Buying used ES without maintenance records
03-23-19, 07:12 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Buying used ES without maintenance records
Hi - I have an '08 ES350 and am thinking about buying a used 2017 to replace it. I found one that fits the bill with about 20k miles. It is in mint condition, but the Carfax report does not contain any maintenance records. The dealer bought the car at auction and cannot provide any info about past care. I am mainly concerned about whether the oil had been changed in the first 20k miles. I plan to keep this long term, so don't want to buy a ticking time bomb. Any thoughts? Thank you!
03-23-19, 07:30 AM
#2
I assume you are not buying for a Lexus dealer. If the car was serviced at a Lexus or Toyota dealer you will be able to check the service history and I would most certainly do this. Just get the VIN and take it, or the car, to a Lexus dealer. And to be realistic, even if the oil was not changed for 20K miles I wouldn't be too concerned - once I had it inspected. With the 10K oil change being complementary I can't imagine someone not at least doing that.
Dave Mac
Dave Mac
03-23-19, 07:45 AM
#3
Lead Lap
If the car looks mint, then, to me, that would be an indication that the owner cared for the car. And, as Dave says, the first oil change is free at 10k so you're really just looking at a car with 10k on the clock without an oil change IF IT WASN"T DONE. If the car looks as good as you think it is I'd go right ahead and buy it if the price is right. Get the dealer to throw in an oil change with the deal. If you don't ask you won't get. Most they can say is NO.
GOOD LUCK!
GOOD LUCK!
03-23-19, 05:48 PM
#4
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I searched the vin on Lexus.com and discovered the car had been serviced regularly at dealer since the original purchase. Not sure why the Lexus dealer’s service events are not on carfax. Feeling much better now. Thanks all for your input!
03-25-19, 06:25 AM
#5
> Feeling much better now. Thanks all for your input!
Wait, where's the car from? Is there any chance that it's a flood-recovery car? There have been a lot of floods in the US in the last couple of years and the possibility that a car exposed to water could find its way into a use-car lot can't be discounted.
Also, check with Toyota and confirm the transferable warranty is still in effect.
=================================
My karma just ran over your dogma
Current Hers: '13 Lexus ES350
Current Mine: '15 Jaguar XF (its aubergine)
Wait, where's the car from? Is there any chance that it's a flood-recovery car? There have been a lot of floods in the US in the last couple of years and the possibility that a car exposed to water could find its way into a use-car lot can't be discounted.
Also, check with Toyota and confirm the transferable warranty is still in effect.
=================================
My karma just ran over your dogma
Current Hers: '13 Lexus ES350
Current Mine: '15 Jaguar XF (its aubergine)
03-25-19, 07:05 AM
#6
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Car was serviced by Lexus then traded in at Subaru dealer. No sign of flood damage on car or reported on carfax. I am having my mechanic evaluate this week.
And yes, warranty carries over.
Thanks for for keeping me on my toes👍
And yes, warranty carries over.
Thanks for for keeping me on my toes👍
03-25-19, 11:59 AM
#7
>Thanks for for keeping me on my toes��
Sure, with the number of floods that have happened all over the country this year I think the problem of finding cars exposed to water will be pretty high.
Sure, with the number of floods that have happened all over the country this year I think the problem of finding cars exposed to water will be pretty high.
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