lookinforalexus

looking at this 1-owner 2016 w/ 84k miles.

the history looks a little spotty so i'm a bit worried. asking $24k.

AJLex19

Welcome! I think we'd all need more info about what you're looking for to help. However, based on the limited info. on the one you posted, it looks like a premium package model (possibly with AWD?). The price seems about right for an 8yr old, refreshed GS with that mileage.

I'd say have it checked by a mechanic to see if there are any pre-existing issues. Many owners take their cars to local shops or perform DIY maintenance which won't show up on a carfax or history report.

There was a recent thread with excellent advice given regarding a potential purchase of a very similar car to the one you posted which is worth a read: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...uld-i-buy.html

lookinforalexus

thank you! my main worry is the carfax. it looks like it was serviced regularly until 40k miles in 2019 and then nothing.

dealer said owner took it to his local mechanic but there's no documentation.

red flag?

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistor...g5dF_xvtIN5CG8

lookinforalexus

also that vehicle/history is eerily similar to mine. so thanks for sharing that link.

hopefully @jgscott sees this and weighs in as he had some solid input.

fourthmeal

Car repair facilities may not like to deal with CarFax, not all shops use software that interacts with it. If the car is inspected by a shop you trust, they can look at the fluids (or smell them, really) for maintenance concerns, as well as the visual wheels off and everything checked kind of inspection (as opposed to "flashlight inspection"). Looks nice, though!

EAST

Using PA as a central search, and only looking at AWD, here's one that at least had decent service history.

2017 with 58k miles​​​​​​, 25.5k. Has good oil change history at every 5k miles, but has a minor front accident. Interior is OK, except a few spots.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used...1/NONE/DEFAULT

It seems most of the cars up in that area all have some sort of accident.

Here's a little cheaper one, with a little more miles with service every 10k miles but no accidents. I do wonder why it failed safety inspection, then passed it after service around 80k miles.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used...1/NONE/DEFAULT

lookinforalexus

thanks i did see those but have been filtering out accidents and largely only looking at 1-2 owners.

do you agree that the original car i posted seems strange or is it plausible (likely) that the continued routine service wasn't somehow documented by CarFax?

also, i am up in the NYC area but casting a wide net.

EAST

I wouldn't say it's strange per say, it just makes it harder on you. I change my own oil and make sure to upload it to the Lexus owners portal. Partially to keep track and partially hoping it might get reported out if I ever sell the car.

fourthmeal

Not strange, IMO. CarFax is a voluntary thing and it requires connections that not every shop wants or needs. Not everybody likes the brave new world of centralized information. If the guy picked a local old-man shop who did everything on paper writeup sheets, you could see how the paper trail of CarFax would go cold. Instead, look at the leather condition (up real close), the engine oil cap smells and residue, the paint condition, and the obligatory wheels off inspection. No accidents, no body damage, these are what you want to see IMO.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

First Hi, and Welcome to CL!

I am no expert, I learned by being burned some years, ago. If you want my opinion on this one, I would hard pass. Unknown service history is unknown to me. I want one that I know was serviced, I'm picky. Too many long gaps.

Unless you are in a hurry take your time, and also look further out. Even non rust bucket area cars. Anything can be shipped in a deal. Also I kinda think that's a Base model GS350? Look for a Lux. I never end up buying the 1st one I thought I was going to buy. It always ends up something better I end up getting.

lookinforalexus

This one’s close to home. Wasn’t looking for an F Sport but seems like an ok deal?

https://www.ipacket.info/20CE44D4-F1...3B06B78DF05EF1

lookinforalexus

There’s this 2016 with 26k (!) miles

https://www.bmwoffortwashington.com/...b2c1fd4d06.htm

PGA71

iTrader: (3)

This one seems like a cream puff in terms of miles driven vs oil changes documented at dealership.

Also like that it has the Safety System and Intuitive Park assist.

If you want an FSport, like the colors and it checks out mechanically, go for it!

lookinforalexus

sorry there’s two vehicles you’re saying the F Sport or the regular is the better buy?

PGA71

iTrader: (3)

The 2nd GS with 22K miles is also an FSport according to the sticker. Look at 1st Option listed as F Sport Package for an additional $5.4K.