Looking at 09' LS460L
Looking at 09' LS460L
Hi Everyone, i'm currently looking at a 09' LS460L with 71,000 miles for $24,000. It has air suspension and the rear seat package. It also has a clean Car Fax. I've done a quick search and found out that the control arms, wind noise, and brake actuator are common issues. According to the service history all those have been replaced within the last couple of years. Are those issues a reoccurring problem or is it a one time replacement that should last a long time? Also is it worth getting a aftermarket warranty like "Allstate" for this car?
Thanks
Thanks
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,354
Likes: 555
From: fl
Hi Everyone, i'm currently looking at a 09' LS460L with 71,000 miles for $24,000. It has air suspension and the rear seat package. It also has a clean Car Fax. I've done a quick search and found out that the control arms, wind noise, and brake actuator are common issues. According to the service history all those have been replaced within the last couple of years. Are those issues a reoccurring problem or is it a one time replacement that should last a long time? Also is it worth getting a aftermarket warranty like "Allstate" for this car?
Thanks
Thanks
I am thinking about getting a extended warranty from CarChex to cover the air suspension and other things down the road. Anyone else have experience with CarChex?
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 11
From: Orange County, CA
Also see if spark plugs were changed at the recommended 60K mark. Best of luck
There is not too much to worry about other than what was mentioned. Also, you might want to see if the water pump has been replaced as that is another maintenance wear and tear item on these cars. Generally they last awhile but are known too leak out of the weep hole without many obvious signs to the owner. Other than that car sounds pretty good.
Also see if spark plugs were changed at the recommended 60K mark. Best of luck
Also see if spark plugs were changed at the recommended 60K mark. Best of luck
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
+1 on the water pump. They can leak without obvious signs. I replaced mine at 70k miles. I onl;y discovered it was faulty after discovering dried coolant around the upper weep hole. I purchased a replacement for 55 bucks and I installed it in about an hour. Vert straight-forward. It is the only part I've replaced on my car (an 08 with 115k miles). Never had any other issues (no ML amp problems or control arm issues). THE MOST reliable car I've owned in 35 years (and 15-20 cars).
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 758
Likes: 26
From: INACTIVE
The LS is very reliable for a luxury car. There are some weak places that are puzzlements and you need a warranty if you don't currently know a great mechanic or own a decent set of tools. It's not in the bullet-proof Acura Legend, RL or RLX neighborhood, but it's also not a MB S-class where things repeatedly fail every 60 seconds. For instance, I've never replaced a "door hinge" before, but I have on an LS. The parts are $80...wouldn't get a warranty for that.
Last edited by superdenso; Sep 8, 2016 at 07:01 AM.
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 88
Likes: 8
From: Florida
These might sound like really stupid questions, BUT:
- How does one know they have issues with the control arms?
- I can hear some wind, what is considered TOO MUCH for this car? Coming from an IS300, it's quieter than that.
- I have noticed a braking issue when rolling slowly to a stop, almost like a grab/let go feeling. That could be just brake pads or warped rotors, but i'm worried about that actuator part because it's like 1k, and who knows how much labor. I wonder if that issue is related to the actuator?
- Fuel rail rust issue: It looks like my 2009 is subject to the Fuel rail recall. How can one tell if this is happening?
I have a 2009 base with 56500 miles. do these TSB's and recalls expire at a certain point?
- How does one know they have issues with the control arms?
- I can hear some wind, what is considered TOO MUCH for this car? Coming from an IS300, it's quieter than that.
- I have noticed a braking issue when rolling slowly to a stop, almost like a grab/let go feeling. That could be just brake pads or warped rotors, but i'm worried about that actuator part because it's like 1k, and who knows how much labor. I wonder if that issue is related to the actuator?
- Fuel rail rust issue: It looks like my 2009 is subject to the Fuel rail recall. How can one tell if this is happening?
I have a 2009 base with 56500 miles. do these TSB's and recalls expire at a certain point?
Last edited by fooldall1; Sep 8, 2016 at 08:27 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 758
Likes: 26
From: INACTIVE
1- How does one know they have issues with the control arms?
2- I can hear some wind, what is considered TOO MUCH for this car? Coming from an IS300, it's quieter than that.
3- I have noticed a braking issue when rolling slowly to a stop, almost like a grab/let go feeling. That could be just brake pads or warped rotors, but i'm worried about that actuator part because it's like 1k, and who knows how much labor. I wonder if that issue is related to the actuator?
4- Fuel rail rust issue: It looks like my 2009 is subject to the Fuel rail recall. How can one tell if this is happening?
5-TSB's and recalls expire at a certain point?
2- I can hear some wind, what is considered TOO MUCH for this car? Coming from an IS300, it's quieter than that.
3- I have noticed a braking issue when rolling slowly to a stop, almost like a grab/let go feeling. That could be just brake pads or warped rotors, but i'm worried about that actuator part because it's like 1k, and who knows how much labor. I wonder if that issue is related to the actuator?
4- Fuel rail rust issue: It looks like my 2009 is subject to the Fuel rail recall. How can one tell if this is happening?
5-TSB's and recalls expire at a certain point?
2-Personal taste may have to dictate your tolerance. I've heard wind noise in a "repaired" LS.
3-Get someone to inspect them (mechanic, Toyota dealer, or Lexus dealer)
b. Have Toyota or Lexus inspect that actuator because it is kind of still under warranty
4-Get someone to inspect them (Toyota dealer, or Lexus dealer
5-They get updated but their execution is not free of charge.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 76
From: Tx
you'd almost have to call Carchex to check with air suspension, I know most 3rd party warranty companies do not cover air suspension (my credit union uses Route 66, they do not cover air suspension regardless of mileage).
Great price for a good vehicle however!
Great price for a good vehicle however!
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