Sorry for the broad question requiring a lot of guessing ha ...........

I need a nice car for my SMALL airport sedan service - BUT I can't afford a nice car right now. A 2016-18 RX would probably be perfect, but I might not be able to swing even that ($22-30K). Most importantly - once I get into something, I need to avoid any serious repairs for at least 6 months or more. I guess a big deal for me (unfortunately) is nasty repairs that require DEALER only parts, or hard to find aftermarket ones. Death before dealer is my motto.

So looking at these cars - Lexus only - no more Lincolns!
** my question is - based on your PERSONAL experience : at what point are serious repairs (likely) to pop up - say $1K or more. Fully understand there's no way of knowing, but if you've driven these cars you should have an idea ....... just looking to make an informed decision - then live with it. Have read a lot yes.

RX - 2012-15
* besides a likely gasket issue at $750+ and water pump ***** of a job, anything terrible at say 100-150K?

ES - 2011-2016 or so
* looking at a really nice 2011 / 75K for $13,000 today - same question I guess. Too small but better than a Camry ya know.

LS460
* I think I know this answer ha - looking at a 2012 / 66K / $17,500
>> control arms at < 100K probably - air suspension soon afterwards right? - brake actuator probably when? This car is super nice, and would be perfect, but scares me - a lot ha. I guess the question is - what is the likelihood I make it to over 100K miles without getting hammered? Perfect service records. If I can get to 125K with only minor issues I might get it.


Been driving TownCars for 30 years, and get over 500k with each - current has 625k, original engine great - but just totaled. What I like to do is replace parts BEFORE they go out - a must for my business. I've got a great mechanic that let's me order my own parts.


Thanks in advance for the help !!!

 

The RX 2012 2015 is a great car, no issues. Get the newest, cleanest, low miles that will fit your budget. They are extremely reliable and comfortable. The ES350 2014 and up is also solid. Get a pre purchase inspection and Carfax. You can never go wrong with a Lexus. The LS460 as you know maintenance is expensive, but if you get a well maintained car, it should not be an issue. Do not take these car to a dealer, find an independent shop. I buy my parts OEM on eBay and BellLexusNorthscottsdale and my mechanic installs them.

 

Good man thanks a lot!

Tough to find a 2016+ RX with decent miles under $25K - might go with the 2015 if I have to - just like the newer design better

Looking at a 2016 / 90K / $21K - will get it I think if all checks out.......

 

FWIW… I think my favorite car I’ve ever owned was my 2013 ES 300h. Had it not been taken out by a Denali driver having a brain fart, I would still be driving it. Great car.

Good luck…

Edit: Bot sure why this post came up for me given the age. Should have looked at that first… D’oh!