TwoThrones

Hey guys,

Lexus Noob here. I'm pretty set on getting a 2007 IS 250. I know the 350 is way better, but the main thing I'm looking for in a new ride is AWD, since I live in an area with bad weather.

What issues or things should I look for? I already know about the carbon build up issue and have asked. I've found a few on craigslist.

If it has about 60k miles luxury package, what would be a good price? I got one down to $14,500, but haven't really done a background check on the car.

Anyone in the Chicago area to inspect it? I'd of course be willing to pay. Thanks.

vapid2323

You can get AWD in the 350, just got to pay a little more :P

lysis250

iTrader: (18)

Aren't the AWD IS350 only 2011+.

P128sniper

Yup, so if you would want a 350 AWD your looking at ALOT more... Just geta 350 and put some good winter tires on there

TwoThrones

That's what I thought too. And then the price goes way up out of my league. Don't want to spend more than 15k.

sm1ke

iTrader: (5)

14,500 seems like a good price, but definitely get a background check done on the car. You can also check the VIN on the Lexus.com website to see the service history. There's some risk buying the car out of state, so hopefully the seller will acknowledge that of offer to provide the background check for free.

NYKnick101

14,5 seems like a great price. I got mine with 70k for $14k in the NYC/NJ area. Background can really tell you if its worth it or not.

tboo72

I get around Wisconsin no problem in the winter with Blizzaks on 17s with my 06 IS350.

vapid2323

I had Blizzacks out here in Washington and it was not fun with just RWD, perhaps its because we have more hills?

TwoThrones

What things should I be looking for in the background check? I'm trying to get his VIN right now.

I also found an IS local with 65k miles. His service looks pretty good, all done at the dealer, and he is very open about it. He's looking for 16k. I'll be test driving this car soon, and the guy doesn't seem as shady as the guy in Chicago. Should I try knocking it down more?

sm1ke

iTrader: (5)

I would say so. If you can get him down to $15k and the car looks good to you, it's worth the extra money. Use the VIN to check the title of the car and the accident history. Another plus of a local seller is that you can ask to have a mechanic take a quick look at it before hand.

TwoThrones

Can someone check this VIN for me?

JTHCK262372010630

Not really sure what red flags to look for. Thanks so much.

Am I also able to link to the craigslist ad?

Serifiyah

Service History for VIN: JTHCK262372010630

Sort By:
Service Type Date Service Provider Mileage Repair # Description
Dealer Reported 06/15/2011 Lexus of Merrillville 49688 0241519 50K MILE SVC
Dealer Reported 06/15/2011 Lexus of Merrillville 49688 0241519 9LG
Dealer Reported 06/15/2011 Lexus of Merrillville 49688 0241519 REPL FUEL SNSR GSKT
Dealer Reported 01/07/2011 Lexus of Merrillville 45070 0237878 45K MILE SVC
Dealer Reported 01/07/2011 Lexus of Merrillville 45070 0237878 NON WARRANTABLE OPERATION CODE
Dealer Reported 01/07/2011 Lexus of Merrillville 45070 0237878 FRONT WIPER REFILL
Dealer Reported 08/26/2010 Lexus of Merrillville 42082 0235044 40K MILE SVC
Dealer Reported 08/26/2010 Lexus of Merrillville 42082 0235044 MISC
Dealer Reported 03/26/2010 Lexus of Merrillville 37327 0231652 NON WARRANTABLE OPERATION CODE
Dealer Reported 10/22/2009 Lexus of Merrillville 32213 0228186 35K MILE SVC
Dealer Reported 10/22/2009 Lexus of Merrillville 32213 0228186 OTHERS
Dealer Reported 10/22/2009 Lexus of Merrillville 32213 0228186 INSTALL TIRES
Dealer Reported 10/22/2009 Lexus of Merrillville 32213 0228186 4 WHL ALIGNMENT
Dealer Reported 10/22/2009 Lexus of Merrillville 32213 0228186 THANK YOU
Dealer Reported 04/14/2009 Lexus of Merrillville 27628 0224132 30K MILE SVC
Dealer Reported 04/14/2009 Lexus of Merrillville 27628 0224132 OTHERS
Dealer Reported 04/14/2009 Lexus of Merrillville 27628 0224132 FUEL DELIVERY PIPE
Dealer Reported 04/14/2009 Lexus of Merrillville 27628 0224132 REAR BRAKE CALIPER
Dealer Reported 04/14/2009 Lexus of Merrillville 27628 0224132 THANK YOU
Dealer Reported 12/22/2008 Lexus of Merrillville 24523 0222020 25K MILE SVC
Dealer Reported 12/22/2008 Lexus of Merrillville 24523 0222020 THANK YOU
Dealer Reported 07/11/2008 Lexus of Merrillville 20023 0218554 20K MILE SVC
Dealer Reported 07/11/2008 Lexus of Merrillville 20023 0218554 THANK YOU
Dealer Reported 01/21/2008 Lexus of Merrillville 14670 0214781 15000 MILE SERVICE NON WARRANTY
Dealer Reported 01/21/2008 Lexus of Merrillville 14670 0214781 NON WARRANTABLE OPERATION CODE
Dealer Reported 01/21/2008 Lexus of Merrillville 14670 0214781 REPL AC FILTER
Dealer Reported 01/21/2008 Lexus of Merrillville 14670 0214781 THANK YOU
Dealer Reported 08/16/2007 Lexus of Merrillville 9193 0211305 10000 MILE SERVICE NON WARRANTY-NON OEM
Dealer Reported 08/16/2007 Lexus of Merrillville 9193 0211305 THANK YOU
Dealer Reported 04/11/2007 Lexus of Merrillville 4470 0208800 5,000 MILE SERVICE
Dealer Reported 04/11/2007 Lexus of Merrillville 4470 0208800 LEXUS PERSONALIZED SETTINGS
Dealer Reported 11/14/2006 Lexus of Orland 10 0084323 DETAIL
Dealer Reported 11/06/2006 Lexus of Orland 6 0083750 PRE-DELIVERY SERVICE FOR USA ALL ALTITUDES

TwoThrones

Thanks for that.

What issues are common for these cars between 70k - 120k? I chose this car mainly for reliability reasons, as opposed to Audi's and BMW's. How much on average do you think I'd have to spend per year, or are there specific issues I should be ready for? Thanks.

NickTomsyc

FWIW .... I live in Minneapolis and have had an IS250 awd and currently have an IS350 (rwd) ... and the RWD IS350 with blizzaks way outperforms the IS250 awd with all-seasons.

The traction system(s) on the IS are amazing, tires make 100% of the difference.


Also just as an FYI, when I bought my IS350 last summer (after selling my IS250)....
06' IS350 - 52k miles, one owner, all records, 3 sets of floormats, all keys manuals etc, 19" rims with summer tires, stock 18s (added blizzaks), nav / ML sounds / heated cooled seats (loaded) and the car was spotless, I paid 17k (including TTL).