RogerX9

Hi guys,

Just saw a similar thread posted. Wasn't sure if it was not polite to hijack Derek's thread. So I decided to create another one. Sorry if this is frown upon. Newbie.

Here is the situation. A friend of mine, who works for a Lexus dealer, has decided to sell his 2006 Lexus is 250. He is asking $17,000 for it. The car has about 70,000 miles on it.

He bought it in 2011, apparently for $21,000. When he bought it, he said he made a lot of repairs to the car. They took the engine out, and changed a lot of parts. They also changed the dashboard of the car, not out of necessity, but he wanted the car to be as close to new. He spent $7,000 on these changes (not calling the repairs since by him the car didn't need this work done).

I'm not familiar with Lexus. But I'm considering buying the car because I know how well this guy takes cares of his cars (he has 3). And I also know that in the last 3 years he barely uses this Lexus. He drives a beater to work. The Lexus is just for when he goes out. So this is not a car that has seen a lot of street since it was bought and worked upon.

Looking at prices in my area, it seems his asking price is in the high end. But the range of prices is very wide. I just don't know if this is a smart purchase. I will be driving it to work everyday. From what I summon by reading about this car, it seems the car has a known carbon buildup problem. Maybe that is why he did the engine work (he didn't mention anything about this carbon buildup problem).

I always like to ask the experts before making a big financial decision. My usual forum (FatWallet) is not appropriate for this particular question, since I already know what they will say: Buy a Crown Vic! So what do you guys think? Is $17,000 a good price for a 2006 Lexus is250 with 70,000 miles on it, new interior, and basically a new engine, and very light usage in the last 3 years? Should I negotiate a lower price?

Also, how much would you estimate my regular maintenance going forward is going to be? The car is at 70,000 miles. I suppose there is a recommended maintenance schedule. It would be nice to know about these costs upfront.

Thanks for any advice. If ever need for any financial advice, find me at FatWallet Finance
Roger

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

Welcome to CL. Although I understand a lot of work has been done to the car the engine tear down most likely is from the carbon build up. With that being said, I have a feeling he was able to have all that replaced under warranty and since he works for Lexus I think he had an easier time processing that claim along with the dash. The car may be "new" but it's a bit high priced. I'd ask for a lower price since he's your friend. Maintenance is usually brake fluid change, radiator flush (100K), air filter, cabin filter, motor oil, brakes, tires (which is normal wear and tear). These cars don't have too much maintenance. Good luck with your decision.

keyframe13

Welcome to CL. He sound like a shady guy. Just like previously mentioned, he had the carbon buildup fixed and the repair is covered by warranty so he didn;t pay any penny, The dashboards is the same most likely since he work on a Lexus dealer. So the $7000 he claim he spend it's bs.
Second the price is very very high for a 2006 is250 with so many miles. Even if he changed the water pump, spark plugs at 60k miles and did a break flush it's still a very high price for such an old car.

NikonGuy

iTrader: (1)

Another Fatwallet member also. Welcome