kho

I'm looking at this 2010 model, ML package, Appearance package. 53k miles (out of warranty). I was able to get the price down to $31,300. I read that 07-09's are affected and possibly few early 2010 model. Can you tell based on the VIN # if this 2010 will need front control arms replaced? Based on lexusdrivers.com, vehicle has been serviced by a nearby Lexus dealership.

http://www.searsimports.com/auto/use...05-mn/3439552/

Unsober1

I don't think I can tell you how to do it from the vin. But I know people said it was revised during the build year. Which I believe was in early 2010. And if you open the door, there is a tag There that will tell you the build month and year. If this is a concern for you, I would suggest have a mechanic look at it. But if this is really the car you want, I wouldn't have this play much Into it being the right car for you. Or just buy a 2011.....

dal20402

The VIN cutoffs are in the TSIB:

http://www.revbase.com/BBBMotor/TSb/...dPdf?id=173798

The car you're looking at is before the cutoff and is susceptible to the issue. That's a pretty good price on a very good-looking car, though, so might be worth the risk. I bought a 2008 that was in similarly good shape and had to do the surgery, but now with it done I feel like my car is flawless and good to go for a long time.

kho

This is what I needed. Good deal but not worth the risk to me. Might have to put out $4-5k to replace control arms.

Gbp

Besides the possible issue of the control arms, is this really the vehicle you want? If not, I agree: keep looking. If so, although you probably can't get a Lexus VSA, you can look into 3rd-party products. If you belong to a credit union, they might offer you one those products, possibly at a reduced price. Regardless, do your own due diligence. The price of such a plan (make sure it's exclusionary and will cover control arms) should be well below the estimated repair cost.

Here is the cargurus.com listing:

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invento...ting=115524898

It's been on cargurus for almost 80 days, my guess is that it was overpriced. They've come down $2K in price so far. You might have room for even more of a discount.than they are offering you. You might be able to use the potential control arm issue as leverage to reduce the price further.

Good luck.

R Z

It's a good looking vehicle. I think the price is reasonable for the car. Unless you are in a different city, have Lexus take a look at the underneath and give you a review. Actually you can spend $125 or there abouts and get a complete report. If you do need control arms, find out about it before you buy and negotiate the deal. Otherwise, you can buy the parts online, find a reputable shop nearby and get them done yourself.

Good luck!

kho

Our local Lexus dealership would not do a pre-purchase inspection. The vehicle has been checked out by my mechanic and few issues have been identified (Tie rod ends, ball joints, and transfer case leak). I didn't ask the mechanic to check out the front control arms since I just read about it last night. Dealership would not sell the vehicle for less than $31,300 or fix the issues. I think I will continue to wait for the next certified vehicle.

Gbp

FWIW, I think you made the right call. Why wouldn't your local Lexus dealer perform a pre-purchase inspection?

dlbuckls10

The control arms issue plague many LS but not all of them. I had asked the Lexus service manager where I have my LS serviced and he said it's a problem for a small number of LS. But in your case I would avoid that LS because of the issues your mechanic found. A CPO can ease your mind.

R Z

You made the right call. If your dealership is anything like mine, they don't deal. They are the only game in town. ON the other hand, if it's a CPO (which I don't believe you mentioned), then you are covered.

Keep looking, something will come your way.