Folks, I'd appreciate your insight. I am an owner of 2004 LS430 with 240,000 miles. I have no issues with the car and am bringing it in for standard service tomorrow at the dealer. However I'm starting to think that maybe now is the time to move up to LS460 with a lot fewer miles. So, I've seen a 2001 LS460 with only 4,000 miles in a color I am not wild about,(mercury metallic) but I could live with. It is a one owner car and was just traded in at a non-Lexus dealership. The car has been in accident and best I can tell per carfax and the sales guy there was some minor body damage (no airbags deployed) that the dealership is fixing now. Supposedly the original owner just drove around (not much mind you) with the damage for years. Price is $32K.

Now there is also a 2012 LS460 in a beautiful matador red color (which I love) for $32K with 29,000 miles with comfort package from used car dealership 1 owner, no accidents, From reeves in Tampa Fl. If the LS460 performs as well as my LS430 (which I purchased in 2007 with 40K miles), then I will keep the car for quite some time. Buying a LS460 with only 4K miles from an audi dealership seems too good to be true. Are there any major difference between 2011 and 2012 that would push someone towards the 2012 vs 2011 or vice versa? I know I have given much detail, but I'd appreciate insight ...what would you folks do? any key questions I might ask of the dealers?

Thanks

 

Get the car you love, assuming the PPI (pre-purchase inspection) reveals no problems, and it's at a reasonable price. Ideally, there are maintenance records online at the Lexus owner's site, https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/

4K miles vs 29K miles on a car like the LS460 isn't a big deal IMO. Make sure the car has the options you want. For me, the ML system (because of the sound) and the comfort plus package (semi-aniline leather, reclining rear seats with heating./cooling, vibration,etc options were musts.

The 2012 was the last MY before the 2013 refresh and, like the 2011 has the redesigned (better) control arms. A gross generalization: the last year in a particular model line (in this case 2010 - 2012 or 2007-2012) tends to have the least issues. You might even find a CPO for 2012 and possibly later 2011's:

http://www.lexus.com/lcertified/search-inventory

...if that's important to you.

 

Honestly, I would get neither. You don’t seem to be in a rush so I would wait until the release of the 2018 LS500 to see if prices drop on 2013+ models.

 

That's what I'm doing. Not enough used inventory right now for what I am looking for. I am hoping that once the new LS is released there will be higher levels of used inventory and pricing will drop somewhat. I have seen some good cars, 2014/2015 selling for low 50's. I am talking about the long wheel base version. Some models don't seem very well optioned and are selling for > 50k. Very frustrating, that is why I decided to wait til the new model is out.

 

The 2013+ models are fine if you don't mind the remote touch and the changes in styling. Frankly, I find the remote touch unacceptable for an infotainment interface. The grill I could probably get used to, although I think it doesn't go well with the rest of the car. The 2018 LS500 does a much better job of executing an agressive grill and matching it to a more streamlined body, IMO.

 

This ^^^^^^ I was originally looking for a 2013 L with rear seat package but could not find ANY on the east coast. The nearest was CA and TX for about 36k and I looked long and hard at those cars but I planned to drive the car back home after purchase. Those distances were more than I was willing to drive. Even in 2007-12 the L version was hard to find.

 

Check this car on Carvana. Fully loaded 2014 LWB AWD with UltraLux package, DRCC, LKA, the works. Nebula GrayPearl paint, Light gray inside. Pretty good price, maybe a bit high. It still has the new car warranty, so you can get a Lexus Platinum VSA if you choose. They will deliver the car to you, and they have a 7 day money back guarantee.

https://www.carvana.com/search/20000...lexus-ls-460-l

 

I saw that one too! It almost looks like they don't even realize what they're selling. I ran the VIN and saw that the original MSRP was $102k.

 

Let's see how long it stays on the market. From what you say and the vehicle history, it sounds like a great deal!

 

Between the 2, I would definitely pick the 2012 since it has no accidents (much easier to re-sell) and you seem a lot more enthusiastic about the color. 2012 is probably the best model year for the 460 pre-spindle grill since it should have had all the little bugs worked out.

I too came from an 04 LS430 prior to my 460. My 2012 has been flawless so far, nothing but routine maintenance and even a tad cheaper since less things need to be changed/replaced for the moment. Bought it with 18k mi over 2 yrs ago, currently have 50k (actually in for the 50k service as we speak). To me it drives just as well, if not better than the 430 in most respects. The 430 is a bit softer (but also rolls a lot more around corners), and the engine is smoother on a 430 (but it's not bad on a 460 and added power is nice). Take a look on the Lexus service website. If the car has had routine maintenance done every 5k and you enjoy it on the test drive, it could be a great replacement car. Good luck!

 

Carvana vehicles generally appear very competitively priced. I just like to see a car in person before I shell out that kind of money. Yes, they have a 7 day money back guarrantee but once you take delivery, you are less likely to return it and they know that!

 

With respect to the original question, between the 2011 and 2012, I would go with the 2012 because it has not been in an accident and is in your preferred color.

However, if the 2013+ appeals to you at all then I would wait to find one of those instead. I was in the market for a 2007-2012 at first but am very glad to have paid the extra for a 2013 because I preferred the interior updates and the 2013+ is supposedly more solid with something like 3000 new parts and increased torsional rigidit. My 2013 with Ultra Luxury package was $39.5K, but did have almost 70K miles. Since you plan to drive it a long while, a 2012 would be a bargain but I would still pay the premium for a 2013. I also plan to keep the LS a very long time and many miles and knew I would be happier in a 2013. You may be happiest in a 2012 though and keep the savings. Hope you end up in the exact car you want. All the best on your search.

 

That Carvana car is already sold!

That was a screaming deal!

 

I am picking up my 2014 LS 460 tomorrow with 17k miles. I have been actively looking since June and I am so glad I never settled. Make your list of must haves and stick to it. Someone on the list told me to be patient and I am so glad I was. All this to say, go with the "right one" for you. I stuck to my guns on 3 colors, ML stereo, model year, and a few other things.

 

It sure was. Someone got a great car for the money.