wahaus

I'd pass with the rust. That can be very expensive to fix. In addition to our Lexus LS we have a 2000 Acura RL with 220K on it and has been the most reliable, trouble-free car I've ever had (Lexus not-withstanding). But...it has serious rust issues behind both wheels, so it will either be driven into the ground or soon replaced. Rust is always a deal-breaker for me. I bet there are better options out there.

xxxtr

Wow, thank you all so much for your thoughtful and detailed responses. Was not expecting this much feedback!

I believe everyone is correct in worrying about the rust.. i'm just so antsy to finally own one that my standards are dropping by the day.. But due to it being a Canadian car, with visible rust, i can't imagine what the underneath is starting to look like.

On the bright side, i found a clean example, same year and color, and it was imported from vegas three years ago. Currently waiting for the seller to dig up the service records for me, though they claim the car received the "Lexus Gold Star Service" prior to import at a value of around $10k..? Apparently there is no rust whatsoever, but it does have the dread navigation screen... seller is asking $4000 USD.

just playing devil's advocate, i may be able to use this Vegas imported example as leverage for the one i posted above.. if i could get the seller down to around $2500-3000, would that change anyones mind? or would you find the rust to be a dealbreaker even at that price?

Thank you once again for your thoughts! with all of your help, I WILL own one of these. thanks everyone.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

just stay away from rust.... Period..... you dont have to use the screen..

spuds

No.Dont buy someone elses problems.Rust is a problem. When you buy someone elses problems you can spend a LOT of money before YOU get the honor of sending it off to pickapart.

Be patient a fine example will drop in your lap.Get anxious you are just the sucker someone wants to unload a problem on.

The problem cars that are successfully resurrected tend to be bought by darned good mechanics.Are you a darned good mechanic?

spuds

[QUOTE=xxxtr;10257495]
On the bright side, i found a clean example, same year and color, and it was imported from vegas three years ago. Currently waiting for the seller to dig up the service records for me, though they claim the car received the "Lexus Gold Star Service" prior to import at a value of around $10k..? Apparently there is no rust whatsoever, but it does have the dread navigation screen... seller is asking $4000 USD.
/QUOTE]
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IDK what a 10 k service is? BUT,get the VIN number and we can show you how to look up all the services done by Lexus.

xxxtr

Thanks, Spuds. You're certainly correct. Patience is a virtue. I feel like the demand for these cars is slowly increasing as the supply of good ones is decreasing, but you're right in that i need to relax and make sure i'm buying the right one.

I'll get the VIN for the new one as soon as possible, in the meantime here is the VIN for the one i posted above : JT8BH28F8Y0168713

I tried the Lexus website/app VIN lookup to no avail? Appreciate any pointers on this. Cheers

spuds

Yes,thats odd,first time Ive seen this? Ive sure seen some great cars and really bad cars re: maintenance records.
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