I'm not an expert on AutoCheck vs CarFax but for me I would be concerned about the # of owners being different. It seems odd how that would be a manual mistake (something entered incorrectly by a person). I can understand (still wouldn't like) an odometer reading being off since that is manually entered on a keyboard by someone, but I don't understand a discrepancy on the # of owners. For that reason, plus your reason of being concerned about the nav (which to your point controls other things), plus the fact the TB and water pump need to be replaced, I would pass on this one. UNLESS... you get a very logical explanation on the discrepancy on # of owners, can get that fixed to be consistent, and can get the car for $12k maximum AND have the Lexus dealership include the TB and water pump change in that price. Ask for that..and at a minimum and your walk-away offer, tell them you'll pay for the parts of both items and have them cover the labor. I'd also really play up how uncomfortable you are with the discrepancy on the # of owners- it will hurt your ability to sell the car later, etc. etc. In my opinion, not too many people looking for cars that are 10+ years old with 100k miles (good for us, as I think there's no better car on the road for under $15k). Sticker on the car shows $14,991 and link shows they've moved down $800. Lots more room IMO.

I'd be looking at a really well-maintained car (no more than 2 owners) at or around 100k miles with all service documented, preferably at Lexus for most of its life. I think you could grab one of those for somewhere around $10-$12k. Personally I'm not scared of higher miles since I have a silver & grey 2004 with 240k miles (bought in 2008 @ 70k). There's one on autotrader for $10,900 at Lexus Orange Park near Jacksonville, FL (ironically where I bought my car) 142k miles, 1 owner, asking $10,900. I think you could steal it...but have no idea the service history. For the right car, you may have to do some online service searching, talk to the sales guy, get an independent inspection, and then buy a 1-way ticket to get it. I did all of my homework on web & phone and drove 7 hours in a POS rental car to get mine back in 2008. But the ride home sure was nice.

I know it's hard, but be patient and pull the trigger on the right car and you'll be glad you did. If you're willing to consider cars out-of-state, highly recommend you search in FL. The demographic down here is perfect for these cars- lots of old folks who have 2nd homes and baby their cars while they're here. I live in Orlando and did a 300 mile radius search for '05's and '06's and there are some beautiful cars listed right now. There's a black 2006 with 60k miles offered by private seller that I swear I would buy if I wasn't so sentimentally attached to my car. I'm more of a silver or grey fan but that black one is absolutely beautiful. And there are lots of nice silver ones available down here as well right now.

Good luck, PM me if you want more info or thoughts.

 

In addition to my updated post - took a test drive today - never driven a LS before - some general thoughts: a little more "sporty" with heavier steering than I imagined/quiet but not tomb-like, some road noise intrusion on the highway/the transmission and power delivery was absolutely amazing/felt extremely "solid". Some specific observations for this particular model: exterior - headlights need restoring, tires have (at most) 15K left, scratches on the R rear quarter; interior - ripped left side A pillar fabric, center console does not latch, cooled seats with very minimal air flow (? obstructed filters), only one key fob (and very worn); other: timing belt/water pump needs to be changed (the Lexus salesman: "we chose not to do that"). Additionally, he did mention this particular LS has had 3 owners per Carfax - he could not clarify the owner discrepancy number (on Autocheck) other than to say, "we utilize Autocheck only for title verification" - not sure what that means.

(jrmckinley, I greatly appreciate your lengthy reply - I may just continue my search)

 

I'd keep looking. There are still plenty of nice one owner cars around.

 

Can't comment on much other than the lack of minimal air flow on the seats- quick and inexpensive fix. Probably the seat air filter- speaking of which, I need to change those on mine..! Based on what you said, follow your gut on this car. You're gonna have some cosmetic issues on a 10 year old car. My headlights were foggy in 2013- took to my Toyota dealer (where I get all service done), paid $100 for lifetime warranty on the work and they still look brand new. I have put 170k miles on my car- and 150k of those 170k miles have been on Michelin tires. They provide the tomb-like experience- especially on smooth pavement. After my first 20k miles of owning the car I went from the 17" rims to the 18" OEM rims and put high end Michelin's on at that point. I feel the car rides better now than it did when I bought it despite the larger wheel size. Lesson: put good tires on it- it'd be a bonus if you buy one that already has nice tires. Otherwise, look at replacing them. Factor all of this stuff in to the asking price to get to your final price of what you're comfortable spending. If you're in a reliable car now and not in a huge hurry, I'd wait.

 

On a well maintained car, cosmetics shouldn't be a problem. Garage kept (or covered) makes a big difference. This one has had 3 owners, needs a timing belt ($1,200 - 1,500) and has multiple cosmetic problems? Am surprised a Lexus dealer would offer something like this. I really would keep looking. IMHO you can do better.

 

As others have rightly suggested, continue the search. This is a poor example of an LS (rips, console that doesn't latch, what appears to be brown staining on the driver's seat, vague history, etc.). Even at $10K I wouldn't bother with it. You still need the TB, water pump, maybe sparkplugs too, and headlight restore, and new tires soon. And then you still have to be reminded of the little interior annoyances each time you get in the car. I think buyer's remorse would set in quickly.

On a separate note, thanks for helping me identify what "Ecru" is. Our 06 LS is exactly like the ad with the same leather. Our headlights are crystal clear and no rips on any surfaces. Paid 16,900 with 48K miles and brand new tires. Someone else on the forum recently purchased an LS with I think only 30K miles. You'll be rewarded for your patience. Best of luck and happy shopping.