Like someone mentioned, the ES and RX models are basically the gold standard for this budget. I went through this exact process with the one I got a few years back. Paid about 9k for a clean sedan but the technical stuff under the skin is what actually matters...

• Rubber components are the real enemy. Even if the engine is silent, the control arm bushings and motor mounts are probably shot if they havent been replaced. My current setup felt like a boat until I swapped those out.
• The timing belt vs timing chain thing is huge. Some older V6 engines have belts that need changing every 90k miles. Mine was way overdue and that was a stressful first week of ownership.
• Look for leaks around the steering rack. Its a common fail point on the older platforms and costs a fortune to swap out compared to a simple oil change. I learned the hard way that the interior might look mint but the mechanicals can still be tired. High mileage with a stack of receipts is way better than low mileage with no history tho. I ended up spending an extra two grand just catching up on stuff the previous owner ignored.

Honestly, finding something clean under 10k right now is getting harder and harder. I looked at some older GS models recently and was super disappointed because they had serious engine issues. Specifically the Lexus GS 300 2006 has that carbon buildup problem that basically ruins the car if you dont stay on top of it. Not worth the headache imo. If you want to actually save money, you gotta go for the Lexus ES 350 2007-2012. It's basically a fancy Camry, which sounds boring but its the only way to avoid huge repair bills on a 10k budget. Just watch out for the oil line issues on the earlier 2GR engines. I had a buddy who ignored it and his engine toasted itself on the highway... really sucks to see. Stay away from the IS models if you care about your wallet or back seat space. Theyre way too marked up because kids want to drift them, and the interiors fall apart. Look for a one-owner ES and keep some cash in a savings account for when the radiator inevitably cracks.

Consider older Lexus models like the ES, IS, and RX. These offer a good balance of luxury, reliability, and affordability. Check for well-maintained units with detailed service histories.