What should I inspect when buying a pre-owned Lexus?

Switching to a Lexus is smart given those Chicago winters. Since you are worried about inheriting someone else's problems, definitely check the water pump on the V6 models. They tend to weep coolant slowly before failing completely, so look for pink crusty residue around the pulley area. Check the control arm bushings too, especially the lower ones, because city potholes destroy those faster than anything else. If the steering feels a bit loose or vague, that is usually why. I always carry a BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool to check for cleared codes. It connects right to your phone and shows if monitors are ready, which catches people trying to hide a check engine light before a sale. Keep an eye on the power steering lines for leaks as well, since they corrode quickly.

Jumping in here to say I feel your pain. I had a nightmare experience with a BMW that basically lived at the shop, so switching to Lexus felt like freedom. Like someone mentioned, the basics matter, but I would really focus on the infotainment display. Mine unfortunately flickered constantly after a year, which was pricey to fix. My biggest tip is to check the sunroof drains. Living in Chicago, salt and gunk clog those lines, and water leaks lead to electrical gremlins that are nearly impossible to track down. Bring a small flashlight and inspect the trunk lining for any moisture. I always keep a NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter in my glovebox just in case, but honestly, these cars are tanks compared to what you are driving now.

Ditching a German sedan for a Lexus is a fantastic move! Honestly, coming from European luxury, you will be amazed by the build quality of a Japanese engine. Since you are commuting in Chicago, watch out for rust on the subframes first. If you are looking at an older IS or GS model, check the valley plate coolant leak, which is a known issue on the V8s. Honestly, grab a Autel Maxicom MK808BT Pro OBD2 Scanner to plug in during your test drive. It lets you check for hidden trouble codes and monitor live data, which is essential to see if the previous owner cleared a check engine light right before you arrived! Focus your inspection on the rubber bushings in the control arms, as those usually start to crack after 80k miles or so. If you go for an RX or ES, make sure the transmission shifts smoothly without any hesitation, especially when cold. Also, pop the hood and check the alternator for any signs of power steering fluid leaking onto it, which is super common on older models. Honestly, if the service history shows regular oil changes with Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil, you are probably looking at a solid machine that will easily handle your daily grind for years to come. You have made the right call switching to reliability!