Here is the most recent advice on used automobiles from a Toyota/Lexus mechanic, including which used Lexus models are the best to buy and which ones you should avoid.
We had previously learned about the history of Lexus and whether Lexus is simply a rebadged Toyota from a Toyota mechanic. Today, that same mechanicwho has years of experience working on Toyota and Lexus vehiclescomes to us with his recommendations for the best used Lexus models for used car shoppers, as well as his choice of the worst models that should be avoided due to inadvertent engineering and design flaws on occasion.
Having said that, the following is a synopsis of the video’s highlights:
- Top Pick #1: The highly reliable Lexus ES350, which is based on the Avalon.
- Top Pick #2: The Lexus RX350, namely all versions made in 2010 and later as problems with power steering fluid leaks plagued early models.
- Top Pick #3: Lexus IS350very dependable but with somewhat higher maintenance expenses than Top Picks #1 and #2.
- Top Pick #4: Lexus GS350, all models, excluding the hybrid model because it was one of the first hybrids to have some reliability concerns.
- Lexus GX and LX are top picks in the truck category. The LX is a Landcruiser in comparison to the GX, which is effectively a V8 Toyota 4Runner. In his perspective, these two are “investment cars” that you can never go wrong with when purchasing a secondhand one.
- The best products to ever come out of Toyota/Lexus land are the Lexus LS 430 2-door and SC430, which you can anticipate to get an additional 100,000 miles out of compared to other comparable, highly rated Toyotas.
In This Article...
When is a Lexus IS not to be purchased?
Here are some of the most typical Lexus ES 350 issues, especially for the problematic model years, 2007 in particular. Although these are the most frequent difficulties, that does not imply that they are widespread.
Melting Dashboard
Similar to other 2007 Lexus vehicles, this one has some difficulties with the dashboard and other inside plastics. The plastic on the dash of the 2007 Lexus ES 350 can actively melt in the sun, which is one of the car’s worst issues and a major reason why 2007 is one of the Lexus ES 2007 years to stay away from.
It’s problematic for a number of reasons. One reason is because a melted dashboard is unsightly. Additionally, it may impair the performance of any dash-mounted equipment, such as your car’s airbags and interior electronics.
Additionally, melting plastics can create harmful VOCs that could harm consumers and contribute to the situation.
GPS Failures
Another frequent complaint about the Lexus ES 350 is that the GPS stops working, but thankfully this problem is not as serious as the melting dashboard. Early iterations of the GPS system had a few problems, however more recent models have fewer faults with the technology.
Oil Leaks
Additionally, there have been occasional allegations of excessive or unexpected oil leaks in the Lexus ES 350, particularly in older generations. Unfortunately, oil leaks and oil consumption are only some of the issues with the ES 350’s engine. More newer models don’t appear to have as many issues.
Miscellaneous Engine Problems
Avoid the Lexus ES 350 model years because they have a number of other engine difficulties, such as gasket and seal issues, ticking and banging noises, and other internal engine problems.
These issues range in severity and root reasons; some don’t significantly affect customers, while others call for expensive, urgent fixes.
Fortunately, releases after 2009 have these issues at far lower rates than the first two years, just like with the other Lexus ES 350 issues.
Young and experienced drivers equally are impacted by winter driving. To help you get from A to B as securely as possible, we’ve put together a list of the best automobiles for snow.
Windows Opening On Their Own
This final common issue is a problem, but it’s not as big of a problem as some of the other problems we’ve spoken about. In specifically the early years, the Lexus ES 350’s windows and moonroof occasionally opened by themselves.
Most of the time, even after mistakenly opening, the windows and moonroof can still be closed. Nevertheless, depending on the weather outside, the traffic situation, and how shocked the drivers are when the windows open on their own, this could pose a safety issue.
When is the ideal time to buy a Lexus?
Here Are The Best Used Lexus Models (2 Models to Avoid)
- The Lexus CT from 2011 to 2017.
- 7 Best: Lexus IS, 20092013.
- 6 Best: Lexus LX 20092017.
- The Lexus GS from 2013 to 2017.
- 4 Best Lexus RX, 2009-2015.
- 3 Best: Lexus ES 20092012.
- 20072011 Lexus LS: The worst.
- 20072011 Lexus HS is the worst.
How many kilometers can a Lexus travel?
The normal automobile has a lifespan of 200,000 miles, therefore you may drive a Lexus for 50% longer than the typical vehicle.
This durability may be a significant consideration when choosing a vehicle to buy if you have a lengthy commute or find yourself putting a lot of miles on your car.
How far can a Lexus travel?
A Lexus can be driven for 50% longer on the road than the average car, which has a projected lifespan of 200,000 miles.
This durability could play a significant role in your decision over which car to buy if you have a long commute or find yourself putting a lot of miles on your car.
What Lexus model has the highest sales?
RX Lexus. The Lexus RX, a mid-size crossover SUV, is the most popular luxury SUV in the US. The RX is the ideal combination of the size and space of an SUV with the incredibly smooth performance and handling of a sedan. It is available with either a conventional gas or hybrid engine.
Do Lexus issues frequently arise?
Overall, Lexus automobiles are dependable. The Lexus car is well regarded in the most trustworthy consumer surveys, which increases its dependability and toughness. There are reported problems here and there, just like with every automaker. However, Lexus is not just reasonably priced for a luxury automobile but also has fewer problems overall and reduced repair expenses.
Toyota, one of the most reputable automakers and a name known for its durable engines and high-performance handling and steering, is the manufacturer of the Lexus automobile. With vehicles that have strong engines, outstanding features, and fantastic performance from the smallest streets to the toughest motorways, Lexus pushes innovation and design to new heights.
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What are some typical Lexus issues?
The most frequent faults reported by Lexus owners are oil leaks, melted dashboards and door panels, frequent Check Engine light lighting, PCM storage of specific codes, and airbag-related problems.
The 2009 Lexus RX 350 has received 122 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) since its release, making it the company’s worst offender overall. The 2011 LS and the 2015 ES are recognized as the second and third most reliable Lexus models ever, respectively, while the Lexus GS consistently experiences few issues throughout all model years.
For a more detailed overview of the most typical Lexus issues in still-for-sale cars, see the chart below.
Are Lexus repairs expensive?
In comparison, maintenance and repairs are affordable because Lexus is Toyota’s premium arm. For its low ownership expenses, Lexus received an overall ranking from RepairPal of sixth. Owners of Lexus automobiles pay $551 on maintenance and repairs annually, while expenses rise as cars get older.
You can choose from a number of options to manage your Lexus maintenance costs. To minimize high maintenance expenses, you might want to consider extending your warranty. Although Lexus has its own program, there are several third-party alternatives available that may be more economical.
The most well-known providers were assessed, and we chose a few that stood out above the others. All of our suggestions for third-party extended auto warranties scored highly in terms of features, plan alternatives, industry reputation, and customer support.
A used Lexus is it a good car?
Although purchasing a new Lexus is alluring, going with a used vehicle gives you luxury and a better deal. As a company known for its exceptional dependability, Lexus vehicles are even more sought-after as used car options. Consumer Reports advises choosing from the three-year-old models to obtain the best value. Three of the most dependable Lexus vehicles available for purchase in 2017 have been compiled based on data from CR.
Reliable Lexus secondhand cars?
Lexus and Toyota have a relationship comparable to how Infiniti and Nissan’s premium division, Infiniti, functions. It comes as no surprise that Lexus offers hybrid versions of the majority of its cars, even though there are also some conventional petrol engines available.
The NX and RX are two of the brand’s top selling SUVs, but it also offers the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon, and LS luxury sedan. The number of compact and large SUVs is predicted to increase.
Similar to Toyota, Lexus has established a very solid reputation for dependability and consistently ranks towards the top of our annual Reliability Survey.
Is Lexus more dependable than Mercedes?
Reliability is yet another key consideration when buying a new car. 470,000 automobiles from its members were subjected to thorough analysis by Consumer Reports. Lexus received a score of 75, placing third7 out of 28 brands (including mainstream and luxury brands). Lexus has a big lead over Mercedes-Benz, which received a 43 and was rated 20th in reliability.
The best Lexus SUV is which?
The Lexus RX 350 is the greatest all-around Lexus SUV to buy due to its fuel efficiency, safety ratings, and convenience amenities. There is a strong selection of SUVs under the Lexus name.
Are Lexus vehicles durable?
They have consistently ranked at the top of the most reliable lists for many years, including those from J.D. Power and AutoExpress.
Each of their models had above average reliability, which is quite an accomplishment, and Consumer Reports placed them first for dependability.
They also shared the top rank with Porsche in this year’s J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Survey (2017; this is the first time they’ve matched for a position); typically, they easily claim the top spot.
In 2016, AutoExpress placed them first for used car dependability, with the RX, GS, and IS taking first place in their respective categories.
Lexus does admirably on ReliabilityIndex as well. With a reliability index of 79, which is quite good, they rank sixth.
How reliable is the Lexus IS?
If we examine certain models, we may discover that Lexus is consistently dependable. As we previously reported, the IS won the AutoExpress survey’s category for “best dependable used small executive.” It has an average repair cost of 398.88 and a dependability index of 79.
Users of AutoExpress appeared to love the IS as well. It received the highest rating in their Driver Power Survey and has a reliability rating of 98.58% overall.
Is the Lexus RX reliable?
A very reliable vehicle is the Lexus RX. For AutoExpress, it won first place in the area of “most trustworthy used SUV or 44.”
Owners don’t seem to have many complaints, as the RX ranks 200 automobiles just outside the top 10 for dependability.
ReliabilityIndex doesn’t rate it as highly, though. It receives a reliabilityindex of 142 from them, which is below standard for the sector. The fact that the average repair costs are a staggering 659.83 may be the reason why this received such a bad rating. Owners became aware of the high repair costs. High repair costs can significantly reduce reliability, which may be why the Lexus RX scored lower than anticipated.
Lexus GS reliability
According to statistics from other sources, the Lexus GS has been awarded the most dependable executive vehicle by AutoExpress.
It received a reliability index of 56 from ReliabilityIndex, the highest rating among the Lexus vehicles we have examined. Additionally, they cited a 491.24 average repair cost. The GS has received positive reviews from AutoExpress users, who gave it a 96% reliability rating. It also ranked among the top 20 vehicles in the 2015 Driver Power survey. Owners did draw attention to the expensive repair expenses. They are still fairly expensive even though they are not as high as the RX.
In general, Lexus is a pretty trustworthy brand. Numerous of their models have won recognition for reliability, and owners appear to be extremely satisfied with the durability of their models.