I would definitely add it to the list of main criteria when searching for a Lexus. But if you're only planning to keep the car for a few years it probably isn't that important.

If I decide to get a 2008 I'll plan on keeping it for 3-5 years. If I get a solid 2011 or 2012 I'll keep it for 5-7 years. If I suck it up and buy a 2013+ I'll keep it for 10+ years. It would just make the finances tight to spend another $26k on a car until my wife can start working again.

At this point I'm leaning towards buying a 2010-2012 unless I can find a 2007-2008 with lower miles and an impeccable service record history and lower price. Then I can use those savings for if and when the repairs come up.

I drove a 2007 and it had some issues but it still drove amazing. Way better than my 2016 RX F Sport.

I'd probably buy the 2011 for a few reasons
1) It's a LWB which makes a big difference in the look of the car, the amount of rear space, and makes a marginal difference in the ride quality
2) I think the other cars feel over priced for their age and mileage, but perhaps my location is different in pricing and supply
3) I prefer the look of the 2010-2012 exterior and wheels. Plus you get streaming blue tooth.

One caveat on that car: you are going to be right on the cusp with the 2011 being out of spec for the brake actuator recall. I think you have 10 years from production date or a certain mileage (whichever comes first) and I don't recall the mileage, but it may have been 150K. My actuator just failed on my very late production 2010 460L with 100K miles and it would have been a $3,500 repair if not covered under the ZLG program. Just be prepared for that to be a potential expense - and something you should 100% have checked out in a pre purchase inspection. But other than that just prepare for control arms. If the interior appears sticky and/or faded, that would be covered under the ZLZ warranty program/recall.

As of right now I am leaning towards the 2011. I know the car won't be perfect with 150k miles on it. But for $12k its one heck of a car!

I'll have a pre purchase inspection done on the car before I buy it. Hopefully this weekend if everything goes well. I'll just save up some extra money for repairs since it has higher miles. I'm hoping this is one of those situations where you buy the car after the previous owner has had to do all the normal 100k services. I bought a car at 90k miles and it was just in time for all of the 100k services. Last time I do that! A little more miles with the right service done is what I look for.

I actually like someone dumping the car for upcoming services. I get a discount and then I do DIY very economically, saving money as well as ensuring everything is done right.
Repair items are not in anyone's control. They can come up at any time.
Here are the maintenance items on LS460. ATF is not mentioned but that is up to an individual.

Synthetic Oil Change

(Every)

10,000 miles

Brake fluid (Flush/replace)

(Every)

30,000 miles

Coolant (Flush/replace)

(Every)

100,000 miles

Tire Rotation

(Every)

5,000 miles

Cabin air filter (Replace)

(Every)

10,000 miles

Remote control batteries (Replace)

(Every)

15,000 miles

Air filter (Replace)

(Every)

30,000 miles

Spark plugs (Replace)

(Every)

60,000 miles

If everything goes as planned, I'm picking up the 2011 tomorrow. I'll keep you updated.

Did you pickup your car?

My new to me 2016 LS460L got delivered today. Pictures/story is here https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ent-today.html

Yes I did! I already commented on your thread for your new LS about the miles. Car looks great!

I made a thread saying "my new 2011 LS460 L"

After owning the 2011 and now your 2016, what are your thoughts on both of them? Comparing their characteristics?

number 2 sounds suspicious! Ever seen rockchips on a rear bumper? but maybe its a thing with RWD...

2013+ exterior and interior looks a lot modern. Especially interior is really nice. 12.3" screen is awesome.
As far as drive and space goes, I think they are similar. That's why 2010-2012 at less than $15K is an amazing value.
Basically I paid $10K more for the looks. Worth it? totally to me. I keep cars for long time, minimum 10 years. I thought it might be a good idea to start with little modern car. LS500 is already out for 3 years but still.
I had an insurance check for 20K therefore I only had to shell out additional $8K therefore it wasn't a very difficult financial decision.

What do you think of the comfort of the driver seat in both? I'm a big fella. 6'1 255lbs. So the driver seat cushion especially under the butt is a big deal. My 2014 GS-350 had terrible padding, I had to put a pillow under my rear.

I agree with you there. If I was planning on keeping this car for 10 years I would have gotten a 2013+, but this is a 3-5 year car for me. By 2023-2025 the 2013+ should drop in value right in my sweet spot. As much as I like the idea of a sub 100k LS, I'm totally fine buying a well taken care of 110-130k mile LS that has recently had the big maintenance done.

The seats in the 13-17 at least are a good it softer than the seats in the GS, which were quite firm.

I enjoyed how tight the steering and ride was in my 14 GS350 but the seat was awful. I actually enjoy driving my 11 LS460.

I’m interviewing for a job in Kentucky while I live 37 miles (45 minutes) north of Cincinnati. But the ride in this LS once on the highway is so amazing that I’m thinking about taking the job . I don’t like driving it in the city because it’s a boat, but once on the highway....sweet spot

I am 170 lbs and am comfortable even in Hyundai Sonata seats
I think seats in 2011 and 2016 are equally comfortable. 2013+ may be little more comfortable. Can't really say.