Pic 31 of 34 shows a shot of the dashboard with the error (the yellow triangle stuck out).

Looked at one of the sticky threads, the wood steering wheel suggests that is a Luxury package. That might explain the S+.

 

I see. Looks like a luxury package with the regular rims on it. It says "accident reported" but it doesn't specify if it's just minor or not. Man, shopping for a used car is such a PITA!

 

It also has a TPMS light though without plugging in a code reader, it'd be hard to tell which tire it is.

And yes, it takes time. Take a look as well. I only set 100 mile radius. See if there's something just outside that might pique your interest.

Regarding your first one, I always feel uneasy at places that can't even take decent clear pictures. Like if they can't do that right... But that's just me.

 

By the first one you mean the brown one I initially asked about the carfax report? Ngl the pictures seem pretty clear to me lol. But yeah I've been searching for a couple of months already and just can't seem to find one that ticks all the boxes (regular maintenance, less owners, no accidents, good price).

 

It's always better to err on the side of paranoia when shopping for used cars. If you get lucky you get a good, reliable car that runs and drives perfectly with no issues (like mine!). Get unlucky and those problems could ultimately end up in your lap. Best to skew the odds in your favor. It's not like the GS350 is some rare one off car, given the choice, I'd take the one with an established and regular service history (assuming of course all the other stuff is in good condition). Bonus points if it's a thorough Lexus dealership service history, they keep the best service notes.

 

Your ability to disagree with people is remarkable. But you almost always make a compelling argument which makes it interesting. A true contrarian.

 

Maybe PM CLer @GS350Boi .
He recently told me he is selling his GS350 LUX with only 50K mi on it and has only been serviced at Lexus dealership.

 

What would you say if I got it checked out by a mechanic and there was no oil slushing or any other problems with the engine? Would it still be worth going for despite having a spotty service record?

 

No one knows for sure because records are lacking, but it would not surprise me if the oil and filter was changed at something like this mileage point:
10k by Lexus dealer
18k by 3rd party
28k by Pep Boys w/ purchase of tires
36k by 3rd party
43k by Pep Boys w/ purchase of Battery

Are we to assume because there is no record of oil/filter change at various mileage points that the owners [also] never replaced the brakes, tires or battery?

I think way too much is being made about the lack of records. It's a pre-owned car for crying out loud!

A little investigative research by looking at the tires, the oil filter, the brake pads and the battery would likely spell out where and (about when) the owners of this car had it serviced.

If the car looked like it had been taken good care of I'd probably have an independent garage/shop take a look at it to see what might be learned from the brand of the oil filter, brake pads and battery to get some insight into the car's service record.

 

Thank you! Debate competition helps as you must be able to take either side in a match. Experience of counselling clients in deals helps too...

 

I'd say this vehicle he's interested in has received good care and service:

08/22/2014
9,757 Miles
Lexus of Huntsville, AL
Vehicle serviced
10,000 mile service performed


04/18/2018
42,516 Miles
Pep Boys - Huntsville, AL

• Maintenance inspection completed
  • Oil and filter changed

07/10/2018
45,943 Miles
Lexus of Huntsville, AL

Battery charged


08/18/2018
47,663 Miles
Pep Boys - Huntsville, AL

•  
  • Maintenance inspection completed
  • Alignment performed
  • A/C system checked
  • Tire pressure monitoring system serviced
  • Tire(s) mounted
  • Tire(s) balanced

11/21/2018
50,886 Miles
Lexus of Huntsville, AL

Battery replaced


06/13/2019
54,121 Miles
Pep Boys - Huntsville, AL

• Maintenance inspection completed
  • Oil and filter changed

 

@Amisdia - Offer $17,500 - For your 'one, only and final' offer - and see what happens...

 

This 2014 GS 350 the OP is interested in had a Lexus dealership install a new Lexus replacement battery and the brake fluid has even been flushed/replaced. This car has probably been taken better care of than ¾ of GS 350s that are years younger with ½ the mileage.

 

That's really the best way to be sure. Get a very thorough check up with a mechanic.

Any reason you're set on this one? It's not a particularly high trim level though the paint color is pretty rare. I would probably go after a Lux/F-Sport with the Mark Levinson given the option.

 

My Lexus dealer doesn't share any data with Carfax also. Frustrating at times but it's the lexus site if they want to research the maintenance. Pre-purchase inspection is best for any used purchases.