Now that I've got a new-to-me LC500 arriving next week, I'm shifting my focus to preparing for it's arrival. As such, I want to make sure I'm prepared. Here's a quick list of things to consider, but please let me know if there's anything I'm missing:

• Pre-purchase inspection: I have a 7 day return window for the LC, so I'm getting the PPI done once it arrives just to ensure no major issues.
• Register the VIN on the Lexus Owners forum.
• Fluid changes: I'll also change the oil and possibly the brake fluids just to have a fresh start.
• Tire check: I'll check the date codes on the tires and will replace if over six years old.
• Carplay Install: Mine's a 2018, so I'm going to have Carplay installed at the dealer. I'm also going to purchase a wireless adapter for Carplay.
• Full polish: I'm prepping for a full polish to restore the paint including: wax removal, clay bar, iron decontamination, paint prep, then a buff and polish (using Adam's products).
• Ceramic coat: I'll then seal the paint with a ceramic coasting (Adams Graphene Ceramic Sealant is what I've chosen).
• Toll pass: I live in WA so I'll need to ensure it's registered for the tolls.

Anything else specific to taking possession of a new-to-me LC500?

 

I would not do Ceramic coat until you drive for a while or install CarPlay. Spend as little as possible until you know that this car is sound with no major problems.

 

Agreed. I wouldn't do anything major to the vehicle until after the PPI and the 7 day return policy.

 

Take off the engine cover panels. If any holes in the plastic covers don't like up with the body it's most likely been in an accident. Don't worry if the brace over the radiator looks like it's been spray painted black by a kid. That's normal.

 

Request/review all service records.
Pay an expert to look over vehicle.

 

I would check all bidy panels and ensure they have Vin tags. If any panels dont, that's an indication its been replaced.

 

Any idea how many total VIN's there should be? I have an S2000 and they have 10 total VIN's on the body so it's easy to add them up even if you don't know where to look.

I am having a PPI done at the local Lexus dealership and will have them dive deeper into the car and will also request the records since they're not available on the Lexus owners circle website. There are Lexus service records on the Carfax so I know it has had some service at a dealership, so I'm going to try to fill in the gaps.

Speaking of gaps, I also have two "Drop Stops" from a previous vehicle I'm going to use on this one, if it needs it. I love those things.

 

My experience since 1999 has been:
Every body panel had a vin tag for Lexus & Toyota vehicles. Don't quote me, but it's my understanding that they are only available during the manufacturing process. My first Lexus was a used 1995 GS that I bought in 1997. Then in 1999 I purchased a new GS which is when I first realized all the panels had vin tags. The only other used Lexus i had was a 2006 SC and every panel had a vin tag. I've never tried to find one on the roof, but hood, trunk, doors and fenders all had them. Other long termers on here might be able to confirm or dismiss what I have written, I can only go by my personal experience.

 

Adam's graphene-ceramic is a great choice, I did mine myself almost a year ago & I'm very happy with it still. Does yours already have a front license plate mount on it / are you planning on putting one on? I'm also in WA & I have a Sto-N-Sho mount, highly recommend them since you can easily remove the plate for pictures/when in Canada/etc in a second

 

A couple of other recommended items:

1 - covercraft car cover for LC500, soft and stretchy and fits perfectly
2 - bumper scrape armor

I've owned two LC's and put #2 on both of them. One of the things that differentiates Honda from Toyota / Lexus is that Honda understands that some of their cars are collectable garage queens. For both generations of NSX you could buy a factory car cover. For the gen1 NSX there was a sacrificial, replaceable piece of plastic on the front bumper for when you scrape it.

The bottom of the LC's front bumper is a painted surface which will be damaged the first time you hit a dip or pull into a slightly too steep driveway. #2 above mostly saves that without losing much ground clearance. I'd love a factory car cover, none exists so #1 is one of the nicer ones I've seen.

 

Apologies for hijacking the thread. If I were buying an L certified pre-owned, would you recommend going through the same inspections?

 

I’d do the indie inspection and service records request no matter. Even when I buy new out of state I hire an indie service to inspect the paint and body to see if there was transport damage that was repaired at the port and if paint correction is needed. Can’t be too careful these days let alone on a used lux hp vehicle.

 

Unfortunately, the vehicle already has the front license plate mount, which I hate since I never put front plates on my vehicles so I'll be taking it off once I get it.

Thanks for the reinforcement on the Adam's product and recommendation on the Sto-N-Sho mount, I'll check it out.

 

does the mounting of the front plate, create holes on the bumper?

 

No it does not