LS600hl RSR due diligence

[Craig M]

Hello all, Im seriously considering pressing the button on buying a 2009 LS609hl with the RSR option and doing my due diligence before buying.

Was just wondering if the car is already known in the forum from its previous owner? The reg is A17 DPX and its for sale with a used car dealer near Cambridge. MOT history looks clean and service history is all lexus main dealer with last service earlier this year, but the MOT ran out earlier this week so the cynic in me is thinking the car was moved on by its last owner as the lexus service flagged up pending large bills. Otherwise the car looks really clean and i may need to do the 3.5 hour trip to go see it in the flesh - exciting!

many thanks

[hockeyedwards]

Car is unknown to me, but can you ask to see the servicing proof and notes that may confirm or deny your suspicion? Also will allow you to see any notes for areas that may require attention in your ownership and most importantly, hybrid health check certificates.

Or simply contact the Lexus dealer it was serviced at and say you are looking to buy, just want to check its history etc etc - worth a shot?

Before I would even consider the trip. Ask for video of it running, bonnet open etc (surely dealer will oblige, considering your potential round trip). As with most older cars, check for recent or lack of fluids being changed, belts, tensioners, pulleys, steering or suspension components, discs, pads all your wear and tear items etc - again if full Lexus history, dealer should be able to check through paperwork to provide the info.

Best of luck on your potential new barge! 😛

[scythe]

 

•  Please forgive me for this bit of googling, but I presume that this is the car:
   

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309202188276?sort=distance&advertising-location=at_cars&include-delivery-option=on&make=Lexus&model=LS 600h&postcode=CB1 5NU&radius=1500&fromsra

It looks fabulous to me! 

They can't sell it to you without an MOT, so just ring them up and check that they'll do that for you.  I'd not expect it to fail!

The MOT history looks good, as does the steady increase in mileage year on year.   You can also ring the Lexus dealers to check on the servicing record, if you're worried - they'll tell you if it's genuine.

I think you should get straight on that train!

: o )

[Craig M]

Thanks both! @scythe yes that is indeed the car. 
 

when i rang the selling dealer earlier all he could tell me was it has 14 lexus stamps and theres some invoices but he couldnt see anything relating to hybrid Battery or suspension work. My biggest fear (im an overthinker) is buying a car and it then needing thousands spent on it due to perished bushes/arms or unhealthy batteries. 
 

Worth a call back to ask what lexus dealer did the recent servicing to then contact them to question its condition - reckon they’d talk to me even though its not my car?

 

cheers

[scythe]

Yes, it's one of the services they offer to people.  If it's Marshall's in Cambridge, I've had services done there six or seven years ago, and they've been good, as well.  Very chatty!

: o )

[Spock66]

37 minutes ago, Craig M said:

My biggest fear (im an overthinker) is buying a car and it then needing thousands spent on it due to perished bushes/arms or unhealthy batteries.

If the service history is up to date the Hybrid Battery will be still covered under Lexus warranty (up to 15-years) and presumably car will be sold with some form of warranty, check carefully what is covered.

[Craig M]

@scythe, update - some good news and some bad. Good news is i rang Lexus Cambridge who had no record of the car but calling Lexus Cardiff came up trumps as they have record of the car being serviced in their network, last one earlier this year, and the guy said hybrid Battery is checked with every service and no record of issues. Also said they did ball joints on the front of the car in 2021. Bad news (potentially) is someone has replied to my post on the UK lexus LS facebook group saying if its the car for sale near Royston don’t waste my time 😬. But not elaborating any further. I do believe it is that car, with Royston not being too far from this dealer. 

[Craig M]

2 hours ago, Spock66 said:

If the service history is up to date the Hybrid battery will be still covered under Lexus warranty (up to 15-years) and presumably car will be sold with some form of warranty, check carefully what is covered.

Thats really useful to know, thank you 😊

[Malc1]

maybe try to factor any likely downsides into any price you negotiate to pay for the car !

Good luck

Malc

[scythe]

1 hour ago, Craig M said:

Bad news (potentially) is someone has replied to my post on the UK lexus LS facebook group saying if its the car for sale near Royston don’t waste my time 😬. But not elaborating any further. I do believe it is that car, with Royston not being too far from this dealer. 

First thing is, there are two cars closer to Royston than this one.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?advertising-location=at_cars&include-delivery-option=on&make=Lexus&model=LS 600h&postcode=sg8 5nu&radius=1500&sort=distance

Second thing is that maybe the other person wants the car themselves.

[Malc1]

Craig hi. Maybe take immense comfort from the fact that there are several good looking specimens with stellar mileages in excess of a qtr million …… proving longevity with great comfort and I’m thinking reliability 

Malc 

[hockeyedwards]

On 10/13/2023 at 5:57 PM, Craig M said:

@scythe, update - some good news and some bad. Good news is i rang Lexus Cambridge who had no record of the car but calling Lexus Cardiff came up trumps as they have record of the car being serviced in their network, last one earlier this year, and the guy said hybrid battery is checked with every service and no record of issues. Also said they did ball joints on the front of the car in 2021. Bad news (potentially) is someone has replied to my post on the UK lexus LS facebook group saying if its the car for sale near Royston don’t waste my time 😬. But not elaborating any further. I do believe it is that car, with Royston not being too far from this dealer. 

The LS facebook group (I am also part of but must have missed your post), is a great collection of owners. Combined with this forum, not a lot slips through the knowledge gaps!

As scythe has pointed out, could possibly be mistaking cars so whoever replied, maybe get some more info to maybe not do yourself out of a potentially great purchase 🙂

[Craig M]

Hello all, pleased to say i bought the car! Picked it up yesterday and drove it 200 miles home. Exquisite drive! 34mpg average wasnt shabby either

couple of newbie questions - i notice the indicator stalk doesnt seem to have the function of a 3 x flash you have to turn stalk all way on for a continuous flash. But i noticed on doug demuros youtube video on his review of this car that in the screen menu there was an option to select 3/5/7 flashes etc. was that a US only spec thing? 

Also need to source some rear headphones as the car is missing them. Can you still buy them from Lexus? 

[Cotswold Pete]

13 minutes ago, Craig M said:

Hello all, pleased to say i bought the car!

Not sure if you know about Osaka in Newport,  I used to use them when I had LS, chap I dealt with was ex lexus mechanic, genuine guys, and one of t hese garages that more than happy to get you under the car and point out things and never demeaning when I asked my not so informed questions.  They are near the Transport Bridge

[Malc1]

Very well done buying the car Craig …… do keep us posted on developments 

Good luck !

Malc 

[Craig M]

3 hours ago, Cotswold Pete said:

Not sure if you know about Osaka in Newport,  I used to use them when I had LS, chap I dealt with was ex lexus mechanic, genuine guys, and one of t hese garages that more than happy to get you under the car and point out things and never demeaning when I asked my not so informed questions.  They are near the Transport Bridge

Thank you for the recommendation. I came across Osaka this past few weeks when looking into buying the car, trying to find a specialist local to me. I may give them a call on Monday to ask them to give the car an inspection

[jonthetourist]

On 10/28/2023 at 6:19 PM, Cotswold Pete said:

Not sure if you know about Osaka in Newport,  I used to use them when I had LS, chap I dealt with was ex lexus mechanic, genuine guys, and one of t hese garages that more than happy to get you under the car and point out things and never demeaning when I asked my not so informed questions.  They are near the Transport Bridge

Second the rec for Osaka. I have been taking my 430s there for 8 years. Knowledgeable, helpful, good value.

[BigBoomer]

On 10/28/2023 at 6:02 PM, Craig M said:

Hello all, pleased to say i bought the car! Picked it up yesterday and drove it 200 miles home. Exquisite drive! 34mpg average wasnt shabby either

Also need to source some rear headphones as the car is missing them. Can you still buy them from Lexus? 

Congrats 
On the headphones I looked into this when I was considering an LS460 nearly 6 years ago and I believe that any infrared headphones can be paired with the Lexus system.
Otherwise there are a few available on eBay like this pair.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305204769374

[Newbie777]

On 10/28/2023 at 6:02 PM, Craig M said:

Hello all, pleased to say i bought the car! Picked it up yesterday and drove it 200 miles home. Exquisite drive! 34mpg average wasnt shabby either

couple of newbie questions - i notice the indicator stalk doesnt seem to have the function of a 3 x flash you have to turn stalk all way on for a continuous flash. But i noticed on doug demuros youtube video on his review of this car that in the screen menu there was an option to select 3/5/7 flashes etc. was that a US only spec thing? 

Also need to source some rear headphones as the car is missing them. Can you still buy them from Lexus? 

Hello Craig,

I think there is one set of headphones on eBay UK.

Remember these are infra red and not Bluetooth so will only work with your Rear DVD, radio etc.

 

 

[Malc1]

On 10/28/2023 at 9:57 PM, Craig M said:

Thank you for the recommendation. I came across Osaka this past few weeks when looking into buying the car, trying to find a specialist local to me. I may give them a call on Monday to ask them to give the car an inspection

Car inspection organised ??

Malc 

[Craig M]

On 11/6/2023 at 1:59 PM, Malc1 said:

Car inspection organised ??

Malc 

Yes, took it into main Lexus dealer last thursday for an inspection and hybrid health check, and pleased to say they gave it a full bill of health without picking up a single thing wrong with it, and giving a hybrid pass certificate. The chap said the technician commented on how clean the car was and that i’ve found myself a good one. So a big relief and time to enjoy it now! 

[Craig M]

On 10/30/2023 at 3:50 PM, BigBoomer said:

Congrats 
On the headphones I looked into this when I was considering an LS460 nearly 6 years ago and I believe that any infrared headphones can be paired with the Lexus system.
Otherwise there are a few available on eBay like this pair.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305204769374

Ah yes i’ve spotted that eBay listing too. Lexus dealer confirmed last week they are no longer available through them, so will take another look at that eBay item. My only worry is the padding will have perished so it may be worth me looking at non branded new IR headphones

[Muhammad78]

B I U 

[Muhammad78]

I owned this car before you. I kept this car in top notch condition. It always went to lexus for service and any work. Only think need attention on it is drivers side window does not close fully hence the sound and draught. Apart from that everything works as it should. I only had 11000 px value when i bought gls to replace this car. How much you paid if u don't mind me asking. Plate a17dpx is great to hide the age as well. All the best. 

[b4u2]

Beautiful mot history!