miles on eBay from Florida - although I did take an in-person look, did not test drive before buying . . . the point is, Lexus should last you a long long time if regular maintenance is done. Note, the 2008 LS has a complaint about retarded acceleration (not on mine that I could tell). I'd give eBay, Autotrader around your area a look to see if you could find other deals. The car you are looking at does have a long list of things (looks like it did have the valve recall done) with a few others that I'd hesitate.
My rule of thumb for used car is less than 30k but for Lexus, I'd take a risk with higher mileage cars if the interior and exterior are pristine, start and drive good at low and high speed.
Good luck, Lexus is good brand with established reliability.
Thanks for that. I am looking at about 3 other LS460's in my area though they have about 10-12 thousand more miles than this one.
Greetings. Not that there would be an issue buying a car with 135K miles, but why would you? There are plenty of great 08 460's with under 100K for sale. If you can search other areas, you'll get better deals. Take a look at car gurus.com or other such sites. For a few grand more, you can get much lower mileage. Good luck on your decision.
05-27-16, 11:47 AM
Need advice on a LS460 purchase
