Honing in on used Lexus LX570

[bluelew]

I'm seriously looking at a 2009 Lexus LX570 with about 108k miles in another state. (I live in the Northwest and the car is in the Southwest.)
I've been looking for one with less than 120k for a while now but haven't had much luck.

I had my nephew, who lives in the purchase area, go check it out for me. He didn't notice any red flags, said it drives smoothly, AHC raises/lowers smoothly, has no rust underneath, and noticed no leaks or other obvious problems. I'm having a mechanic inspect it tomorrow, so should get a full PPI report soon. (I also ran the VIN through the Lexus website and got a significant number of maintenance records, showing routine maintenance, and nothing too serious in terms of problems -- but there were a few issues: multiple hard starts/battery failures, and an AHC code early on at 18k miles/2010. That said, it appears these issues have been fixed plus a water pump was just replaced at 101k.)

So here's my question: My nephew did notice some obvious cosmetic issues. Sun fade on the dash, a broken glove compartment latch, a vertical dent on the passenger door (probably door-jacked) and a minor but noticeable dent on the left rear quarter panel on the passenger side). The seats are clean but the interior carpeting is filthy, he said.
(The cosmetic issues aren't super important to me (tho obviously would prefer a cleaner car) though I'm a little concerned that the truck's care wasn't very good; we'll see).

But how much leverage do you all think this will give me in terms of negotiating a lower price (the dealership, which got this truck in on a trade, has it listed at $25k -- which seems like a good price, though I'll need to pay another $1200 to ship it to me plus already + a nearly $400 PPI.). Any advice here?

Thanks.

 

[grinchy]

Negotiate hard. Low mileage is mostly irrelevant on a 200. Rust free and in good overall condition is more important. Car market is rapidly deteriorating and big gas guzzlers aren’t a desirable car for most.

I have three kids and rarely vacuum, but. One would never describe my carpets as filthy. That to me is a red flag about overall give a s*** by previous owner.

 

[bluelew]

Negotiate hard. Low mileage is mostly irrelevant on a 200. Rust free and in good overall condition is more important. Car market is rapidly deteriorating and big gas guzzlers aren’t a desirable car for most.

I have three kids and rarely vacuum, but. One would never describe my carpets as filthy. That to me is a red flag about overall give a s*** by previous owner.

Thanks for the feedback ,and agreed on the carpeting. The service history seems to contradict the idea that the previous owner didn’t give a s***, but agree that cleanliness (or lack thereof) can be a red flag.

 

[marcus clarkus]

I agree that a filthy vehicle is a red flag. You should take that PPI and negotiate hard. Factor in the dent repair and detailing costs. Still worth it?

Are you in a rush to get a vehicle? I just went through a nationwide 6 month search for a LC200 and was very happy that I found one only 2 hours away. Being able to see it in person and drive it home is worth it, if you have something to drive in the meantime.

 

[bluelew]

My nephew sent some pics. The interior doesn’t look too bad really. Most of the stains appear to be on the carpeted floor mats, which I’d probably swap out with WeatherTech mats anyway.

Looks like there’s some weird damage on the passenger-side wood trim dashboard and the dashboard latch is broken and Jerry-rigged with Velcro.

The exterior has a few scratches and chips here and there, but overall not too bad looking.

I think there’s enough cosmetic issues for some negotiating leverage tho.

 

[bluelew]

My nephew sent some pics. The interior doesn’t look too bad really. Most of the stains appear to be on the carpeted floor mats, which I’d probably swap out with WeatherTech mats anyway.

Looks like there’s some weird damage on the passenger-side wood trim dashboard and the dashboard latch is broken and Jerry-rigged with Velcro.

The exterior has a few scratches and chips here and there, but overall not too bad looking.

I think there’s enough cosmetic issues for some negotiating leverage tho.

 

[bluelew]

I agree that a filthy vehicle is a red flag. You should take that PPI and negotiate hard. Factor in the dent repair and detailing costs. Still worth it?

Are you in a rush to get a vehicle? I just went through a nationwide 6 month search for a LC200 and was very happy that I found one only 2 hours away. Being able to see it in person and drive it home is worth it, if you have something to drive in the meantime.

I agree that a filthy vehicle is a red flag. You should take that PPI and negotiate hard. Factor in the dent repair and detailing costs. Still worth it?

Are you in a rush to get a vehicle? I just went through a nationwide 6 month search for a LC200 and was very happy that I found one only 2 hours away. Being able to see it in person and drive it home is worth it, if you have something to drive in the meantime.

Agreed, seeing firsthand would be ideal. I do think the PPI will help me figure this one out tho. If the dealer isn’t willing to negotiate, I’m good with walking.

 

[Heckraiser]

Doesn't look too bad based on pics. That glovebox is comical Honestly, dumb of dealer not to fix glovebox and dash trim before putting it up for sale. If good cosmetic condition is really important to you, hold out for a nicer one. If cosmetic condition isn't terribly important, just negotiate as hard as you can and hope for the best. $25k for low mileage and meh condition honestly doesn't seem that bad to me, but I bought mine during the peak of used-car hysteria in 2021.


FYI, that dash trim just pops out. You can get a replacement at the junk yard (or I wrapped mine in leather-look vinyl wrap).

 

[bluelew]

The PPI came back pretty good. No major mechanical issues though there is leakage from the front left strut and from the rear left shock. Diagnostics were clean. Aside from cosmetic concerns already noted, the inspector noticed a small chunk of plastic missing from the lid/cover of the center console and various light scratches and chips on the exterior (along with a vertical crease like dent from an apparent door-jack on the left passenger door). He said the truck hadn’t been detailed or reconditioned, which he found surprising because this is a trade-in vehicle at a reputable Mercedes dealership.
He suggested the truck is solid but I could probably get a bit of price knocked off and and a deep cleaning.

The lack of detailing is a bit odd to me too, particularly since the sales guy told me this truck was “very clean.” After I pointed out today that wasn’t the case, he told me that he’ll ask to have it cleaned but he would hate to see me lose the car to someone else while waiting for it to be cleaned. The pressure tactic torques me a bit, but he’s off tomorrow — and I plan to have a talk with his manager and will see how low of an offer they’ll take.

 

[bluelew]

A few more pics…

 

[bloc]

You can probably pick up the cupholder and door assembly from someone that upgraded to a 3d printed version. Or just get the 3D part for yourself.
Glovebox isn't exactly common but does happen, and has a pretty easy fix if you do some searching.
What some people consider "leaking" shocks on LX's are usually really minor weeps that aren't worth worrying about. Basically if you don't see fluid dripping from the shocks, they're fine.

 

[bluelew]

A few more pics…View attachment 4050448View attachment 4050449View attachment 4050450

You can probably pick up the cupholder and door assembly from someone that upgraded to a 3d printed version. Or just get the 3D part for yourself.
Glovebox isn't exactly common but does happen, and has a pretty easy fix if you do some searching.
What some people consider "leaking" shocks on LX's are usually really minor weeps that aren't worth worrying about. Basically if you don't see fluid dripping from the shocks, they're fine.

The inspection report describes them as “wet.”

 

[bloc]

The inspection report describes them as “wet.”

That's still open to interpretation. I helped a friend put brakes on his 13 LX recently and the top quarter of one of his front struts would definitely qualify as wet to most techs (compared to bone-dry).. I'd be surprised if that strut doesn't go another 100k. "wet" is quite common for moderate-mileage AHC LX's. Failure to the point of a real leak is quite rare.

Even if you do need shocks they aren't horribly expensive. About $250 each for the fronts and $65 for the rears. But definitely don't mention that to the selling dealer..

 

[radman]

dang. that's a $25k rig?
I'm helping a friend sell his '08 with 165k miles and he's willing to let it go for $18k.

For Sale Thread '2008 LX570 165k miles in Houston, Texas'

Feb 4, 2025

This 2008 is bone stock and has never been offroad (what a shame)!
Purchased in Houston in 2019, which means it only got 44k miles put on her in 5 years.
Black Exterior, Tan Interior
Stock suspension - no modification to AHC, and has brand new globes and AHC has been fully flushed (by me).

What’s she worth? 2008 LX570 @ 160k miles

My buddy bought this a few years ago with 125k miles, and now it’s at 160k. Originally sold in Houston, and has service records up to 105k on drivers.lexus site. AHC works, but the globes are shot. ($600 parts + $600-1000 labor?) AC Recirc door works looks like radiator has been replaced...

forum.ih8mud.com

The link above has relevant picrtures that I'll soon move here.
Prinsu roof rack available for deep discount and can install if desired.
$21k obo.

• radman
• Replies: 20
• Forum: VDJ200 | LX570

• 

 

[Supra Turbo]

dang. that's a $25k rig?
I'm helping a friend sell his '08 with 165k miles and he's willing to let it go for $18k.

For Sale Thread '2008 LX570 165k miles in Houston, Texas'

Feb 4, 2025

This 2008 is bone stock and has never been offroad (what a shame)!
Purchased in Houston in 2019, which means it only got 44k miles put on her in 5 years.
Black Exterior, Tan Interior
Stock suspension - no modification to AHC, and has brand new globes and AHC has been fully flushed (by me).

What’s she worth? 2008 LX570 @ 160k miles

My buddy bought this a few years ago with 125k miles, and now it’s at 160k. Originally sold in Houston, and has service records up to 105k on drivers.lexus site. AHC works, but the globes are shot. ($600 parts + $600-1000 labor?) AC Recirc door works looks like radiator has been replaced...

forum.ih8mud.com

The link above has relevant picrtures that I'll soon move here.
Prinsu roof rack available for deep discount and can install if desired.
$21k obo.

• radman
• Replies: 20
• Forum: VDJ200 | LX570

• 

108k vs 165k is a big difference. I know some on here will say mileage does not matter, but it certainly does when it comes to valuations. Not to say your friends rig is not priced accordingly, but all other aspects being equal, many will pay the $7k difference for 55k+ less miles.

 

[Heckraiser]

Mandatory first mod to any land cruiser:

200 Series Double Cup Holder – BH3D Printing

www.bh3dprinting.com

You're welcome

 

[bluelew]

108k vs 165k is a big difference. I know some on here will say mileage does not matter, but it certainly does when it comes to valuations. Not to say your friends rig is not priced accordingly, but all other aspects being equal, many will pay the $7k difference for 55k+ less miles.

I’ve also noticed prices vary wildly by region. Where I live, a truck like this with 108k miles would sell for much higher.

 

[40thAnnivCruiser]

Autonation near me in VA are no haggle one price dealership. Id be curious at their willingness to negotiate, plus in my locality they add a lovely dealer processing fee of $899. Good Luck.

Have you gone onto the Lexus Owners site and pulled up details on the work performed at Lexus dealership?

 

[bluelew]

Yeah, they just told me they were a one price dealership and don’t negotiate.

So I asked, do you know what’s going on mechanically with the truck? Salesperson responded, we just got this vehicle in on trade so we haven’t had a chance to look at it yet. I said, well if you don’t know, how can you say you’ve got it fairly priced?

I left my number and told them to have the manager call me back if they want to hear my offer. I doubt they will. Looks like a pass on this one.

 

[Supra Turbo]

Yeah, they just told me they were a one price dealership and don’t negotiate.

So I asked, do you know what’s going on mechanically with the truck? Salesperson responded, we just got this vehicle in on trade so we haven’t had a chance to look at it yet. I said, well if you don’t know, how can you say you’ve got it fairly priced?

I left my number and told them to have the manager call me back if they want to hear my offer. I doubt they will. Looks like a pass on this one.

I've had quite a few interactions like that, though I was previously told on the phone prior to coming in that the vehicle is "mint, no issues" and if you come in today "we'll do $XXXX off".

Only to find issues upon arrival to which the response often is "well, we have not fully inspected it. And we do not negotiate" Well, in that case I am fully going to waste your time, just like you wasted mine.

Plenty examples out there, especially for early pre-facelift LX570s.