TriC

Am comparing 2 LS 460 L models and welcome the thoughts of fellow members. Both are full option (including the Executive Class Seating Package) vehicles, ideal color combinations, and have lived in salt-free environments. Based on photos, they are both very nice cars.

The 2011 is being offered privately and has had 3 owners, the last of which for about 3 years. More than half of its 73,000 miles were run up in its first 3 years, quite possibly as a leased car. The second owner had the car for only about a year. It has lived its life in a large urban area. The service records are less than stellar, but not altogether bad. The control arm bushings were diagnosed as bad a couple of years ago. While there is no record of their having been replaced, it seems likely that they were. There is no indication of it having a problem with either the brake actuator or air struts. Evidently, the front bumper cover has been replaced or repaired. The asking price is $26,000.

The 2007 is for sale at a new car non-Lexus store for $16,000. It is a one owner car with just over 100,000 miles. It lived its life in a small town/rural area quite a distance from the closest Lexus dealer. The service records are spotty, but given where it has been, that may be understandable in terms of service not being reported to Carfax. There is no record of any crash damage or body repair. The dash and front door panels were replaced last years under the extended warranty. There is no indication of any issue with the air struts or control arms. A "servo motor" is documented as having been replaced at no charge last year - could that have been the brake actuator?

There is likely not much room for negotiation on either car, probably well less than 10%.

I tend to think that the 2007 is a better buy as one is getting the same equipment for much less (and less future depreciation). Also, I've always had a strong inclination toward one owner vehicles. However, possible looming issues with the control arms and air struts give me pause.

Kindly chime in with your take on both - thanks!

RussLS460

That is a dilemma indeed! Test drive and inspect both cars and go with your heart. As long as you get the car checked out by a qualified mechanic, either one would be a good choice.

Dave144239

$26k from a private seller sounds high to me, even with those options. Living in a large urban area may have contributed to control arm issues (at least, it did if the roads are like ours), and I would want to have the air suspension checked out to make sure there are no leaks.

Personally, I'd probably go with the '07 and take my chances on the repairs.

SW17LS

I'd much rather have a 2011 than a 2007.

TriC

Unfortunately, they are both long distance from me, so Lemon Squad or the like will be the best look I'll get.

TriC

Agree that $26,000 is too high. Book is $24,000 in a private party sale and even that seems a tad pricey. Although not really my problem, it doesn't help that the seller is upside down.

TriC

Oh, I would too, but is the 2011 worth another 10 grand? That's a much tougher call.

It's somewhat like comparing a 2012 and a 2013. Comparably equipped with similar miles, the spread is generally around 10 grand. It's easy to say buy the newest model that one that can and that a 2013 has many improvements over a 2012, but I have lots of other good uses for 10 grand, especially since it will be a second car that's driven 4000 miles per year at most.

JLAWS

You've got quite a budget range. For $26K you can crack into the 2013+ LS460 swb market. I've seen 2013 for $26K with under 100K miles. I bet next year you'll see a lot more 2013+ for under $30K.

BTW I bet that 2011 will have rubber door armrests vs Leather in the 2007.

TriC

Ah, no, the good leather and stitched armrests are part of the Executive Class Seating Package on both vehicles. Am only interested in a long-wheel base model. Found a loaded '13 with 100K for less than 30, but it's gone through 3 batteries just this calendar year and has some apparently poorly repaired front end damage. Can't help wondering if those 2 issues aren't somehow related so the owner is dumping the car.

jrmckinley

Get the 2011 but don't pay $26k for it. You should be more in the range of $22,500 to $24k IMO. I bought a 2010 460L with 70k miles for just under $23k about 18 months ago but I don't have the exec seating package. Yours is one model year newer but given the time difference you're effectively in the same boat as I was in Feb 2017 when I purchased.

I'd politely ask the seller why they have it priced above some of the online values you're seeing. If they recently spent money on things like tires, brakes, etc. that may explain why they're asking more. But it doesn't necessarily mean you should be the one paying for it. $26k is too high for a car that is now 8 model years old.

caverman

From what I've seen $26k for an '11 is pretty high. I've been seeing '11-'12 models going in the low $20's. I even saw a '12 the other day for just under $20k but I don't know the condition or history of it, I was just browsing. Unless the '11 checks every box you want or you're in a big hurry to pick it up I think you'll take a big hit at that price. With the LS500 out and sounding like it's not selling as well I bet you'll see prices drop pretty decent across all of the LS over the next year. If you pay $26k it will probably only be worth a real low $20k or upper teens in the next year or so. That means you'll take a good $4k - $6k hit in the first year you would own it. That's about the rate of depreciation of buying it new.

JLAWS

Can you provide the link for both cars ? I'd like to see pics

pappy97

Most people are saying the 2011 price is too high (and in a vacuum I agree) , but the kicker here is the Executive Class Seating Package. It is so rare to find, and if OP wants it that bad, that will drive the price up. I bet that's what the private seller at $26k is banking on.

The 07 L I bought this summer hss everything but Executive Class Seating Package, but I really wanted the Exec Package
​​. I might have paid a few thousand more just to get it, if there was a decent car with it for sale.

R Z

I'd jump on the 2011. Newer technology. Same interior, added bluetooth audio. Exterior has turn signals on side mirrors. Hopefully better luck with things like control arms and sticky interior. Just a thought. Good luck.

UDel

2011 with over 70K for 26K private sale is way too high, don't care if it has the executive seating package. You are getting no warranty unless you pay a lot extra for it, it has spotty service history and diagnosed with a issue with no record of being addressed plus at that mileage/year the air struts are likely going to or on their way to having issues which will again be very expensive.

I would go with the 2011 but would only pay 22K to 23K at most if it checks out and is in great condition.