Maintenance history - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

lakezurichboy · 07-28-2003, 07:40 PM

I am interested in getting a maintenance history based on the VIN (assuming it was serviced at Lexus) on an LS400 I am looking to purchase. The local Lexus dealer told me they would not give me that info. My guess is because I am buying from a used non Lexus dealer lot.

Any help?

Thanks for your time.

Snow White IS · 07-29-2003, 12:27 PM

Hmm... that's a good idea to get the maintenance history, but you have to go to the dealer that it was serviced at. If the previous owner skipped around to other garages, it would be a hassle for the dealership to provide you with that info. Do you know if that car was purchased at that dealership?

I bought mine used, not at a Lexus dealership.... when I went to the dealership nearest me, they kept asking if I bought it from them. If not, they would hassle me... they almost didn't give me a loaner car just cuz I didn't buy it there or at a Lexus dealership. And I don't even know what the Lexus Owner's Club is.

All in all, I think that they would want you to buy the car from them so they should eventually give in.... that is assuming they have access to the info.

jhbhatia · 07-29-2003, 03:41 PM

Talk to the previous owner, and ask for his service record. Essentially the bills he gives to you to review (copy) give an indication where it has been servied. Then from there on..you take that bill to that lexus dealership (this is a long shot.) and have em pull up the history for that VIN. Worst case, the current seller would have to do that with the lexus dealership if you are highly instrested. Good Luck!

lakezurichboy · 07-29-2003, 05:41 PM

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, the dealer who originally sold the car is in TX and I am in IL, and they won't give that info over the phone. Guess I could try the local Lexus, but probably a long shot. Currently, the car is sitting at another dealer (Non lexus) with no history

Thanks again

TheKevin · 08-09-2003, 09:05 AM

Actually you can. Go to the DMV website and look for the link that would show you the history of the shops the car has been to. It might be difficult to find.

lakezurichboy · 08-10-2003, 07:26 AM

Tried that with no luck, Texas DMV was just a link to carfax.

I ended up purchasing the car. $27K flat. I beleive it has all the options except the navigation. Nice & clean. Time will tell if it was a good deal or not!

Thanks for youre reply,
Brian

Carpe Diem · 11-04-2003, 08:15 AM

I know this is an old thread but here's some useful information for you folks wanting build and maintenance history on Lexii. First, you must have the VIN.

Lexus maintains central databases of all available information for cars it sells. Lexus Customer Service (800-255-3987) personnel have access to these databases and can provide some basic info about any car you want to know about. Things like the originating dealer, installed options, etc. are easy to get. If you're the owner, or ask your questions carefully, you can get more info. Just be polite and ask easy questions! If your considering buying a late model used car, get the "in service" date and remaining warranty info at least.

The other access point to these databases is the dealer's service departments. Use the fact that most dealer service reps work on commission to get one exited about you bringing your new Lexus to him for service. They can and will run a VMI (Vehicle Maintenance Report) that has summary info describing every Lexus dealer visit for every car everywhere! Details are also available but require some extra work on the reps part. Again, be polite and friendly. They will want your business.

George

lakezurichboy · 11-05-2003, 05:34 AM

Thanks George. Good info.