I have had 2 previous Lexus vehicles, an es300 1995, that I had for 6 years (bought when it was 5 or 6 years old with about 75,000 miles) and it was amazing. Sadly was totaled in an accident.

Also had a gs300 2000, bought in 2008 with 99,000 mi and never had any issues, just replaced brakes. Driven for 4 years and it was hit while parked outside my building, so bad luck with them in accidents but never mechanically.

Today I found an es350 2011 with 125,000 mi, no accidents on Carfax and it was a corporate car that was well maintained with all the services done at the correct times. It was purchased by the dealer at auction. It looks incredible, and I have taken it out 2x, once alone and once with my BF and we also did 2 other auto checks and nothing bad came up. Mechanic said it looks good and I can get a 48 hour clause to return after I take it to another mechanic who can check even more extensively. It is such a good price that I feel I need to have it. (8995) I have a 2005 Volvo now and it is starting to nickel and dime me. I only put about 4000-5000 miles a year on a car so the mileage isn’t too worrisome, but I am wondering if there are any issues with this year/model I should particularly look for it be concerned about. I will have it paid off in 2 or 3 years and I don’t keep cars much longer than 3 or 4, but this is one is so lovely (deep sea mica I think is the color) that I may want to keep it until it can’t go any longer.

Thoughts?! (Beside me being a girl that isn’t too concise?!) 😊 thanks in advance.

The dark blue is a cool and rare color. By that year it sounds like most of the quirks had been worked out. The early years 07/08 seem to be the once that had little issues. The one thing you might want to check out is the dash for stickyness or an ashy appearance/cracks. Not sure if they got it together by the 2011’s but there a tsb going on with them replacing the entire dashboard for a newer non melting dash. Look up the thread melting dash. Besides that should just be maintenance issues. Check to see if they did the spark plugs and water pump which are a pita on this motor. The other thing that I see which sounds like a common issue is the rear stabilizer bar bushings needing to be replaced. This is an easy fix and a really cheap part, you’ll know you need it if you hear metal on metal noise from the rear passenger area when turning or going over a speed bump.

Thank you! It is as smooth as can be and my road tests included many turns and bumpy side streets in Los Angeles. Drove it in heavy traffic and on quiet streets and drives like a dream. I have never been stuck with a lemon in the maybe dozen or more cars I have purchased, but it’s always a gamble, you know?! 😏 I am just waiting to see if my credit union gives me a better rate than the dealer.

thanks again!

Thank you. I did buy the car and the recall issue had already been taken care of. I have 2 days to return the car, so I am taking it to yet one more opinion, lol. I am just paranoid. Haha. But it seems to be great so far.

Thanks.

Congrats, now make sure to inspect your dash especially if your in a hot state.