Looking to purchase a high milage 08 LX570, any input on LC200s with 250k+ miles?

[Jordann]

Hey, I've been in the market for some time now and recently a 2008 LX with 250k miles popped up. I checked the CarFax and saw it had a healthy amount of service records and I've studied the comman issues. I was wondering what are some of the higher milage LC200's on here and what has your experience been like? I have 4 Lexus right now and love them. I just wanted to know what I'm getting myself into if it passes my mechanics inspection!

 

[bloc]

It really depends on what has been done already and what your intended use is. Is this a roadtrip vehicle or something you'll pile miles onto as a daily?

250k is enough for most of the common issues to have run their course. But you're getting into the range of needing an alternator or to at least swap the brushes in yours as PM, starter (PITA to bypass if the solenoid craps out), rear axle bearings, AHC globes if they haven't been done...

 

[PDoyle]

Biggest concern is documented coolant changes, trans fluid and oil changes with those miles.

 

[Jordann]

It really depends on what has been done already and what your intended use is. Is this a roadtrip vehicle or something you'll pile miles onto as a daily?

250k is enough for most of the common issues to have run their course. But you're getting into the range of needing an alternator or to at least swap the brushes in yours as PM, starter (PITA to bypass if the solenoid craps out), rear axle bearings, AHC globes if they haven't been done...

I really would just be using it for my weekends at work, I'd put less than 500 miles on it a month. I got it inspected by my mechanic and it really checks all the boxes except one small portion of the AHC line seemed to be needing replace which wasn't a cheap part ot seemingly hard to do.

 

[Jordann]

Biggest concern is documented coolant changes, trans fluid and oil changes with those miles.

It has 53 service records and seems well kept for sure.

 

[PDoyle]

If those specific fluids have all been changed as regular maintenance then it sounds good. The transmission fluid for these vehicles are not meant to be changed and are called a lifetime fluid. So if it has been replaced a couple of times then your probably in good shape.

 

[stonepa]

**Lifetime fluid**.

 

[bj70bc]

check valley plate leak, air pumps for exhaust emissions

 

[TimCFJ40]

For your use, if you pay attention to things (listen for new sounds, look for new leaks, keep up on fluid changes, plugs, etc) I would trust a high mileage 200. Make sure it's not rusty underneath and that it doesn't have too many cosmetic issues as those can signal hard usage and are expensive if you decide to fix.

The biggest thing to remember is that it is still an 18 year old vehicle with 250k+ miles, so it will eventually need something, even if well cared for. Don't overpay (250k+ 08 LX should be max $15-18k, even in great shape), save some money for future repairs, keep up on maintenance, and enjoy!

I say all this, as some people (who shouldn't buy high mileage vehicles) buy a high mileage cruiser, have some age related issues, and then get mad about how it wasn't "indestructible" etc etc. Don't be that guy (or girl).

 

[Jordann]

For your use, if you pay attention to things (listen for new sounds, look for new leaks, keep up on fluid changes, plugs, etc) I would trust a high mileage 200. Make sure it's not rusty underneath and that it doesn't have too many cosmetic issues as those can signal hard usage and are expensive if you decide to fix.

The biggest thing to remember is that it is still an 18 year old vehicle with 250k+ miles, so it will eventually need something, even if well cared for. Don't overpay (250k+ 08 LX should be max $15-18k, even in great shape), save some money for future repairs, keep up on maintenance, and enjoy!

I say all this, as some people (who shouldn't buy high mileage vehicles) buy a high mileage cruiser, have some age related issues, and then get mad about how it wasn't "indestructible" etc etc. Don't be that guy (or girl).

It has no rust! It's also $15k, so realistically I'm preparing to save for future maintenance just to be on the safe side. I appreciate the advice <3

 

[Jordann]

check valley plate leak, air pumps for exhaust emissions

It passed the inspection!

 

[skymast]

I can't comment on price but I would put $3,000 in the 'just in case' fund. You can somewhat figure out what the outstanding issues are based on what's already done / not done and proactively go after those items along the way.

 

[open country]

I've been evangelizing for a while that a $20k-ish early 200 with maintenance records and no rust is one of the best bargains in LC's currently. Cheaper than most late 100's, nice 80's and 60's, but is 80% of the experience of a six-figure 2021 Heritage Edition. Supply is low, but so is demand - people shopping LC's at high miles are generally enthusiasts who know what they're looking at. Keeping a reserve for a big ticket repaid item is a must, but it's an incredible rig for the money. I say go for it.

 

[Jordann]

I can't comment on price but I would put $3,000 in the 'just in case' fund. You can somewhat figure out what the outstanding issues are based on what's already done / not done and proactively go after those items along the way.

You're completely right. I definitely will be putting money to the side or working extra to have a safety fund. I just hope this goes as well as my other Lexus vehicles.

 

[open country]

You're completely right. I definitely will be putting money to the side or working extra to have a safety fund. I just hope this goes as well as my other Lexus vehicles.

Paging @HemiAlex on this topic once more.

Change fluids, multiple trans drain and fills or fluid exchange (include AHC if going LX route)
Consider upping to 5W-30 Valvoline R&P
Monitor coolant level, top of radiator, and valley plate

Not much else. My 2011 had 219k on it before my 2016 with now 150k. Only repair I've ever needed reactively on either was a starter on the 2011 at around 175k. I actually prefer the way the 08-15's with the 6 speed drive to the 2016+ 8 speed.

 

[GreatBenzini]

If those specific fluids have all been changed as regular maintenance then it sounds good. The transmission fluid for these vehicles are not meant to be changed and are called a lifetime fluid. So if it has been replaced a couple of times then your probably in good shape.

The Warranty & Maintenance Guide is weird; it doesn't list a mileage-specific service interval for trans fluid, but notes that it should be served at 60,000 / 72 months if you qualify for the special operating conditions (e.g., towing). "Inspecting" the fluid is listed on several other periodic intervals.

Bit confusing, but I follow the TCCN intervals, like transmission fluid every 60,000 / 72 months.

 

[bj70bc]

severe service is generally considered half the interval, so double that

 

[AZLX570]

Less owners the better (the type of owners is way more important than the mileage) and be sure to comb through the service records for anything that pops out.

I was lucky enough to find my 150K LX from the original owner who was religious about maintenance (prior 100 series owner) and had the vehicle under a warranty that even transferred to me...which I got a free radiator out of it. It was almost over serviced as they took it in for every little thing.

Prior ownership goes a long way. I'd rather have a regularly serviced 200K mile vehicle (trans/diff/fluids/etc. changed) rather than one with 100K one which had nothing but oil changes done.

 

[Jordann]

I pick it up Monday, the only negatives I see is a small corrosion on the AHC line in one spot. I've looked the part up, definitely easy to replace and should be fine. There's also a Kelly Plug on the oil pan which is a bummer, so I think I'm going to have a new oil pan installed. I also need to address the front 2 parking sensors, they don't work and the cooled seats doesn't work. If anyone has any advice on the parking sensors + cooled seats that would be great!

 

[skymast]

Do the seat heaters work? In 'most' cases, it's the ecu module that controls the heat and vent located under each seat. You can either buy new or buy one for a similar year LS and retrofit. Several older threads on this as well. Regarding the sensors, do the rear work? If not, I would confirm PA is 'turned on' Button is close to Start Button. If the sensors are bad, they are pretty cheep to replace.