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Hybrid TechnologyUnique topics related to the LS600h L model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the LS600h. Please use the main 4LS forum for discussion about shared components with other fourth generation LS models.
To OP: with a budget of 15 to 20K, you have lots of options. That money will buy an exquisite low mileage LS 430. Aside from its hybrid system, the LS 600h L has another potential huge repair expense: the $7000 hydro-carbon switch in the exhaust system. However, if the miles don't scare you, take a look at a black '08 that is on the Louisville, KY, Craigslist. It has 163,000 miles, but the hybrid battery has been replaced. It also has the Executive Class Seating Package option. Priced at 17K, the owner is looking for an offer, so at $13,000 or thereabouts, it could be a decent buy.
My mind is set on getting a reliable, long lasting, luxury vehicle. And I don't mind looking at high mileage, older, luxury cars as long as they're well taken care of. With 2 daughters in College, I can't even put a quarter aside. But as you said, you only live once, right? TBH, I just want to strike a balance.
As I indicated in my initial post, I decided exploring this option after great experience with both high mileage V8s & assuming the later models will be even more reliable & more luxurious. If the 600h is going to give me nightmares with surprises every now & then than I would rather drive a late 2010 460 or even a Honda or a Toyota.
That's why I asked @ jrmckinley if he's aware of reliable production year of 600h & is it even worth pursuing.
For reliability and long lasting, I'm sure many of us would agree on non-hybrid version. Even though the 600 is cheap to own now, but it's still a $100k+ car to maintain. Some people don't think about this.
I've owned a 2007 BMW M5 and currently a 2015 M5 so I know the cost of maintaining high maintenance vehicles.
I'd try to find a nice 460 L with all the options and well taken care of. Good luck!
I don't know anything at all about the 600h because I never considered one of those when I was shopping. There are a couple of members on here who have the 600h and at least one or two of them have experience with the 460 prior to getting the 600, so maybe they can chime in.
To OP: with a budget of 15 to 20K, you have lots of options. That money will buy an exquisite low mileage LS 430. Aside from its hybrid system, the LS 600h L has another potential huge repair expense: the $7000 hydro-carbon switch in the exhaust system. However, if the miles don't scare you, take a look at a black '08 that is on the Louisville, KY, Craigslist. It has 163,000 miles, but the hybrid battery has been replaced. It also has the Executive Class Seating Package option. Priced at 17K, the owner is looking for an offer, so at $13,000 or thereabouts, it could be a decent buy.
I reached out to the seller in KY with a bunch of questions. He responded almost every one of them & tactfully avoided VIN number, whether he was a dealer & whether the car has any mechanical or electrical issues. Just a tell tell sign something is fishy.
Anyways, thanks for the lead. I really appreciate it.
I reached out to the seller in KY with a bunch of questions. He responded almost every one of them & tactfully avoided VIN number, whether he was a dealer & whether the car has any mechanical or electrical issues. Just a tell tell sign something is fishy.
Anyways, thanks for the lead. I really appreciate it.
Avoiding questions is a problem common to car sellers and politicians!
Sellers are sometimes quite odd - just saw an ad by a private owner listing a "2015" LS 460 L. The only problem is that the given VIN is for a 2013.
just saw an ad by a private owner listing a "2015" LS 460 L. The only problem is that the given VIN is for a 2013.
I could see that happening. My friend's wife went to look at a "2018 leftover" Chevy Tahoe at a local dealership. They told her to take it home for the night (good sales tactic). My friend looked it over and noticed right away that it was a 2017 model, not 2018. When they confronted the sales guy, he said it was "just a mistake in the listing". Yeah, sure.
Ended up getting 2010 LS 460 F Sport. One Owner w/ 140k miles, always maintained at Lexus. Brakes & Tires replaced about 1.5 years back.
I bought it from Private party & paid $15,500. Is it a good deal?
Personally, I would have paid around 13.5-14.5k but the seller didn't negotiate much. Besides, all the previous repair history on Lexus was mostly oil change. So the car doesn't have issues like some older versions with Suspension, & control arms, etc.
2010 LS 460 F Sport
Last edited by hitsofmiss; 11-12-18 at 05:57 AM.
Reason: Add Pics
During pre-purchase inspection, Lexus recommended replacing some missing plastic parts like Engine access cover, Splash guard, Fender liner, etc. but nothing major. Lexus is charging over $1500 for parts & labor.
Is there anyway I can order parts cheaper online & have it replaced by local mechanic?
Can it get too complicated finding out the exact part & subpart numbers?
To OP: However, if the miles don't scare you, take a look at a black '08 that is on the Louisville, KY, Craigslist. It has 163,000 miles, but the hybrid battery has been replaced. It also has the Executive Class Seating Package option. Priced at 17K, the owner is looking for an offer, so at $13,000 or thereabouts, it could be a decent buy.
Just did a quick check off Manheim. With 140k miles, it's above the average of 108k. So the MMR is currently 9650 for your year and mileage. A few dealers are trying to sell them for 12k.
You bought the car so congrats! Perhaps a better deal was around but you have your car, so enjoy!
During pre-purchase inspection, Lexus recommended replacing some missing plastic parts like Engine access cover, Splash guard, Fender liner, etc. but nothing major. Lexus is charging over $1500 for parts & labor.
Is there anyway I can order parts cheaper online & have it replaced by local mechanic?
Can it get too complicated finding out the exact part & subpart numbers?
You can find all those pieces in the junk yard for probably under $200 and have ANY competent person put them on for you. Make sure to get the bolts for the splash guard/fender liner off the donor car. http://www.car-part.com/index.htm
To OP: with a budget of 15 to 20K, you have lots of options. That money will buy an exquisite low mileage LS 430. Aside from its hybrid system, the LS 600h L has another potential huge repair expense: the $7000 hydro-carbon switch in the exhaust system. However, if the miles don't scare you, take a look at a black '08 that is on the Louisville, KY, Craigslist. It has 163,000 miles, but the hybrid battery has been replaced. It also has the Executive Class Seating Package option. Priced at 17K, the owner is looking for an offer, so at $13,000 or thereabouts, it could be a decent buy.
Jeez, I did not even know about that one. $7000 for a switch? I would be terrified to own a hybrid LS.
Ended up getting 2010 LS 460 F Sport. One Owner w/ 140k miles, always maintained at Lexus. Brakes & Tires replaced about 1.5 years back.
I bought it from Private party & paid $15,500. Is it a good deal?
Personally, I would have paid around 13.5-14.5k but the seller didn't negotiate much. Besides, all the previous repair history on Lexus was mostly oil change. So the car doesn't have issues like some older versions with Suspension, & control arms, etc.
2010 LS 460 F Sport
That's kind of a lot for a 2010 with 140K miles, I would have walked if he would not negotiate but it is still a very nice car for the money. All 2010's have those potential air suspension/control arm issues, it would have been better if it actually had some of that stuff repaired in the past because it is likely waiting for the next owner/you, the potential repairs might be the reason the guy is selling it. Look around the wheel wells for signs any lubricant was sprayed on the suspension to keep it quiet. Did you have it inspected at a dealership before you bought it?
11-01-18, 05:19 PM
TBH, I just want to strike a balance.
Just a tell tell sign something is fishy.
