A bit dissapointed...
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 659
Likes: 109
From: Georgia
I drove a local LS 460L AWD. I didn't know it was an AWD while driving it. I did not and do not want an AWD. But for in snowy areas I totally understand why a person would. But I'm in Atlanta. We did have the icepocolypse last year in Atlanta but I have a 4X4 pick-up if I have the absolute need to get out in a mess like that.
Anywho - while driving the car I thought ... this thing is not as quiet as I suspected it would be. Especially moving. And it didn't accelerate as well as expected. Got back to the dealer and looked it over more and noticed the AWD on the back and was immediately like, oh that's the noise I was hearing. Not that it was noisy. But I could hear more than I expected. I was a bit disappointed. Later drove a RWD and was much more satisfied.
Then I found my car ... a 2010 with less than 14k miles, RWD 460L with the ultra luxury package full power and vibration rear seats. It's quiet, quick, engine sounds nice, rides great, like brand new. Carfax was clean, it had great service history, and had been washed twice a week for 4 years, one owner, same Beverly Hills address the whole time. Its like I have a brand new car for a HUGE discount. Yes, i went to Beverly Hills to get it. But was so worth it. So ... keep looking ... there are good ones out there.
The problem I'm having with the car is, when my coworkers start getting hungry for lunch, they come by my office and ask, did you bring the limo?
Anywho - while driving the car I thought ... this thing is not as quiet as I suspected it would be. Especially moving. And it didn't accelerate as well as expected. Got back to the dealer and looked it over more and noticed the AWD on the back and was immediately like, oh that's the noise I was hearing. Not that it was noisy. But I could hear more than I expected. I was a bit disappointed. Later drove a RWD and was much more satisfied.
Then I found my car ... a 2010 with less than 14k miles, RWD 460L with the ultra luxury package full power and vibration rear seats. It's quiet, quick, engine sounds nice, rides great, like brand new. Carfax was clean, it had great service history, and had been washed twice a week for 4 years, one owner, same Beverly Hills address the whole time. Its like I have a brand new car for a HUGE discount. Yes, i went to Beverly Hills to get it. But was so worth it. So ... keep looking ... there are good ones out there.
The problem I'm having with the car is, when my coworkers start getting hungry for lunch, they come by my office and ask, did you bring the limo?
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 89
From: FL
Then I found my car ... a 2010 with less than 14k miles, RWD 460L with the ultra luxury package full power and vibration rear seats. It's quiet, quick, engine sounds nice, rides great, like brand new. Carfax was clean, it had great service history, and had been washed twice a week for 4 years, one owner, same Beverly Hills address the whole time. Its like I have a brand new car for a HUGE discount. Yes, i went to Beverly Hills to get it. But was so worth it. So ... keep looking ... there are good ones out there.
The problem I'm having with the car is, when my coworkers start getting hungry for lunch, they come by my office and ask, did you bring the limo?
The problem I'm having with the car is, when my coworkers start getting hungry for lunch, they come by my office and ask, did you bring the limo?
).Indeed it is all about patience to find the right car. Now, it still blows my mind to see some dealers skimp on popping a small door ding, touching up some spots or even thoroughly cleaning a leather seat on cars they are asking 10s of 1,000s for. I saw a lot this time around and also when looking for my 460 back in 2011, even a CPO car with a loose bumper.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 66
From: IN
I cant begin to express my appreciation for all of the input, feedback and positivity regarding this experience. I do wish to reiterate, however, that I am not in any fashion, bad mouthing the brand nor the model. As I stated, I have been doing a lot of research-reading, but this was my first encounter with an LS. Regardless of the outcome, my plan had been, even if this car felt incredible, to test drive as many as I felt I needed to in order to arrive at a informed conclusion about the car.
Devh:
Thanks once again my friend, as you have provided me with additional things to look for and take notice of, as well as educate me on not only things I wasn't aware of, but didn't even take into consideration. It's funny, how in many cases, the consumer will never encounter the previous owner of a vehicle, but upon the review of service records, or lack there of, in combination with the mere visuals of the interior, the car tells a story of its own. Thanks again!
Lextrician:
Good evening Sir, and thank you for your words.
I do understand that rock chips will just be part of a used car, especially in the year/price range I am seeking out. I just desire for a bit less chip damage. And as you said, which is what I had surmised as well, was that it may have been particularly loud due to its idle nature on the lot. I am nearly completely ignorant to the specs of a 430, however, I do understand it was a great car. Indeed my search will continue. Thank you.
caha14:
Hello good Sir, and thank you as well for your time!
I had actually read about door hinge stiffness on the 07's and how it's effect varies depending on the vehicle. What I found most strange was that the door that you would think was used the most-the drivers door, was the one that was the worst. I'll go out on a pretty solid limb and say that this will not be the LS I choose to purchase, however the gentleman I was dealing with did say that he recognized some thing needed to be done and he'd work with me regarding the issues. SO that was good to know. I personally think the sales aspect of the car industry is over all complacent and have lost the understanding that visual appeal is just as important as mechanical to a perspective customer. So present the best package possible. Thank you, and I will indeed post my experience with the L.
R Z:
Great advice Sir, and thank you.
I agree whole heartedly regarding the shape of the car worsening over time, and that's the last thing I wish for. I knew going into this encounter with this car, that I didn't desire for a car with that mileage, but took the "what the heck' attitude and went and checked it out. Im sure my search will lead me to better vehicles, at least I hope so! Thank you kindly.
Will continue the remainder of this post shortly.
Again, thank you all.
Devh:
Thanks once again my friend, as you have provided me with additional things to look for and take notice of, as well as educate me on not only things I wasn't aware of, but didn't even take into consideration. It's funny, how in many cases, the consumer will never encounter the previous owner of a vehicle, but upon the review of service records, or lack there of, in combination with the mere visuals of the interior, the car tells a story of its own. Thanks again!
Lextrician:
Good evening Sir, and thank you for your words.
I do understand that rock chips will just be part of a used car, especially in the year/price range I am seeking out. I just desire for a bit less chip damage. And as you said, which is what I had surmised as well, was that it may have been particularly loud due to its idle nature on the lot. I am nearly completely ignorant to the specs of a 430, however, I do understand it was a great car. Indeed my search will continue. Thank you.
caha14:
Hello good Sir, and thank you as well for your time!
I had actually read about door hinge stiffness on the 07's and how it's effect varies depending on the vehicle. What I found most strange was that the door that you would think was used the most-the drivers door, was the one that was the worst. I'll go out on a pretty solid limb and say that this will not be the LS I choose to purchase, however the gentleman I was dealing with did say that he recognized some thing needed to be done and he'd work with me regarding the issues. SO that was good to know. I personally think the sales aspect of the car industry is over all complacent and have lost the understanding that visual appeal is just as important as mechanical to a perspective customer. So present the best package possible. Thank you, and I will indeed post my experience with the L.
R Z:
Great advice Sir, and thank you.
I agree whole heartedly regarding the shape of the car worsening over time, and that's the last thing I wish for. I knew going into this encounter with this car, that I didn't desire for a car with that mileage, but took the "what the heck' attitude and went and checked it out. Im sure my search will lead me to better vehicles, at least I hope so! Thank you kindly.
Will continue the remainder of this post shortly.
Again, thank you all.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 66
From: IN
Doublebase:
You know what I find to be interesting, is that you and I are similar in a few different facets. Humorous but quite engaging.
The fact that your Honda has gone 100k miles more than mine leaves me with even less doubt that this car will enable me to be a happy owner for many more years to come. As you've stated, it is rather a freak of nature, especially given the fact that both of our vehicles have seen their share of the elements and still going strong! Snow, salt, stop and go traffic, heat, bad roads...and they are still going! Cheers to that my friend!
I also share the very same sentiment regarding the reliability aspect, as I hope to find that within the realms of a luxury sedan, which is why I am seeking out the LS. I, like you, have every intention of keeping my Honda until it decides to quit on me.
Referring back the my introductory statement regarding our likeness, upon leaving the Lexus dealership, I drove past a Hyundai dealership and noticed a white 2015 Genesis parked in the front, showcased. I turned around and decided to take a look for two reasons:
1. Because of the thread here entitled: "LS vs K900"
2. I simply wanted to see one up close for myself.
As I walked around the car, it was very nice. Instantly, to me anyways, the profile of the vehicle immediately shadows that of the Audi A7. Large grille with the long nose and abrupt end to the slanted rear. Sporty. I then noticed that adjacent to the Genesis was a 2013 Equuis demo. Again, a nice car, but I could immediately notice the inferior design externally, as it is an utter shell of what the LS is. upon a close look of the interior, I failed to take notice of the mileage, but the console looked dated already. The finish and ***** appeared less than, and the leather on the seats seemed to be worn already. Let me repeat-this car was a demo. Just comparing it to a LS (whether I should or not), there's no competition. Period. From craftsmanship, design engineering and pure class element, its just not there...and to look at the sticker and see that this car was once $63K.. I smirked and shook my head. As I looked back at the Genesis, I must say I had the same realization. Although a very ice vehicle, visually, asthetically, the element of class and the refinement of fine timeless lines and engineering, it wasn't there. And it too, began to seem dated... Or should I say, I could foresee the car looking dated.
You drove quite a lot of vehicles and yet you came back to the LS. Says quite a lot about the brand i'd say!
Roadfrog:
Good evening Sir!
Thank you for your input as well. It just confirms for me that its not a big deal. I was wondering if that was what it was, but I just wasn't sure. From the sounds of it, your after market is sweet! Greatly appreciate that!
AznRacer:
Sir! Hello and may I just say, one of the things I will look most forward to doing upon my purchase, is a road trip from the Chicagoland area to Atlanta come Spring, to visit my family. That should be fun!
tbillisi79:
Hello Sir and a grand congrats to you once again!
I couldn't agree more. Its not like it drove horribly, but as I said, I had high expectations, perhaps too high for a car with that mileage. But then again, perhaps I should rephrase that and say, a car with that mileage that perhaps wasn't cared for in the greatest fashion. I will definitely keep searching. I was not aware of the delivery/limo statement you made. Interesting.
Thanks a bunch for the feedback and encouragement!
greg3852:
Mr. Greg, a kind thank you for your encouragement as well! Glad you and your wife found one that you really enjoy. That is now my mission! Test driving a good few more is my absolute plan.
Thank you Sir!
dlbuckls10:
Indeed Sir, the search will continue. I just wanted to share my experience regarding this car with the forum. As I said, my expectations where high, but I immediately realized once I started it and began driving, that just because this drives/feels a certain way, it does not speak for all used upper mileage LS vehicles. Thanks for the encouragement.
7milesout:
First off, the post you wrote about your time with Toyota and Hyundai, great read and quite humorous! Enjoyed it very much!
Secondly, I'm jealous because you practically purchased a brand new car at a heavily discounted price! But you got what you wanted and how could one man be upset with that! Great story, and though that probably wont be the case for me, in any event, I hope to find one well taken care of. Preferably an L, but a well manicured and cared for base LS would suite me fine! Thanks ever so kindly.
caha14:
A CPO with a loose bumper??? When does it end?
Clean it up, fix it up-within good reason, and put the best car forward!
Briefly, a few months ago, I found a 06 GS430. Pearl/cashmere/ash with 97k on the clock. Inside was...pretty good actually. body for the most part was very clean...until..
three rust bubbles on the edge/lip of the hood where you place your hand to lift it
timing belt needed to be done
all 4 wheels were chrome but looked as if the corrosion-on all 4, was about to attack ME any minute!
One headlight was out
Scuff on rear bumper
Scuff on front bumper
And the kicker...
A piece of the lower bumper cover had an actual hole in it..i mean...material missing on the passenger side!
The sales gentleman told me "We wont fix that because its not a safety issue. Besides, you can barely see it!".
Needless to say, after tireless negotiations...it wasn't meant to be because someone else bought it as it was. I just couldn't bring myself to accept that.
Again, thank you all! Hoping to find time tomorrow to take a look at a 07 460L, and a better experience
You know what I find to be interesting, is that you and I are similar in a few different facets. Humorous but quite engaging.
The fact that your Honda has gone 100k miles more than mine leaves me with even less doubt that this car will enable me to be a happy owner for many more years to come. As you've stated, it is rather a freak of nature, especially given the fact that both of our vehicles have seen their share of the elements and still going strong! Snow, salt, stop and go traffic, heat, bad roads...and they are still going! Cheers to that my friend!
I also share the very same sentiment regarding the reliability aspect, as I hope to find that within the realms of a luxury sedan, which is why I am seeking out the LS. I, like you, have every intention of keeping my Honda until it decides to quit on me.
Referring back the my introductory statement regarding our likeness, upon leaving the Lexus dealership, I drove past a Hyundai dealership and noticed a white 2015 Genesis parked in the front, showcased. I turned around and decided to take a look for two reasons:
1. Because of the thread here entitled: "LS vs K900"
2. I simply wanted to see one up close for myself.
As I walked around the car, it was very nice. Instantly, to me anyways, the profile of the vehicle immediately shadows that of the Audi A7. Large grille with the long nose and abrupt end to the slanted rear. Sporty. I then noticed that adjacent to the Genesis was a 2013 Equuis demo. Again, a nice car, but I could immediately notice the inferior design externally, as it is an utter shell of what the LS is. upon a close look of the interior, I failed to take notice of the mileage, but the console looked dated already. The finish and ***** appeared less than, and the leather on the seats seemed to be worn already. Let me repeat-this car was a demo. Just comparing it to a LS (whether I should or not), there's no competition. Period. From craftsmanship, design engineering and pure class element, its just not there...and to look at the sticker and see that this car was once $63K.. I smirked and shook my head. As I looked back at the Genesis, I must say I had the same realization. Although a very ice vehicle, visually, asthetically, the element of class and the refinement of fine timeless lines and engineering, it wasn't there. And it too, began to seem dated... Or should I say, I could foresee the car looking dated.
You drove quite a lot of vehicles and yet you came back to the LS. Says quite a lot about the brand i'd say!
Roadfrog:
Good evening Sir!
Thank you for your input as well. It just confirms for me that its not a big deal. I was wondering if that was what it was, but I just wasn't sure. From the sounds of it, your after market is sweet! Greatly appreciate that!
AznRacer:
Sir! Hello and may I just say, one of the things I will look most forward to doing upon my purchase, is a road trip from the Chicagoland area to Atlanta come Spring, to visit my family. That should be fun!
tbillisi79:
Hello Sir and a grand congrats to you once again!
I couldn't agree more. Its not like it drove horribly, but as I said, I had high expectations, perhaps too high for a car with that mileage. But then again, perhaps I should rephrase that and say, a car with that mileage that perhaps wasn't cared for in the greatest fashion. I will definitely keep searching. I was not aware of the delivery/limo statement you made. Interesting.
Thanks a bunch for the feedback and encouragement!
greg3852:
Mr. Greg, a kind thank you for your encouragement as well! Glad you and your wife found one that you really enjoy. That is now my mission! Test driving a good few more is my absolute plan.
Thank you Sir!
dlbuckls10:
Indeed Sir, the search will continue. I just wanted to share my experience regarding this car with the forum. As I said, my expectations where high, but I immediately realized once I started it and began driving, that just because this drives/feels a certain way, it does not speak for all used upper mileage LS vehicles. Thanks for the encouragement.
7milesout:
First off, the post you wrote about your time with Toyota and Hyundai, great read and quite humorous! Enjoyed it very much!
Secondly, I'm jealous because you practically purchased a brand new car at a heavily discounted price! But you got what you wanted and how could one man be upset with that! Great story, and though that probably wont be the case for me, in any event, I hope to find one well taken care of. Preferably an L, but a well manicured and cared for base LS would suite me fine! Thanks ever so kindly.
caha14:
A CPO with a loose bumper??? When does it end?
Clean it up, fix it up-within good reason, and put the best car forward!
Briefly, a few months ago, I found a 06 GS430. Pearl/cashmere/ash with 97k on the clock. Inside was...pretty good actually. body for the most part was very clean...until..
three rust bubbles on the edge/lip of the hood where you place your hand to lift it
timing belt needed to be done
all 4 wheels were chrome but looked as if the corrosion-on all 4, was about to attack ME any minute!
One headlight was out
Scuff on rear bumper
Scuff on front bumper
And the kicker...
A piece of the lower bumper cover had an actual hole in it..i mean...material missing on the passenger side!
The sales gentleman told me "We wont fix that because its not a safety issue. Besides, you can barely see it!".
Needless to say, after tireless negotiations...it wasn't meant to be because someone else bought it as it was. I just couldn't bring myself to accept that.
Again, thank you all! Hoping to find time tomorrow to take a look at a 07 460L, and a better experience
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 515
Likes: 21
From: IL
I would recommend that you find a low-mileage '11-'12 version (all-be-it probably out of your price range) and test drive it to set a benchmark. If you want an L with air, then look for one of those. If you want a SWB with no air, then search for that exact combo. This way, once you know what a well-maintained example looks/feels like, you can compare the higher mile models and gauge their condition in relative terms. At least this way you won't be wondering if all the quirks you're seeing are a byproduct of age or if the LS is simply not your ideal car.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 502
Likes: 5
From: DE
2007 LS 460 Purchase
The vehicle in question is eight model years old with a lot of mileage and wear and tear on the exterior to the point it shows it. I would think with some serious inquiries you can do a lot better. There are a lot of choice used vehicles in this age group. You may have to travel a few miles to get one, but if that is what it takes, so be it.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
Interesting observations on the Hyundai products, crowe14.
That new Genesis is impressive to look at, but I agree they don't seem to have that quality that you look for in a car like that. You mention the interior pieces wearing away and I'll tell yah, the Audi A8 has the same problem. Here is an 80k dollar car...and the interior ***** are breaking and the paint is wearing off the controls?? The seat backs are ruined, the gadgets don't work?? Really? And that's before you realize that to work on it you need a 13 point socket that some Audi engineer designed when he was stoned!
Good luck trying to kill the Accord. I think the only way you could do that is if you drained it of all it's oil and drove it to Disney. The thing with mine (I still have it by the way) is that I got tired of waiting for it to die. It got to the point where I kind of was embarrassed driving it (and I hope it can't hear me in the driveway), but taking the kids to soccer practice in it wasn't all that cool anymore...especially when all the other cars in the parking lot were H1's and BMW's. I still drive it here and there, but the LS is my work horse now.
Good luck on your car search and if you just stay with the Accord, drive it a million miles, Honda gives away new Accords for owners that can do that.
That new Genesis is impressive to look at, but I agree they don't seem to have that quality that you look for in a car like that. You mention the interior pieces wearing away and I'll tell yah, the Audi A8 has the same problem. Here is an 80k dollar car...and the interior ***** are breaking and the paint is wearing off the controls?? The seat backs are ruined, the gadgets don't work?? Really? And that's before you realize that to work on it you need a 13 point socket that some Audi engineer designed when he was stoned!
Good luck trying to kill the Accord. I think the only way you could do that is if you drained it of all it's oil and drove it to Disney. The thing with mine (I still have it by the way) is that I got tired of waiting for it to die. It got to the point where I kind of was embarrassed driving it (and I hope it can't hear me in the driveway), but taking the kids to soccer practice in it wasn't all that cool anymore...especially when all the other cars in the parking lot were H1's and BMW's. I still drive it here and there, but the LS is my work horse now.
Good luck on your car search and if you just stay with the Accord, drive it a million miles, Honda gives away new Accords for owners that can do that.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 67,908
Likes: 3,839
From: Maryland
Sounds to me like the car was pretty beat on. These cars age VERY well, arguably better than any other car on the road. BUT, 120k miles and 8 years is a lot of use, and how the vehicle was driven and cared for really makes a difference in how much of their new attributes they still possess.
Keep looking.
Keep looking.
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