High Mileage: how high is too high? (1 Viewer)

[memg]

Hi,

I am new to the forum and considering a purchase of a 100 series LX.

I have identified two possible candidates for purchase: a 300k mile 2007 that has an impeccable service record - one owner who serviced rig at same Lexus dealer, with service performed exactly on schedule, and a 171k mile 2006 with less service records available.

The 07 is cosmetically in better shape, and looks to be garage kept. The 06 is a little rough around the edges.

What makes this a close call is the pricing - seems like the 06 is priced high relative to its mileage. I asked the dealership about this and their remark was that it’s better to have a well kept 300k mile vehicle than a 171k mile vehicle that hasn’t received the proper care and attention.

I get the point he’s making, but how persuasive is he when we’re talking about a 300k mile vehicle?

Appreciate the thoughts - and great forum - really enjoy reading everyone’s insight.

Best

 

[MongooseGA]

. I asked the dealership about this and their remark was that it’s better to have a well kept 300k mile vehicle than a 171k mile vehicle that hasn’t received the proper care and attention.

I get the point he’s making, but how persuasive is he when we’re talking about a 300k mile vehicle?

Appreciate the thoughts - and great forum - really enjoy reading everyone’s insight.

Best

In this case, the dealer is correct.

 

[farquapa]

As I found after I bought my one owner--Lexus dealer serviced "by the book" --190K miles 470, you need to look closely at the Lexus service records to know exactly how much service was actually performed. Just because it was brought to the dealer at the designated mile marks, does not mean that the owner accepted all of the Dealer recommended service or parts replacement recommendations. Sometimes the service is only an oil change and not the more expensive suggested services. The owner can "refuse service" as I found out.

In my case, when I was able to download the Lexus service records for my 470, near the end of the first owner's ownership, the dealer recommended replacing a leaking steering rack and CV axles. The owner turned down the replacing the parts and drove it another 20K with more service visits to the dealer without going forward with the replacements.

This makes sense because, after many years of ownership, the owner probably was thinking about buying a new car/truck and did not wish to spend big money on parts that were still working-even if they were starting to fail.

I had looked under the truck once I received it- no signs of leaks or thrown grease. After I read the service records I kept an eye on both. The steering rack started showing leakage on the left bellow within 50 miles. I re-crimped the CV joints and so far no grease seepage.

Shows that sometimes the dealer is trolling for work- but other times the part does need to be replaced. I have a new steering rack on the shelf but my lower back has prevented me from tackling the replacement. I added AT-205 to get me to next summer.

You could join the Lexus owners club on the Lexus site and with the VIN number pull all of the records- which are way more informative than any aftermarket reports from Carfax.

AMEN brother, last Tundra I bought was the exact same situation. It was beautiful, 1 owner, met with the guy twice, looked over the CarFax which had TONS of records. I bought it, paid full retail but it was even the color I wanted, I still have it actually. But, upon taking it into my friend in the service department at the dealership it was bought from, everyone remembered the truck. They said, i know that truck, beautiful machine, owner was a real jerk. So we ran the history at the dealership, this ass clown accepted and brought the truck in like a million times while under warranty and then turned down every maintenance recc after warranty was out. It took me about 3 months to catch up ALL the maintenance he neglected. That's part of the reason I still own it, I've got SO much in it. I do love it but the negotiations would have been WAY different had I done more than CarFax and saw past this guy's BS. But yeah, so far the one with 300k-ish miles sounds way better..