Looking for advice, shopping for 08-12
So it's getting to be time to replace my old Grand Marquis, and I'm pretty sure an ES350 would check all my boxes: comfortable highway cruiser/commuter, decent to good fuel economy, reliable and bulletproof, looks good. I am thinking '08 to '12 mainly because I like the looks of that generation. I would probably consider '13 to '15 if I got a great deal, but I'm not a huge fan of that grille, and '16 and up is out because they seem to be more than I want to spend and because the grille/front end gets too outrageous for me at that point. So here's a bunch of questions:
Am I correct that it's a huge PITA to upgrade the radio if the car has factory nav? And if that's the case, how hard is it to find non-nav models?
Am I correct that it would be wise to avoid the '07s because of transmission teething issues? I have read about a rubber oil line that should be upgraded to metal on '08s and early '09s.
I hope not to start a war with this one, but what's the consensus on fuel octane? I have read that this is the EXACT same engine that's in the Camry, so it doesn't need premium, and Lexus only recommends it to be able to give the engine a slightly higher horsepower rating, but how does that play out in the real world?
What are common failure points that could be addressed BEFORE they fail? For example, I went into the Grand Marquis knowing it would need an intake manifold soon even if it seemed fine, and that they all need front end parts after 20 years, and that the heater blend door actuator fails, and a few other common items.
Any other general things I'd want to know about that generation before buying one?
Might be worth noting that my son-in-law is trying to talk me into an LS430. As much as I'd like the big stonkin' V8 and baller looks, I think headache-free miles and simplicity are more important to me at this point.