pumbaa

I am planning to get a Lexus for the first time.
It is a 2007 LS460 SWB, with 75,000 KMs. Going for 39,000 CAD before tax.

I've owned several used Mercedes S-class, and current vehicle 2003 745Li.
I must admit the 745Li is the best handling and most fun of its class, but its also got the worse reliabilities.
I've driven the car, its definitely not performance oriented but I love the comfort and fine details in the interiors. Love the navi as well.

I just have questions on,
The car's real world reliablities?
Should I get the extended warranty?
What are some issues I should check before picking up?
Cost for dealer to do maintenance?
Is the price reasonable? 39,000 for 2007 LS460.
If this doesnt work out I have S450 4Matic as backup, if anyone owned one let me know as well?

Any input is appreciated ! Thanks guys !

Shibumi1

i've had mine (07 LS swb) just over a yr & the only real issue i've had are my door hinges.. one was super stiff when i bought the car.. (since replaced) now another is on its way out... from what i've read only a few have had this prob..

other than that my LS is flawless.. reg service it'll run forever..

Lextrician

almost a year on the 08 swb no problems as yet but i barely drive it.... no mods yet that why i havent put as many miles on it, i say regular maintenance n you should be fine... never hurt to get the warranty but keep the 4 matic or your other vehicle for snow..

CJITTY

If you can get a 2008..go for that. Many issues out the gate that were eventually addressed with technical service bulletins..the 08s incorporated those fixes..I have an 07 and can tell you I had about $5000 worth of free dealer fixes done to my car.

Nospinzone

Hey Pumbaa, welcome!

The car's real world reliablities?
My car has been flawless. Other than the recalls for the fuel rail, idler pulley and valve spring replacement, I have done nothing but oil and filter changes.

Should I get the extended warranty?
This has been discussed here at length. In my opinion if you are going to keep the car for 4 years, I think it is worth it. If anything of substance breaks on this car it's going to cost at least $1000. For example someone here had to replace the nav screen and it cost $5000.

What are some issues I should check before picking up?
Make sure the recalls mentioned above were completed.

Cost for dealer to do maintenance?
Expensive, but you can do most of the stuff yourself or have a good independent mechanic do it. Also, see the DIY Info thread at the top of this forum.

Is the price reasonable? 39,000 for 2007 LS460.
Go to Kelley, Edmunds and NADA, enter your car's info and see how they price it.

I8ABMR

watch out for wind noise on around the front doors. Haven't really had any major issues other than the wind noise TSIB

Dema

Sorry I can't help with any your questions, but just curious why you want to jump from European cars to asians? In my experience European cars are much more refined, more dedicated to details which make ownership of a car real pleasure. I drive Lexus because simple can't afford European car but based on your post you can.

LS430black

@ Dema: That's the reason. For the reliability, I must say, IMO, European cars are nightmare. In 2006, I bought a 2003 Mercedes E240 and gave up after 9 months and switched to Toyota. Then again in 2008, went back to 2006 Mercedes R500 for another proof and still had to give up on maintenance 9 months later. In 9 months, I paid 6k$ on average for each. A 2-3 year old car just could not break down so regularly. Also, my friends having BMWs, Audis said the same thing. In 2009, went for a 2004 LS430 and problem - free, only regular maintenance. From then on, Lexus's been my top brand.

Lextrician

he said in his first post!!! reliability i like the 750, s550 but reliability issues are not up to par plus the resale value sucks. i love my lexus lazy boy!!! anybody can buy a used 745 or 750 but prepare for the onslaught in maintenance!

pumbaa

Thanks for all your inputs. I must say Lexus people are more friendly lol.
I will be sure to check on the warranty and recalls. As well as the fixes you guys mention.

To answer Dema's questions. I really don't know where to start, all I can say 745Li have put way too much electronic gadgets and sensors. And that is what you end up paying to fix. I have replace at least 5 different sensors, one major fix was the airbag related sensor which i had to replace seatbelt and seat sensor for no obvious reason except for the warning lights comes on all the time. And Navigation often just dont show up. The nasty cold air start sounds. And the list goes on. This is also why they provide extra 2 yr factory warranty for free. I admit to love how the car drives and handles. But having to worry about your car breaking down is just not worth it.
I have had no problems with my 2001 X5 for 6 yrs ownership, thus I bought the 745Li. But now I will never buy it again unless they decided to listen to their customer feedbacks.

CBS70

Sold my BMW sport after a two year love hate relationship. I loved the performance and handling but hated all the problems. Too much technology equals $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. I could go on forever about the issues I had but I won't. Let's just say electrical & transmission drove me crazy

Wife has a GS350 and it's been great. Lexus customer service is amazing compared to BMW and reliability speaks for itself. I'm glad I tried a German supercar but i am thrilled about my 460.................. Peace of mind is priceless and that's what Lexus has given me.

marky2mark

My brother has a 745Li, within the first year the car completely died on him while driving and needed major electrical repairs. Less than 75k in he had to have the tranny replaced, after fighting for months with BMW who claimed there was no problem. Finally just before he hit 75k (the end of he extended warranty) he was able to make it fail with the service advisor in the car and they agreed to fix it.

And my experience after owning 2 MBZ is that when you take the car in for service, they act like they are doing you a favor and nickel and dime you to death. In many years of owning Infiniti and Lexus, I have never had a bad service experience. (Although my 91 500SL is still a great car but I will never go near a MBZ dealer for service).

Not to mention that where I live in LA you can't spit without hitting an S550 or a 750. They are everywhere. LS460 makes you stand out from the crowd.

CBS70

Marky2mark sounds like your bro bought my car.... I had the same problem but dealer would not repair tranny claimed it was normal I'm so much happier with th e LS460L than the 750Li . Hope your bro has better luck from now on

Nvbanker

I couldn't agree MORE with all of you. Suffice it to say my experience with BMW and Mercedes is the same, and Lexus quality, reliability and service is superior in every way. Couldn't be happier with my LS460 (Third LS now). You are all right as rain!