Haidar360

I'm 17 years old and have saved around 7,000k. I'm a big Lexus fan and have been looking at a few 2006 and 2007 Lexus IS 250 models ranging from 95k-130k in miles. Do you suggest that I buy a car with around 130k miles for around 7 k or save up around 8-9k dollars and buy a car with around 100k miles. Also will mainanace costs be low? Please help me out with info I'm a newbie!!

MikeyK02

iTrader: (7)

My 2 cents. It's all about the maint records. 250's have the carbon build up issue, and those years you have listed are not now under warranty. So you're taking a gamble as an engine rebuild will run you 7-9K

You can always go for the used motor route, once again, you're going to be out at least a few grand. What I do when I buy a car, is have the maint done just so I KNOW it's done.

Spark plugs, water pump, belts, pulley tensioners etc. Start there. To get rid of any built up carbon, I sea foam, and then found out about walnut blasting (I've got a thread on it) that will get rid of the concern for a bit. So build up a nest egg of repairs you will do out of the gate, so you're not gambling THAT much.

Outside that, pay for a PPI, on any vehicle you're looking at, get the VIN, run it through mylexus.com see what kind of dealer history you have on it. From there any proof from owner of work completed, also what were the conditions of the car? Outisde? Garage kept etc. I've got an 06 IS that people think has 60K miles on it.... it just crossed 160K. All about the care of the car.

Lansky

just bought me an IS 350 last month with 108,000 miles. Engine and trans are in beautiful condition. paint though has seen its bettere days but its an easy fix. just had it lowerded yesterday with Megan EZII, 19'' Niche M147 wheels on it and Hancook Ventus V2 tires. used to have 09' M3 almost same color. My M3 was a little too much for my pocket. My new baby is a whole lot of fun too to drive.

BlckGhst

Save more and get something with fewer miles

Solara350

Save up for IS350 , you'll regret if you buy IS250.

MikeyK02

iTrader: (7)

pretty sure his insurance rates wont regret a IS350 purchase

HartFB

Stay away from the is250, too much of a risk. Save for a 350.

Rezno

iTrader: (1)

Buying any car with over 100k miles is a risk in and of itself no matter how reliable the brand. Unless you're going for a 350 (and even then, lower miles is better), try to find a lower mileage car even if it does cost a tad more. Also, make sure to get the car inspected and have a copy of the service records on whatever you buy.

jehmin

This car is slightly a money pit on a few things.
Alternator, Transmission issues. Look else where.

Haidar360

Thanks man and good luck!!

tojumu

I live in Cape Town, South Africa but I recently got a 2006 IS 250 with 225310 km (140,000 miles), it drives like a dream. I have been a fan of mercedes for a long time and I actually bought my current 2013 Mercedes Benz C180 from new and its presently at 77500 km (48150 mile). I decided to get the IS as a second car just to reduce the mileage on the merc. Its been about three months since I got the IS and I am still enjoying it. The comfort is better than my merc. The only issue I had was the Check VSC with brake, ABS and Traction control lights all on, it was fix for few thousand bucks ( 2600 rands actually which i about 200 dollars) at the dealer's expense. It was caused by malfunctioning brake light switch which was replaced.

Interestingly, I put a call through to Lexus Cape Town only to find out that the car was supposed to have been in for fixing 2 years ago due a recall. So its been booked in for 13th Feb for fixing for free. I'm excited about it. The long and short of my story is that IS is a beautiful car, if the car is well maintained high mileage don't really matter and of course if you buy a luxury car (even if its an older version) you should be prepared and have couple of bucks for fixing.

I will definitely give you guys a feedback next week after recall fixing.
Cheers

Solara350

Every single person has to deal with 1st time auto insurance high premium rate until proven he/she a good driver and driving record and when they hit 25+ year of age that's when you get good premium rate, for instance if he purchase Lexus IS350 now and handles his premium, he's get good rate after all, Insurance Company has no reason to raise his premium, everyone has to pay, now or later.

I remember back in the day from Toyota to> Lexus my auto insurance raised my premium to 100$, they keep saying oh because Lexus is Luxury, i had to dealt with it couple years before they lowered it down. i also talked to the Guy work in the Head office, he told me drivers gotta prove it before they have a reason to lower your premium rate. Spend now you'll wont spend later ! but it's all depend on the driver and Insurance Company, not all are the same like me or you.