wingzero

Sup guys, I'm looking to pick up a used LS460 this weekend. The car is a 2008 w/Nav and ML. It's got about 78k and according to the car fax had 1 owner and had ALL service performed at the Lexus dealer. I'm no stranger to Lexus and the reliability but I've never owned and LS before. I have an IS and have owned a GS in the past but this will be my first LS.

Is there anything i should watch out for when I go buy it? Anything worth checking, asking, etc. etc?

jlawr

Check for wind noise coming through the windows at highway speeds.

Make sure the valve springs have been replaced (Safety Recall). Ask about:
"L-CP-A8E-B520-D VALVE SPRING REPLACEMENT" (too big to upload)

Make sure the firmware is the latest for the ECM (the car's computer). This helps the transmission shift smoother. There should be a tag under the hood near the driver's side that says "New Calibradition ID: 35055200" See the below attachment:

wingzero

Awesome. Acutally i was just reading the very long jmcraney post about this. This is something I have absolutely NO problems doing myself.

Safety recalls are generally free of charge so I'll definitely inquire about it and get it done should I purchase the vehicle. I'll also check for that tag. Much appreciated.

Please keep the opinions coming guys! I'm hoping I'll be a fellow LS460 owner this weekend.

tofu

I recently bought an 08 LS460 myself but I don't see that tag under my hood, I am reading the TSB that you posted and on 2nd page it said that this applies to vehicles produced BEFORE the production change effective VINs shown below:
LS460 2WD: JTHBL5EF#C5112283 JTHGL5EF#C5046385

What does it mean by those VINs ? Please explaine if you could.
I appreciate very much.

1Putt

Although I haven't had any problems, I was wondering about whether that TSB applies to my 2008 as well. I guess you could take it into the dealer and see what they say.

jmcraney

The VIN beginning with JTHBL is for a model year 2012 LS460.

The VIN beginning with JTHGL is for a model year 2012 LS460L.

Grouchy

iTrader: (1)

I purchased a CPO 08 LS460 that had to be taken to the dealer 4 times for numerous minor problems.

1) Seat warmer **** ended up getting stuck for some reason
2) Glove compartment latch broke so had to be replaced
3) TPMS sensor malfunctioned a month after I got my car.
4) Control arms had to get replaced and they still make noise.

Just thought I'd share my experience.

tofu

I am confused, my VIN begins with JTHBL46F and my car is the 2008 LS460 ???

Thank you

joeyb

Front control arm bushings are the only high dollar issue that is common. It would be worth it to take the car to your dealer to have them looked at before you buy it.

jmcraney

Sorry, my answer could be misleading. I was speaking in the context of the VINs cited in your question which have a "C" in the10th character.

If your car has a VIN that is JTHBL46F?8??????? then it is a 2008 model LS460 (the"?" represents wildcard characters).

tofu

So I guess what it mean is my car might be effectted by this firmware for the ECM since it is before the VINs indicated in the TSB.
Thanks

Caflashbob

Good info. Separately I resolved all of my rougher idling and hesitation with the use of 0-20 TGMO and new plugs{old ones were not fouled} and switching to top tier gas at costco. Gas first. Noticeable improvement within 2 tanks

DrQuality

Thank you for bringing on this additional information. I started using Costco gas just when I acquired this LS460 ... and I've been wondering about it a wee bit; good to know others have had positive experience using it.

Caflashbob

previous owner had cleaned the injectors several times. Slightly rough idle. Top tier and plugs and i leave the car idle for extended periods with the air on in hot weather. Other than the tach you cannot tell that the motor is running

Caflashbob

yes it wants to go fast. Watch out. Mine gets 28-29 mpg at almost 90 mph on long road sections.