You know what I want to say, in your own profession, are you an expert? Are you good at what you do? Do you have a title (many good people have minimalist titles--I can't stand all the letters after peoples' email signatures--I asked my buddy who is a CPA wtf are all those new letters you have in your signature and he said who cares it just looks impressive--does it?).

I saw mention of a BMW master tech. First of all, I've dealt with their bosses on my own vehicle, who don't seem to know much. Secondly, I watch that youtube where the person started working at Mercedes Benz at age 18 and became a master tech at 21. I think maybe 10 years has gone by and he goes to indie shops to learn.

imho two things have to happen when someone repairs a vehicle. One of those two things is they have to give a darn. You give a darn about your own car, but there are many things you are not setup to fix (often one reason is lack of a lift). So in situations regarding motor vehicles, make sure the other party has a reason to give a darn. The business in itself is not conducive to that. It encourages profit, sometimes fleecing.

 

Boca, that’s what I did on the first trip down. I went over the car with my list of things to check. I took lots of pictures and made videos as I inspected, so I could look over them and see what I missed. I am getting the car tonight for an overnight test drive, and to have my mechanic inspect it in the morning. He will put it up on the lift while I am there. So we will be able to check for the state of bushings and motor mounts, etc. The transmission shifted smoothly, even when stopping completely and accelerating fully from the base of a hill, going up.. I will also check the “manual’ shift of the transmission. I checked the spot where it had been parked, BEFoRE they moved it, and there were no leak spots or fluid on the cement.The hot smell seemed more like engine coolant, and I did not check that before I drove it. I will certainly do so before driving it 45 miles back home. I know I may be paying hundreds, maybe a thousand more than I should, but if it’s all good on the inspection, I am okay with that. Thank you though for your words of caution and good sense!

Boca and John
I live in a small community of less than two thousand. My mechanic is the only one in the immediate area, and lives here as well. The old lines of “he goes to church with us, and his kids go to the same school as mine” apply as well. He has been taking care of my vehicles since he opened his shop six years ago, and I have known him over a decade. There have been a couple of disagreements in the past, but we have found common ground and a positive outcome. I know the quality of his work, and he knows I will hold him accountable if he signs off on a car that is flawed. He has built up his shop from just himself to three full time mechanics working with him. He works on my cars because I insist, and I have been using him since he opened the doors. I threw in the titles to say that he knows about luxury cars, and the expected way that they should perform. I know if I take something to him to be fixed, it will be better than brand new, and he is trained enough to suggest OEM parts when it affects comfort and ride, and knows where aftermarket parts can be used without any diminished function. So there is significant trust, and a good track record between us.

PS If I knew how to post pictures, I would. It’s really been gently used from the interior and exterior standpoint.

 

I see that you're in AL. I spent some time there last summer, also MS. I can envision what you say as being very likely. Where I live it's anything goes and as best I can see, would not be comparable. For example, there were several times I extended my hand to a female colleague in MS, and was told we don't shake hands around here we hug. That's fine. Here we have to be careful, I've noticed that women here "announce" they are going to hug you, as if as a disclaimer and buffer allowing for the man to reject. My buddy said that's dang weird. I know, but times have changed.

Again the way I view auto repair is a person who does things wanting to protect their reputation is the type I seek. Not easy to find in the northeast.

What you are doing is what I should have done--test driven for a day, and no need to drive far. I woulda realized the brakes pulsated and the driver door lock actuator was broken (luckily the dealership fixed for free--my wife pushed me to get them to do it, I was gonna DIY, but felt bad about it). Also all the other stuff like cupholder, b-pillar wear, seats sag, missing tool kit, on and on. These aren't things that turn up on a 15 min test drive. good luck

 

Have you checked this one out in Atlanta area? https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=258532235
Lot less miles for not much more.

 

There's a reported accident on that car. It's also been at the dealership for over 2 months which is kind of a long time for those low miles. If it's nearby, it's worth a look.

 

Boca,
Atlanta area is 2-3 hours one way. And then there is the hassle of getting around. Not easy for me. I looked the car up, and It has spent all its life in New York. I’ll pay a premium for a southern car. Thank you though. I brought the car home tonight. All gadgets work fine, including Park Assist, Soft Close doors and trunk, and the Adaptive Cruise Control worked after I cleaned the lens. I’m having it inspected in the morning. The car tracked fine, no vibrations, brakes don’t shutter. Levinson is fantastic. All interior lights work. Tires are 90% Tread left, Michelin Defenders. No pops or squeaks on the rough country roads near the house. Manual shift feature works great. Wipers are good, rain sensing works. Lights are great and the HIDs and brights work fine. All interior and exterior lights are fully functional. The paint has some swirls and minor scratches in the clear coat, but I think that is to be expected.
The car lived in TN for a while, and TN reports differently then AL to carfax. Two accidents reported. One the car hit a 🦌 deer, and the other was it got tapped from behind. You can see where the paint was touched up on the back bumper, but it’s not obvious. I feel good about it so far. Even if i have to put a few thousand in it over the next year, I believe I would have a car that’s better than a lot of the new cars for sale now. I will keep everyone posted on how tomorrow goes.
Thanks,
David





Rear seat heaters work also


Minor scuffs on steering wheel


No wear on armrest or handle


My wingman!

 

The telescoping feature on the steering wheel doesn’t work. Tilt does. No big deal, it’s the same way on my 04 LX. Only thing I’ve found so far. Also, lenses are clean and crisp, not clouded at all. I have more pictures if you want to see. It’s really easy to post pics here compared to other forums. Thanks for all the help and good things to consider.
David

Thank you to all for the advice and consideration. I put 200 miles on my car in the extended test drive, and everything checked out well with the inspection at my mechanic. I wanted it for 7500, they were asking 8300, we settled at 7800. I’m okay with that. My mechanic recommended the TC/WP service as the only thing needed, and I had planned to do that anyway. Averaged out to 21.3mpg in the time driving it. I was also pleased that it came with both original keys, so that’s one less expenditure. I will keep everyone posted as the adventure goes on.

 

Maintenance light came on while going to work today and I freaked out. As you already know, when I checked for codes, there were not any.
now I need to figure out how to clear the MaintReqd off. Advice?

 

1. Turn ignition switch to first position, but don't start car.
2. Press "Trip" button until the odometer displays
3. Turn ignition switch back to off
4. Press "Reset" button and hold
5. Turn ignition switch to first position again, don't start engine, while holding down "Reset" button till "Maintenance Required" disappears

 

Thank you for the reset procedure! Two round trips to work/home and averaged 22.3mpg. Better than 15.5 on my LX. In trying to figure it out on my own, I found that the dealer was set to Franklin Automotive, a reputable group of import shops in Alabama. I am going to call them tomorrow and give them the VIN and see if I can get service records.
Thanks again to everyone for the help.
David

 

Resetting the engine oil maintenance information data (U.S.A. only)
After replacing the engine oil, be sure to reset the maintenance data. Otherwise, the engine oil maintenance information may not function correctly. (P.334)
Push the "TRIP" button to change the trip meter display to blank.
Turn the ignition switch off.
Turn the ignition switch to "ON" while pushing the trip meter "RESET" button.
Keep pushing the trip meter "RESET" button for longer than 5 seconds.
"Mileage Reset" appears on the display, the master warning light comes on, and a warning tone sounds.
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency If a warning message appears...
If a warning message appears on the multi-information display, check to see what the problem is and take appropriate measures referring to the following table.

1 - Master warning light
Comes on or flashes when a warning message appears on the multi information display. (The warning light may not come on or flash, depending on the system. In this case only the message will be displayed.)
2 - Multi information display
See owner's manual for discussion of various warnings. Complete owners's manual available in PDF for free here: https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/

 

Thank you 430

 

Update on the car. I have thoroughly enjoyed owning it. There have been no surprises, and i just did the first oil change, rotate and balance. I have made two road trips ~600 miles and I have gotten 27.6 and 28.3mpg, which seriously impressed me. That is at 75mph on the interstate, and premium gas.
I wish it had the trip info screen like my 04 LX. The Nav screen is just boring to me. Let me know if i'm missing something. My iPhone X Max fits nicely in the nav screen spot and i usually just leave it parked up there. Overall, my ownership experience has been smooth, luxurious, and uneventful. Exactly what I was hoping for.
One question I do have- Summer is coming in the south, and I don't want to have to fight scrubbing bugs off the front of the car. Do you have any suggestions, or any products that I should pursue for alleviating this problem?

 

Nice looking car. You can fix the worn leather on the steering wheel easily. Take the gear shift **** off and take it to Home Depot or Lowes and have them make a 4 oz match with premium flat latex paint. Then paint the worn spots. I used that procedure several years ago and you still can't tell where I painted the worn area (which is in the same area as in your photo). Your interior looks too nice to live with the worn steering wheel!

 

thanks man, great tip!!
Should i search on removing the gear ****, or should it simply screw off with a little pressure?
I cant wait to try this on the LS and my LX!