malanjari

Hey guys,

I'm willing to buy a car soon, I have checked a couple out so far. I want to decide between these 2 cars and which one I should go for. The 2 cars I'm interested in are a 2011 Ford Mustang and a 2007 Lexus IS 250. I want a car that would last about 3 years with me, with minimum maintenance and repairs. As well I want a car that would take me from my apartment to my university and back, as well as places nearby. Occasionally I would go on road trips of 2 hours about once every 2 weeks, and without any problems. I'm not looking into performance wise at all. But want I want is a good looking car with low maintenance and repairs done.

Here are the specs and info of the 2 cars:

-LEXUS IS: For $14,500 out the door.

2007
121,000 miles
Automatic Trans
Clean Title
No Nav/Back up cam
AS IS
Will do the car inspection soon

VS

Ford Mustang: For $16,750 Out the door.

2011
35,000 miles
CERTIFIED
100,000/7 years power train warranty
12Mo/12,000Mile Comprehensive Warranty
Automatic trans
Clean Title
Basic specs
It passes the 172 point inspection

Which one do you guys think is the better car?

I would appreciate ur feedback in helping me decide between these two cars.

Thank you very much in advance

Smoothlxc

Lexus is forever man. Mustang are pretty sicc...But the lexus looks better inside the car and you will be staring at the interior more than the exterior..and you get higher quality for what you pay for and better gas mileage

iRyan

iTrader: (7)

I would say IS because of durability...plus I don't really like American Cars... the warrany may sound good..but with a mustang you need it lol...plus u can tell who hold more value right there.. an 07 car with triple the amount of miles is only 2200 cheaper...and no warranty..that should sum it up...make sure the IS pass inspection though

bob4256

iTrader: (17)

Everything Ive bolded screams Lexus.

Lexus > Ford. Always

dragtek1

iTrader: (8)

If you are looking for the "long haul" I would definitely recommend the Lexus, however, for 3-5 years, I would definitely say the Mustang.

The 3.7 V6 is an extremely durable engine and has a great amount of power. I am unfamiliar with the transmission, but has pretty good reviews. It has a live-axle setup, so the simple drivetrain should be pretty stout.

The problem with the Lexus is multiple folds:
1. With a "sealed transmission," it is quite debatable whether or not the transmission could be flushed. The problem with this is the life expectancy is around 100k-150k miles. A new one or rebuilt one can be extremely pricey.
2. The Is250 does have a problem with carbon build up. Most cars with direct injection has this problem and usually around the 100k miles, driveability issues can arise from it. If properly maintained and cleaned; you should not have an issue.

To sum it up, the Lexus is a great car, but it is also a gamble. It is out of warranty and sold as is, so if any problems arise, you are the one that foots the bill. The mustang on the other hand, will have the powertrain under warranty for the time span you plan on owning it. IF, you were planning on keeping it for more than 5 years, then I think the Lexus would be your clear winner. Good luck!

ShawnD

V6 mustang is dog ****. If possible spend a little more and get a IS with fewer miles. The values on the 2IS has been dropping now that the new body style has hit the streets. Be patient and you can find a better deal.

I had 3 mustangs, 90 5.0, 01 4.6, 02 4.6, miss the 5.0 like crazy, but wouldn't wish anything past a 93 mustang on anyone...and like someone else said, the interior on the ford is CRAP.

DFig619

Mustang is boring, the IS will last you for a very long time as long as you keep up with the usual maintenance

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

For that price range at 2 stacks on top and get 350 better hp plus no carbon issues.

joshua28

I would go with the IS250 over the Mustang. If performance is not what you are aiming for and you just want to get from point a to b....then go Lexus. Far more reliable and easier on the gas. 100,000+ miles is a lot for 15k. I would look for another IS250.

speed55

I second Joshua; 100K+ miles is a hell of a lot for a $14K car. My '07 IS250 has only $34K miles and runs like it is brand new, BUT i'm very concerned about the piston ring problem that I haven't had yet. A $6K or $7K repair bill if it's out of the special 9 year Lexus warranty for the IS250.
Do any of you guys know (or guess) what the percent of IS250s actually have / had the problem ?
The warranty for me runs out in three years; I'm not sure what I'll do then if I haven't had the "fix" ?

keyframe13

i don;t know why you consider mustang as it's not the same category. But I will advice against that Lexus. If was a 350 was ok but I think it's overpriced for that mileage and IS250 is the worst Lexus you can get. That engine is slow and bad on gas. Yes I own one.

Skins21

iTrader: (1)

Hard to compare the two- as mentioned, they really aren't in the same category. I would continue to look for a better deal on a used IS250- they're out there, just expand your search. Good luck!

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Based on mileage go with the Mustang. Too many issues with carbon build up on the 250 especially with the amount of miles on the IS you're looking at

sm1ke

iTrader: (5)

The carbon build up is kind of hit or miss, but many 250 owners have reported it. Maybe request the VIN of the 250 and take it to a Lexus dealer to see if the recall has been done? If not, you may be in the clear if you take the necessary steps to prevent it (drive the car hard every once in a while, or use Seafoam to break down the carbon deposits).

I think the Lexus would provide a more comfortable commute for road trips. I took my 250 on a 13 hour road trip from Manitoba to Alberta, didn't stop except to eat and swap drivers every 4 hours, and it didn't skip a beat. The seats are also very comfortable.

For the record, my car is an 08 AWD with 75000 kms (46600 mi.), lowered on BC Racing coilovers and 19-inch wheels. My girlfriend had no complaints either, and she drives a bone-stock 06 Honda Civic DX sedan.

malanjari

Yeah, I know. It's hard to chose when the Lexus is so beat up and the Mustang is almost brand new. And I agree, I will lose more money with the Mustang when I sell it. No so much to lose if I sell the IS.