I hear that LS430 was better made, but they are too old now, so, I have decided to buy LS460.
budget is under $25K.
I have done quite a bit of research, but still cannot decide.
please help.

1. Should I stay away from the air suspension?
2. Does LS460 sell at KBB price, more or less? I know Camry sells for more than book value, and some poorly made cars sell for less than the book value.
3. When is a good time to buy a used LS460? I was close to making an offer, but suddenly in the last week of September, they were all sold (end of quarter I guess).
4. Do I take a mechanic with me to inspect the car? Or I can just tell from a visual inspection like rust, tires, etc. and looking at the Carfax report. Any key insights here please?
5. I hear that 07-09 were problematic, but 2010+ models have taken care of all the issues, is that true?

Thank you in advance.

 

Thank you for your suggestions. I tend to buy used cars under 30-50K miles, but with a lexus 460, I do not have to stick to that limit as these cars are reliable for 200K+ miles.

 

If your budget is strictly under $25K then look for a 2011 or 2012. Most of the bugs have been worked out on those cars plus you get bluetooth audio. When you do your homework on the car, see if it's had issues with brake actuator or control arms. Hopefully those have been replaced. The other consideration would be the possibility of sticky interior. Not all have that issue. Check out the Lexus Owner's site to see the maintenance done.

My neighbor had a beautiful white with tan interior 2011 with no issues. He only traded it in because he doesn't keep a car past 100K. So, do your homework and you'll find a prize! On the other hand, I agree that you should consider upping your budget and look at a 2013. It's been refreshed and has a wonderful interior that brings more to the tech table (for it's time frame).

Good luck.

 

This changes everything for me then.
If I should get a 2013+, I might as well get the 2013 es350, for half the price of a 2013 LS460, they are kind of the same car, except for the luxurious feel and smoother drive of the LS.

Does a 2013+ LS460 not have the brake actuator and control arms issues?

how do I look at the history of the car, the maintenance, the accidents if any? I hear that there is a way to do that on club lexus.

Thanks again.

 

They are not at all the same car LOL. The LS is heads and shoulders a better car than the ES. Nothing wrong with the ES, its just not to the same caliber at all.

With that logic, why not just get the same year ES as a 2011 or 2012 LS? What makes the 13 different in that regard?

 

The LS and ES are nothing alike. They don't drive the same, they don't look the same, they don't offer the same interior or luxury. If you're wanting to save money, then sure buy the ES. But it's not an LS.

 

ES350 was redesigned in 2013. That is why. Thanks for your response.

 

These cars can be reliable up to 400K+ miles if well taken care of. As crazy as it sounds, it’s true. A word of advice, have a couple grand stashed away for the just in case. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” Camry. Things happen, and you’ll want to taken care of them immediately when they do to preserve the longevity of this wonderful luxury car.

 

So was the LS460. Still not the same car by a long shot. One of my best friends has an 18 ES. Short of a few tech things, his car is small, uncomfortable in the back seat and much less of a ride than my 14. Screen is half the size. Nothing wrong with an ES, but it does not compare to an LS.

 

Well said, I own a couple of bimmers and the 1st thing I did was that I stashed a few thousand for repairs.

 

I guess I need to drive a 2013+ LS. thanks

 

That doesn’t at all mean that they are the same car. 2013 ES is a very different car than a 2013 LS.

 

2013+ LS460s have these issues too. I've had my brake actuator and several control arm bushings replaced at under 40,000 miles

 

The LS sells more than KBB. It’s a bit ridiculous sometimes. I would get the ES but it’s FWD so I’ll pass. Folks with 2013 models, are they pretty solid?

 

Yeah I think the cult following of the LS has reached more of the mainstream used car buyer and it does funny things to prices sometimes. I can't believe the asking prices I see sometimes, particularly on 2007-2009 models....$16k for a 12 year old car with 120k miles and worn leather? Come on. On that note, there are a stunning number of 07-09s for sale compared to 10-12 models. Like 80/20 ratio it seems.

Anecdotally (and from the post above), it sounds like the 2013 models could still have control arm and brake actuator issues. I saw a post last week where someone bought a 2013 and within the first week they had to do the control arm bushings. So similar issues. Much nicer interior on the 2013+...I don't like the front end as much on the outside though.