I found a beauty I was considering. 12 - single owner, not a lease, full service history, looks in great shape, 35k miles, no accidents. Probably $32k. It's about 3 hours away so I have not had a chance to test drive it. Color combo is what I want but not the L model which I do like.

Consumer reports has 13 and 14 being more reliable but I do like the 12's body style better. What do you guys think? Is the 13+ that much better built? I don't really want to deal with suspension and brake issues. Isn't there a 12 mid year lower control arm redesign? The hesitation and / or oil consumption - the head design. Was this fixed by 2012? And also the brake actuators? Are they under that extended warranty?

 

I am pretty sure 2012 is just as reliable as 2013+. The newer cars have been around for 1-2 fewer years, so reliability numbers should be considered very similar. There were definitely lots of hidden improvements to vehicle structure etc. in 2013+, but a lot of the interior switchgear is the same. I don't think there are any issues with control arms, brake actuators, hesitation etc. with the 2012s. So, ultimately it is a matter of what you want in terms of style (appearance) and options. If you waited a bit longer, prices of 2013+ could fall due to the LS500 release. Having said that, and without knowing all the details about the 2012 car you are considering, I think it is a bit overpriced. IMO, you might be able to get a 2012 CPO with similar mileage for 32-33K.

 

At the end of the day, it depends on what you're after. The 13 and 14's have a newer looking interior with a larger screen, mouse like controller, and newer versions of GPS. The 12's are still part of that 07 style change, but with all the features possible before the 13 change. You just have to decide which is for you.

 

I do agree that the price is a little high. It does look like a cream puff being sold by the dealer that serviced it all its life. KBB has it at about 30.5K private owner. 2013 / 14 CPO's with about 15 - 25k more miles are still going to about $40K and I really would prefer to stay around 30.

 

I wouldn't let a grand keep me from a cream puff 2012 if it's exactly what you want.

Early last year I paid $33K for a '12 with the elusive Sport package --very clean condition in my preferred color choice Nebula Gray. The car had 64K miles, which was a little high, but since I don't drive that much (6K miles in 9 months) I'm not really sweating it and if I overpaid a few grand it doesn't really matter because I'm driving the exact car I wanted.

 

as a 11 owner, I would go with a 13+ or if you wait more the 2016s are the best; ..
but the mouse pad screen is something I don't like at all, I prefer the touch screens.

 

Yes, I think the 2012 and the 2013 are basically the same but with cosmetic/dash control differences. I go back and forth on the spindle grill - I think I basically prefer the 07-12 styling as it is a little more conservative and I definitely do NOT like the mouse controller and lack of touch screen.

 

Purely personal preference, I'd go for a 13+. Like comotiger said, while the powertrain remains the same, Lexus engineers claimed over 50% of the vehicle (3000 parts) are new in the 2013 model to only improve what the 07-12 provided. Here in Texas, the price variances from a 2011-2012 (28-$32k) don't differ too much to a 2013 (you can find them sub-50k miles around $36k). I think you get a lot more car with a 13+.

Now, if you found a 2011 or 2012 in the mid $20s, then that's a different ballgame. And they are very much around...

 

Go with the newest model you can afford.

 

I recently considered a beautiful 2013 LS460 SWB with Comfort Package, 28K miles, for sale in Seattle for $34,900 at a Chevy dealer. The car had a flawless Lexus service history and appeared to be in flawless condition. It was a great deal, but I decided the logistics of getting it from Washington to NE (and the fact that I am pretty much still loving my 2008 LS600hL and would hate to give up some of the luxury extras) kept me from biting.

Here's a link to the car, still available according to CarGurus: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=137584404

I tend to agree that the 2012 styling is a bit more conservative and pleasing to many people, and all of the early bugs had been completely worked out by 2012, so I wouldn't hesitate on that one if you can strike a good deal. Good luck!

 

Personally I think the 2013's look better inside and out, plus they share the same reliable drivetrain.

 

I would definitely get the 13+, IMHO there were enough improvements in the interior alone to justify it.

 

Was the leather improved with the redesign?

 

I liked the 10'-12' styling. I waited for a nice one to come in to my local dealer and picked it up. Its a 2011 LS460L. Same as the 2012. I see tons of the 13+ cars in my neighborhood all the time but I just prefer the styling of the 10-12 years over the newer 13+. Like others I don't like the lack of touch screen either so that was also a factor. I find it more distracting to use. I probably over paid for mine but it was the car I like, it was CPO at lexus dealer and I extended the warranty two additional years and unlimited mileage because I drive a lot. The situation was right so I got the car I wanted. I think you should buy the car that works for your exact situation (what you want at a comfortable price) and jump on it. Best of luck on your search!

 

I think the leather material itself is probably pretty much the same, but the seat design is different and more comfortable, you have stitched lower dash and door materials on all trim levels, stitched upper door areas which didn't come on any LS trim before. All in all the interior feels a step up IMHO from the 07-12 LS.