Was pretty interested in this 2013 LX almost to talk prices but I didn’t like the undercarriage. Would this have stopped any of you? For a $40k plus used car purchase I don’t want any rust, no northern vehicles. We don’t need to turn this into another LX thread (trust me I’ll have detailed review) but just wondering what some of you think. It has low mileage 66k but 4 owners and was barely serviced at Lexus.

What do you guys think? That undercarriage convinced me to pass.

 

That is nothing. Would not have stopped me. You could Zeibart the frame and components.

 

I'd say Pass.

Hard to tell for sure, but it looks like that lower A-support has some stress-cracks in it from metal fatigue or corrosion.

Josh, what do you think? ......you're our maintenance expert. Are those stress-cracks?

 

I agree. I’m sure that’s an absolute tank, still. That undercarriage probably could handle winter abuse better than anything lol. But I don’t want to pay 40k plus for rust. No legit Lexus service history and 4 owners, pass.

Southern vehicles only.

 

No big deal

 

there are no cracks there. It looks normal. Just some rust on the welds. Typical for a salt climate Lexus. There is no stress corrosion cracking occurring in that metal anywhere.


that said, would I buy that car? Hell no. If I’m spending that kind of money on a used car I want no rust on it anywhere.

 

The amount of rust looks normal for a 2013. It looks a lot better than my 14 LX's undercarriage. It is a steel frame, and it will have rust over time.

But if you have doubt, pass and look for another one.

 

That frame has 15 years left before that rust amounts to an issue. History is a concern
likely better samples for the same price. You fortunately have the option of shopping online in non rust belt states


Good luck in your search

 

I don't know much about the rust inspection given that I'm in FL and only buy cars from FL, but the 4 owner thing would be a red flag to me. Also, $40k for an 8-model-year old rig seems steep. I know LX's hold their value but that seems quite high. Be patient, you'll find the right one.

 

The $40k isnt a bad price at all, these things hold their value really well

 

I’d get one that wasn’t rusted
id rather deal with the interior being faded than rust underneath

 

Its not "rusted" it just has normal surface rust on undercarriage parts that any car driven in a northern climate will have. I would much rather have normal surface rust underneath I will never see and that wont impact the performance of the vehicle at all to fading or exterior wear I will see every day.

Its a used car, 7 years old.... its been used.

 

I agree with the surface rust. It’s very minor and you can spray it which will prevent it for accelerating.

As for 40K, I think that is too much for a 7 year old vehicle....I’d rather just pay for a brand new LX. I think the LX is a little overpriced IMO as it is anyways...I think a LC makes more sense. IMO

 

I think I would have passed before even seeing the rust, to be honest. Even the dealer service record wouldn't bother me, as long as some type of record was kept by the previous owner. But 4 previous owners over 66k.. chances are low that proper maintenance records were kept. I'd probably look for a different example.

The rust itself doesn't bother me, I'd just hit the affected areas with some Fluid Film once a year.

 

Surface rust is inevitable unless you live in a desert.