Noobbie

I am looking at a used GX for my wife. We don't have long commutes and avg only 8k-9k miles a year. So I was presented with a high mileage 2018 GX. It has 161k miles. I thought was interesting as it could save on cost and I'm not looking to add 250k to the odometer anyway. The GX has a history of all dealer service with 10k oil changes. First 30k miles there were 5k oil changes, then it went to 10k. Any thoughts? I asked the dealer to let me bring it to my mechanic but they said no. They offered to have their service department perform a prepurchase inspection at my cost. I am not really keen on that. As for services performed, on the carfax I only see fluids, serpentine, TB clean, filters, brakes, tires, all at the dealer. Nothing beyond that.

Any thoughts?

BradTank

It's probably fine, I wouldn't dismiss it over 10k oil changes for some of its history.

Most of the vehicles that have negative consequences from longer oil change intervals have something inherently "wrong" with the engine and the longer oil change interval just exacerbates the problem. I also think the thinner oil the manufacturers are pushing for fuel economy concerns shares some blame. The V8 in the GX is pretty bulletproof. I personally use 5w-30 in mine.

Just know that if nothing suspension related has been addressed, it's probably going to happen on your watch.

ASE

5w-30 for me ... since first oil change at 1,200 miles ...

I am not a lease flipper ... a long term owner ...

Lagtime

I'd be more concerned with no transmission drain/fills at 161k.

Noobbie

Thanks all.

@BradTank
Yeah, I agree/understand on suspension parts. It is one of those great that it is all there and uhhh some of this has to be worn more than I can tell on test drive right? used car with 160k, it is not perfect for sure.

@Lagtime
All the fluids have been changed/flushed/etc. brake, transmission, diffs, coolant at various service intervals. It looks like previous owner was told you need the 90k service package and they nodded in agreement. I saw spark plugs were changed. But I didn't see for example radiator, O2, or anything suspension, etc.

Lagtime

I don't mean to belabor the point, but many, probably the majority, of dealers believe the "Lifetime Fluid" assertion by Lexus/Toyota and don't do anything to the transmission at the regular service intervals. If you are certain the trans was serviced you should feel pretty good about the car.

MrTorgue

^ Agree 100%. Too bad you didn't get to see the original trans fluid before they disposed of it. Mine in my 2010 was slightly dark but looked good with no metal or debris. This was maybe around 147k miles. Tough to remember. Which reminds me I need to get it done again now that I've gone ~40k miles since. I'd love to see how it looks.

tntcandy

All valid points.

I'm on the 5w30 wagon as well

texas008

I change oil on my GX460 every 6k miles when the oil starts to get dark in color.
at 10k miles the oil will be pretty dirty.

Randyman

I'm also "shorting" the recommended 10k OCI at around 7500-8000mi once I rolled past 100k. Still using 0w-20 - but same was true for my old '13 T4R that got 265k w/o a single issue.

As others wisely observe - Trans Fluid - I'd be weary and get very clear information on what was flushed (if anything). The Lexus Service manager would not flush my GX's transmission with 120k - would not even give a price quote - citing "Lifetime Fluid" and it is simply not a service they offer - whatever. So If a Lexus dealership indicates they flushed the Trans - I'd be weary. My '17 GX with 144k just needed a replacement transmission (never had a flush or fill/drain, and I admittedly have a heavy foot). That was covered under the extended warranty - and I'd bet if they would have changed the fluid a few months ago like I requested - the transmission failure would have been delayed past the warranty period (saved me $6500 by NOT changing the fluid lol).

Randy V.

Noobbie

Thanks everyone. I am likely passing on it for now. I am going to think about it but keep looking for a lower mileage version that I was targeting anyway. I would ideally love 22 MY with CarPlay. I cannot believe these models didn't have it until then. Thinking about waiting a year until more 22 MY start rolling off lease.