Hi guys,
greetings from Abu Dhabi, UAE
I’m considering buying one of the two following options and would appreciate your advice:
1. 2014 LS 460 with 128,000 miles (US spec car) for USD 24,000
2. 2008 LS 460 with 60,000 miles (Korean spec car, I’ve converted the km into miles for this post) for USD 10,000

Both cars are in very good condition, fully loaded with ML sound system and I’ve had the mileage and condition verified for both.

I know it’s a bit of a strange comparison and pricing is obviously different here vs the US, but I’d like to check what everyone’s thoughts are on the saving of $14K if I get the much older car with very low mileage. A consideration is as well the fact that the Korean spec cars have km speedometer and Celsius AC, so easier for us to use on a daily basis. A trade off in the 2008 would be the need to use a Bluetooth adapter to be able to listen to music from the iPhone.

 

If you can afford, get the younger vehicle.

 

Thanks! So basically you’re saying to prioritize age over mileage...

 

The 2014 isn’t 2.4 times as much car. The higher mileage and higher price kind of put me off. I think the poster should drive both cars and decide which one feels better and make an informed decision then.

 

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I will definitely drive them both and see how it goes.

 

look for a lower mileage 2013 and above for that price range

 

I would get a 2013+ for sure if you can swing it

 

They're basically identical, the number font is just a little different and the screen in the middle is bigger. Even if you did feel that way though, there are tons and tons of other improvements, interior materials are significantly improved, the chassis is more rigid, tech is much better, the car is just all around more modern.

07-12 cluster:




13-17 Cluster. Only difference is the font. You also have those blue lights at the top which you can turn off.

 

I no longer have one of these cars, no defensiveness here. I dont agree, its 95% exactly the same cluster with a sharper LCD screen in the middle. Font is clearly different, the numerals on the older cluster are larger and italicized.

 

I had an ‘11 LS, now a ‘13 LS. Go with the newer model. These are dinosaurs either way.

 

In general, you're always better off to get as new a model as you can. Even within 13-17 Lexus made a lot of little improvements each year. 15's for instance have an updated infotainment system, as does 16. In 16 there was additional cabin bracing done. My 17 felt better than my 15 did in several areas.

 

Agreed, get the newest year possible. Last of the good LS’s. 🤐

 

Excellent info everyone! Thank you so much.

 

Personally, I chose a 2010-2012 model year (Bought a 2011 with 44k miles a week or so ago as a commuter) due to some quirks being worked out, the updated Navi unit (Allows bluetooth media streaming whereas the 2007-2009 does not) - though you can find a 2013+ without air suspension, the price point was much higher for options I didn't deem necessary.

ON that note, I would find a 10-12 with under 80k and save a bundle (Check for extensive service history too - just because its low mileage doesn't mean it wasn't beat up ). Unless of course the 13+ body style is your thing. Interiors are obviously nicer looking on the 13+ but the earlier years are too! I would HIGHLY recommend if you do purchase a 13+ you do so without one equipped with air ride though. Its a expensive gamble with high miles and pricey to fix.

ps 24k for a 130k mile '14 is a bit high.....I've found 13-14's with those miles for 20-22, just take your time.

Good Luck!

 

Quite right!