Is this the Cleanest Lexus GX 460 on the Planet??? (Plus, Pre-Purchase Inspection Tips!)
This Lexus GX 460 pre-purchase inspection video shows what to look for when purchasing a used vehicle and what “like new” really means.
If you’re buying a used vehicle, especially a premium one that’s out of warranty, you should do a pre-purchase inspection or PPI. Yes, it costs you money. But a good, thorough PPI will save you thousands of dollars. It will pinpoint issues before they become expensive problems and identify cars that suffered serious body damage. Even if the vehicle is as clean as the Lexus GX 460 in this YouTube video, it’s money well spent.
Interior and Exterior Walkaround
When inspecting a used car, start with the appearance of the car, looking at the following things:
- Walk around the exterior. Look at the paint and the body, checking for rock chips or minor dents. In the case of the Lexus GX 460, the headlight lenses are clear and look brand new. It has an invisible film to protect the front from rock chips, and every part of the car, down to the wheels, wheel wells, and even trailer hitch, is clean and rust-free.
- The interior is as clean as the outside. Covers protect the seats from wear. There are no scratches on any buttons on the console, center stack, or even the steering wheel. Every nook and cranny, including the vents, is immaculate.
Everything on this Lexus GX 460 looks showroom new, from the paint and wheels outside to the headliner down to the carpet and floormats inside.
Pre-Purchase Inspection — Mechanical
It’s one thing to detail a car, but this Lexus is on another level. However, it’s easy to make a car look presentable, but the truth is what’s underneath the surface. That’s why a good PPI also includes a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s underside.
- Look at the underside of the vehicle. It’s okay for some components to have a little surface rust or grime, but not flaking or rusting through. Check the frame and suspension to confirm the mounting points are solid and the bolts aren’t rusty.
- Inspect all rubber bushings and rubber boots on the steering rack and axels. If the rubber is cracked, torn, or crumbling, the component may need to be replaced.
- Check for oil, coolant, transmission fluid, or brake fluid leaks. It’s normal to have some oil spots around the drain plug and oil filter but make sure there are no signs of oil around the gaskets. Specifically, check the oil pan and rear main seal between the engine and transmission for signs of leaks. Check the transmission for leaks around the gaskets. Look for signs of coolant around the hoses, underneath the water pump, and around the radiator and expansion tank.
- Look at the tires and brakes. Tires should have even wear and plenty of tread left. Brakes should be clean with no signs of leaks, and the brake pads and rotors should be in good condition.
- Check the entire exhaust system, ensuring no holes exist in the exhaust pipes, muffler, or catalytic converter.
- The suspension, including shocks and struts, should be free of leaks. Some high-end vehicles have air suspensions which can be problematic and expensive to repair. The Lexus GX is one of those vehicles, but this one is in excellent condition.
Every vehicle has a common set of problems, things that typically go wrong on that make and model. A good mechanic and a thorough pre-purchase inspection will look at those specific areas to see if there are issues. Like the exterior and interior, the underside of this Lexus GX is super clean and in top shape.
Inspecting for Accident Damage
While the vehicle is on the lift, check for any signs of accident damage. Look for signs of damage underneath the car, including scrapes or frame and suspension damage. Check for paint overspray on trim, weatherstripping, or underneath the vehicle. Look at the paint in different lights to see if any areas appear mismatched or a slightly different color.
Not surprisingly, this Lexus has no damage. Except for a few minor spots, everything is flawless.
Inspecting Under the Hood
The under-the-hood inspection also tells a lot about the vehicle’s condition. Pull the engine cover and look for signs of rodent damage. Check wires, wiring harnesses, and hoses to see if anything is cracked or frayed. Look for missing clips or ties – these indicate previous repair work. Look for oil leaks around the valve covers and coolant hoses. Again, no surprises on this GX 460 – it’s incredibly clean.
There are two great things about this video. First, it not only shows you what a good PPI covers but why they are important. This Lexus GX 460 is in top shape, except for a leaking water pump. It just goes to show that even the best vehicles have issues.
Finally, can we just take a moment to acknowledge how AMAZING this Lexus GX 460 is?
Photos & Video: The Car Care Nut
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