swfla

iTrader: (1)

While one can replace the dash DIY, it's not a simple or quick job. It really depends upon the person. It's subjective.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Good point. It would be very annoying. I believe you came up with a fix for it that's within the ability of most owners.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Excellent point GERF. While the control arms are a wear item that eventually needs replacement, the brake accumulator and sticky dash aren't going to be an issue on every car. I wish I had a percentage number to illustrate this.

lwphat66

If you haven't already had the opportunity to run the VIN, this thread will show where/how to, and it also contains some other useful info.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ode-where.html

Rabbit987

That is a good question. Wonder what the percentage is? So not all cats are affected with the bad interiors?

trogdor113

I don't think there's a solid number available, but bulletin L-SB-0016-19 covers this issue. There's a list of models, years, and VIN ranges affected attached.

Dave144239

It depends to some extent on the climate where the car lived its life, and whether it was garaged or left out in the sun.

Rabbit987

So I finally went and looked at the car. It ended up being a 2011. Had a small scrape in the back bumper and small bimo in the front. Couple scratches on the car. The dash and door panels looked okay. The one under the dash and panels near the seat belt buckle have the gray going on.😕 Car had 43k on the clock. Only history it had was oil change every 3 to 4 k, new battery, and an alignment and tires. I was gonna give them at least 10. Whatcha guys think?

JZZFZZ

If it were me I would buy it as a daily driver without fixing anything. The alignment history is a concern because of the common suspension issues. Have you test driven it?

Rabbit987

I have not. Hopefully today im gonna make it down there and take it for a ride and make the offer.

FlexnLexus

43K miles is very good for the year, but be in mind not all low mileage cars are well taken care of. And not all high mileage cars are beat up and look and run like crap.

These cars are very complex for their age and they are more prone to failure on certain parts, but hands down my 07 LS 460 has been the most reliable car I have ever owned so far, even for its high mileage.

But before I purchased it, I made sure all of the typical issues these cars are known for having, mostly they have been replaced on my car recently prior to me owning it. The carfax report and using the Lexus owners website helped me tremendously on finding out what was done on the car. For instance someone replaced the upper control arms on both sides and maybe 1 lower control arm, including the front air struts, and water pump.

I just replaced the front brakes, rotors and pads and also the spark plugs since I had no idea when they last were ever done. I’m glad I did because the car runs even smoother now, it gets up faster, and also it got rid of this strange low idle vibration while in drive sometimes while sitting at a light or in a drive thru.

Everything still works in my LS, including HVAC controls, all the power accessories and there’s literally no wear in tear on my interior besides for some common wear areas, but even then it’s not all that noticeable for it’s mileage. I also invested in a set of some nice seat covers that has helped eliminate the wear n tear on my front seats. I put an armrest pillow including a towel on the center arm rest to reduce wear and oil staining from your elbows and so far, my armrest leather looks perfect with no indentations or cracking. I just take great care of my LS, always parking far away from everyone in parking lots to avoid door dings and scratches. I truly recommend this habit to everyone that owns a vehicle they love. It’s helped cut down on exterior damage for sure.

These are wonderful cars to own and drive but you do have to be aware of the common problems, but once fixed, these are still one of the best used reliable luxury vehicles on the market hands down especially when compared to every other luxury automaker.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

The frequent oil changes sound good, by miles, but it could be 2-3 years in between each service. Not a deal killer, just not as great as it sounds. Until you get it inspected, it does sound worth your offer.

Rabbit987

There are some than have a year in between.

Rabbit987

So I did it and purchased the car today. It has air suspension so hopefully I will get some time out of it. How long these suspension usually last? Other than that I'm happy with the purchase. 😁

scutch

I am at 180k and have not had the brake actuator fail, knock on wood. But did have the free sticky panels replaced.