Thinking about buying a 2002 IS300
04-16-10, 07:09 PM
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Thinking about buying a 2002 IS300
Hello - brand new to your forum.
I am considering an 02 IS300 for my, are you ready for this, kid!!
He is away at college and dad (me) sold a car out from underneath him last fall, so I am looking at some cars for him when he returns.
I came across an 02 IS300 and the price seems right, with some area for negotiation.
Since expert Lexus owners rule this forum, I am looking for some advice on this car. The car has 130k 2 owner miles, and seems to be loaded, with maintenance history from a local Lexus dealership. I will look at it tomorrow.
The big questions are what to look for......are there specifics I should visually check for, questions I should ask and little things that I need to be aware of with this model. I know it has the triptronic style tranny if that helps.
Price is at $6700, with the seller telling me its been in a few minor fender benders. Front bumper replaced, slight dent in door professional repaired. No major accidents per the seller.
For all I read, this model gets great review overall. I want something semi-reliable and want to know if this brand/model is going to be a good selection as he wont put a lot of miles on it. It could be used in a cold weather climate during the winter and its a bit concerning to me thats it rear wheel drive. Probably a good set of studded snows would help out. He doesnt have a lead foot, but seems this car may be calling for it!
Any advice is appreciated. I am trying to talk him out of a Jetta, which doesnt have a great track record of reliability and seems to be a money pit as well.
These cars look great, and I don't know if 130k miles is something to be concerned with or not. What is realistic for this model?
Would $6k be a good buy and I am sure all would suggest an inspection before purchasing..
Thanks again. I am glad I found your forum.
I am considering an 02 IS300 for my, are you ready for this, kid!!
He is away at college and dad (me) sold a car out from underneath him last fall, so I am looking at some cars for him when he returns.
I came across an 02 IS300 and the price seems right, with some area for negotiation.
Since expert Lexus owners rule this forum, I am looking for some advice on this car. The car has 130k 2 owner miles, and seems to be loaded, with maintenance history from a local Lexus dealership. I will look at it tomorrow.
The big questions are what to look for......are there specifics I should visually check for, questions I should ask and little things that I need to be aware of with this model. I know it has the triptronic style tranny if that helps.
Price is at $6700, with the seller telling me its been in a few minor fender benders. Front bumper replaced, slight dent in door professional repaired. No major accidents per the seller.
For all I read, this model gets great review overall. I want something semi-reliable and want to know if this brand/model is going to be a good selection as he wont put a lot of miles on it. It could be used in a cold weather climate during the winter and its a bit concerning to me thats it rear wheel drive. Probably a good set of studded snows would help out. He doesnt have a lead foot, but seems this car may be calling for it!
Any advice is appreciated. I am trying to talk him out of a Jetta, which doesnt have a great track record of reliability and seems to be a money pit as well.
These cars look great, and I don't know if 130k miles is something to be concerned with or not. What is realistic for this model?
Would $6k be a good buy and I am sure all would suggest an inspection before purchasing..
Thanks again. I am glad I found your forum.
Last edited by lobuxracer; 01-20-11 at 04:24 PM.
04-16-10, 07:26 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Welcome, 6k for a IS300 as described is a good buy. The one big issue is the stock six disc CD changer breaks all the time, so you should get a aftermarket one. As for winter, snow tires are a must!, but a rear wheel drive car with great snow tires can handle the snow. Lastly make sure all the correct maintence is done, especially make sure the timing belt was changed at 90k miles. Good luck!
04-17-10, 06:34 AM
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Thank you both for your opinions -I am looking at it today and will give it a test drive....I will let you know if I acquire.
Can you tell me what is involved in a tune up for this vehicle......what can I expect from a cost standpoint and is it speciallzed in that it should be done at a dealer or is it better to go to an independent shop?
Can you tell me what is involved in a tune up for this vehicle......what can I expect from a cost standpoint and is it speciallzed in that it should be done at a dealer or is it better to go to an independent shop?
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