hardimen

Hello everyone. I am new to this forum and I am planning to purchase my first lexus, preferably the LS 430 model (2004 or newer). My question is: is it still possible to purchase an extended warranty on a used vehicle that is over 100k miles? Thank you for your help.

Chris

gashed

Hi. Welcome to the forum.

I can only speak from my experience. I purchased an 04 UL with 87K from a Lexus Dealer in Dec 2011. To my surprise, they oferred to sale me a Lexus Platnium Warranty. I ended up buying a 4 yr 50k warranty that covers me to 137k miles. They aren't cheap, but with all the expensive gadgets on the UL, I elected to buy. So far, I've got about 25% of my money back in 8 months.

Good luck finding the right car.

jwillis123

If you get one over 100K miles you will not be able to get a true Lexus backed warranty; you will be looking at an "after market" policy that works more like an insurance policy meaning expensive and they could deny certain components of a claim in a particular repair.

2006 is the last year to get a CPO car but you can still get a genuine Lexus extended warranty if the car is under 100,000 miles. I would do a search for low mileage 2004-06's with 60 to 80K miles with a good history.

The irony on the warranties is that the best ones are the ones you lose money on because you picked up a great car that never needed it.

jwillis123

I stand corrected: I just pulled the Lexus Warranty brochure from my glovebox and here are your options

Vehicle is within current plus 9 model years old (why dont they just say 10 years old?)
and has less then 125,000 total vehicle miles. These plans are only available at the time of used vehicle purchase.

1 year/12,000 miles up to 125,000 miles
2 years/24,000 miles up to 100,000 miles
2 years/100,000 miles with no more than 85,000 miles at time of purchase

3 years/36,000 miles up to 100,000 miles
4 years/50,000 miles up to 100,000 miles

5 years/60,000 miles up to 85,000 miles

I bought the 3 year/36,000 miles up to 100,000 miles Gold package for $2475.00 My car had 64,000 miles on it the day I bought it. Again, I am fine if my car turns out to be bulletproof and I never need it but if I do need some flukey thing replaced then I am probably covered.

The warranties have a Gold option and a Platinum option. The Gold covers a lot...the Platinum covers a lot of electrical items. There are items listed in the Platinum option that I have never even heard of going out on a well cared for Lexus like an air pump and a vacuum switching valve.

The big item covered in Platinum not covered in the Gold is the Nav system.

Hope this helps! You are going to spend $2-3000 depending on the plan.

hardimen

Thank you for the replies... it answers my questions. I normally don't buy extended warranty but I feel for a car that carries high repair costs (if needed), the warranty would give me piece of mind. From reading the threads here, I just cringed at the idea of having the burden of paying the costs of repairs for (from what I read) navigation, rear camera and air suspension - features that I would like to have in the LS I am going to purchase.

There's a 04 LS 430 currently listed in my area. The dealer claims "Ultra luxury pkg" on one of the bullet points with 66K miles for $23,500. If this is indeed an Ultra Luxury LS then that is a decent price, correct?

http://www.a1autows.info/VehicleDeta...13627&dlr1=530

The carfax shows the 60k maintenance was done back in 04/11 and its been driven 6000+ miles then sold at an auction.

Do you guys see any possible "red flags" on the listing? It doesn't have enough pictures.

jwillis123

It's definitely an Ultra. You can see the extra switches on the central console above the shifter **** and then you can see the extra switches on the back door near the door handle.

As far as any of other issues, I would take the car to a Lexus dealer for a used car inspection. If the car looks good the first time you see it and you are seriously considering buying it then invest the money in the inspection ($2-300?)

It could be a great car; my question is "how did it end up where it is? why isn't it for sale at a Lexus dealer?"

You need to check it out for paint and body work and see if you can track down any paperwork on the 60K service and make sure it was done properly. Make sure nothing was ever done half assed. This can be a $1500 service at some dealers.

Black on black is really sharp; hope it works out for you!

hardimen

Thank you. I've decided to pass up on that one because my gut tells me that dealership is no good. I've read a couple of bad reviews on them at yelp.

I'm lovin' the ultra luxury package and I probably will be looking for those. I prefer white exterior but black is my next option.

I will probably be looking at buying at a Lexus dealership as there are about 10 of them within 100 miles of where I am. Carmax is another option I am consider because they have a 5-day no-questions asked return policy. Bringing it to a Lexus dealership for a thorough inspection is a great idea and I will definitely do that.

I am really excited to get an LS but I can't get my excitement get ahead of me. I am not in a hurry to buy so I will definitely be looking around.