Lukas99GS

Hey guys, longtime Lexus owner here, first with a 2nd generation GS300 and now a 3rd gen GS460, I'm planning on getting a newer Lexus at some point in the next year or two, and I'm mostly considering an ls460 or 4th gen gs350, possibly an ISF, but not sure I could deal with the small size. Anyway with my budget with prices as they are right now I'd probably be looking at LS from the 07-10 range, I've read the early models had issues with the brake actuator and suspension, knowing what you do would you buy one and expect it to run 200k? My gs460 has been flawless with the same engine/trans and now has almost 160k. And if so what years did they fix the issues? Thanks alot

Nospinzone

I wouldn't be concerned with buying any of those years. Just make sure the recalls were done, and on the 07 and 08 models the control arms were changed.

dlbuckls10

Find one with a good service history and purchasing an extended warranty could save you thousands. A thorough inspection at a Lexus dealership would help.

superdenso

...look for Car Insurance

The LS is a special ride. It's customizable to an extent and it's very reliable. Of all the things that are in the issues list the most likely are the glazed rotors (warped brake feel) and control arms. For a car that sells for $70k or more that's a short list.

CJITTY

Take a look at the sticky threads at the top of the list of threads in our forum. Tons of info about option packages, problem areas to look for etc

litesoarer

10-12 is best bang for the buck, stay away from air suspension if you are averse to large sudden repair bills and don't/won't have a warranty.

R Z

An 11 is probably the best of those years.

Doublebase

As long as you're staying away from the air suspension I wouldn't be concerned with the 07's or 08's. If the recalls have been done the cars are pretty damn reliable. The brake actuator now has an extended warranty that covers the earlier models and the control arms are going to be a slight issue with all the models, but you can have those replaced by an independent at a fraction of what Lexus charges.

litesoarer

If Bluetooth audio is important to you, however. Discard ideas of a pre-facelift model unless you really like to dicker with aftermarket solutions.

Lukas99GS

So basically the brake actuator isn't a concern anymore? As for the control arms, is this a one time fix or something you guys have had to do more than once? I see people having to do them as low as 55k, wouldn't wanna drop that kinda money only to have it happen again in another 50k, or did they redesign the parts? Also I know with the 3GS we got streaming Bluetooth in the 10 models Is the LS not the same?

litesoarer

10+ is BT streaming.

Doublebase

I believe the extended warranty on the brake actuator is unlimited mileage until December 27th 2017. After that the mileage caps at I believe 150,000 miles - there's a thread on it - I'm not sure if I'm 100% accurate on everything, but I think I am.

As for the control arms I'm not sure how long replacements will last, how long originals will go...it depends on the driver I guess...and maybe the climate they drive in. I know some people on here haven't even had to replace them at all yet, I did mine at 114,000 miles and the aftermarket parts I used seem to be holding up well 16,000 miles later. But who knows? I feel somewhat encouraged, but I'll feel better if I can go another 100,000 with the aftermarket parts (I spent $600 on them). Spending $600 on aftermarket parts isn't exactly breaking the bank though...you'll spend that on any car for major front suspension components.

Lukas99GS

$600 isn't bad at all, I was reading that it cost over $3000, are you guys happy with the LS? I plan on test driving one soon, I did drive a 13 gs350 and I gotta say it was an awesome car, extremely good handling. And alot of early 4gs 2013-14 costs close to a 08-11 LS with relatively low miles, and the newer GS has the much nicer huge screen/display that didn't come until the LS refresh. Also do all of the Long wheel base models have air suspension or only some?

comotiger

A LWB without air suspension are out there but rare. Definitely available in the 2013+ MY, don't know in 2007-12 MYs.

roadfrog

FWIW, my '08 has had no issues with either the CA's or the brake actuator. I now have 110k miles. The only unscheduled service I've had to do is replace the water pump. This is by FAR the best and most reliable car I've ever owned.

As for BT streaming, I added an SL3B module from Vaistech. Plug and play and it works seamlessly with the car's factory ML system and even displays the song title etc on the screen.