[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by bpassmore

Do you know if that Lexus service history is a common thing they do? Will they know what I'm talking about if I stop by with just a VIN? Will they block it until i show them a vehicle for privcy/ security reasons?

Lexus dealers have a nationwide database of service by VIN. Some of the data gets archived so older vehicles don't have quite as much data available. The service department will give you the information if you work with them and let them know what you are after and why. Tell them you are looking for confirmation that "required" maintenance was performed. If Dealer "A" refuses, then go to Dealer "B". Since you are in Houston you have several to choose from. Let Dealer "A" know in a nice professional way, that their cooperation will influence where you purchase parts and have service done.

They will block the prior owner's information; name, address, payment methods, and maybe the payment amounts, but you don't care about that anyway. You just want as much visibility to the prior service history as you can get. When I bought my used LS400 from a private seller, the local Lexus service department was very cooperative and printed everything out for me to take home. I also took it back after I purchased it for a full "pre-purchase" inspection ($100). They did a very thorough job and found a couple of things that I already knew about and a couple of things that I didn't find in my inspection.

FYI, those of us buying Toyota's don't have this option because, up until recently, Toyota maintenance records were not in a national database.

I will again emphasize that locked LX450s with 74k miles are a rarity. Very rare, and since the price is what you are prepared to pay you should move quickly to start the negotiations. If the asking price is $10k, you might be able to get it for $8k or $9k.

-B-