aQuarius26

iTrader: (2)

Hey everyone, been "Lurking" for a while now, just wanted to introduce myself, and ask a couple questions, as Im hoping to officially join the 2nd Gen IS fam. soon. Most likely with an 06 or 07 IS350

My name is Kyle, I live in Denver CO. and currently drive an 02' Toyota MR-S.
I've been in the market for an ISX50 for about a year now, just saving while waiting for exactly what I desire at the right price etc...

Done some research, and believe that I have found "the one"...

Anyways, just curious as to weather or not there are any problems or specific things I should be aware of before I buy?

Only reason I ask is because my current car, '02 Toyota MR-S has a similar ULEV "precat" setup that has a notorious history of being "flawed" for lack of a better word, and can lead to the demise of the engine as it has in quite a few spyders over the past 8 years... (Fortunately, I got lucky, bought mine with low mileage and took care of the potential problem right away) I do however think it may have been beneficial for me to have known of the problem prior to buying, for negotiation purposes.

My only other curiosity is how others would generally rate their CPO experience? (As thats the route I plan on going)

Any comments, and or additional advice is welcomed!

Thanks, and I look forward to joining this community on a more consistent basis very soon!

-Kyle

iKenn

iTrader: (1)

What year do you plan on getting?

Little E

iTrader: (2)

Some claim to have a few rattles noises in the car, but I've had my 08 for almost a year and haven't experience any rattle noises in my car. Maybe you should wait to buy your car until next month when Lexus has its "Decemeber to Remember" sales event.

Fizzboy7

Sorry, help a newbie understand what you mean by "flawed, precat, and a demised engine."
As far as IS reliability, they are pretty bullet-proof, like most Japanese cars these days. A few rattles, but that's about it. Better than most luxury brands in my opinion. Reliability will be the least of your concerns if you owned one.
The December to Remember event is good, but if one digs deep enough before or after, you can find just about the same deals (or even better). For example, I picked mine up last February, and my lease ended up being better than anything advertised last December. You got to work for it.

albert_23

iTrader: (2)

I bought mine, '06 IS350 with 23K miles, back in June'08. So far, after been using it for about 5months, i've never had any problems. i do have a few problems such as rattle noises from the dashboard (it's common and does not really affect me). other than that, the back seats are pretty tight and the trunk is pretty small. that's my complaints. other than those small problems, I've never had any REAL problems yet (knock on wood). hahaha. gd luck with ur purchase!

t0e

iTrader: (1)

Buy the car, Take it off the dealer lot, AND NEVER BRING IT BACK AGAIN!!! Edit**(only if you can find a trusted mechanic, to do the regular maintenance)**

Unless the car doesn't start or make some obscene noises.

The car should work flawless as long as you do the regular maintenance and drive carefully (haha this coming from me!!!).

Aside from the 1 in a million chances you get a lemon. There are no real issues.

If you get an is250stick, you might run into clutch problems, thats the only issue i have heard of.

aQuarius26

iTrader: (2)

2006 IS350 at the moment, but am open to 2007 or 2008 as well, just have a price range which is more common among "older models"...

Thanks for the tip! I just might...

In a nutshell, the precat material breaks off and gets sucked back into the engine, which then scores cylinder walls and leads to abnormal oil consumption and eventually engine failure...

Heres a couple official threads on the issue...
http://spyderchat.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8449
http://spyderchat.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=46

Being that Im coming from NO back seats and NO trunk, Im hoping that your "little complaints" will be the least of my worries

ALSO, is there any major difference between Crystal White and Starfire Pearl? or is it just a name change?

THANKS, Kyle

iSuxeL

iTrader: (21)

CW is more yellow than SFP. SFP is noticeably whiter.

aQuarius26

iTrader: (2)

aQuarius26

iTrader: (2)

Bump... Any opinions? Suggestions?

Thanks, Kyle

Omnivor

You may be hurt on the resale value, since it's lacking the basic Premium Package. That car probably had an original MSRP slightly above $39,000 (36,300 + 2500 + 400), so you're only paying about $5-6k less for a 3-year-old car with 15k miles (admittedly quite low) since many of them go for $3-4k under MSRP when new.

I would think you can do close to $28,000 for it, especially with the economy the way it is (Dow just dipped below 8000 for first time since 2003).

aQuarius26

iTrader: (2)

Thanks! Great Info!

Personally, I don't "Value" resale of the vehicles I purchase, As I don't ever "plan" on selling, but Ill take that into consideration anyways

-Kyle

albert_23

iTrader: (2)

it doesnt have LUX package? =(

projectdna

iTrader: (56)

IMO (and i heavily stress IMO) i'd try to find one that has nav + mark levinson.

tfz_hebe89

iTrader: (1)

no premium package means no perforated leather? and that means no heated/cooled seat?

but it has nav + backup camera. does it have HID package?

I think you can drop it lower..like 27-28k..it's an 06..good luck