electrohou

Coming from a BMW 335i now out of warranty, really liked the IS350 when it was test driven. Prefer to buy cars slightly used (10-20k miles) in order to save at least several thousand $s on the overall price, while still having a close to new car.

Posting this to learn if there is anything I should look out for. Considering the new IS350 came out in 2013, have 2013 models shown more vulnerability to breaking down/repairs, being from the first production year?

Would like the car to have F sport package, navigation, mark levinson sound system, ipod hook up. When building the car on Lexus.com, the mark levinson package appears to be included in the f-sport package, but when researching it elsewhere it appears to be a separate option? What option must be chosen to have ipod hookup, or is it standard?

Really seeking any helpful advice or information about this car, have never owned a Lexus before. Really want a nebula gray pearl with red leather!

drbazing

Quick question first. Do you buy a car every time it becomes out of warranty?

electrohou

Previous two cars were new and CPO, so no.

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

ML is stand alone option so some F-sport does not come with ML, but iPod hookup is standard on all cars.

tea

Came out in 2013 but it's a 2014 model, so be sure to not include 2013 in your searches

drbazing

I understand that you have new cars assuming they were still under warranty but they have or will expire soon.

So I'm assuming you're buying a new car because your current car's warranty expired? Basically just replacing the car with something new so it can be covered by some type of manufacturer's warranty and then after 3-5 years, you sell that one and buy another new one?

electrohou

Mainly correct, a 335i out of warranty is going to be more prone to maint/repairs than a Lexus. The warranty is important with the BMW, not as important with the Lexus. The main reason I am switching to Lexus is because the BMW is too much time/work/money.

drbazing

Ah I understand because if that was the pattern, I would have told you to look into leasing if warranty is a priority. You can get the IS350 F Sport with all the goodies for as low as $43k.

corradoMR2

Things to look out for:

Battery drain affecting some owners
Nav/multimedia interface occasionally slow or reboots, affected some owners

Besides these two, 2014 MY is bulletproof reliable.

IS1911

electrohou,

Selling a German car when the warrantee is up is a VERY SMART move. While they may be desirable, German cars can also be very unreliable - especially Audi. In addition, they take a HUGE hit on depreciation during the first couple of years - again, especially Audi.

Now I will admit that the propellor, star and 4 interlocking rings do carry a bit more prestige than the big L BUT . . . you gain in reliability and resale value. What you may want to do is see if you can buy a dealer demo or a saleman's car with a few K on the clock. You'll still save some money and you'll have a car that is reliable and holds its resale value much better than the German makers. Good luck with your search.

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

Just like they say always lease German cars and buy Japanese. 3IS is so far very reliable car, aside from Nav reboots, slowness compared to MY2015, and iPod error.