rxis300

So a local older lady is selling her IS350 in good shape. Has 113k on it from random 2 hour work travel trips. Good shape, no issues, no paintwork, one owner. Has the lux pack I believe, no nav. I think I might be able to get it for like 14k ish. I would buy this and drive it a for a while, then maybe sell it after summer or keep it if I really like it. But if I sell I would either want to break even or make a little extra from it. What are your thoughts, good deal? Seems like it but I really don't study the IS's value too often, I'd hate to loose money on it.

Slammer1

Just did a Kelly Blue Book search for that value, using a zip code in Indianapolis, In. and selected the Luxury Package. I didn't choose any other options, such as Mark Levinson sound system, etc. When looking up "private party" value (what you would expect to pay when buying from an individual), and saying that it was in VERY GOOD condition, the value came back as $16,411. Worst case scenario, "fair" condition value is just under $14k. Play around with kbb.com values with the exact options that the car has, then have it checked out if you are still interested. Sounds like this could be a good deal if the car is in good mechanical condition. Would be even better if you can get her to come off the $14k that she is asking. here is the link to the KBB result.....

http://www.kbb.com/lexus/is/2006-lex...e-party#survey

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

Your not going to resell it and make money on it. No nav. mean not a luxury package.

rxis300

not sure what package it is but it has the heated and cooled seats, maybe premium? I played with the kbb earlier and came with the same stuff. But more curious as to what you enthusiasts think real world pricing is like. They started out asking $15k, but sounds like I could get them down off that a bit, so maybe I could get it into the $13's. I wouldn't expect to make much if I sold it later in the year, but if I broke even or made $500 or so that would be nice.

slimjimtel

Get the VIN and contact your local Lexus dealer. They can give you the original build on the car.

Slammer1

Not sure how smart it is to try to buy a car, expecting to sell it in a few months and make a profit. Sounds like you need to get a dealer's license and head to an auction. Don't get me wrong, there are some deals out there, but it isn't easy to do.

rxis300

well like I said, even a break even would be cool, just really don't want to lose money. So trying to decide if 14k is a safe price in case I want to unload it in the fall.

Slammer1

Considering that KBB value is right at that (if it doesn't have the luxury package), I would have to say no...... Break even at best, but the potential is there for taking a loss. The other factor that matters, when dealing with a tight margin like this, is whether you are financing the car or paying cash. If you pay cash, you can post it for sale when you are ready, and sit on your price until it sells. If you are financing, this is a payment every month that it doesn't sell at the price that you are asking. I really think this could go either way, but is really close regardless. Do you have a pic of the car that you can post?

dat-is350

iTrader: (2)

Luxury package was an option in 2006 without navigation. So it can have luxury package.

rxis300

I'm pretty sure it has lux pack or prem pack, one of them, not sure which. Looks like private party is between 14,800 and 15400, given the condition. So maybe if I could get it for like 13,500. That would be a safer bet looks like. The owners ordered a new grand cherokee, it will be here in two weeks. So they are either trading it then, or selling it before then.

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

not lux package you need to buy certain packages to get to others unless this was a custom order...are you talking 13.5 out the door? Because after tax you will certainly be at a loss depending how you look at it. If you buy it for 13.5 out the door and sell for 13 and you have it for 6 months then I dont think 83 bucks a month is really a loss.

rxis300

prob wouldn't be 13,500 out the door, more like 14,500 with tax. But if I can turn around and sell it in 5-6 months is I choose to at 14 to 14,500, I'd be happy with that. Seems to me it has the premium pack, not the lux. But I will have to confirm that with a vin check from dealer as suggested above (thanks).

p0lo8

LOL, last summer I picked up an '06 350 in GFM with premium package with 113k miles! haha
Was in very good condition, not a single ding o scratch in interior. Got it for 14k from private party. (Also winter rims came with the car and i sold them for $300..)

rxis300

Thats spot on! lol So if that was a year ago, Id be doing a lot better if I could get this one for low 13's.

p0lo8

Why taxes are so high if you are buying it from a private party?

I paid ~$150 can't remember now but it was under $200.

EDIT: you got me wondered and i just checked it was only $115