Wandl

A friend of mine is seriously considering a 2012 LS460L with air suspension, it is right at 100k and was driven out of state almost weekly by previous owner. Doesn't need L460L, he just wants a L460...but this one was in great condition. Here is the rundown:
- 1 owner
- Religiously maintained by Lexus since new
- Looks good, drives good, priced well (even at 100k miles)
- Lexus service history states needs front brakes soon and diff fluid flush, he'll try to negotiate with dealer to get that done before purchase (he'll also do a PPI)

Things I've told him to look out for really is just the air suspension...the control arms are redesigned since 2011 (right?) so should not be an issue in 2012, other than a freak ML sub, water pump or brake actuator, there really isn't anything suspect on this car.

I also know there have been tons of discussions on the air suspensions; this one has not been repaired/replaced according to service history. Would assume the ~15 times Lexus service has looked at this car, that is one of the things they do look at....but also genuinely wondering/concerned what the shelf life is if he'll face a $3-$5k repair within the next 12 months?

Extended warranty is only possible through 3rd party, even his credit union's extended warranty is not bumper-to-bumper and excludes air suspension anyway (even at lower mileage).

Thoughts on
- Any other concern areas he should be on the lookout for with this always-dealer-maintained 12 LS460L?
- Air suspension, should he just continue the search for another LS460 with regular suspension?

satiger

iTrader: (1)

There are lots of 'speculation' on air suspension on this board than actual failure statistics. That being said, mine was (front ones) replaced at 40k, covered by factory warranty. I am not sure how many on this board had replaced their suspension for failure.

On shelf life, its hard to predict as its all depends on type of road car been driven, external elements such as weather etc contributes to failure besides design/manufacturing issues. My GX (2005) came with air suspension. I had that (rear) replaced ones during extended warranty period. Fronts are still original (142k miles). Considering GX to be heaver than LS and especially fronts takes heavy load, it is still holding up. Personally I would expect them to last 125k miles or so, but again I randomly came up with that number with no scientific facts.

You had mentioned your friend is planning to do PPI. Have that done at another Lexus dealership and see what shows up. If the car has been regularly serviced at Lexus dealership, service history would show any observations/remarks my technician. Good luck!.