What to Buy?
 

I am in market for a used ES350, upgrading from Camry. The pricing is around 17-19k for a 2012 model and 22k-25k for a 2014 model. Then I came across some 2012 LS460s around 26K. Now I am confused that if I can get a 2012 LS for near about same price as 2014 ES, won’t it be a better choice.

In the past I have bought a Mercedes S500 with the same rationale that, it was same price as new Camry but it was one expensive mistake. It was 2006 model, the most stable one from that generation, but had all kinds of issues and they were all known. So I realized that buying price is just one factor, maintenance is another and no wonder those cars are priced so low and still don’t sell very fast.

My reasoning for moving to Lexus is that they are much more durable & stable and less vulnerable to issues every now & then. I know even LS has some known issues but I doubt they are as frequent and bad as I had with S500.

I have driven ES350 but couldn’t find a LS to drive in my area but I am assuming it will be as plush as Merc S500.

I am an ordinary 9-5 guy who has been driving Camrys all life, so tell me if I am biting more than I can chew. Can’t afford dealership prices for maintenance so get it done at a garage who is reliable. I get the best parts and he puts them in.

So please advise if it’s a good decision to get Older LS then a newer ES.

What are the real world MPG, with S500 it was terrible around 12-14 in city and 19-20 on highway.

Thank you all in advance for your thoughts & help on this topic.

Larry

regarding ride quality, cabin quality, quietness, power, safety, I'd rather drive a 8 year old LS460 than a new ES.
regarding MPG, i get 26 on highway cruise, and ~ 24 with mixed driving (80 % highway)

Thanks ! For me Maintenance is the biggest concern than anything....I can afford to buy it and afford to spend some money to get it fixed but if a small problem requires $2000-$3000 fix than it gets tough

in heavily local driving, the lowest MPG i've seen is 16.

the LS460 is very reliable,
repairs that have been done on my 2009 LS460 with 80k miles:

all 8 front control arms replacement, parts & labor $1300, indy shop
MAF sensor replacement $300, Lexus dealer
leaking water pump, replaced it and other related parts incl. radiator, water pump, drive belt, thermostat, $200, DIY
trunk button melt, replaced, $50, DIY

Look for one without the air suspension. If you're buying an older (out-of-warranty) car then that can be an expensive repair.

My local dealer has an L/Certified 2012 right now - http://www.lexusofcherryhill.com/Veh...-NJ/2980266403
It has regular suspension and the upgraded Levinson stereo, which is nice.

Thanks for the link, I am looking for something around 25k, this is little expensive for me.

How do you figure out its with air suspension or without.......Also isn't that what makes it glide and comfortable

I personally would go with the LS over the ES. I grew up driving RWD cars, so it is a no-brainer for me to choose the LS. The LS is so much more sophisticated and luxurious than the ES. It really depends what is important to YOU in a car. Gas mileage will be better in the ES, and the ES will probably be a little cheaper for service. The LS will be more comfortable and roomy, with better isolation from the outside world. Good luck!

Even without the air suspension the ride is very comfortable, Its just a matter if you want to go that much nicer. On average the replacement Air Struts are $900-$1300 That is why a lot of people shy away from the air suspension

https://www.carmax.com/cars#Distance...y=14&Zip=10001

Carmax has 37 Ls460s

I have posted many posts about buying from carmax and my experiences with them Ill try and post the links for you in a moment

The LS is in a class by itself in terms of the driving experience (unless you want to deal with the issues of Eurocars or exotics), so go for it if you can swing it.
It may be a new-toy syndrome here since I'm a recent cpo owner, but that my humble opinion.

For 2007 - 2012 models, just look for the buttons with the blue box around them in the pic. The ride is still great with the regular suspension, but you could always drive one with the adjustable suspension and see if you prefer it.

The LS is in a class by itself in terms of the driving experience (unless you want to deal with the issues of Eurocars or exotics), so go for it if you can swing it.
It may be a new-toy syndrome here since I'm a recent cpo owner, but that's my humble opinion.
[I also had a W220 Benz, an '06. Actually, overall, the LS is on par if not better and actually feels more solid believe it or not. You get that big-Benz feeling like you are driving a solid hunk of rock that is of a piece, not a frame and parts and something just assembled.]

So you know what I mean to own a w220, living under constant fear what's next..........although can't deny the fact that its was an excellent car when not down :)

It was unchanged from 2010 to 2012 based on edmunds.com so I can go for any of these 3 year, is that correct.

Correct, that's where they fixed a lot of little things and stepped up the tech a bit. Happy 2010 owner here.

Yes, although there were continuous minor improvements throughout this time (supposedly, the control arms were updated). Get the newest one you can afford with the lowest miles. Things to be aware of with older LS460s include control arm bushings and ball joints ($5000+), water pumps ($650), wheel bearings ($650), Mark Levinson amps ($2000, although you can get them repaired at United Radio for about $800). These are dealership prices so your mechanic may be able to do better.