runnyeggs

Bought a 2007 LS460 three years ago with ~75k miles, now at 111k. Since then I've done brakes, tires, and other simple routine stuff. Also since then the ML Amp has blown (had to pull the fuse), the driver's side headlight ballast is on its way out, and I've been hearing the dreaded rattling from the front end here and there. Also the brake actuator clicks like no tomorrow and sometimes will slip slightly at red lights.

Dump it?

Thanks guys. Long time reader, first post.

dlbuckls10

Typical issues for many 13 yo LS460 even with relatively low mileage. You're looking at some expensive repairs even if you DIY. Personally I would dump it and upgrade to a '13 or newer LS460.

colfax

you are looking directly at at least $3000 to replace the suspension components and another $2000 for the
brake actuator

and then you have it done and good for another 100k, I recently chose to pay the money now and fix everything, very happy

versus trying to sell it for peanuts now and then paying much more for a newer car

don't sell it to anyone you know, or bury your morality by not telling a buyer what needs to be done

R Z

You have to decide what's more important, putting a lot of money into an 07 or going for a newer model. Putting money into the 07 could be a smart choice depending on who you get to do the work. A local trustworthy mechanic familiar with Toyota or Lexus will save you thousands compared to the dealership. It's even possible upon a professional inspection that some of the issues are an easy inexpensive fix. So for let's say $3K - $5K, you have a car that should go another 100,000 miles. Second option, if you can swing it, trade it in on a 13 or newer car. You'll have more invested than repairing the old one, but you'll have a more modern tech package and more current features. Really, it's your call. Good luck.

Chuckinnj

Fix it and keep it....... Drive it until it dies.
The DMV costs and taxes will be more on a newer car than the repair costs on the ‘07 and you can go another 100k...... You know how the car was cared for and these are "normal" repairs on a LS with that mileage.

BTW! I keep my cars maintained and drive them until they rust out.

runnyeggs

Alright update time.

Context:
2007 LS460 112xxx Miles ML Package VG Condition
Took it to three dealerships today seeking a 4Runner, FJ, or GX for the wife. Her car is mechanically sound and paid off, and I don't mind driving it for a few months while we work on a down payment for my next vehicle.


First dealer I was very upfront with the Mark Levinson Amplifier issue. I had the contact info to Peterson Corporation on hand, with costs outlined. In the beginning he seemed very receptive to this, but they offered $4500.

Second dealer, mum was the word. The vehicle we were shopping was slightly out of our price range anyway. They did not notice and offered $7000. I was disappointed to find this was the best offer of the day.

Third dealer was where the vehicle was purchased. I held back on telling them and was offered $6000. After a little negotiation they pulled the "7k if you can trade today" line and we walked away.


Moral of the story is that early gen LS have bottomed out in trade-in, and I feel like it's probably better to sink 2-3k into repairs rather than get $7,000 for a car that is clearly worth more than that once common issues have been addressed.

runnyeggs

Follow-up:

Anyone have experience with mechanics in Memphis, TN , Paducah, KY, Cape Girardeau Mo or anywhere else close to those regions? I might be willing to make the drive to Nashville.

I have two shops bookmarked after a little footwork.
http://smiscothedealeralternative.com/#2
https://www.buyelitesales.com/

Both were advertised as Lexus specialists out of Memphis. I know it's a longshot but any feedback would be great.

jrmckinley

I can't help you on the mechanics, but if you have a bad brake actuator you're likely looking at more than $2k-$3k in repairs just on that alone. Mine went bad on my 2010 about 3 months ago - luckily it was covered by an extended warranty program from Lexus. I think the bill from the dealer showed it was almost $4k. An indy will save you some money, but I think the part is above $2k alone if I remember correctly.

eclipse641

Depending on what you spent for the car fixing these issues by sourcing your own indy mechanic and parts is the way to go. These cars are very easy to work on according to my toyota mechanic. The dealer is full of a bunch of BS. They want to scare you into paying more money. I've done mostly all you've mentioned and then some. All out of pocket as my car was out of warranty roughly in the 5-6k range and I paid 16k for the car back in 2016 with 117K. The car drives good and im currently sitting at 175K. Going along with others in the thread the dealer is going to offer you a low ball price and for that money you cannot get anything remotely close to an LS. Im sure when you purchased this vehicle they failed to mention that any of these issue. There are a lot of threads on this forum to get you steered in the right direction. Upgrading to a 13 may look cleaner and stylish but its the same car. Some of these issues have carried over to that model. If you choose to upgrade you now have the arsinal to combat the dealer when purchasing. On a side note one thing the lexus dealer is good at is telling you what you need to get fixed. This always happens when I go in for oil changes and its a great benefit for free essentially.

R Z

I live in Memphis. Call Harris Quon Auto Services. (901) 385-7866 He is a Toyota specialist but works on Lexus. I've not had a reason to go there, but a good friend of mine has taken his Lexus in many times. My youngest son had an older ES300 a few years back and I recommended him to Harris. He was very pleased with the repair and price.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Tough decision but once repaired you're good for another 100k as mentioned by others. The idea of $2-4k to fix the amp, headlights, brake actuator and control arms is unrealistic. That $7k offer was generous for a trade in. No private party will buy it for $9k with any of these issues that would likely be found by a prepurchase inspection. You're on the right track with independent mechanics. Get three estimates possible along with details of parts used (cheap control arms are asking for trouble in short time), use of tech stream software for computer settings and warranty details if any. The amp can be sent out for repair by third party experts. Then you can decide with all real info in your hands. Hope I'm wrong, but my guess is $5-6k. Wishing you luck and a good mechanic. Keep us posted on the estimate as we can all learn from you.

runnyeggs

Thanks for this. If I see you at a Redbirds game I owe you a beer.



After reading the replies wondering if I should cut it loose. The brake actuator really appears to be the make or break repair. A type-o in my original post, Paulison Corp offers amp repair for $400 (probably closer to $500 after tax, shipping, etc.) I believe I could find a place to do control arms for 2-3k. Those two seem like worthwhile, sound repairs. The brake actuator though... geez. Hard to imagine putting another 2-3k on top of the previously mentioned repairs.

Good news is I'll probably put less than 500 miles on it over the next three months, so hopefully everything holds tight until I can dump it at a Carmax guilt free.

colfax

I have an 07 with 120,000 miles, after putting 200,000 miles on a 97 LS400.

when I bought it a year ago I knew it was going to need all new control arms, shocks, all suspension components

I paid $11,000 for the car, put $3300 in suspension, and $1500 into new rotors, pads, tires, tranny fluid changed.
brake fluid changed etc, and I believe it is now good for another 100,000 miles

worst case I have to replace the brake actuator maybe, maybe not for another what $3000 ok I can live with that

so the choice is buy a brand new cheap car like a $18,000 Kia or whatever or spend the same overall and
get a much much better car in a LS460, easy enough decision for me

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I would suggest that you consider repairing the stereo system as it's dead right now and will kill it's value as Carmax or any dealer will figure the repair cost to be much higher than $500, even if you tell them about Paulison. Dealers are in the habit of giving you as little as possible in case they need to send it to auction(they make sure they come out ahead at low auction bids). The actuator and control arms may hold up. Worse case scenario is they catch these issues and offer you so little that you'll rethink repairing it. Nothing wrong with your current plan and nothing wrong with changing your mind as you find out actual values and/or costs as you speak with the actual dealers and repair shops. I understand why you may not want to spend thousands to repair it. BTW, currently nationwide, Carmax oldest LS is a 2009 for $14,600. It has a working ML stereo. They may not even want a 2007. Hope it does hold up for three more months.

R Z

Whatever Carmax offers, you can take it down the street on Winchester (Can't think of that dealership's name), but they offer $500 more. My 08 was in decent shape and Carmax offered me $10K. Good luck. Yes to a beer at Autozone Park! :-)