LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017) Discussion topics related to the current flagship models LS460, LS460L and LS600H

questions before buying LS460

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Old 03-03-17, 01:16 AM
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Kadrian21
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Default questions before buying LS460

Im about to buy a 2007-2009 LS460 I'm looking at one right now 2009 with 80K miles my question is at what point did you start to replace anything if any control arms brake actuator etc. Is there anything to expect between the 80-100K mile range?

Last edited by Kadrian21; 03-03-17 at 03:24 AM.
Old 03-03-17, 04:56 AM
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dlbuckls10
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I would check the service history and have the vehicle inspected at a Lexus dealer. The control arms and brake actuator was a problem for many LS's but not all of them. Lexus is known for its reliability but parts do fail and wear out. I'm approaching the 100k miles and i haven't had any problems for the last 20K miles. I notice my hood struts are getting weak and I will have them replaced during my next oil change.
Old 03-03-17, 05:51 AM
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Wandl
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It really is a crapshoot, and a PPI would help alleviate some of your fears. I've heard of members who have gone close to 200k miles without replacing anything so these cars are really built well.

Where in TX are you looking to purchase? If in DFW area I can help recommend some good independent shops to conduct the mechanical check, if that is the route you are going.
Old 03-03-17, 06:23 AM
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GHARP57
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https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...iy-thread.html
Old 03-03-17, 06:27 AM
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Kadrian21
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I'm in DFW area that would be great I'd hate to buy the ls460 and find out the CA and BA needs replacing I have my own mechanic but you have to brin the car to his shop

Where in TX are you looking to purchase? If in DFW area I can help recommend some good independent shops to conduct the mechanical check, if that is the route you are going.[/QUOTE]
Old 03-03-17, 07:12 AM
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roadfrog
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Don't let forum fodder deter you. Fact is, the CA's CAN be a problem, but put it in perspective. For example, I have 125k miles on my LS. I just recently had a shop tell me one of my control arm bushings and one ball joint were bad. Rather than just replace those two items, I replaced ALL my front control arms (8 in total) AND BOTH my ball joints AND my front shocks AND my rear shocks for a grand sum of 1500 dollars INCLUDING labor. My brake actuator is still original and no issues. The only other repair (non-normal maintenance) I had to do, was replace the water pump. I pd 55 bucks for that and installed it myself in about 90 minutes. If I don't spend another dime over the next 100k miles, it would not surprise me one bit.
Old 03-03-17, 07:17 AM
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CRowe14
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I personally wouldn't buy the car. Its a complete heap.
From the day I purchased my LS, I've been wanting to get out of it.
From having to replace my battery, to water pump, to pads and rotors, upper control arms, wiper blades, HID bulbs, fluid changes...
Personally, I've had enough.
Good luck with yours though...
Old 03-03-17, 07:58 AM
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roadfrog
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Originally Posted by 0133642
From the day of purchase, you've wanted to get rid of the car? 😂

Why are you complaining about wiper blades, brakes, fluids, and an HID bulb?
My friend Crowe got ya. He's basically saying the same thing I am. He just has a better sense of humor than I do. He's had as little issue with hs LS as I have with mine. They are dead reliable.
Old 03-03-17, 08:12 AM
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CRowe14
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Originally Posted by 0133642
From the day of purchase, you've wanted to get rid of the car? ��

Why are you complaining about wiper blades, brakes, fluids, and an HID bulb?
Because I can!! I joke, I joke..I kid, I kid!!

Originally Posted by roadfrog
My friend Crowe got ya. He's basically saying the same thing I am. He just has a better sense of humor than I do. He's had as little issue with hs LS as I have with mine. They are dead reliable.
Bingo! For almost any issue I've had (which has been very minimal) I document it here and have gotten feedback from Chris. Both of us as well as many others here have had minimal issues with our LS. If I had to get another car today as a daily driver, I may test drive a few others vehicles, but in my mind, I'd be comparing everything to an LS.
Lastly, to the OP, have you put you the VIN into Lexusdriver website?
Old 03-03-17, 01:49 PM
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Gbp
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Originally Posted by CRowe14
I personally wouldn't buy the car. Its a complete heap.
From the day I purchased my LS, I've been wanting to get out of it.
From having to replace my battery, to water pump, to pads and rotors, upper control arms, wiper blades, HID bulbs, fluid changes...
Personally, I've had enough.
Good luck with yours though...
I could swear I've seen this post before. Do you have a template for it?
Old 03-03-17, 01:59 PM
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CRowe14
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Originally Posted by Gbp
I could swear I've seen this post before. Do you have a template for it?
HAHA!! I do actually... But I only use it on occasions.
Old 03-03-17, 02:56 PM
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Kadrian87
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To my understanding service history will only show up if the vehicle is serviced at a Lexus dealer that's what my local Lexus dealer told me

Originally Posted by CRowe14
Because I can!! I joke, I joke..I kid, I kid!!

Bingo! For almost any issue I've had (which has been very minimal) I document it here and have gotten feedback from Chris. Both of us as well as many others here have had minimal issues with our LS. If I had to get another car today as a daily driver, I may test drive a few others vehicles, but in my mind, I'd be comparing everything to an LS.
Lastly, to the OP, have you put you the VIN into Lexusdriver website?
Old 03-03-17, 04:42 PM
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roadfrog
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Originally Posted by Kadrian87
To my understanding service history will only show up if the vehicle is serviced at a Lexus dealer that's what my local Lexus dealer told me
The three services I had done at the local Toyota dealer (brake flushes and transmission flush) show up on the report as well.
Old 03-03-17, 09:02 PM
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Nospinzone
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Originally Posted by Kadrian21
Is there anything to expect between the 80-100K mile range?
The only significant thing to check are the control arms.

From a cosmetic standpoint, I have had the half inch wide strip that runs from the base of the windshield along the roofline to the rear window peel off. That piece is not painted, it's a wrap. That happened to my '07 in that mileage range.

One thing to keep in mind as you read/search this forum, people rarely start a thread just to say their LS has been flawless (like CRowe14 does ). What happens is an occasional person will join the forum because they have a problem. They'll get an answer, but then never return. That's OK, not everyone is a car person. However it can make it seem to the casual reader that these cars are trouble prone with control arms, ML amps, etc. The fact is they make up such a small fraction of the owners out there who have no trouble to post.

If you want to read about real car troubles ask Chris (roadfrog) to point you to his BMW forums!
Old 03-04-17, 08:58 AM
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roadfrog
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If you want to read about real car troubles ask Chris (roadfrog) to point you to his BMW forums!
You know, I'll NEVER get through my counselling and recover if you guys keep bringing up this stuff.

But yeah....it's BMW ownership that will bring you back to reality and have you truly appreciate how good the Lexus brand is.


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