I currently drive a 2016 RX-350 F Sport. And I hate the car. The transmission is always lost, it shifts up and down and lurches and boggs down. Took it to Lexus and they are no help. I test drove a friends 2007 LS 460 with 159k miles on it and it drove great. Very frustrating to drive a car that is basically 10 years older with double the miles and is such a better driving car.

I've found 4 that I am comparing and was hoping to get some your guys opinions and expertise as I've owned a 2005 LS 430 but not the 460.

From reading it looks like the brake actuator, ML amp, and front suspension components (control arms) all seem to be common issues with the 2007-2009 LS.

Option #1 ($10,900)
2008 - 129,000 miles being sold by the original owner who replaced it with a 2020 LS.
4 brand new Michelin tires
New pads and brakes
flush out and add new transmission fluid
8 new spark plugs
new oil changed
He has not had to replace any suspension or control arms and hasn't had an issue with the brake actuator.

Option #2 ($12,000)
2008 - 109,000 miles.
3rd owner, he has all service records from first two owners.
Said his father is a lexus tech and has done all repairs on the car.
Recently replaced tires and brakes/rotors, 4 struts, front and rear bumper repainted due to rock chips and scratches.

Option #3 (13,400)
2008 - 108,000 miles.
2nd owner. Car was under extended warranty, not through the dealership.
Have replaced the full front suspension, all control arms, and 4 struts. Aftermarket parts though, not OEM.
Will have new tires put on before sale.

Option #4 (12,200)
2011 - 149,000 miles
Long wheel base
Original owner
Still waiting to hear back from him on the service records and what has been done. He said its all been done at the dealer, so with 150k miles on it I would assume most major services have been completed.

Which one do you all like the best or are leaning towards? I purposely stay away from any of the options with the air suspension. But i've also read that the 2010 and newer models had less issues than the 2007-2009. I'm wanting to spend under $14,000 so that takes away a lot of the 2010+ models.

 

I'm leaning towards #4 and #3. I like the look of the updated 2011 but the miles somewhat scare me. I like that #3 has had all the front suspension parts replaced, but with aftermarket parts I'm not sure what quality they are.

 

I would go for 2011. Loved the bluettoth audio when I had mine. I had test drive one with 173K and would have bought it if it didn't have cosmetic issues. If you have patience, you can get one with 100K for $15K. I found one with 100K for $17.5K OTD (car+all fees+7%tax) 2 months ago but passed on it and decided to go for 2013+

 

Even though it has 40k more miles on it than the other options you would still recommend the 11? I guess I just love the idea of spending close to $10k on such a luxurious car. But then again adding another $5k for a car that will run for years isn't a bad investment.

 

Yes, Go for $150K miles one. If was serviced at Lexus then everything that was supposed to have gone wrong has probably gone wrong now. More miles in shorter time also means more highway miles. Check service history on Lexus Drivers site.
You don't need to stretch the budget if you don't want to. I was just providing an option for $5K more. I like relative lower miles for exterior and interior condition. Get everything checked out though. Here is the checklist. https://www.lexus.com/documents/broc...t-brochure.pdf
If you are handy, you could do almost everything yourself. You don't really need a lift. Front suspension bushings can be checked by turning wheels left and right and then inspect them through wheel wells. Test drive will also disclose issues if any. If you are not that handy, you can get pre-purchase inspection done at Lexus (Dealer when original services were not performed)

 

That is good to know! In your opinion was the 2010+ really that much better than the 2007-09? I know your answer will be yes based off of your pick being the 2011. But was it proved that the parts were actually re-engineered to fix the problems from the earlier models?

 

After all it is still almost a 10 year old car. One has to be prepared to fix it. Less things will go wring and less frequently than german cars but they still can. When they do, it can be expensive.
07-09 are proven to have more problems. 10-12 are proven to have less. That just mean over period of time both will potentially cost the same. If so, which one will you choose?
Even though suspension was re-engineered some there are some examples of it failing in 2010+ but rarely.
Also, make sure to get rear wheel drive. There is aftermarket option for RWD. None for AWD.
I had my 2011 only for 18 months before it got totaled. I am speaking from what I ready on this board, not from my personal experience.

 

Aftermarket control arms for the RWD but not for the AWD? You gotta be kidding me haha. Another good point.

 

You can still replace the bushings (if there are ones available) for AWD. Never read anyone doing it so not sure if a good options is available.

 

If one of the first 3 have ML don't miss out on that option. Post pics when you buy.

 

The 2010 -2012 will offer you more options and less problems. But keep in mind, all elder statesmen will have their issues. Any of these cars will be 8 to 12 years of age. Depending on the service records and what repairs have been done to the car, will best determine, the future. Good luck.

 

Are you replacing the RX? Any particular reason why you arent considering LS sedans that are in the same value range as your 16 RX? You could buy a much newer lower mileage one.

My mechanic always repairs the control arms by replacing the bushings rather than the whole arm.

 

You think the ML speakers make that much of a difference? I don't have ML in my RX and it seems to be ok. But I am a sound guy. Have a very nice Paradigm and Def Tech setup in my basement. The issue with the ML amp going out seems to be a common issue though.

 

Yes, I understand all cars will have problems. I'm just trying to figure out if I should wait to find a 2010-2012 and completely rule out any 2007-2009 based off of a more reliable car in the small revision they did.

 

I am a car guy. And I hate even seeing the newer LS in the same price range as my RX. But right now my wife is going back to nursing school and I am in between jobs. Had a good paying job but was a night shift gig and we have two young kids. So even though we could make it work with another $26k car. I really am trying to spend under $14k. Then once she is done with school in 3 years I can treat myself with a newer LS.

I would love to think I can go 3 years before buying a new one but right now I've had two ISF's, 2014 GS, 2005 LS, 2003 GS, and now this 16 RX all in the last 6 years haha. I need to settle down a bit.