LeDeforest

I'm new and I don't know my **** from a hole in the wall. I once hung a tailpipe with a buddy. I use a K&N air filter on my F150. I'm an engineer. But relatively speaking, I'm not a car guy.

This Lexus IS350 looks gorgeous and seems perfect for my need for a 4-door to haul my baby kids around in and also be awesome.

I'm looking for advice. Is this a good car? Any comments? Any warnings? Anything I should ask?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ORS:1123#v4-40

Keppie

I would look at a GS if you need rear seats. Back of the car is very small and the kids will grow.

NimaM

iTrader: (1)

Make sure the valve spring recall and cam gear TSB are done. On these cars, the water pump also fails prematurely.
I would also ask the seller to send you a picture of the front. For some reason they didn't include one in the ad.

P Rock

That car sold for $21,500...anyone else think that's kind of high for a 2006 with 92,000 miles?

sutekidane

iTrader: (1)

I also noticed that, but given the car has every available option installed including radar cruise and ML setero. I think it's a fair price.

LeDeforest

The car didn't really sell. It just shows that way in ebay.

There are some great tips in this thread. Thanks!

Some assumptions I want to check with you guys:

• Are Lexus as extremely reliable as a Toyota?
• Is the routine maintenance cost more in line with a Toyota rather than a BMW, Volvo, Benz, etc?
• Can I get service done at any garage, or must this go to a dealer?

Thanks again for your help

BernieIS

iTrader: (1)

This car was obviously modified. I don't think that is a bad deal but I am not one to buy a car with that many miles. I would certainly take that into consideration. I do certainly recommend the IS350 over the IS250. There is a major power difference and you will certainly enjoy it more.

B16da9

iTrader: (7)

I agree with what BernieIS said, now about the maintenance I would say that the 2IS is very affordable if you're doing some things yourself or having an independent shop do it. However if you take it to a Lexus dealer things can get pretty pricey very quickly.

I for instance worked at a mechanic shop while going through school so I do my own maintenance unless my car needs some type of warranty work.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

I have had no problems with my 06 IS350. Just do oil changes and it continues to run

Routine maintenance is easily doable yourself provided you have basic shop tools: good socket set, breaker bars, torque wrenches. I did the 60k maintenance with me and a friend. There are plenty of DIY guides on this form for brake pads, differential fluid, oil change, etc

lysis250

iTrader: (18)

This is a CL member, his username is jcraft01. You can PM him for more info. But looking at the report the car had 4 owners already so I would take that into consideration.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I agree.
Dealing with baby car seats is tough in an IS.

4 owners is bad too.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

A 4yr old was too big in the back seat of my 350; feet kicking the seat-back the entire time. I'm not exactly tall either...5' 8". Though I love my 350, when its comes time for a family car I'll have to upgrade to something with a backseat.

LeDeforest

Thanks guys, much appreciated. 4 owners is a show-stopper. I had not seen that. Gorgeous car though. Oh well. Interesting to learn that these cars are relatively easily maintained. Cheers y'all.

lysis250

iTrader: (18)

Yes the back of the car is a bit small, but I'm 6ft and my 8 year old sister sits perfectly fine in the back, so does my older 17 year old sister. Someone that about 5ft 3in or shorter shouldn't have any problems sitting in the back.

dong888

iTrader: (1)

* Are Lexus as extremely reliable as a Toyota? - Yes
* Is the routine maintenance cost more in line with a Toyota rather than a BMW, Volvo, Benz, etc? Still cheaper than European cars which is the reason I got is350 rather than 335.
* Can I get service done at any garage, or must this go to a dealer? I only do oil change at dealer for the reason that dealer often do 27 multipoint inspections for free and I actually like the car wash and interior cleaning. For anything other than oil change, I bring it to my own shop. Buy the parts from Sewell lexus and they give very good discount for CL members (must register and log in to see discount). My local shop charges around 60% of dealer price. On top of this, you can actually do a lot stuff by yourself. I only change my own engine and cabin filter. Go to the DIY section of the forum and you can learn a lot.