OsMagic

Hello All, I have an 2013 ES350 with over 170k and I have loved it. Recently, an opportunity has fallen into my lap to purchase an 08 Lexus 460L with only 70k miles on it for around $6,000. It is in solid physical shape from everything I can tell cosmetically as well as the interior. I believe it was garage kept.

Here's the catch... it's got a Christmas tree full of lights including the brake light, the ABS light, and the traction control light. It has the following codes C1210, C1319, C1345, C1352, and C2124. I am told the dealer quoted him over $2500 in costs for repairing the ABS module and air in the brake line. I have not been able to verify that myself, but that is what this gentleman has told me and he has the Lexus service center paper mats so I have no reason to doubt him.

Do you all think this is a wise purchase for the 6k price and low 70k mileage OR do you all think I would be getting in too far over my head with potential costs for the brake repair and what could be looming beyond?

I appreciate all the advice!

SW17LS

Can you put your hands on another $5-7.5k to bring it up to snuff? This is a complex and expensive car, its much more costly to operate than an ES350. The issue is the brake actuator, thats a $2,500 job with the OEM actuator, $1,500 or so with an aftermarket one plus any other related sensors or issues. At that age it likely will need suspension work. Does it have air suspension? Was this car used in a hot climate? There are also issues with melting interior plastics when cars were parked outside in hot climates.

OsMagic

Thanks for the reply. I am starting to realize that about the cost to own after doing some more research. It does not have an air ride suspension and it has been around Pittsburgh, PA it's entire life so not too terribly hot no. I think I could stomach another 2k to 3k in repairs on it if push came to shove if the investment long term would be worth. It looks to always have been dealer serviced. Part of wonders if the lighter miles is even the best here despite the general appeal.

SW17LS

I would have it well looked over by a mechanic who is familiar with them.

Marc780

70.000 miles is barely broken in even on a 2008 LS460 and I would be tempted to buy it for $6,000 too. It would be worth that much even if you did nothing else but part it out. But you want a daily driver of course, so to me it'd be worth taking the car around to the shops find out every problem it has and how much to fix them. Then I'd tack on at least another grand for fixing anything else that pops up later and only then make the buying decision.

Hopefully one of the true Lexus experts will weigh in too but, I'd be willing to bet that most of those codes would go out once you change the brake ABS module and bleed the system. One issue can easily cause a car to throw several codes at the same time for the same thing. That brake module can be had for under $1,000 and "air in the brake line" just means the brakes need to be bled (which although it is more complicated on the LS than most other cars, is routine every time the brakes are worked on).

If the car is as good as it seems, it'd be worthwhile getting a total estimate of all it needs, hopefully getting estimates at several shops. Brake work is no big deal and if it did not have any other major issues, I think I'd probably buy it. At worst you can fix it up and sell it for $1000 more than it all ends up costing you.

Lance460

I think keeping your car is the wise decision.

07-09 model years should be avoided. Don’t let the low price get you and remember you get what you pay for. Next thing you know you will be in way over your head. Drive the reliable car you already own as long as possible would be the best idea imho.

BB9

Don't walk away from it, RUN. LS460 for $6k is a very expensive show, where $6k is just an entrance fee. I mean, if it sounds too good to be true, it is probably because it is, too good to be true. Did anybody inspected suspension (control arms repair is expensive), brakes, possible coolant leaks or anything else? Another thing to consider if you are on the budget is a long term cost of ownership. To own LS460 is not the same as ES350. I used to have ES350 UL myself. If you really want to move into the LS and you are on the budget, check out LS430. They are older and not as fancy and exciting, but they are extremely cozy, cheaper to fix and easier to live with. I think $6K LS430 would be much better deal even with much higher mileage.

Outofspec

Coincidentally, I bought my 2007 L in Pittsburgh in 2018 and drove it back to northern Wisconsin. The car had mid 70K for miles at the time, was a one owner, no air suspension, and RWD. I was specifically looking for an L with no air suspension and RWD for maintenance concerns. I paid $13,500, and thought I got a great deal. I love the car. I now have 120K on it. So far I had the Hard drive for the navigation replaced at the dealer, I did the water pump, idler, belt, and brakes myself; easy job, and had the front control arms done buy an independent, with Mevotech aftermarket arms. Also had a cam position motor go out that I replaced myself with a used part for under $200. That car at $6K, sounds like a good deal to me. All those lights, and the air in the brake line comment sounds like an actuator. A big job, but can be done. I think the purchase for me would hinge on if you have a good independent mechanic that could help you out. If so, I would tell the seller you need your guy to look at it. I’d get a diagnosis and estimate, even if I had to pay for it. It might even give you some negotiating power. If the car is worth $10K well sorted, you’ve got $4K to make it right and have the piece of mind with some new components if you move forward.
Good Luck.

LexusLiveLove

You could always use this money to sell your current ES350 and get a newer one. It's not going to be as quiet or soft as an LS460, but they're cheaper to maintain and reliable.
This will be a gamble, but considering the value of a 70,000 mile LS460 you might still come out ahead as long as the rest of the car is sound.

R Z

Since your ES is a 2013, even if you can fix all the 08 LS problems, it will still not have the tech you may be accustom. Are you willing to go without bluetooth audio and other technical features? I would go with the 2013 - 2017 years.

JRA2000TL

Let us know what you decide. The bluetooth would be an absolute must, and honestly, that's a huge gamble already buying a car that very well may need double what you pay for it in work. If you want the car and are willing to spend that kind of money, fine. You wouldn't be replacing your ES with the LS, would you? If so, hard pass. Keep the ES. My 11 with 198k has been the best car I've ever owned. They're great cars to daily drive without any worries. If the LS is your toy/weekend car where it's not a big deal and you can put off expensive things as needed, it should be fine.

LexusLiveLove

Agreed. The only thing that ever failed on me was a coil pack in 100,000 miles of ownership.

LS430Lexus

The car is not going to cost you $6,000. Best case is a few thousand more. Worst case and most likely is probably double, unless you can do the work yourself. Your decision process needs to reflect that reality. If you can afford and it is worth $12,000 to you, buy it. Get the work done and enjoy it. If it turns out being less than that, good for you but don't count on it. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Sometimes the least expensive option is the most expensive in the long run. Best of luck to you.

Caflashbob

How much di you like driving a luxury v8 RWD sedan? Buy it.