Stamos441

I just sold my Mercedes e class which was by far my favorite car I have owned. However it was a complete money pit. Most of the problems the car had when I bought it but I decided since the car drove so well and everything seemed to be working not to get it inspected. That will never happen again.

I have always loved these cars and looked into buying one but they seemed so over priced. I have been told that they are almost exactly the same as the Toyota land cruiser and they are "bulletproof" and will go forever.

I have the opportunity to buy a 1999 lx470 for only 4500$. However, it has 300k miles. The only reason I can get it so cheap is because i am currently working at a dealership. Someone traded it in for an 05 and the dealer got it for 3500$. They plan to list it at 6995 if I do not buy it.

I plan on keeping the car for 6months to a year depending on how owning it goes.

Now, the previous owner has owned the car since 100k miles and the carfax shows extensive Maintainence records at Toyota and Lexus dealerships.

So, my question is, if no major problems are found in the mechanical inspection, should I buy it with 300k miles? Are these low maintenance reliable cars? What are common problems with them? Are parts and services more reasonable than Mercedes?

toddmorr

yes these are reliable cars. But you have to look at the details of that maintenance history. If for example, prior owner did no suspension work, then I guarantee you that will come up very soon and if you don't address it, will cause fast tire wear etc. Check for last timing belt...they need replacement about every 100k. Check for transmission service too. If everything has been done and done regularly you're good to go...not to say that little stuff won't break but the rest of it is solid

NTH

Yes they are very reliable, but damn 300k is a hella lot of miles to buy.

user 629202

I'd buy it if it passes a through mechanical inspection and I wasn't going to rely on it for long trips. At $3500 you can hardly go wrong if it looks and runs good. As mentioned, what recent service has been done is critical.

Wandl

hopefully you bought it...Lexus over-engineers these vehicles (like the Land Cruiser) so much that 300ok miles, for $3,500 is a pretty darn good deal....