Seemed Like A Great Prospect, But It Really Is A Minefield

[harrylime]

I am actively seeking my first Lexus, an LS 400, preferably low mileage and preferably a mk 4. This seemed like a great prospect on Autotrader - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311059707856/sort/default/usedcars/model/ls/make/lexus/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/radius/1500/page/2/postcode/s637sf?logcode=p

I called the dealer, intending to travel across the Pennines to view the car. I took a dislike to him, and as I buy the seller as much as the car, if the seller feels wrong I walk away, This ethos has never failed me yet, having owned many cars ( I counted cars I've owned but gave up at 65). The dealer said that the car had come from a main dealership and claimed a full service history, but when I probed further, there are no records between 2004 and 2011.

I decided that I did not trust the dealer to hold the car for a few hours, and definitely not enough to pay a deposit over the phone. There was very little I could put my finger on, but mostly instinct. I did follow up enough to do a VOSA check.. I contacted the garage that did the last two MOTs and the tester told me that the previous owner purchased it from a local business. The tester knew the owner and also told me that he never, ever serviced his cars.

It looks a nice car but further evidence is that cheap Federal tyres (not on a 155 mph car, I think) are fitted. The paintwork on one wheel arch also looks like orange peel, so may have been bodged. hard to tell from photos though

My conclusion is that my instincts, even over the phone, served me well, I think.

[Bluesman]

Welcome to the LOC.

I am the same as you when it comes to finding a new car.

It is a minefield out there and all that glitters certainly isn't gold.

Patience is the best weapon in your arsenal but when a genuine one does come up for sale they go very quickly so be prepared to go as soon as you see it.

The Mk4s are becoming rare especially ones in good condition but they do come up for sale.

Happy hunting Mike

[Lexmanic]

If you intend to achieve your goal you MUST go & see the cars in person. Never be put off by 1st impressions & don't assume the seller is being untruthful. Best to confront them with what you think you know at the point of sale (helps knock the price down. I purchased an LS 400 by mistake (thinking my bid would be too low) But having bid & won I felt duty bound to go ahead.

When I collected the car I was truly impressed. Although high mileage it was immaculate & even had a hands free Parrot fitted

[Maduggo]

Welcome

Looks like you may have dodged a wrong-un as they say.

As peeps have said, a visit to the prospective new purchase is an absolute must.

Push and pull every button and switch. Look at everything, there are many tips for what to look for when buying on this very forum, it helped me on my first ls400 then my ls430.

I looked at many cars before finding the one i thought the right car for my money.

It took a while but i got there in the end.

[The-Acre]

I have to say, if I was in the market I would have gone to see this one at least. No record of a cam belt change etc could mean getting it for less than 2K, especially as it says ovno. I didn't want to marry the guy who sold me mine, but nearly 10,000 miles later I'm glad I made the effort to drive from Sussex to Birmingham to see it. Plus I love the colour combination of the body and leather.

[harrylime]

Hi all

Thank you for the comments and some good points. I have been researching these for a month or two, so have a rough idea what to look for . I did not even get as far as asking about a cambelt change because a seven year gap in servicing, whilst the car is described as having a full service history set off alarm bells. The MOT tester confirmed that the owner never services his cars, and I do not want a car that has been neglected for that long. Over two days since advertised, the price went up from £1995 to £2195 and then to £2295. The seller was quite patronising during our conversation and said one or two things that did not ring true. It is not scientific by any means but if I don't trust a seller, that's it for me, I'm afraid. I would probably not explore a car advertised from certain parties in Dudley, for example. I do have a general expectation that people are as ethical as I am, but that is tempered with a healthy dose of cynicism and caution. Most of my cars are bought privately, it is my preferred method if possible.

[mikeyv]

Hi all

Thank you for the comments and some good points. I have been researching these for a month or two, so have a rough idea what to look for . I did not even get as far as asking about a cambelt change because a seven year gap in servicing, whilst the car is described as having a full service history set off alarm bells. The MOT tester confirmed that the owner never services his cars, and I do not want a car that has been neglected for that long. Over two days since advertised, the price went up from £1995 to £2195 and then to £2295. The seller was quite patronising during our conversation and said one or two things that did not ring true. It is not scientific by any means but if I don't trust a seller, that's it for me, I'm afraid. I would probably not explore a car advertised from certain parties in Dudley, for example. I do have a general expectation that people are as ethical as I am, but that is tempered with a healthy dose of cynicism and caution. Most of my cars are bought privately, it is my preferred method if possible.

I agree with you 100%, with regards to the service history,

I wouldn't have wasted my time or fuel on it either.

[ManicMark]

Hi its had filler in the near side rear door & wheel arch repaired badly as well. Not the best of colours in my opinion also.

Cheap nasty tyres. I would not waste my time going to view it.

[harrylime]

Hi Mark

Have you seen the car, or is that from the photos? Good to have it confirmed that I did not waste my time and possibly buy a lemon

[ManicMark]

I can see the filler under the paint from the photos.

[The-Acre]

I would still have gone to see it. With all the reflections etc from a photo it's hard to get a really good idea of condition, nothing like seeing a car in the metal and rubbing your hands all over it.

[Adam Evans]

It is an old car its obviously going to have has some work over the years

[Titch LS]

Hugh, I'm with you on this.There are plenty of 'story tellers' out there who try to pull the wool over your eyes. I'm sure you will find the right car eventually but be prepared to pay top price for a really nice mk4, otherwise someone else WILL buy it! Nice examples seem to be attracting premium prices at the moment. Judging the present market I reckon my motor, a 2000 mk4, hasn't lost a penny in the last 2 years.