w8tliftert

Hey all, I passed on the 01 and am looking at an 03'. Plugged in the vin at Lexus.com and service history looks good. However, it has 91k now and at 89k the service history notes 1 1/2 qt oil level short? Is this cause for concern? it looks to be well maintained and there did not seem to be any sludge in the oil or on the cap from what I could see. It was routinely maintained though so the low oil level worries me? Could be minor? Autocheck gave the car a 92 so a clean history on the vehicle.

Also, anyone know of any independant toyota/lexus shops in St. Pete florida? Looking to get a pre-purchase inspection for peace of mind.... thx

caddyowner

These engines are not known for burning oil, so yes it is a concern - especially if it was noted in the service history. I would pass on that car and keep looking. It it was a Cadillac 3.6L or Northstar, that would be low oil usage between changes. (The things we got used to owning a Caddy...)

Did they do the 90K service (timing belt & water pump)?

warminwisc

At 170k mine will use 1/2 quart every 6k or so at the most . How long was the interim between changes.

Jabberwock

1/2 a quart at 5-7k OCI might not be a cause for concern on a 90k engine. At less than 5k OCI, 1/2 quart low might be. You have to have the car inspected - might be oil seepage/slow leak - might be burning some oil. Either should be corrected by seller or you need to pass on the car.

Live4brew

Could have been someone not filling it correctly at a previous oil change... and, FWIW, my 98 burns virtually no oil with 220k miles

AlexusAnja

It should be noting to check, bur if dealer made note, they would have checked and seen if any leaks or corrective action. You could always contact Lexus to try to get the work on that service. Its probably a low previous fill.

w8tliftert

The 9O k service was completed.

Car is in beautiful condition however it's on a somewhat shady lot of sorts, I think that's where my concern comes from. I will of course pay for a pre-purchase inspection. There is a Toyota dealership close by, can I just take it there or should I drive it over to the lexus dealer?

LS430Lexus

Take it to a Lexus dealer, ask to speak to the senior service tech and explain the problem.

Try to find out where the previous oil changes were done. It may be a low previous fill. Remember the '02 owners manual (and the services used by many shops) say the car takes 4.8 quarts. My '02 takes about 5.5 quarts. Many places put in 5 quarts and call it a day.

That said, if you are unsure, pass and you will find another car. It was not meant to be.

Jabberwock

oops - can't read - thought it was .5 quarts low but OP wrote 1.5 quarts low - yea 1.5 could be significant loss rate in a 5k OCI. Don't ever buy a used car unless you 100% trust the seller. And even then have the car inspected by Lexus before you buy. If seller balks at inspection before buying run away as fast as you can because they are thieves plain and simple. Any honest seller would have no problem allowing you to pay for a pre-buy Lexus inspection - honest sellers are supposed to be very concerned with creating a happy satisfied buyer.

Dispin

I'm not a mechanic but wouldn't a compression test show if this is a serious issue?

warminwisc

I know this ia an old thread. Are comp tests still accomplished with a gauge on each cylinder hole, or can they be done via computer logistics on the car. If rings are bad yes comp test would test low.