fig19

Considering either the '09 or '10 both w/AWD.The '09 has 86K,the '10 104K,both priced around $25k.
Were their any "quirks" that needed to be worked out of the '09(like the AWD).
Any comparison, experiences,suggestions,concerns etc....
Both from reputable dealers but the '09 is a 3hr drive to see and the '10 is a 8hr drive.

litesoarer

Is that 25K before tax?

Do they both have features you know you will definitely want?
For example, the '10 have BT Audio vs just BT phone, Late '10's had the LCA issue mitigated, as well.

I'd personally be looking at cars close enough to check out in person same day.

Plug in the VIN numbers for service records. And finally, test drive a new one before going out to test drive your candidates...Lower miles doesn't always mean better car.

R Z

I'm not one to buy a car with 100K on the speedometer. But if you are, the 2010 would be the better bet. Several improvements were made such as mentioned bluetooth audio. Also a USB input was added. They reconfigured the radio buttons to make more sense. The side mirrors have turn signals. Some mild body restyling I believe.

If you can find out if the 2010 was a very late model after the control arm debacle, that very well could be the better choice. Good luck.

Gbp

2009 LS460 Product Information:

http://pressroom.lexus.com/article_d...rticle_id=2576

2010 LS460 Product Information:

http://pressroom.lexus.com/article_d...rticle_id=2656

Bolded items are changes for or new to 2010

fig19

Thanks all for your input,I actually learned alot about the differences between the '09 &'10.I am going to concentrate on finding a 2010 or 2011,I like the extra length,Blue Tooth,safety features etc....
And they were $25k+tax,docs.=
I'm in Michigan if anyone comes across a 2010 black/black 60k-90k,good maintanence history.

litesoarer

Mine seems to be right in the middle of those specs, I'm leery about the vin being just a little before the defined mitigation of the control arm issues though.

I just couldn't really find any Lexus Dealer sold '11s with less than 90K for less than 32K OTD. Much less sport models like mine.

Spartan8

R Z and litesoarer hit the nail on the head. Both '09 and '10 LS have control arms designed to fail the minute they're installed. Factory or otherwise.

I bought my '10 AWD in 8/2015 for just under $24K with 81k miles, so your pricing seems reasonable.

Before I'd drive that far, I'd ask the dealer to take some pics inside the front wheel wells from several angles so you can take a peek at both upper ( the big culprit) and lower control arms. See if you can determine which car's arms appears to be newer or factory vs. oem parts.

That might buy you a year or more before you've got to drop what could be several grand on the car. I would bet that with 86K and 104K respectively, those vehicles have had the front control arms replaced a minimum of 2 maybe 3 times already. Go with whichever vehicle has the newest replacements so you can defer that expense (and the noise - clunk!) for as long as possible.

Great vehicle otherwise - good luck!