I've been seeking a 2014-16 LS460. Prefer not to bave a black interior, but would take it if the price was right. Would like to have ML and PTC heat, but not must haves. Only looking for well maintained, no damage cars. Don't want black wheels or a lowered car. Certiied would be great but not hard over on it if proce is right. Seeking to use as a daily deiver for the next 10 years. I am 55 years old.

Edit: also don't want one with air shocks. So basically I'm just looking for a plain jane no damage 3-5 year old LS at a reasonable price.

 

And still looking. I've missed on one or two, but there are several around the country that have been sitting on lots for 40-50 days. The dealers throw them out there when they first list them about 8-10 grand over what they are really worth and as the days pass slowly start marking them down. Other members here posting MMRs have been very helpful in seeing how much the dealers mark these cars up.

I've been scouring these threads, and another poster commented that, while everyone worries about major mechanical problems, the real cost of these cars is the depreciation. That certainly seems to be true based upon what I have seen. So much so I am now on the other end of the spectrum: is it wise to buy one of these cars when they are depreciating so rapidly? All of the car brands, including Lexus, best sellers seem to be mid size SUVs, but I just can't get excited about the exterior styling of the RX.

 

We replaced our 2008 Toyota Highlander, which we purchased used and kept for 7.5 years, with the 2015 LS460. We buy used to take advantage of depreciation, then keep our cars for a long time to mitigate the remaining depreciation. Still, we lost $20k in depreciation on the Highlander in that time and spent about $4500 in maintenance. I'm not sure how long we will keep the LS460, but I like it much more than the Highlander, so I might keep it longer. It depends on how much my butt hurts from maintenance costs. I anticipate it will be much higher than the Highlander.

We test drove a few other Lexus models (RX, GX, ES) and didn't feel that the SUVs were good enough to justify the price. The RX is smaller than the Highlander and the GX drives like a truck. The ES felt cheap, too much plastic.

 

Keeping the car longer definitely helps. My last car (Cadillac CTS) ended up with a final cost of $115.64 per month over the 74 months that I owned it. That includes repairs, oil changes, tires, etc, but not the cost of gas, which is something I don't bother tracking. I put 69,752 miles on the car while I owned it.

 

If and when I ever by one, I'm thinking I'll keep it at least 10 years.

I'm still lurking out there looking at the market place, haven't jumped into the LS460 pool yet. Of the ones that I have been monitoring, some have been for sale for as long as I have been looking (2ish months), or longer, and have fallen $2-4,000 in asking price. Its amazing how fast these cars depreciate. There seems to be a HUGE dropoff between 3 and 5 years old. I'll post if/when I ever purchase. I'm thinking a 2015 with reasonable miles, service history, certified, and a decent price is what I am settling on.

 

I hope to keep mine a long time also. and at 63 years old I just might this time!
I have bought and sold a few cars in my day but none as nice as the LS.
Getting up in age this sedan seems to fit the bill this go round!

Good fortune to you on finding a good one!

 

Just today, I saw a 2017 LS AWD with 35,000 miles. Perfect service history, no accidents (according to car fax) L/ Certified. M Levinson and comfort packakge. Starfire Pearl w/parchment and dark brown wood. SPOTLESS! $45,000!
I was shocked! That's really low. Considering it was over $80k just 2 years ago.

 

But 2 years ago it could be bought for $20k off sticker. Thats what people don't realize. My 2017 LS460L was MSRP right under $90k, it was like $89,800. Well, the negotiated price was like $66,000, which is what I paid. So now what do you think its worth, less miles than the car above but LWB and better equipped, so lets call it $55k? $52k? So, its lost $14k in value in 2 years which is actually quite good.

Steep discounting on these cars is having an impact on perceived resale values.

 

Yes, I understand where you are coming from.

 

I think these cars used, are the best bang for the buck IMHO!

In the luxury full size market, very happy with my purchase !

 

I'm not sure perception isn't becoming reality. They're having to discount them to move them. For example, there is one at a dealer in the central part of the country that has been on the market for over 100 days. During that time, the price (they are a no-haggle dealer) has fallen over $8,000 dollars, and the car still hasn't sold. And there are other examples, I wont post links because that may be against some kind of rule. Some of these dealers are way off the chart, they start out with a $10,000 markup and then come off 2 grand and act like they are doing you a big favor. The ones that are priced right usually sell in the first few days. I'm convinced the SUV craze is killing the value of cars, all cars. The dealers even tell you that their best selling model is the RX. The only reason I am investing in this rapidly depreciating asset is that I intend to drive it for awhile, and I really don't like the SUV styling/look (thats an understatement, I think they look hideous - MHO).

One of the posters on here has been very forthcoming with regard to MMR values. Every time he looks one up for me, I am amazed at how low it is. I don't mind paying 2-4k over the MMR. I won't pay 10-12k over.

 

I think we can all agree ...................buying a well maintained used car with records is the best purchased decision car or truck, make or model!

 

What the heck is MMR?

 

MSRP?

Is that Ga. speak?

 

Mannheim Market Report - the wholesale price the dealers pay to one another...."the premier indicator of wholesale prices." Do a web search on the term.....

Its very enlightening to see those values.