Fragger

Dear Lexus Friends,

Hope you are well. I just sold my extremely rare E46 M3, and am looking to get into something practical, but fun... ala IS350.

With my parking situation, as well as a house buying situation in the year, I have given myself a budget of about 10 - 12K for a car, and I need a replacement, quick. When I have a house, with a garage, I can think about getting the right car a newer, low mileage 350 F-Sport or maybe even the IS-F, but for now, this is what my situation is.

With my limited budget, I have been able to narrow down my choice to the following cars:

1. Older, 2006 or 2007 (if I get lucky) Lexus IS350, with HIGH MILEAGE like probably 120 or 130K miles, and then trying to score it as close to 10K as possible

2. Older Infiniti G37 Sedan, again, probably very high mileage, older like 2007 or so, probably can't get the Sport model (Plus I am really not in love with the car's appearance, and have heard it's quick the gas guzzler, but it had to be a contender due to the power, and the value of features Infiniti packs, much like Lexus)

3. This one is an odd one, but an Acura TSX, probably could get away with a newer 08 - 09 one, lower mileage under a 100K, but it's mainly there cause I like the way it looks. I know, I know, you guys would say, if the underpowered TSX made it, then why not the IS250? And yeah, valid point, you could advise to get it on my list.


With that said guys, I need your advice. If I chase my # 1 option, then is it a good idea to go after? Can I have a reliable, older, high mileage IS350? And if so, can you give me some advice on what to look for to make sure that happens, the packages to go after or look after and just any advice that I may have missed? Also, can someone comment on the Fuel Consumption of the IS350? Especially the 06 model, with high miles?

How about my other choices, or any ones I may have missed?

I really need your prompt, expert inputs on this, I thank you in advance for your advice and look forward to joining the Lexus family ! Thank you!

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

I went through the same thinking process like you did and I pull the trigger on 06 IS350. So far after many months, it runs perfectly. I drive it hard every day and autocross every month without any issue lol I will vote for #1.

The navigation just snap on me which is expected for a 8 year old unit but I fix it under $260.

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Some tips on buying the old IS350, very basic reminders:
1. Make sure the car has clean title with no accident. Check Carfax etc
2. Make sure all the recalls have been completed. Check via drivers.lexus.com using the VIN number.
3. Make sure all the maintenance is sufficient and up to date. Check via drivers.lexus.com using the VIN number.

May be more people will give in more tips lol

idoke1

iTrader: (5)

If you can, aim for the 07 and up is350. You just need to hold the traction control button to fully disengage the traction control instead of doing the pedal dance.

jsh139

Just a minor clarification on the G37 Sedan. The G37 Sedan was introduced in 2009. Before that, it was the G35. It had a 3.5L engine and 5-spd auto vs 3.7L engine and 7-spd auto.

Also, out of curiosity, what made your M3 so rare?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

There are many high-mileage IS350s on the road; they have proven to be quite a reliable car in general. Yes, there are common issues to look out for; but overall they are cheap fixes.

I plan to run my '06 IS350 into the ground! LOL

Fragger

Thank you SO MUCH guys for your responses! So what I am hearing is, it's OK to opt for Option 1, given the Recalls and Maintenance checks?

So even buying one at 130K miles or so is not gonna be a big, big risk? Especially in relation to the other options listed?

Thank you again!

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Who has better reliability records than Toyota/Lexus in the past, in the present and in the future

darkdream

10k is not much so even if there were things to be fixed it would not end up costing much in the end. The car is reliable. I bought my IS new back in 2007 and plan to run it down to the ground as a beater once I purchase my third car (most likely a 991).

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

I picked up a 07 higher mileage and green lights on everything FSportIS mentioned prior to buying as well. Stay on top of the scheduled maintenance and I think you'd be a happy camper.

I previously had a SC400 at 200k and a 98 GS300 at about 166k. Don't be scared by the mileage if you can verify some of those key areas mentioned.

Fragger

Great input guys, thank you!

One last question... what is this warning/omen of "holding down the Traction Control" button if I end up with an 06'?

Thanks!

Fragger

Oh and another question:

When people say "Bluetooth" is included... are we ONLY talking about Bluetooth phone calls and phone book OR, are we talking about Bluetooth Audio streaming? Like connecting my phone to my car and then hearing the music through the car?

Thanks!

darkdream

Phone calls only. You need a cable to connect via the port.

Fragger

Gotcha, so no Bluetooth streaming then?

Any input on that Traction control question, guys? 06 vs. the Rest?

And MPG? My friend said his G37x Sport Sedan is horrible at MPG!

And I assume these take Premium ONLY gas? No 83 or 88?

darkdream

Correct.

Real world mpg for me is 21 mpg, but I am running PSS. If you do only/mainly city driving you may get as low at 14-15 mpg.

Only use 91 or higher. There are some people with issues running lower.