2009 GS350 that looks like a 2007
#1
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All,
I am hoping to get a sanity check here. 2 months ago I purchased from a dealer, what I thought, was a 2009 GS350 ML with 26k miles on it. The car was purchase new in mid 2009. The car has been great but the more I look at it the more something does not seem right. The title, bill of sale, carfax, autocheck and the like all say 2009 but there are things that make me think I have some legal issue ahead of me. The manuals, mirrors, front fascia, and steering wheel all are pre-2008. The carfax said the car was 100% clean, no accidents, but there has to be something wrong.
I have re-verified the vin on the dash, hood, drivers door and lower B pillar. All of the VIN numbers I can see match what the title says. I hope this is as simple as parts having been replaced but is there anything else I can check to validate that this wasn't an elaborate frankenstein of parts to create a "clean" car?
I am hoping to get a sanity check here. 2 months ago I purchased from a dealer, what I thought, was a 2009 GS350 ML with 26k miles on it. The car was purchase new in mid 2009. The car has been great but the more I look at it the more something does not seem right. The title, bill of sale, carfax, autocheck and the like all say 2009 but there are things that make me think I have some legal issue ahead of me. The manuals, mirrors, front fascia, and steering wheel all are pre-2008. The carfax said the car was 100% clean, no accidents, but there has to be something wrong.
I have re-verified the vin on the dash, hood, drivers door and lower B pillar. All of the VIN numbers I can see match what the title says. I hope this is as simple as parts having been replaced but is there anything else I can check to validate that this wasn't an elaborate frankenstein of parts to create a "clean" car?
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https://www.me.com/gallery/#100038
I also just noticed that the interface for the onscreen display is different. Could just be software for that.
I also just noticed that the interface for the onscreen display is different. Could just be software for that.
#5
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There's a VIN underneath the hood at the back of the engine bay on the fire wall, did you check that one as well? You can see the number without removing any of the plastic panels.
![](http://www.kevchang.com/images/lexus/gs460engine.jpg)
The white rectangular box underneath the windshield wiper...
![](http://www.kevchang.com/images/lexus/gs460engine.jpg)
The white rectangular box underneath the windshield wiper...
#6
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https://www.me.com/gallery/#100038
I also just noticed that the interface for the onscreen display is different. Could just be software for that.
I also just noticed that the interface for the onscreen display is different. Could just be software for that.
heres some easy ways to tell
Mirrors:
2007
![](http://imganuncios.mitula.net/2007_lexus_gs_350_black_in_san_diego_california_93727489393268153.jpg)
2009
![](http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2008/02/28/01/24/2008_lexus_gs_350_awd-pic-10585.jpeg)
notice that the 09s have turn signal mirrors where as the 07s didnt (option that came standard in 08)
Grille Surround/Front Bumper:
2007
![](http://uncrate.com/p/nm-lexas-gs450h.jpg)
2009
![](http://www.dieselstation.com/pics/2009-Lexus-GS-350-car-pics.jpg)
notice the chrome grille surround on the 09s go into the city lights where as the 07s didnt
Center Console:
2007
![](https://buyersguide.roadandtrack.com/media/eVox/stills_0320/3543/3543_st0320_087.jpg)
2009
![](https://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/media/eVox/stills_0320/6475/6475_st0320_087.jpg)
notice the shift plate is different between the 09s and 07s
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#11
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No, the gas door and trunk release are inside the drop down panel. Arghhh. I just checked the firewall and it looks as if the numbers match there too. Has anyone heard of Lexus re-year'ing a car? Clearly this has all the makings of a 2007 but everything from a paperwork perspective says its a 2009. I am baffled.
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That's what I was afraid of. That had to have happened at the dealer right? The online service records go back to origination and clearly show it was a Lexus dealer so is this something that the dealer would have done to move inventory? I can't imagine that is legal.