LexyLady85

Hello.
I'm new here. Looked around the forums for an answer, but didn't really see anything specific to my area.

Need help to prove my dad wrong.
My dad insist on driving out here to help me pick/check out cars. I told him I could handle it.
Truth is, I don't really know what to check or how to check it.
My plan was to have the car looked over by a mechanic.

I'm trying to buy a car (Lexus GS 400). It's owned by a friend of a friend. The car looks nice enough, but I want to be sure everything else is fine. (engine, transmission, whatever )

I tried looking for a mechanic on Yelp, but everyone gets mixed reviews. I really don't know what to look for, so I'm an easy target. My last few cars have been leased and all the maintenance was done at the dealerships. All I keep hearing is that the dealership will charge too much and other mechanics will makeup things to sell me. So, I don't know where to start.

Can anyone recommend an honest mechanic near me? I live in Rialto, but my job has me driving from Upland to Yuciapa, so I don't mind driving a little if needed.

Again, sorry if this has been answered a hundred times before, I just couldn't find anything on the forums.

Thanks,

Confused Lexy Lady

Lazy

iTrader: (2)

I know a few in Pomona if u want to make the drive out here

LexyLady85

Thank you. That maybe my only option if no one else post any locations.
I'd still like to find something closer to home if I buy this car, but at least for the initial checkup, I can drive to Pomona.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

if you just want a reasonably quick and thorough checkup, any toyota or lexus dealer will do a Pre-purchase inspection for you for between $80-115 iirc. If it's a lexus dealer and the current owner's with you they'll even pull the maint. records if there are any.

and of course, a carfax/autocheck is always a good idea as well.

LexyLady85

Thank you. That's very good to know. I may do that for the pre-purchase.
Then I can worry about a mechanic later for regular service.

abounly

iTrader: (27)

Is it really worth it to go out of your way and hire someone to take a look at the car just to prove your dad wrong?

UniSlayEX

Just take it to a dealer and do the inspection mentioned above - it will tell status on all parts and you can make an educated decision from there. You can speak with the Service Advisor and they'll help.

I dont know the relationship level, but I think pops is just trying to help (where is he driving out from anyway - sounds like its more hassle than help).

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Just know that there are things on the GS400 that can go bad anytime, and they're things the Lexus dealers cannot pick up on during the inspection. Common problems can be door lock actuators, starter going out, heat vent actuator clicking, etc. If you do end up buying one, REPLACE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS.