I am interested in buying a high mileage (>100k) 2007 or 2008 LS. I am a pretty experienced used car buyer so I will be able to cover the typical things to look out for. I would however like advice on what specifically to look for in a used 07-08 LS460. Any advice from the forum is appreciated!

 

First of all before everyone replies. Do some searches on this forum, there is 100's of threads just on this subject. 10 min of research will answer about 95% of the questions.

Spend some time here...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...iy-thread.html

This one alone will fit...(buying advice on a higher mileage LS460)

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...age-ls460.html

 

Thanks for the links, I have been trolling this forum for a few months looking for info specific to my question. I have read the sticky and specifically the link to "Buying Advice & What To Look For 2007-2009". I am of course looking for any more recent experiences or advice. I have not seen any newer posts on the subject so figured it was OK to submit the question!

 

I bought this wonderful 2008 Ls460 back in May 2017. All my maintenance is done all by myself so I rewarded it with 19 inch touring wheels.

Nothing really scary to worry about unlike German luxury cars. Expect wear and tear after 10 years like upper control arms bushing cracked and a leaky radiator (design flaw with tube on top of radiator) Quality after market parts are readily available and at fractions of the cost of a dealership. My one regret was not checking the trunk latch motor when I bought it . I assumed it was a fuse and took it as is. Replaced it my self with a new motor for $300. Make sure EVERYTHING works, lesson learned. Research to trim package, make sure it at least has Mark Levinson Audio. I have the comfort plus package with rear reclining seats, soft door close and extra leather trim.
Great car!!!

 

Personally I could care less about the soft close doors, pr trunk that is slower than a turtle in a race or rear seats that recline . Just me I guess because I have all these and am not a big fan. I love the brake hold though. I wish I had blind spot monitor and panic braking front and rear though. On another note I was in the G90/Hyundai showroom with a friend and sat in a G90. Im 5'10" and could not extend my left leg out all the way comfortably. Very disappointing.

 

I like the soft door close for my sleeping child or wife . I love the rear recline seats. They recline enough to be comfortable in the back for me on road trips. My passengers like it also.

 

If you "could care less" then that means you do care. The proper way to say it is, 'I couldn't care less'. That would mean that you don't care, which is what you intend to convey.

A lot of people get that wrong so don't feel bad.

Carry on.

 

Make sure to check out the small electronics. Things like windows, trunk latches etc. can be surprisingly expensive to fix.

Co-signing on those soft close doors. You'll like them more than you think, I reckon.

There was a noted problem with this generation of LS 460 and the suspension in general, the control arms in specific. Would be a good idea to check to see if those have been replaced and when, otherwise you're looking at buying some new ones pretty soon once you get up there in mileage.

 

The main thing is these cars are pretty incredible machines. I have an 08 and other than some minor things like a battery, replacing headlights, and a cracking armrest, the car is great. I've had it for three years and every time I consider upgrading to a 14, once I'm in it, I change my mind. Sure everything is for sale, and I'm sure I'll upgrade one day, but this car is super. If you have a little extra cash, I'd certainly entertain the idea of a 2010 - 2012. They have some features I wish I did have such as turn signals on the side mirrors and bluetooth audio.

 

My 08 has been stellar. 135k miles on the odo and in the in the 4 years I've owned it, I've replaced the mufflers and water pump. I also had a ball joint go bad as well as a control arm bushing.

This is easily done with the SL3B from Vaistech which gives the same result as factory installed Bluetooth audio. The LED mirrors are available as well and look factory I did a DIY on both of these and can be found within this forum. Doing both of these mods will set you back about 5-700 dollars.