jimisbell

There are at least three threads on this model thread on the advisability of buying a "high mileage" Lexus. I hope maybe we can combine them all into one thread with this one.

First, what exactly is "high mileage"? Back in the 50s when I was a teenager, anything over 50K was high mileage. Today MOST cars can easily exceed 100K or more. In the case of the Lexus, 200K is not really high mileage, its kind of normal if the car is well taken care of. There have been several documented cases of 1,000,000 miles.

Second, how does mileage over 200K affect the Lexus? Its not difficult, though somewhat expensive, to fully restore a 200K Lexus. But in the case of a well kept car, it is well worth the expense. Cheaper than a new Brand X and MUCH more reliable.

Third, What is needed to restore a 200K Lexus (any model)?
1) If the exterior or the interior is in need of extensive work, WALK AWAY or maybe RUN. Not because these cannot be restored inexpensively, but because it shows that the car was NOT well cared for and the mechanicals will need a lot of work.
2) If the water pump, timing belt, tensioner group has more than 90,000 miles on it, it MUST be replaced. Why MUST? Because the failure of any one of that one group of components will make all other restoration a moot point! That will cost $1500 if done by Lexus. Yeah, its expensive but so is any insurance. And it needs to be done every 90,000 miles unless you want to risk throwing away the entire engine. That is only 1.7 cents a mile to insure that you haven't wasted your money. Hey, your fuel will cost you 15 cents a mile!
3) If the suspension is the original, replace all the struts and maybe some bushings. Do it yourself is under $1,000. Plus a realignment. While you are at it, install a front strut brace. Not necessary but it will improve handling.
4) replace all wheels and tires. Tires likely need it anyway and an alloy wheel with over 15 years on it is likely cracked or dented. Cracked/dented wheels will slow leak and drive you nuts while ruining your tires. With tires costing $500 and up for a set, new wheels at $600 and up a set are worth it if they save one set of tires. AND the original wheels look like hell anyway.
5) I assume the engine looks fine and the oil has been changed regularly and looks clean, otherwise you should have RUN away as per step #1. So now, without delay change the oil to a good synthetic and keep it changed every 5K miles. For reference to the water pump change, your oil will cost 2 cents a mile if you have it done....now that water pump replacement doesn't seem so bad any more does it?
6) Of course all fluids should be topped up or drained and replaced.

So now, you will have spent $4,000 plus the purchase price of the Lexus. For a car that should be good for another 90,000 miles (that's when the water pump/timing belt/tensioner thing has to be done again) and while there will be maintenance along the way, if you do it yourself, it wont be bad.
Cosmetics, which should be few if you followed the advice in step #1, can be taken care of at your leisure now that you have a mechanically restored Lexus. Try finding a new car or even a used car of that quality for under $10,000. I have owned Lincolns, Cadillacs, Rolls Royce, Bentleys, and over a hundred other makes, it cant be done.

doobs

Jim,

Very nicely stated.

mostrogt3

Just picked up a 2005 black on black with 185K miles.
Timing belt done at 170K. ($1,200 savings right there)
Will be replacing all fluids, brakes, rotors, filters, bushings, plus much more maintenance items to bring up to date regardless of what was done before I got it.
The good news is has a clean Carfax and all services were done al Lexus dealerships, no Jiffy lubes or crap like that.