scasian

Hi guys, I'm looking to purchase my first Lexus after I crashed my 2011 Hyundai Sonata

I have a friend selling a 2007 IS250 with 115,000 Miles. He said there has never been any huge issues, just typical maintenance (oil change, filters, etc.). He also mentioned that he hasn't changed out the spark plugs yet, which sounds normal, as they usually last at least 80,000+

He also added the moon roof if I'm not mistaken.

I'm wondering what you guys would do. Would you guys fork over the $12,000 for this car? Is that a good deal?

Your opinions and rants are much appreciated!

bob4256

iTrader: (17)

Normally if the car was properly maintained, you shouldnt be scared of the high mileage.

Spark plugs should be changed every 60K miles so what your friend is saying sounds kinda sketchy

scasian

Hey bob4256,

Thanks for the fast reply! Yeah, I was guessing I shouldn't be worried, but it's just his word of mouth. I said 80,000k because my 2011 Sonata's sparkplugs were iridium and the manual said 80,000k. I forget that my car is newer... haha

Have you ever done carfax or car history based on the VIN? Would you recommend it?

Initial G

iTrader: (38)

Does your friend has a car fax and maintenance record for the car? If he does, then you can see and confirm everything maintenance that was performed on the vehicle.

Also are there any performance mods on the vehicle or is everything stock?

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought all Lexus IS models came with a moon roof?

scasian

Hey Initial G,

thanks for the reply! I'm not sure about the moon roof, but if what you say is true, then it's nothing special haha

No performance mods. He doesn't know much about cars, so he doesn't have the capability to do those kinds of things. He just knows to maintain the car at the dealership (one of those types of people I guess haha).

I suppose I can check the carfax records if he has any or just pay the fee to have the carfax report made.

bob4256

iTrader: (17)

Well you mentioned that he has not changed out the spark plugs yet but the car has 115k miles? That doesnt sound good. And as far as the carfax goes, Ive never had one done but I would recommend it

PlacidBoi

iTrader: (11)

Personally, I think that is a great price! Especially if he is a close friend of yours
The only problem with the IS250 is the Carbon Build Up Issue. Please look into that if you haven't yet, but other than that, just keep up with the normal maintenance and you will be fine.
You can also add the aftermarket navigation to make the interior look more luxurious!

scasian

I agree with the Carbon Build Up. If he really did maintain the car well, I'm hoping that the valves were cleaned every 15,000, but idk haha

I also haven't asked him about the fuel line recall, but if it's been 115,000 miles, I doubt he ran into that issue.

Bob4256, I agree, he kept talking like that was a good thing, but I wasn't sure if Lexus' have higher quality spark plugs or what not, so I just kept quiet haha

Thanks for the opinions and input guys, it's much appreciated!

Keppie

Moon roof was placed in every IS except for vehicles with the X-package where it could be ordered with the moon roof delete option.

bob4256

iTrader: (17)

Lexus uses Denso spark plugs and they should be changed every 60k. Not sure why he hasnt at 115k.

And there is no scheduled maintenance that calls for valve cleaning every 15k

scasian

Oof, that changes a lot... still seems like minor issues that can easily be taken care of, no? Minus the valve cleaning I suppose..

darkdream

Seems kinda sketchy. Is that in the normal price range. Btw how good of a friend is he?

scasian

hahaha not that good of a friend? Met him this year. He goes to my church, so that gives me some peace of mind haha

I'm hoping the carfax report will show a sparkplug change somewhere in there that he doesn't know about. As far as the price goes, it's not bad huh? I'm thinking about talkin' him down to 10k haha

sm1ke

iTrader: (5)

If you're worried that not changing the spark plugs may have caused some damage, have a compression check done. If everything come back normal, I'd jump on it, provided the interior and exterior is in good condition.

06pearlex

iTrader: (1)

make sure the car has a clean title, look for frame damage under the car, do a car fax on it before you buy it.