Most people will tend to avoid buying a Lexus with high mileage because they think it is riskier and assume that high mileage means a lot of things have gone wrong with the car.
This may be true to an extent but, generally speaking, the fears are exaggerated because cars are designed to last a long time, especially in the present days.
If you are considering a Lexus with high mileage, you will do yourself a lot of good by going through this guide for a better understanding of when to ignore the fear of buying a Lexus with high mileage.
What is Considered High Mileage for a Lexus?
Typically, Lexus models are able to reach the 100K miles and can still run to double this 100K miles. Though this mileage is considered high for a Lexus, this is partly dependent on the regular maintenance performed on the car by the owner or seller.
On average, a Lexus IS has been reported to last between 250K and 300K miles if it is driven with utmost carefulness. Also based on an annual mileage of 15K miles, a Lexus IS is reported to last 17 to 20 years before a need for any costly maintenance.
Is it Better to Buy a Lexus with High or Low Mileage?
Though mileage is a crucial factor in the decision-making process for buying a used Lexus, there is a need to also consider the age and condition. These three elements are key to judging any used Lexus correctly.
Typically, Lexus cars with low mileage are expected to be more desirable than their high mileage counterparts because they are essentially newer in terms of use and can command more profit in the used car market.
Tips for Buying a Good Lexus with High Mileage
Buying a Lexus with high mileage presents a number of questions: Has it been involved in an accident? Has it been regularly maintained? How was it used for the last 100K miles? Will it be a good deal? etc. These questions are best answered by finding the right Lexus as well as the right seller.
Once you think you’ve found the right seller, getting the vehicle history report, coupled with your physical inspection of the Lexus, can help you purchase a good Lexus with high mileage.
Do this if you’re considering a Lexus with high mileage:
Inspect the Used Lexus Car
There’s a lot of value in the used car market, but there’s still much to take into consideration when buying a Lexus car that has been previously owned, driven, and maintained by someone else.
So, it doesn’t matter if you are buying a Lexus with high mileage, you can be sure the old car is in good condition.
Here are some tips on how to inspect a used car so you get to know what to look out for outside the mileage and wear.
First - Evaluate the Seller to Save Time and Stress
Don’t only focus on the mileage and condition of the car, the seller should also be examined. In your best interest, get early information to know why they’re selling the car. Knowing this will help you to possibly avoid buying someone else’s maintenance problems.
Inspect the Car Physically
Inspection may not be that easy especially when you have to make a short journey to a neighboring city or state. However, it’s still best to look over the vehicle thoroughly by taking a mechanic with you for a complete inspection.
From experience, it’s advisable to carry out the inspection in daylight (on a dry day), because artificial lights can make cars look glossy and hide body defects. Ensure the car is stationed on a leveled surface and hasn’t been driven for at least an hour before the inspection.
Used Car Buyer’s Checklist
Here is a list of what you should consider while on the look for a Lexus with high mileage.
- Decide the year, make and model you want. Download our mobile app on google play store to access this service for free.
- Explore the car’s asking price.
- Find out how much it would cost to insure and finance the vehicle.
- Research the prospective vehicle history report by using our VIN check tool to get the VIN history.
- Interview prospective sellers before any physical meeting so you won’t be wasting your time.
- Set an appointment day for your drive.
- Examine the undercarriage, engine, and body for any damage or rust.
- Assess the interior of the vehicle for neatness or any sign of wear
- Check the engine oil level and color.
- Check for any leaks or corrosion, especially in the coolant and radiator
- Test the brakes, steering, and alignment
- Test drive on the highway to measure acceleration and handling.
- Inspect the engine for leaks, odors, or smoke immediately after the test drive.
- Request and go over the service history and title.
- Inspect the car with a professional.
Do you feel one or more things are still missing in this bucket list? Please leave a note in the comment section below.
Get a Lexus Window Sticker
In the US, every dealer is required by The Federal Trade Commission to have a window sticker on every used vehicle offered for sale.
Usually, it’s attached to a window and contains certain information, including the year, make and model, suggested retail price, a comprehensive list of its standard and optional equipment and their pricing, Engine and Transmission Specifications, Fuel-Economy Ratings, and the Crash-Test Ratings.
Since mileage is not the only factor to consider when purchasing a Lexus with high mileage, evaluating the Lexus window sticker can provide helpful information needed to determine which one is right for you.
For instance, the Lexus window sticker may tell you that one Lexus ES comes with a package suitable for cold weather, and that includes a heated steering wheel and seats, while another Lexus ES doesn’t. If you live in a snow-clad region, this additional information may help you narrow down your options.
Vehiclereports.com offers dealers a great opportunity to get OEM window stickers for all the vehicles in their inventory at their fingertip.
Simply access our window sticker lookup tool to get started.
Conclusion
When a Lexus with high mileage is in question, the cost of depreciation can be high if you are selling, but it can be low if you’re looking for one to purchase.
A Lexus with high mileage can look attractive because of the lower price, but some buyers might be discouraged by the odometer reading.
Ensure you leave no stone unturned in inspecting the car by a professional before purchasing it. If the seller has the maintenance and repair records, this would really be great.
Vehiclereports.com can provide you with all past records and maintenance of any used car. But keep in mind that every car is liable to break down somewhere along the line.
Are you considering a Lexus over 100K miles? Be sure to know what you’re getting into.
If you find a Lexus with high mileage but in good condition, you might just have ended up saving more money over time than you would if you bought a Lexus with lower mileage.
