antidentit

I have the opportunity to buy a 2018 LC with 1,400 miles on it from a dealership across the country for me. The challenge is that it doesn't have any records from the dealership, nor do many service records appear via Carfax other than confirming that it's a one-owner car.

It's priced at $72k, has the Performance Package, Cold Weather Package, HUD, and a few others. It's Infrared with a full black interior.

I value low mileage cars (my 2008 S2000 has just 16k miles on it), and love the reliability of a Toyota/Lexus, but I'm torn on whether I should pull the trigger on the vehicle above without the service records.

Metal1

Could be a flood damaged car.

I would inspect very carefully.

antidentit

I would have a PPI performed on it from the local Lexus dealer (or an Indy if I can find a good one around Jacksonville, FL. I also have the ability to return it after 30 days (it's from Carmax) if I don't like it or find a problem with it, but I'd be out the shipping fees ($2k!).


Assuming it passes inspection and is not flood damaged, would the lack of records be a red flag?

KennyFSU

That would not deter me one bit. I would take it to a reputable indie shop and have them inspect it.

How many service records are you expecting to see with just 1400 miles on it?

antidentit

This is how I'm leaning; I consider it a type of a 'barn find!' Although it would be nice to see records of the oil being changed at least yearly and ideally newer tires since they've got to be at least seven years old by now. But I figure I'd get all the fluids changed and a new set of rubber installed before I drive the crap out of it, if I did buy it.

antidentit

FYI: Here's a link to the vehicle I'm referring to: [DELETED]

jbuffett

Agreed on the flood damage concern, but it's easy enough to confirm via Carfax / registration info if it was or was not in a flood area when a flood happened:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floods...e_of_the_2010s

Barncobob

too good to be true...it is..keep looking

antidentit

Could you elaborate on how it's too good to be true?

tecman

Are you referring to the Carmax records? Carfax and the seller Autonation did not show any records for my used LC. I had to get them from Lexus.

antidentit

Correct, tecman. Neither Carmax nor Carfax have any services records on the vehicle. I plugged the VIN into the Lexus Owners website but no service records appear there, either. But good call on seeing if there's anything directly from Lexus on the vehicle.

Barncobob

its a mystery car then.

asong1

14,00 miles on a 5-6 year old car? What records would be there? Just hope that the owner didn't leave it sitting there the whole time. If you really want this car, and if the price is great for you, then I'd highly suggest that you fly out there and spend a day with it. Make an appointment with either Lexus dealer or a reputable mechanic near by to perform a thorough inspection. Also have a body shop inspect the vehicle to see if there are any indications of prior accidents that was never reported.

If all checks out, should be a great buy (if you will be happy with the 2018 model & its suspension/ transmission / chassis settings). Supposedly this is the MY to buy and do your own tweaks / upgrades if you wish based on the market value and the fact that there no changes to the motor.

fodalo

anti, their giving you a way out if things go array, after you follow up with Lexus on the vin as tecman mentioned. Also, with 1400 miles like Kenny said, there would be an in service date/registration mention on the carfax/ with not much additional info. No services needed at or B4 1400mi according to the sch/maintinence booklet. soooo could be worth a shot.

JCtx

Well, it should have at least 2 brake fluid changes by now, and at least twice as many oil changes to have maintain engine warranty (a yearly oil change is required). No way I'd buy a $70K+ car with 7 year-old oil in there, but that's just me. And the car is not cheap at all, so I'd absolutely pass on that car. Not only because lack of service records, but because it's out of warranty already. You'll never know why it was sold, and end up at a Carmax. I'd wait for one with a more solid history, preferably from the original owner selling it privately. But if not, at least from a Lexus dealer, and certified, to at least catch a few months of warranty, if possible. I'm as **** as it gets, and I've seen cars with 1,400 miles with visible seat wear, and others with 10K miles that look like new (like mine would). I'll personally look for less than 5K miles, but a much newer car (=>'22), with plenty of warranty left. And in absolutely pristine condition. I'm sad the '24 lost its 'specialness' IMO, so would have to get one with the original interior. Will certainly miss the 360 cameras, but can live without them. Best of luck.