Hey everyone! I'm looking to get a preowned LS460L, preferably the '10-'12 model year. I like the updates on the 13+ but I'm fedup with the remote touch system (I had an IS before and the UX is making me want to drive into a wall.) I test drove a fully loaded LS a few days ago and fell in love with it. I do have a few questions that popped up when I had my GS300.

1) The brake actuator, how reliable are they? I know on the GS430/460, they tend to fail when it reaches a certain mileage. Is that the same issue here?
2) I read about the melted dash/door panel and I know about the ZLZ campaign.
3) To AS or not to AS. That's the question. I had a GX470 with air suspension and boy, once it goes out, the ride is really choppy. If I did get the AS system, can I convert it to a coil/shock/strut setup instead of spending $$$ on replacing the airbags?
4) Being a flagship sedan of the Lexus lineup, how is the overall reliability? I read that older models LS460 burns a bit of oil. I know the LS430 is pretty much bulletproof.
5) Are there any issues with the ML system, like the subwoofer falling apart?
6) Anything else I should look for?

One more question about the Air Suspension system. Is it suppose to feel odd when cornering? It feels like the car wants to go straight when I want to turn, giving it a choppy ride. It's really random.

 

I have a 2010 SWB with most of the packages and the air suspension. It's at the dealer right now for a "brake malfunction" which I'm guessing is the actuator but the dealership hasn't gotten back to me yet. If it is the actuator, then it is under the enhanced warranty which ran to 150,000 miles or ten years from the date of sale. I really like the air suspension, if I'm driving through a canyon or in some kind of twisty road environment, I'll put it in sport mode and it handles well for a large sedan.

The ML system hasn't malfunctioned but it's detuned in order to avoid overheating, so it doesn't have the punch it had in the 2007-2009 models or the post 2012 models. It still sounds pretty good. I've owned the car for three years, and this brake issue is the only thing I've had an issue with, at some point I'll need to do the front control arms, but I have a local shop who will do that for a relatively low price.

I haven't noticed it burning any oil, I run Mobil 1 in it and it's never been an issue.

I think it's a great car, it's really solid, the fit and finish are fantastic, and I enjoy driving it. Some say it's an "old man's car", but I think the styling is elegant and understated. The mileage on the highway is fantastic, if I keep it around 75 MPH, I get around 28-29 mpg easy. I have the AWD model because we lived in a snowy environment out west, and it is a blast to drive in the snow.

I can't think of anything else to look for, I think you'll find a great deal on a 2010-12, and don't be afraid of the air suspension, maybe take a good look at them up on a lift and check the rubber. If you get a good enough deal on the car, replacing them down the line won't be such a huge expense. Good luck!

 

I wonder why they detuned the ML system between those years? I did look at the service history on the LS I am looking at. A service center did replace the front control arms. Is this common for low mileage vehicle. This has 82,000 miles on it.

 

They detuned it because they were having lots of blown amps, apparently from heat. What year are you looking at? I don't believe my control arms have been replaced and I'm at 117,000 miles. Maybe the weather wore out the ball joints in the car you were looking at?

 

I'm looking at a 2011.

 

My next door neighbor had a 2011. He never had an issue before he traded it with 100K miles on a 16 Ls 460. Use the Lexus Owner's site to check all maintenance done on the car. Consider an extended warranty to cover any unforeseen issues. Overall the 2011-2012 were the best of the 07-12. Good luck.

 

I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get this one. They're asking $20,300 before TTL. Do you think that is reasonable or should I haggle them a little bit? I notice some discoloration on the radar cruise control emblem, the front bumper has a small crease and the lower grill is a bit loose.

 

That seems high, is this an "L" wheelbase? I think you should nicely haggle with them, I feel like you could get them down to below $18k.

 

MX, where in Tx are you, I’m about to put my 2012 on the market, 78,000 miles, black on black..

 

So it's a 2011 LWB with 83k miles for $20k? Is that right? I don't see a link to a car anywhere so reading through some of your prior posts trying to understand what you're considering buying. How is it optioned? Air suspension or no? What features do the rear passengers have? Does it have Levinson? 19 inch wheels?

 

Sorry, I should have posted the link, https://www.alttx.com/vehicle-detail...tx-id-24176893. Yes, it's a 2011 LWB, with 83K for $20,483. It does have AS, ML, rear heat seats, rear power door shades, rear power shade, 19" wheels

 

On my second LS. Best constructed cars period. Quiet, powerful, and serene cabins. 1st was a 1999, and currently on a used 2008 with 60K miles in 2013. It is a 460LS SWB. It now has 165K. Issues have been minimal. Uses tires way faster than tread ratings. Use Michelin MXM4 Pilot tires puchased at Costco. Average only 25K on 75K thread life tires. Issues: Driver door plastic/rubber armrest decays from use and prone to melting in hot temperatures... Window seal on driverside door need replaced at 100K. Infotainment is outdated, but it is a 12 year old car. No bluetooth playback capability from phone unless using a cord and auxiliary channel.

Otherwise fit and finish are outstanding and car has been flawless.