grayson73

If you had 20k to spend on a used Lexus sedan, would you buy a used ES, IS, HS, or GS, and why?

cino

iTrader: (1)

HS isn't even under consideration. How old is the IS and GS?

grayson73

Looking at the IS and GS prices in my area, 20k would get me:

2007 GS350 49k miles
2008 GS350 54k miles
2008 GS460 76k miles
2010 GS350 75k miles
2011 GS350 75k miles

2007 IS250 27k miles
2011 IS250 36k miles
2012 IS250 35k miles

Forgot to mention ES as well.

2011 ES350 35k miles
2012 ES350 45k miles

JDR76

I would not consider the HS.

Between IS and GS, I would only consider the IS if you look at the 350. I would not choose an IS250 over a GS350.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Considering previous model generations and approx 12k miles per year of use:

ES: no. Ride is too soft from the previous generation. Material quality sub-par compared to the rest of Lexus models.

IS: yes. 350 over 250 preferred. Probably will be a 2008-2010 IS350 for $20k. IS250 easier to find and haggle.

HS: no. I'd rather buy a new Prius or Camry Hybrid for a little more than $20k.

GS: yes. You can get a 2006 300/430 for cheap (last generation, but much older engines). Cassette deck player included. A 2007-2008 GS350 may be had, but it will most likely have a lot more miles for $20k.

Wandl

I would do GS - best bang for the buck. You *could* get a LS for that kind of $$$ too..

Aron9000

Go look at that 2008 GS460. If its clean and been well maintained, buy it. Those are pretty rare, V8 in a smaller, sportier car than the LS

sears1234

20K for any of these is good deal, Lexus has the best reliability.

situman

If you have $20k to spend, why not go for a 2013 GS350? You can get one in the high $20's or very low $30's. You can dump $15k into it and finance the rest for 5 years. Gives you the option of doing it over 5 years or pay it all off sooner if you choose to. Keep $5k in the bank for rainy days. Lexis from mid-2000 to about 2012 arent really that great plus its a lot of miles to be dumping that kind of cash into those cars. Looking at thoe GS models, you are either dumping $20k into a soon to be 10yr old car or into a car that's turning 100k miles in a year or two depending on how much you drive. Of course assuming you want to finance $10k to $15k or $200 to $300 in month payments.

CRowe14

I wasn't aware a '13 GS could be had for around that price point.
If so, that's a no brainer.
If your budget is pretty strict and you specifically are after those cars listed, I personally like the GS460.
As Aron9000 stated, you have the LS V8 inside of a smaller sports sedan, and the feel of the V8, once you drive it, you won't want a V6.
A lot of factors here - price vs age of vehicle vs miles...
Have you driven any of these cars?
My advice would be to take your time and drive these cars that you have interest in and make the best informed decision that only you can make.
Its your money and ultimately, it will be your car.

UDel

ES- not my kind of sedan, maybe when I am older, I do find it better looking then the 3rd Gen GS.

IS- No way I would get a 250, too slow and has carbon buildup issues with the DI system I would not want to deal with, 350 yes, but only if I was single with no kids, back seat too small.

GS- I will likely get a used 4th Gen soon so definitely yes, I will pay a little more to get less miles
because I plan on keeping it a long time. Only 3rd Gen GS I would get is a 460 but I just don't care for that generation GS.

I would also look to a used LS if I am going to be doing some long trips more frequently.

HS- have no interest in it and would never buy one.

mmarshall

In most cases I wouldn't buy a used car, period, though the risk in buying them has been greatly lessened in recent years with the Certified Prevously-Owned vehicles from manufacturers and the proliferation of reputable used-car outlets like Car Max.

tea

of the cars listed, i'd go for the newest one possible. I'd never spend $20,000+ for an almost 10 year old Lexus. I'd rather get a brand new Accord, Camry with 0 miles on it and warranty instead

Aron9000

Good point. A Lexus is a much better value at that 10 to 20 year old plus age. The thing is to buy the right old Lexus. I bought a 1992 SC300 in 2012 for $8,000. It was absolutely immaculate, 60k miles, always garaged, full service history, 5 speed manual option. Best car I've ever owned.

Byprodrive

iTrader: (1)

Me too!