Considering a 180k mile 2016 model for 15k, would you buy it?

[CapnSpaulding]

One owner, decent maintenance history. Prob 7/10 interior and exterior with some dents and scratches outside and average wear inside. No rust, no accidents. Bumpers are slightly misaligned from broken clips so they’ve clearly tapped a few things but are not bad scuffed or anything.

I’m nervous about the trans issues on these things, but seems really random when they fail and why. I don’t see any trans flushes on the maintenance history for better or worse. I didn’t see any coolant from valley plate, they did recently replace the radiator due to a crack.

Upon inspection, no leaks including KDSS. Everything looks pretty decent.

$15,000 for 180k seems a liiiitle steep, but it’s also a 2016 so that helps. I am seeing 120k models around 20-22k.

What would you do?

 

[xychromosome]

At that mileage I would be expecting something to happen relatively soon after purchase (I'm paranoid), so I would call it an even $18k and have that $3k in savings to address any issues, e.g. like the valley plate, radiator, water pump, etc. The tranny is the wild card, especially if there are no records of service.

 

[r2m]

For one thing, looking at your signature list of Toyota's and Lexus' you've had, you should almost be able to answer that question yourself!
Regarding the trans, does it have a receiver? If so, can you find out if they tow, again, if so, how big and how often??
That may be the deciding point right there.
And yes, if you get it, do the trans flush, complete drain and refill. Myself, anytime my wife have purchased a used vehicle, we will always do a full service to baseline for all future maintenance needed.
Wish you well!

 

[GrizzlyClint]

At that mileage I would be expecting something to happen relatively soon after purchase (I'm paranoid), so I would call it an even $18k and have that $3k in savings to address any issues, e.g. like the valley plate, radiator, water pump, etc. The tranny is the wild card, especially if there are no records of service.

You would be paranoid. The 2015+ models do not have that valley plate gasket issue. Plus unless these are severely neglected or beaten on you aren't going to have much of any issues beyond the usual radiator, alternator, etc.

@CapnSpaulding
My only real concerns would be if the coolant and trans fluid were never replaced. I'd look into that asap. Otherwise I'd not hesitate if the rest checks out. Maintenance history (NOT carfax) and current condition matter.

Did you have a mechanic do a PPI on it?

 

[CapnSpaulding]

You would be paranoid. The 2015+ models do not have that valley plate gasket issue. Plus unless these are severely neglected or beaten on you aren't going to have much of any issues beyond the usual radiator, alternator, etc.

@CapnSpaulding
My only real concerns would be if the coolant and trans fluid were never replaced. I'd look into that asap. Otherwise I'd not hesitate if the rest checks out. Maintenance history (NOT carfax) and current condition matter.

Did you have a mechanic do a PPI on it?

I have not yet done a PPI, but did inspect it myself and drove it a few miles. It appears as you’d expect, I guess I’m mostly just worried about the trans issue. It seems like a lot of them for whatever reason are 2010-2013 models, but I have seen a few 2015 and 2016s with trans failures too.

 

[CapnSpaulding]

For one thing, looking at your signature list of Toyota's and Lexus' you've had, you should almost be able to answer that question yourself!
Regarding the trans, does it have a receiver? If so, can you find out if they tow, again, if so, how big and how often??
That may be the deciding point right there.
And yes, if you get it, do the trans flush, complete drain and refill. Myself, anytime my wife have purchased a used vehicle, we will always do a full service to baseline for all future maintenance needed.
Wish you well!

This is true lol ofc my 2018 was like new with less than 50k miles on it when I sold it. This one actually seems pretty similar, and I’m it terribly surprised since it’s a robust vehicle.. but those miles on an iffy transmission has me puzzled. Good idea about the towing aspect. It doesn’t have a hitch thankfully so that should help one would think.

 

[Acrad]

I want to say I've seen a '16 1UR-FE in a middle eastern 200 series repair video with valley plate leak. I posted on here somewhere links and pictures/videos.

A CL member with a '15 had it here

#Coolant #Valley #Plate #Leak - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023) - #Coolant #Valley #Plate #Leak - Does anybody experience coolant valley plate leak for GX460? Dealer told me this is common problem for high mile GX460 engine. I have 2010 GX460 with 93000miles.

www.clublexus.com

I wouldn't always judge a vehicle with a receiver as used for towing. The previous owner of mine only used it for her bike rack.

 

[CapnSpaulding]

I want to say I've seen a '16 1UR-FE in a middle eastern 200 series repair video with valley plate leak. I posted on here somewhere links and pictures/videos.

A CL member with a '15 had it here

#Coolant #Valley #Plate #Leak - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023) - #Coolant #Valley #Plate #Leak - Does anybody experience coolant valley plate leak for GX460? Dealer told me this is common problem for high mile GX460 engine. I have 2010 GX460 with 93000miles.

www.clublexus.com

My 200 had one leak, but thankfully I have a Toyota dealer nearby who does it for $1000 so I’m not very worried about that.

 

[xychromosome]

I want to say I've seen a '16 1UR-FE in a middle eastern 200 series repair video with valley plate leak. I posted on here somewhere links and pictures/videos.

A CL member with a '15 had it here

#Coolant #Valley #Plate #Leak - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023) - #Coolant #Valley #Plate #Leak - Does anybody experience coolant valley plate leak for GX460? Dealer told me this is common problem for high mile GX460 engine. I have 2010 GX460 with 93000miles.

www.clublexus.com

I wouldn't always judge a vehicle with a receiver as used for towing. The previous owner of mine only used it for her bike rack.

Yep, my 2015 had it, I suspect it had it for some time, but finally got it resealed at 120k.

 

[LC Lurker]

Did you get the maintenance history from Lexus’ website? There could be A LOT more there than what’s in CARFAX.

You have to make an account then add the vehicle by VIN.

(Ignore if you already know this obviously, lol)

Your Lexus Service History | My Lexus

Sign up for or log into your My Lexus account to find the service history for your Lexus vehicle all in one place.

www.lexus.com

 

[CapnSpaulding]

Did you get the maintenance history from Lexus’ website? There could be A LOT more there than what’s in CARFAX.

You have to make an account then add the vehicle by VIN.

(Ignore if you already know this obviously, lol)

Your Lexus Service History | My Lexus

Sign up for or log into your My Lexus account to find the service history for your Lexus vehicle all in one place.

www.lexus.com

Yeah.. unfortunately they had it exclusively serviced at local mechanics instead.

 

[rexington14]

I'd pass. Too many (big) risks at that mileage considering the absence / unknown history of important maintenance

 

[CapnSpaulding]

I'd pass. Too many (big) risks at that mileage considering the absence / unknown history of important maintenance

From the looks of it, it’s literally just been oil changes, tires and brakes. I asked them for more info so we’ll see, but I sorta doubt it.

 

[LC Lurker]

Yeah.. unfortunately they had it exclusively serviced at local mechanics instead.

I’d say use that lack of available records aspect and everything you listed in your original post to talk them down to a price you like. Be ready to walk away without a deal and continue your search.

My personal opinion is that price really isn’t the at bad. If it were me, I would figure out the cost of the overdue services you think it’ll need, subtract that from $15k and maybe an additional $1k or so for haggle buffer…for example if you think it needs $2k of service then offer $12k.

I’m more of a risk taker than some but I’ve had multiple, high mileage Japanese vehicles without major issues.

Edit: and get a ppi from a reputable company with certified mechanics.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

I have not yet done a PPI, but did inspect it myself and drove it a few miles. It appears as you’d expect, I guess I’m mostly just worried about the trans issue. It seems like a lot of them for whatever reason are 2010-2013 models, but I have seen a few 2015 and 2016s with trans failures too.

It appears the major issues like with the trans and head gasket come down to fluids not being changed out in a reasonable mileage and or beat on hard in hot climates of both.

While it isn't impossible for a 2015+ to have a valley plate leak it isn't nearly as common as with the 2010-2014's. I'd be more concerned with the lack of trans fluid and coolant flushes. However, a good PPI by a Toyota certified mechanic goes a long way yo reassure you of condition.

 

[xychromosome]

It appears the major issues like with the trans and head gasket come down to fluids not being changed out in a reasonable mileage and or beat on hard in hot climates of both.

While it isn't impossible for a 2015+ to have a valley plate leak it isn't nearly as common as with the 2010-2014's. I'd be more concerned with the lack of trans fluid and coolant flushes. However, a good PPI by a Toyota certified mechanic goes a long way yo reassure you of condition.

I would assume that the leak isn't as common in 2015+ simply because those vehicles haven't yet reached the mileage the leak typically presents itself, i.e. 100k+ miles. Time will tell whether this leak affects all MYs moving forward.

 

[rexington14]

I would assume that the leak isn't as common in 2015+ simply because those vehicles haven't yet reached the mileage the leak typically presents itself, i.e. 100k+ miles. Time will tell whether this leak affects all MYs moving forward.

Agreed. Valley plate leak is endemic to all of the UR engines. Just a matter of time

 

[Cold Iron]

The transmission issue is a valid concern, towing in the history or not. Seems like a lot for that many miles plus it is getting close to 10 years old. If it was me and was set on it would try to offset purchase cost of repairs that you know are coming.

Besides fluid exchanges out of the gate at a minimum I'd replace the radiator, water pump, Tstat gaskets and hoses full waterside. Might as well do idler pully and bearing while in there. And figure all of that into the cost as well as plugs etc.

I would assume that the leak isn't as common in 2015+ simply because those vehicles haven't yet reached the mileage the leak typically presents itself, i.e. 100k+ miles. Time will tell whether this leak affects all MYs moving forward.

There is also a school of thought that it is based on the number of heat\cooling cycles being dissimilar metals. Which makes sense to me. After 10 years things start to get old on a vehicle and start to need replacing. 10 years\100K miles on a vehicle is a major milestone marker for me and maintenance. Because you know repairs of some type are coming.

When someone says they had a 470 that went XXX,XXX miles what they usually fail to tell you is that they replaced the timing chain on it every 100K-120K or so.

 

[Hiluxforever]

You would be paranoid. The 2015+ models do not have that valley plate gasket issue. Plus unless these are severely neglected or beaten on you aren't going to have much of any issues beyond the usual radiator, alternator, etc.

@CapnSpaulding
My only real concerns would be if the coolant and trans fluid were never replaced. I'd look into that asap. Otherwise I'd not hesitate if the rest checks out. Maintenance history (NOT carfax) and current condition matter.

Did you have a mechanic do a PPI on it?

I have a 2015 and it's in the dealer getting the valley plate and timing cover resealed. Hoping this won't need to be done every 150k.

 

[Acrad]

While it likely won’t have much bearing on outcome, I guess I’ll see if aggressive coolant changes every 30k miles helps mitigate the issue long term