girlwstyle

Ok so I signed up for the Lexus Driver and looked at the vehicle I'm looking at buying today after falling for her yesterday during test drive. *I'm taking her in to get checked out today before buying obviously, just want to know what you all think about these. The body repair & "numerous concerns" given recently are my heaviest worries.

These are some things I've found...Should I be worried about them??
1) 11/10/2015 : This is RECENT...
WHILE DRIVING RPMS WERE CLIMBING BUT VEHICLE WAS SHOWING NO RESPONSE WHEN ACCELERATING. STATES WHEN VEHICLE PUT IN 4 LOW IT STARTED MOVING AGAIN. ADVISE - EMPLOYEE REPAIR ORDER. - NUMEROUS CONCERNS. CUSTOMER GIVEN LIST.
**Worried about the "numerous concert" given to the dealer or customer that haven't been done??

2) 4/29/2011:
SUBLET DENT REPAIR (RIGHT QUARTERPANEL) GUEST REQUESTS DENT REMOVAL AT RIGHT QUARTER PANEL
**The only body damage I could find was a deep scratch on the driver side wheel wheel over panel. Nothing I can't live with or have repaired in the future but does this mean that there was possibly further damage I'm not seeing?

3) 04/04/2009:
ALL FOUR TIRES ARE AT THE WEAR BARS. REAR SHOCKS HAVE SOME MOISTURE ON THEM
**Is it a bad sign if shocks have had moisture in them in the past and it wasn't repaired?

4) 05/09/2006: BODY REPAIRS REPAIR BODY. PAINT REPAIRS PAINT WORK
5/04/2006: SEND VEHICLE TO BODY SHOP REAR BUMPER REPAIR

5) 12/14/2005: VISUAL INSPECTION REPLACE REAR BUMER COVER AND REPALCE LT BUMPER REFLECTOR AND LEFT REAR BUMPER MUDGUARD. PAINT REPAIRS REFINISH REAR BUMPER COVER
**This is the MOST worrisome for me...I looked for ANY signs of body work and couldn't find any. Is the probability that this means there was an accident increase with this??

girlwstyle

OH: The registration has overdue fee's totaling $120 as well. This is a small used car dealer. I really liked the man and the car. He was upfront and honest and let the "car sell itself", only speaking when i asked questions. I'm sure I could demand that the registration be updated since in California I don't really have knowledge of if the car will pass Smog without up to date registration (not sure if he has to Smog it before I buy since it's not PP but I'll check).

chiph9

Since it worked in 4-Low, that indicates a transfer case problem. "Numerous Concerns" is also concerning.
Personally, I would pass on this vehicle unless there's a good explanation.

Not a problem.

See if the shocks were replaced.

I have flaking clear-coat on mine, not sure if it's a common problem. I'd look at it, but I wouldn't be worried about it.

Dealer is hoping to pass this cost onto the buyer.

Chip H.

sprocket

Too bad you're in CA. I've been on the fence about selling my 2004. What price point are you seeing out there?

girlwstyle

Obviously depends on mileage and options but in what I've been looking for prices are btwn $10,900-$16,000. These are some of the options I've been hoping I find on the right one:
2003-2006
Blizzard White (Preference..)
Spoiler
Backup camera
Mark Levinson Sound system
Under 170k miles

I save up a bit over 6500 for down payment and only want to finance 7k MAX @ 42 months with my credit union so I'm swimming in a small pool of available options...hence why I'm driving an average of 6 hrs (2.5per way) each day just checking one out.

girlwstyle

Ugh...So I'm heartbroken again today
Not sure how this will turn out but my head says it's prolly not gunna happen...
-Called the Lexus Dealer that reported that "numerous concerns" a month ago when it was brought in due to RPM issues and asked for details. They couldn't provide them due to the report being closed after 30 days and customer declining work. They said they would try & see if original printout sis still around and call me back...never happened.

Took her into a well rated shop and had the owner look her over.

-He showed me that the grounding wire coming off the battery had been taped over with electrical tape at some point but was just hanging free & that this is a MAJOR safety issue as the cars electrical isn't grounded and it could start on fire at any moment. This is a safety concern that the dealer will have to fix prior to purchase but I feel the chances of that happening are slim. He's calling me on Wednesday after his mechanic takes a look.
*Cost of estimated repair: OUTRAGEOUS = wiring harness + 10-12hrs of work.

-Shocks/Struts all need replaced. Obviously something I'll be expected to pay and from other necessary repairs am guessing he won't move the price for. I know I could replace with spring but in that case I'd just buy a 4Runner since 1 of the main reasons I want this is for the suspension ride quality ;(
* Cost:$1500

-All tires need replaced including the spare
-2 are below the minimum allowed by law for sale so the dealer must replace them. The 2 front are just slightly above the law allowance but still badly need replacing.
I offered to negotiate that off the price and take care of it since I'd like all new tires and they use "good used" for replacement)
*Cost (4+spare): $1,200

-Coolant leak from heating pipe
*Cost:$320

-Front Axle & CV boots need replaced (knew the CV boots were torn already from looking it over)
*Cost: $900

- basics like air filter, wipers, etc need replaced. There is also no record of the 90k service with timing belt & water pump being completed in the Lexus Drive records although it shows an 89k & 100k service with oil changes & nothing else...so I'm assuming I'd nee to do this.

...maybe some others but this is what I can remember and we r driving home in the dark. I should pass on this vehicle right?


My stressed rant.... : My auto loan expires tomorrow, we leave town for Christmas next week, and I still haven't done my xmas gift shopping. ARRRGGGHHH, why can't more people take care of their cars??!!!

zippinbye

Nothing good happens under pressure! Time to relax and take a deep breath. Good for you with the investigation that ruled this one a dog. Don't get desperate and spring for something just to get it done. Take care of other business and enjoy the season. Keep driving the borrowed lame car, if the offer remains on the table. Unless you had a change of employment status or a major credit ding pop up since your loan approval, you'll get another one. Better yet, call your financing source tomorrow and ask for an extension. Chances are they'll say "yes" or do a quick re-application.

Keep the results of today's lesson in reserve. Think of it each time you consider a vehicle, especially if you're tempted to make a snap decision. Patience and due diligence will pay off.

zippinbye

One more suggestion. You mentioned 170,000 mile or less. While this could be one of the best vehicles to consider buying with higher mileage, set you goal lower for the odometer reading. There are plenty in the 120,000 mile or less range that are also in the lower end of the price spectrum. A 170,000 mile GX should be really cheap.

I pasted some data from Mannheim dealer auctions - 2004 as random selection.. Basically past month sales nationwide. It gives you an idea of variances based on miles, and what dealerships are paying for these vehicles. Of course the dealers that bought these GXs have overhead and auction fees that must be considered. But you might find a "mom and pop" car lot would sell one for a slight profit. Where are you in California? With a bit of hunting, you could probably find a dealer/broker who would buy at the auction for a straight fee. It's an option.


Vehicle Identification
Search: Select Country: US
Year: 2004 Select Region: National
Make: LEXUS Seasonal Adjustment: No
Model: GX 470
Style: 4D SUV
Transactions
Date Auction Sale Type Price Odometer Cond Color Eng Trans In Sample
12/10/15 TX HOBBY Regular $6,900 183,105 Avg GREY 8G A Yes
12/10/15 ST PETE Regular $8,800 139,341 Avg WHITE 8G A Yes
12/10/15 SO CAL Regular $9,800 145,627 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
12/10/15 MISS Regular $9,400 145,938 Avg GREY 8G A Yes
12/09/15 SF BAY Regular $7,600 177,080 Avg GRAY 8G A Yes
12/09/15 SAN DIEG Regular $9,200 148,349 Avg GREY 8G A Yes
12/09/15 SAN ANTO Regular $7,900 98,642 Avg BLUE 8G A No
12/09/15 CALIFORN Regular $11,600 127,926 Above WHITE 8G A No
12/08/15 NYMETSKY Regular $9,100 113,516 Avg GRAY 8G A Yes
12/08/15 BALTWASH Regular $9,700 115,851 Avg SILVER 8G A Yes
12/03/15 PALM BCH Regular $9,800 146,385 Avg WHITE 8G A Yes
12/03/15 DFW Lease $7,500 186,249 Avg SILVER 8G A Yes
12/03/15 CHICAGO Regular $10,000 103,910 Above SILVER 8G A Yes
12/03/15 ATLANTA Regular $13,400 71,313 Above BLUE 8G A No
12/02/15 SEATTLE Regular $8,400 170,774 Avg GREY 8G A Yes
12/02/15 NJ Regular $7,700 231,200 Avg BLUE 8G A Yes
12/02/15 HAWAII Regular $10,000 82,926 Above BLACK 8G A Yes
12/02/15 CALIFORN Regular $8,750 141,684 Avg BLUE 8G A Yes
12/02/15 CALIFORN Regular $8,600 127,968 Avg BLUE 8G A Yes
12/02/15 CALIFORN Regular $8,400 158,717 Avg WHITE 8G A Yes
12/01/15 PENSCOLA Regular $5,500 216,602 Below SILVER 8G A Yes
12/01/15 OHIO Regular $7,300 167,235 Avg SILVER 8G A Yes
12/01/15 ATLANTA Regular $7,200 236,615 Avg GREY 8G A Yes
11/25/15 SEATTLE Regular $4,500 240,219 Below SILVER 8G A Yes
11/25/15 KC Regular $6,300 187,697 Below GOLD 8G A Yes
11/25/15 FT MYERS Regular $10,700 104,340 Above BLACK 8G A Yes
11/24/15 CEN FLA Regular $8,000 165,892 Avg GREY 8G A Yes
11/24/15 BALTWASH Regular $6,500 167,877 Below BLUE 8G A Yes
11/19/15 TX HOBBY Regular $9,750 99,960 Avg SILVER 8G A Yes
11/19/15 TX HOBBY Regular $8,500 179,722 Avg SILVER 8G A Yes
11/19/15 RIVRSIDE Regular $10,500 140,602 Above WHITE 8G A Yes
11/19/15 NORTHSTR Regular $8,600 159,067 Avg GREY 8G A Yes
11/18/15 NEW MEX Lease $7,500 139,116 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
11/18/15 DALLAS Regular $10,900 92,648 Above SILVER 8G A Yes
11/18/15 CALIFORN Regular $10,600 128,736 Above GOLD 8G A Yes
11/18/15 CALIFORN Regular $8,900 158,264 Avg WHITE 8G A Yes
11/17/15 ORLANDO Regular $11,800 77,874 Above GOLD 8G A Yes
11/17/15 MISS Regular $8,600 144,010 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
11/17/15 ATLANTA Regular $6,900 188,995 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
11/17/15 ARENA IL Regular $7,700 154,537 Avg GRAY 8G A Yes
11/16/15 NC Regular $8,900 222,556 Avg WHITE 8G A Yes

girlwstyle

Your totally right. The holidays are stressful already without adding the hunt for a (specific make/condition/features/price range..=damn near impossible) used car to it. I've been so consumed with it for over a month now...thanks for talking me down off the buyers regret ledge.

Time for some deep breathes and IFTTT notifications I guess!

girlwstyle

Wow THANK YOU!! That's awesome knowledge to have! I live in north county San Diego (Vista). There is a well rated car broker in LA that I debated on using since he charges a flat fee for used low price cars but I'm cheap and wanted to try and save that money and find it on my own...it may be a good idea to just give in and contact him though. Especially since he has the car delivered to my house. Only concern is the pre-inspection not taking place but I suppose I could call a local traveling mechanic and have him go check it out wherever it may be....

sprocket

Thanks for posting the auction info from Manheim. I was lowballed at CarMax about a month ago when they offered me $7k. Mine is gold with 112K on it. I'd say it is in average-good condition overall. I'm not under pressure to make a change, just thinking about moving to a 2013 GX or a Sequoia.

Good luck in your vehicle search.

chiph9

The GX has a full-time 4WD system, so you can't have any tires that have differences in their circumference. It would mean that a differential would be spinning hard during straight-line driving, and it'd wear out quickly. So you'd go from $1200 for just tires to $1200 + $2100 or more for tires and a new diff.

Rotating your tires regularly and checking the alignment isn't just a good idea on the GX - it's a requirement.

The broker sounds like a good approach, especially if they have access to auctions. If you can be flexible so far as color and equipment, they can probably get you one rated "Above" condition.

Chip H.

IanB2

One small bit of advice after seeing your "wish list", the back up camera only comes paired with the in-dash navigation system, which is ****. If the right truck came up without the nav/backup camera, I wouldn't think twice about it.

With the base stereo, you can easily install an aftermarket unit that has a backup camera. With the in-dash nav stereo, that' no longer an easy job, and few have bothered to go through all the trouble to pull it off.

girlwstyle

Ya that's what someone else told me yesterday too...I only wanted the backup camera because I'm switching from a Volt to an SUV and parking in so cal is tight and am always worried about running someone over or hitting a car when reversing out of a spot (not to mention I don't want to back into a low pole or pony wall with my baby once I get her). That's a brillAnt idea for looking into after market backup camera and getting one without it. Any recommendations for that?

girlwstyle

Chip- so if the tire tread is worn differently on the front & back tires the diff is overworked? The installed tires are the OEM version..they are just worn on inside edge. Looks to be rotated recently. The spare is cracked so it's the original and needs replaced.