Hey Guys - I'm a newbie on the site and looking for some expert advice. I brought my 2007 LS460L (Exec package) in to the shop b/c my right front passenger tire was making contact with the wheel well when i hit a bump. It was clear that there was a problem with the suspension....but I wasn't prepared for how bad it was going to be. Long story short the mechanic informed me that I needed replacement of both front and rear struts, as well as 8 control arms. He said using Lexus OEM air suspension parts would run me (with labor) approx $15k, Aftermarket air parts would be $12 - $13k, and the less desirable coil suspension option around $10k. He really didn't recommend the coil option nor did I for a minute consider it. My questions are: 1) are these prices (although jaw dropping) in line with what would be considered "reasonable" for this type of repair? 2) If these costs are in line with the market for this type of repair - are there options where I can sell the car on a secondary market and get a reasonable amount for what I consider to be a rare LS460L package still in good condition (besides the suspension). Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

By the way the car has 150k miles on it...

 

When you say shop, do you mean a Lexus dealer? It doesn’t seem like it. At those prices I think the dealer can probably do it for the same cost.

 

No it was a Japanese specialty auto repair shop here in Roswell, GA

 

If all the control arms are included in this price I would get a quote from the dealer, if the control arms are extra then the repair might exceed the value of the car.

 

More or less, IF all 4 corners air shocks & 8 C arms need replacement, including the labor, that's pretty much what you're looking at pricewise. I spent nearly $8K doing only the fronts, all front c arms and new steering knuckles. Labor was discounted, because my buddy who owns a shop did all the work. He did mention, everything about the LS is complicated. LOL

Do you plan on keeping the car another 100K miles? If not, sell it. With the age and mileage, there's no way the value of your car exceeds the repair costs.

I recently sold my 13 Fsport with 99K miles, and realized the LS has a niche market, not yielding much interest as a accord or camry wouldve.

GL!

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'm bummed about it....but I've come to grips with the fact that I need to sell it. I didn't expect this repair bill from a Lexus but I'm quickly being educated on the fact that I bought a very complex vehicle....and with that complexity comes risk...and possible cost. Lesson learned.

 

Well regardless of whether he recommends it or not, maybe the coil springs for around $1000 for all 4 plus installation can buy you a few years.

I 100% agree with you. I just bought a 2012 LS460 AWD with 84k last month and after doing some more research- post purchase unfortunately- getting this car was a poor decision. Hoping I can get a year or 2 out of it so my wife won’t be too irritated…we can’t let the pretty car fool us…it’s near junk at this point which is why it’s so cheap.

 

It sounds like someone's boat payments are overdue and they plan on making them up with your repair. That quote is obscene from an independent shop.

 

I'm in the bay area with 275k miles on original rear air shocks on a 12 L awd Fronts have replaced once. Front a arms replaced once. At this age and value I recommend just replace what's broken. Even with worn bushings (ball joints last forever) this car is still better than most...

 

They are taking you to the cleaners.

All OEM front control arms can be purchased $1500-$2000 online various sources. The OEM air struts can be purchased for $650-$800 each.

That puts you at $4000-$5500 in parts

Watch my control arm video here, ask questions if you have them.