Hi guys, I am interested in buying an LS, my price range is 15-20k, looking for something that has around 70k miles.

Are there any years that I should avoid or any troublesome systems that keep plaguing the LS?

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

Under the FAQ/DIY sticky above there is a guide on what to look for in 07-09. At that price range you most likely will be in those years.

 

 

I recommend you do not look at a 2013. That killed the though of buying a gently used 2011-2012 for me.

 

Depending on options you desire (LWB vs SWB, AWD, etc.), your budget should easily get you a 2010-2012 LS460 with 70k miles. The 460L will be a bit more expensive, but may be worth it if you need extra rear-seat legroom. Note that you can register with the Lexus Drivers web site and enter VINs of cars you're considering to check out the full Lexus service history. If you find good cars, feel free to post them here for member comments. This is a very strong forum full of helpful, knowledgeable Lexus enthusiasts. Good luck!

 

Check in to an 08 LS460! Sign up for the Lexus owner's site and then you can look at the service records of any of the cars you see on line. Keep in mind, the previous owner/s had to take it to a dealership for service, or input the data themselves. IN any event, I'm very pleased with my 08 and you should be able to find one to your liking.

 

I just bought a 2010 LS460 with 95K miles from a dealer for 19K. Seemed to be about the right price looking online, craigslist, and other dealers. I like the idea of buying one from a lexus dealer, because they know the cars, they have all of the parts, and they will fix everything there, before they put it up for sale. Yes, you might pay a 1K premium, but trust me they will do 1K premium of work on it before they sell it. A couple of things that I missed was, that I did not realize there were some body changes from the 2009 to the 2010 model, a slightly different front end and mirrors. So, I lucked out on that as I was looking at 2009 models as well. One thing I did mess up on was the Mark Levenson sound system. Everyone that I looked at had it, so I thought they all did, just so happened I did not realize the one I ended up buying did not have it until I signed the papers. The good news is that the premium system sounds just as good as the ML system that was in my '04 LS430. Good luck!