Hey everyone,
I'm seriously eyeballing a '10 JDM LS460 with ~60k miles on it (I'm in Canada, but I'm converting to freedom units because I care) and I'm curious what you folks are paying for maintenance for the NA model. I'm used to fixing up my Hondas with chewing gum, thoughts and prayers but I reckon a car like this is going to want some attention - are you shelling out $300/month to keep yours on the road if nothing goes wrong (fluids, suspension parts, etc)? I'm looking at Rock Auto and things like control arms, ball joints and rotors don't seem to be that much more expensive than what I feed my Fit (and my town isn't built for the kind of spirited driving that would make me choose the $200 ball joint over the $50 one).

Any insights on buying used in that range would be appreciated!

 

Can't speak for anyone else, but if you follow the maintenance schedule by Toyota/Lexus (or any other manufacturer) to the letter, then yes, you will likely spend a pretty penny. I will look at the maintenance schedules but will modify them and generally don't go by it. For some items, I will perform sooner, while others, I may extend it or not do it at all.

IMO, most of all Japanese cars (including the luxury divisions) can last quite a while even with only basic maintenance performed. Last year, I sold my 2008 S2K with 201K miles and it still had all the original parts, minus fluids and brake pads. On my GTR, other than the upgraded turbos, one of the biggest expense is oil/filter for this car, as I change it every 2K miles.

 

I wouldn't consider anything older than 2013.

 

I purchased an '07 L ( 75,000 miles) in December 2018 and have put a little over 50,000 miles on it. It was a one owner car, in great condition, but I wouldn't have called it over maintained. I love the car, and it has been extremely reasonable to maintain. I may have just gotten lucky, and I'm sure mileage will very, but here's my experience.
When I bought the car (known defect) the navigation screen was acting up and it ended up being a hard drive that had to be handled by the dealer (some here will say they can be cloned, but that way over my head). Cost in 2018 dollars, including a brake flush about $1500. On inspection, dealer told me the water pump was leaking. I replaced that myself, using Rock Auto parts, including idler pully, tensioner, new belt, hoses, while I was at it...air cleaners, cabin filter, wiper blades parts cost about $350. I do a lot of my own mechanical work and I was surprised at just how easy the water pump was to work on. Lots of room. Put in a new battery, had a couple more brake fluid flushes at the dealer over the years. I did front and rear brakes myself with Rock's parts again parts cost about $350 in 2022. Also in 2022, I did all front end control arms with a buddy's help, with Rock's Mevotech after market arms, parts cost about $800.
My L is rear wheel drive, not AWD, and has NO air suspension. I specifically stayed away from those two options as those can be very pricey to maintain, problematic and aggravating. They will inevitably add to the maintenance cost if your eyeballed candidate has them. You'll note I've done several brake flushes, and that's because the brake system IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX.. I service it regularly at the dealer and refuse to use the "Brake Hold" feature, as I have a theory that rare or intermittent use of that feature triggers brake actuator failure in these cars. Good luck! I always say you can't tell what kind of deal you got on your used car until you sell it or junk it. I hope you get a good one.