TriniLex

I know this car is almost flawless but would like any quick things to look at while inspecting it.

I looked at one and the rear axle (in the middle) had some oil. Sorry i forgot the name of what its called.

Also I saw one with an oil pan leak at 80k miles

Same one had a problem with the folding mirrors not folding properly
also the center console lid was not closing properly

Anything else to look for?
thanks

TriniLex

Also I noticed on the mylexus service history the car was seen 2x for having problems coming out of park?
I found a post about Intermittent failure of the PARK interlock on the shifter.
Is this a common problem. Is there a fix for it?

I will also be checking the steering wheel telescope

Checking passenger seat groaning

Trunk and hood lifters

AC vents flow

Windshield wiper noise

Anything else?

vinodc

Make sure you check the REAR subwoofer. it is a well known problem, they tend to break easily, and if broken will rattle.

Quipper

My 2003 LS has had some problems ejecting CDs when all 6 slots are filled, but I'm not sure you'd want to stick 6 CDs in to check, just in case they didn't come out and you didn't buy the car! And I can always put a single disc in and get it out without trouble.

TriniLex

location of the rear subwoofer? under the seat or under the rear deck?

LSGarry

The sub is under the rear window deck. Its a PIA to access cause you have to remove the rear seat. Check it by turning up the bass and volume. Mine is shot and I'm going to lay a silicon bead on it and try to fix it that way. An ML replacement is ridiculously expensive.

Davidq

damnit i think my rear subwoofer just blew

user 820442

My LS woofer is fine now, but I had that problem in my 2001 Avalon when the woofer blew. That was accesible through the trunk fortunately. The LS's is behind the seat...? Oh FUUUUUUUDGE.

ayonnebay

Turn on the Park Assist switch on the dash before taking a test drive and leave it on for a while. If there is a problem with one of the bumper sensors, they may have the switch turned "off" so it won't show on the display. If one is bad, they are costly to replace.

Walt

AJT123

LOL! I love it...do you all realize how spoiled we are? Wow, bad parking sensors...a blown sub. Mirrors that don't fold.

These are NOT problems IMO. Go over to an S class or & 7 series forum of the same year and check that out. It's very entertaining.

Davidq

^lol you're right, i was about to pick up a used 7 series until i went on the bimmer forum to check out all their common problems. My jaws dropped after 5 mins of reading lol so i piked a used 04 ls430 instead and so far its the best car ive owned

AJT123

My LS is 8 years old and seriously feels brand new.....Toyota or not, it's a very complex car so for the first month or two I was constantly scrutinizing it, looking for something wrong or for something about to go wrong---nada, zip, zilch. Nothing. It's almost scary how well these cars are put together.

As much of a MB nut I am, I would never buy an 8 year old German flagship, that's for sure! A Lexus LS? Only the most reliable car ever made (documented). No questions. Sold! Best car I've ever owned.

user 820442

My LS430 is 9 years old and I can't believe it either. I bought it a week ago and fell for it with in the first 5 minutes of test driving it. I was also looking at a 2007 GS and 2008 ES. Both are great cars but the LS is just in class all it's own. It was a big step up from my 2001 Avalon which is in great shape stil and runs like charm, it just isnt an LS No worries, my son and his wife are quite happy now that I gave them my Avalon.

jayclapp

In 2007 I went to the Lexus dealer, preparing to purchase within a year a new ES350 fully loaded. An hour and half later I was driving home in a CPO 2004 UL with 21,000 miles at the same price as I expected to pay for the ES.

That was the first used car I ever bought in my life. Every time I get in the car now, it's like getting in a new car. Talk about an amazing car.

loughery

I hope I'm not too late, but look for parts that have been replaced. A good place to start is to look at the air filters, gas cap, floor mats, etc. Good luck.