Hello Everyone,

Per the advice of the Car Care Nut, I recently purchased a 2004 2 owner LS 430 with 81,000 miles that was extremely well maintained. I then drove a 105,000 mile 2016 LS 460 and like another recent post here, fell in love with the ride compared to the 430. I found a 2016 RWD with 80,000 miles for a bit more money but like my 430, is well maintained and a single owner car. I don't see any repairs done other than regular maintenance, tires, battery and radiator flush on mylexus.com. I'm going to check with the seller but I don't see brakes, any hydraulic fluid flushes, front end work, injector cleanings, etc. Per the Car Care Nut and these threads, I know that the front end suspension, wind noise, engine valley coolant leaks (does this apply to the 2016?), air suspension (which I will not buy if it has this), dash board issues, brake actuator are all potential problem areas.

I would appreciate any comments or advice on what else I should be looking for so I know what to expect in potential maintenance costs if any to bring it current?

Thanks

 

I think you're going to get negative opinions when you ask a loaded question like that, you're going to have problems with a ls460 just like you will with your 430. Chances are you won't have all the problems that could be listed but they do exist and are more expensive to repair.
Trying to find one that's as bare bones as possible to avoid repairs is a waste of time, might as well get something cheap and reliable like a ........oh, I don't think they make those any longer.

 

I just purchased a 2016 F-Sport AWD that has 99,200 miles. The condition is pristine and rides great. However, at this kind of mileage, unless you are absolutely sure the car is up to date with recent maintenance and repairs, be prepare to spend some money on replacing worn out components.
For me, I was comfortable at the price of the vehicle I got and have set aside some fund to replace worn out components. Major work involve the brakes. The F sport has the upgraded Brembo big brake so it's going to cost money. My next major work will be the air suspension. I bought the OEM parts from Japan and waiting for them to ship. To me, the only way to experience the LS is on air suspension. That just me though. You can always swap out the air suspension for some conventional spring suspension too.
Even with these two major works added cost, the total price I paid for the LS is still cheaper than a new Camry. My LS460 MSRP at $90K, I expect a $90k car maintenance and not a Camry maintenance cost. You can also find a lower mileage one and pay more up front. But keep in mind the maintenance cost of a flagship car.

 

I bought my 2016 LS 460 in January 2020; it was off lease and had only 15K miles on it! looked and drove like a brand new car! it's been my dream car for a long time and now I drive one
I had 1 issue: the ABS light came on and main screen said to check ABS / breaks; took it to the dealer and some electronic part that monitors breaks broke; cost me around $1000 to get it fixed; I follow recommended maintenance and around the same time I had a brake / rotor replacement job done, new tires, oil etc. Car still drives like a dream. Other than that electronic brake sensor thing no other issues since I got the car almost 5 years ago.

HTH,
Martin

 

Congrats on your F-Sport! I understand this car will not be inexpensive to own and I'm good with that. I'm negotiating on an immaculate, 2016 460 with 78,000 mile, single owner, car now. He's at $28,000 and I'm trying to get it for $26,000. Thoughts on this would be appreciated.

 

Depends on what trim level it is? Is it the basic LS460? Mark Levinson Audio? Triple beam headlamps? Luxury package? Comfort package?
Recent brake job? Tires condition? Etc.
Can you test drive this vehicle or buying sight unseen?
I bought my ‘16 F sport sight unseen. LMAO. Because I wanted the F sport and it has to be 2016+ because of the full screen capability for future CarPlay add-on. it’s very hard to find. and I know it’s going to need some work.

 

Base model but checking to see if Comfort Package is included - thank you!, Tires 18,000 miles ago, never had a brake job, he said dealer said not needed so brakes will be on my list for sure along with battery. No front end work. Air filter, brake fluid exchange, spark plugs at 63,000 miles, window moulding driver door at 57,000 (common issue) but no other fluids flushed. He did put an Expel type film or bra on the front end to guard against chips. I have this on ny 24 RXH. That's it other than oil changes. He is very, very meticulous and the car is like new (rare to see a driver seat look this good) but I expected more service done to the car by the dealer since he bought it.

I am going to have it inspected and am on the fence whether to inspect and ship or fly to see the car, inspect and then either drive it back or have it shipped. I've been stung or surprised buying unseen from used car lots before but this deal seems less threatening.

 

Yup. Saw that one. Looks clean.
My interior is also peanut butter.

 

Confirmed these comfort package options are included, would appreciate your opinion on buying the car. Thanks

heated and ventilated front seats, a power rear sunshade, a power trunk closer,

 

I don’t want to sway you one way or the other. It really depends on how much you want the vehicle and how much you really need the vehicle.
25k is reasonable IMO. With tires at 18k miles that’s more than half life. And with 80k miles and no brake job, expect to have rotors and pads at the very least done soon. Those two items will be in the $2k+ so add that into the purchase.

I had mine delivered. If you’re using the autotrader private seller exchange, be aware that you can use your own shipping company and have a better communication between you and the shipping company. I used Autotrader PSX thinking it would be seamless but the process of getting the vehicle was slower and more expensive than I thought. PSX charged me $1200 to deliver the vehicle from Ohio to MA. I had quote from company I would use was $800.

 

Wow for that kind of money, I would have just hopped on a plane and drove the car back, see it as a mini vacation, stop at a few things on the way back in my new car.

 

Thank you for your thoughts, much appreciated. Maybe I misstated the price, it's not 25K but 28K and he admitted he's been told he's high. It's been up for sale for about 5 weeks and no serious offers so I think $25,000 is where it should be priced. One of my concerns is if I buy it and put 30-40,000 miles on it and then try to sell it, It's going to be tough to get rid of. I just pounced this morning on a brand new listing for a 2017 AWD, 22,000 mile, single owner who traded in for a new Lexus with a price of $37,250. The dealer was Haldeman Lexus in Princeton, NJ. I moved fast, signed the paperwork, paid the deposit of $2500 and they ended up pulling my deal and selling to another guy who could pick it up Saturday. I had a deal and then, I didn't. My point is that anything under 50,000 miles in good condition with maintenance history is usually selling very quickly. I absolutely love the condition and look of this 78,000 mile car but think I might I be getting married to it and unable to sell it on top of the deferred maintenance we've discussed. What do you think?

BTW, I don't need the vehicle. I have a 2024 RX 350H and a recently purchased 2004 LS 430 with 80,000 miles. I'm trying to figure out if I want to keep it and thought getting a 460 would help me make up my mind to sell it or just keep all 3. I know, it's a gold plated problem for sure

 

ehhhh… There was no way I would take a flight to Ohio and drive a car back with almost 100k miles on it that potentially has brake and air suspension issue based on the service history. I knew what I was getting into but for the price I got it, I figured even if I have to replace two two items I’m still at my budget and potentially have a great vehicle with brand new air suspension and brake. Like I said, my must have is the 2016+ F sport trim, AWD, and without an accident history. It’s pretty rare and I’ve seen searching for about 4 months and pretty much tired of it.

 

Again, I'm not going to tell you what to do. I can only offer my thoughts.
That's a pretty **** ethic move on the Lexus dealer to do that. I heard stories like this in used car dealer but surprised a Lexus dealer would do that especially you have a deposit with them. I would've ask for a legal binding document the amount I paid the deposit.
Like yourself, I didn't really need the LS. It is my 3rd car but I've always wanted an LS. I really only started looking when I traded in my GSF(sedan) for an LC500. Because I really get tired of driving my RX all the time with the family, having another vehicle I can drive with the family and in the winter that is not the RX is appealing to me and I can fulfill that desire of owning an LS460. I honestly didn't think I was going to be attached to it as much as I am now. I thought it was going to be my winter vehicle and as soon as the road condition gets better, I would take out the LC500. So, I didn't really care for it much at the time of purchase. I saw the vehicle, check all the boxes in terms of trim level and features. Went on Lexus to check the history. And I asked the seller a few questions. Paid Autotrader in full and the about a week later, the car was in my driveway. I took it to the dealer to get an oil change and inspected and they came up with a list of stuff that needs attention. I'm working to get what's on the list done and figure even after all that, the vehicle would be up to date and with new components and I would still be under the price of what a lower mileage similar trim level vehicle would be. But I have just replaced with new components. I went to a couple of local mechanic shop and they all say besides the brakes and front suspension, the car is still a baby. As of right now, I plan on keeping the vehicle. It drives so good. Buttery smooth and quiet(even with leaky air suspension lol). I like the ride so much that I wonder how much better it would be if it was new.
I don't really put a lot of mileage on my vehicles and spread the mileage between them. My 2017 RX350-F sport currently has 53k miles. My 2024 LC500 that was bought in May has 2500miles and currently in winter hibernation. My 2015 GS350-F sport was 43K miles when I gave it to my dad 2 years ago. It would take a long time for this 100k mile LS460-F Sport to get to 150k miles so I'm not worried on putting some money to repair it. And if LS430/460 routinely getting 200k+ miles, it's going to take a long time.

 

If you are afraid of not able to get rid of the car after certain amount of mileage, take VIN number to KBB.com. Up the mileage to what you think it’ll be when you want to sell it and see what you get for dealer trade in or cash offer. I know the car will be older at that time so take into account 10-15% less. Likewise, a great way to offer a private sale is to take the VIN and go to KBB and find out what the trade in value is. You can offer this but you have to give them some incentive so a 10-15% more is good place to start. It really depends on how much you like the vehicle.
The only way I would get rid of my LS460-Fsport would be trading in at the dealer for an LS500-FSport. However, I probably would trade in the RX350 first.