I've started my search for a 13-14, black on black, SWB, RWD, 19" 7 spoke wheels, no air suspension, ML, shimamoku wood, low miles, no rust, etc....picky, yes. I did find an LS locally that didn't quite match my criteria, but I wanted an opinion from the group. It's a 2013, black on saddle, actually it’s called flaxen on these (I call it peanut butter...ack! Not a fan of it, but my dad has it in his 2011 IS250C). It's an L, has 111k on it, Southern car, so no rust. It has the 19" wheels I want, the must-have ML, alcantara headliner, no air suspension, shimamoku wood, one owner (still has the window sticker). I pulled the service history, and it had the brake actuator done under warranty and the coolant valley leak repaired. No record of control arms. The car is valued at $22k-$23k, but he wants $26k. IMO, that's way too much for that year and mileage, regardless. I'm not in any rush, but it's local and I wouldn't have to hassle with dealerships or buying a car sight unseen, having to order an inspection, ship or fly and go get the car, etc. (I've done this with my current ES....it's doable but a pain). I think it's worth $23k max.

What do you all think? I prefer black interior and under 100k....but 2 of the "big 3" issues have been done. That interior color would have to grow on me. Sticker was $85k new. Mostly dealer maintained. Rear brakes done at 30k, which is extremely early, but it turned out it was a bad tire on the RO. Local Lexus dealer serviced it. They also resurfaced the front rotors and checked a couple of other items before they realized via tech line that they needed to replace the brake actuator for the front clunking noise (also noted that they checked the control arms for this complaint). Right after it was purchased, the door panel had been resurfaced? I'll have to ask what that's all about. Very good, detailed service history. Don’t see any brake flushes or spark plugs done at 100k. Just not sure what I want to do. I guess I should go look at it and drive it first. If it had black interior, I'd work on some serious negotiation.

Thoughts on value or what to pay based on this? Keep looking? When I was looking for my ES, I wanted a black on black UL when I found my current smoky granite mica on gray. I’ve been very happy with it considering it wasn’t my first color choice.

 

There is real value in having those items repaired already. You're only 3k apart. Make him an offer, show how you came up with the value (plug replacement needs doing) and be prepared to negotiate. I'd still get an inspection though, hidden damage can be pricey compared to a PPI. A one owner car has value as well.

 

I think you are spot-on in pegging its value in the low 20s.

While I personally love the Flaxen interior, if your heart is set on black you will always regret buying it.

 

He said if the best offer he gets is $23k, he’ll just keep it. “It’s too nice of a car.” Ok then. Makes that easy for me. Car prices will come down eventually.

 

For a one owner car with good service history and relatively low miles $26 USD is a good price in my opinion, close to 25% of the cost when new with tax. I have a black interior in my 13 and I like it but it's really dark in there even during the day.

 

I’m still chewing on it. Budget is $23k max and I still don’t know about the control arms. Buying out of state with these will be a pain because I’d definitely want a PPI, and this one is 10 min away. Another ES, I’d be more ok to buy sight unseen other than pics, a carfax, and Lexus service history report. They’re inexpensive to maintain.

I plan on keeping an ES as a daily since I commute 58 miles round trip. My 11 UL has 177k, and I’d like to get a couple more years out of it and replace it with a newer one. I’d like to keep both an ES and have LS for my weekend car. Wife has a 15 GX.

The other option is to go totally different for a weekend toy and get a V6 6spd manual Accord coupe. Just sold my old 5spd manual Taurus SHO project cars, so I miss having a 3rd pedal also. The LS is still my top choice. I’d rather have the luxury, and they drive absolutely amazing!

 

IMHO, you should spend some more time thinking about exactly what you want and the overall value of the car rather than just the price. Sometimes a bird in hand.... There's no right answer. Sincerely, best of luck.

 

From your first post you seem to want a very specific car, and you said you just started your search. This car doesn't tick all your boxes. You may not find one, but I'd give your search more time. Particularly since it appears you intend to make this car a keeper.

 

I decided to pass. The guy was a real jerk in the messages. Gave him my # and asked him to text me his availability. Instead, I received a message back on the car sales platform that told me to meet me at X spot at X time if I was serious, because he was too busy to deal with people that aren’t interested and are only looking for a steal.

Found the autocheck link. Car had 2 accidents, lol. Hard pass. Car is way overpriced. Good luck to him. I’d have rather gone to a dealership if that’s what I was going to have to deal with.