Hey everyone ...

The GF and I are headed out on a road trip to check out a low-mile '06 CL. It's quite a drive and I don't want to miss anything that needs to be checked out. Oddly, I'm not finding any decent checklists on our beloved Club Lexus that talk about what to look out for, warning signs, and so on.

And no, there are no Lexus dealerships for hundreds of miles; so getting an authorized look-see is out. In fact, not too much in the way of any kind of dealer where this car is located.

This particular unit, and here's my dumb question, only has about four months left on its factory warranty. That warranty is transferable to us, right? No, it's not a CPO, it's the factory warranty. Second, is it possible to add the CPO or any Lexus warranty to the car before the factory coverage expires? Is this doable or even advisable in our member's opinions?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. From what I'm finding, and this is of course just my experience, it seems the LS430 is not only holding value, but price in the last six months has risen by around three to four grand across the board. And once a good example becomes available they are going very, very quickly. Lots of dealers out there sniping them; lots of PP competition too.

 

http://www.cars.com/go/advice/shoppi...inspection.pdf


15sec from here to google to back here with the link

 

RomanTPA ... not to be appear ungrateful, but I was speaking about a checklist specific to the LS430. Thought I made that clear. Believe me, after 35 years of driving and working on cars I know what to generally look for.

But thanks anyway ... it is appreciated.

 

There's really nothing in the CL trim that will stand out as being bad or look out for. I would say check all the windows to make sure laminated glasses are not parting, but for an '06 don't see that happening yet (if ever).

Just goofy things mostly, but:

1. perhaps the headlight aim
2. spare matches the four wheels
3. check the ML system to make sure sub woofer is not out
4. all door closers work
5. headlamp washers work (head lights have to be on)
6. laser cruise works
7. parking sensors function

Really, just little things. Good luck and hope the vehicles meets your expectations.

 

Based on the cars I looked at, in addition to the suggestions already posted, also make sure that the front door mirrors adjust in all directions and the steering column adjusts in all directions. Saw issues here on a number of cars I tested.

 

SLCLEXUS, in my opinion there are no sure things when it comes to are purchases at all. Look for the obvious like over spray of the paint and use your hands to feel for dents. Dont just use the eyes, some things the eyes miss! Take it for a drive on the regular roads(25-45mph) and the higher mph roads(45-65/70mph)! Maybe you should also get the vin number and do a check and ask the dealer for the service records print out. That said, I have a car that has done good at times and great at other times of ownership.

The LS is a reliable car sir, dont over think it and dont worry. The cars have a great rep and its well deserved. YES, some cars are lemons but, the chances of ending up with one are slim and typically a car thats been around like a 2006 has past that stage. When you get the car do all you can to take care of it properly and it will give it back to you dear sir. I got my LS at 36,000 miles and 2 years old, one owner! Dont know what this person did but, they were up and down the east coast mainly the North East!

When I got the car and I still do this now, I did all the sevices and oil changes needed. Sometimes I changed the oil in between the services(every 5,000)! Now I just do the 5,000 mile services and it runs well. My point, if there is an issue to come its coming regardless, just do all you can if you buy to avoid issues like I have and things will run smooth. Heck, my suspension was bad a while ago, unavoidable and nothing I could do to stop it. Most issues will only be wear and tear and thats normal for ALL cars. ANy Lexus you buy will typically suffer only from normal wear and tear. All the best if you buy the 2006 LS, its a great year LS and good track record for issues! L.G.N.M

 

If it is still under 48 month warranty that's a good thing in case anything is wrong - Lexus will fix it doesn't matter if you are the 14th owner.

I'd recommend getting an extended warranty for that level optioned car. Lots of expensive stuff that can break...

 

If the car is still within the original warranty period you can get an extended warranty from Lexus itself. This can cover you out to 7 yrs \ 100k miles from the original sale date of the car. Use our contacts from the FAQ here to save some $$$$.

Get the VIN number and call your Lexus dealers service dept to get a quick history on the car with maintenance, etc. Any Lexus dealer can do this. As mentioned by others I'd check the mirrors for folding in and out correctly, etc. Also check the puddle lamps below the mirrors work. If it has chrome rims I'd have those checked for salt damage (the inside will be peeling) if it's been driven in the snow a lot. Brakes rotors can visually be inspected for pitting on the rotors too if it's a snow car. I'd get an inspection anyway from the local inspection service or autoclub, etc. Carfax is a must.

The biggest thing will probably be the condition of the interior. The interiors on these cars can still easily look like new if well cared for. The leather should be soft and not be heavily wrinkled, etc. It is common and almost normal for the plastic just below the Nav screen to be scratched by fingernails. I'd also test the car out on one of your 80MPH marked stretches of freeway as well Those roads are pretty nice in Utah.

 

In addition to the above good suggestions, also check out the steering column raise / lower & retract / extend function for smooth operation (says the man who just paid to have the retract / extend motor replaced). Get the VIN before you go (or run it while you are there) on the owners section of lexus.com to check the service history. Enjoy the trip and good luck with the car.

Oh, and someone has to ask... Pics of GF?

 

Its ok, Thats the check list my friend (from lexus dealership) gave me a little while back when i started looking for LS430, he said thats what they use for LS430 when they do the CPO. but he gave me a paper version, i just found this online but looks identical to what he gave me.

edit, i just re-read your first post again, you were ONLY looking for things that are FIRST to go?