Pharmbiak

Hi guys,

This is my first post in CL and I figured you guys would be the most knowledgeable regarding which IS350 I should buy.

I've narrowed it down to two cars: The first one is a 2007 IS350 with 116k miles on it. It's got a tan/black interior, wood grain, nav, backup camera, heated/cooled seats, moon-roof etc. Basically, it's fully loaded. The exterior color is smoky granite mica and the dealership is asking roughly 14k for it.

The second car has all of the same options (nav, heated cooled seats etc) as the first car, but it is a 2006 model year with roughly 90k miles. The exterior color is tungsten pearl, and the interior is black on black with wood trim. The dealership is asking around 15k for this car.

I would post links to them but I don't think that's allowed on the site... not sure.

It seems like they're almost the same vehicle with the exception of colors (I prefer the SGM color, but the tungsten isn't bad at all) and miles. Based on the changes made between the two model years (I know there isn't much) I'm not sure if it'd be smarter to go with the 2006 model year with less miles, or the 2007 model year with higher miles. I know 100k miles on a Lexus really isn't anything to fuss about - they run forever, but what do you guys think?

I looked up both of the cars service histories on the Lexus website and they are fairly comparable; the CAM timing gear has been replaced in both, along with the other recalls. The only thing I noticed is that in the 2006 car (the one with less miles), the last time it was in for a service check-up the dealer noted that the front engine timing cover seal was leaking oil, and it was recommended that the pads and front rotors be replaced. For whatever reason, the person that brought it in declined to have those things serviced - does anyone know how serious the oil leak is/ have you had the same issue?

Finally, is there anything in particular I should look out for with these cars? I'm going to take a look at both of them tomorrow and want to make sure to keep my eye out for anything that you all recommend that wouldn't be blatantly obvious to the inexperienced buyer.

Thanks guys, will update with my decision once it's made!

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Well, this is when personal preferences will come into play the most here. Like, I cannot deal with a tan interior; so for me, it would have to be the 2006. I'd tell them $14k OTD for the 2006, or I'd look elsewhere. They'll probably take it.

pheonix72

iTrader: (6)

No brainier here! Go for the 2007. Especially if the leaky timing chain cover hasn't been fixed. It is very expensive to fix the leak. Do a quick search on "is350 timing chain leak" and you will see. I was quoted over $4000 by the dealer and over $1,800 by a reputable indie shop. Good luck with the new purchase.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^About that, check it out for yourself; you cannot always even believe the word of the dealership on such things. They're in business to make money, right? LOL

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

You can post links

jst17

For the timing chain oil leak, check your VIN to make sure that it is not an early build if you go with th 06. Since it is mostly the early builds that have it, so you dont have to worry too much about it.
Color wise, SGM is way better than the boring silver.

LucianoLee

iTrader: (1)

I would go for the 07. 116k miles does not really mean anything if the car was well taken care of. My last 06 is350 had 90k miles when I bought it. It saw redline pretty much everyday until got rear ended last November with 134k miles. Running strong whole 2 years I had it. With the 07, you can avoid the timing chain oil leak. Also get the color that you like. Don't forget to check if the water pump is leaking tho. Its another known issue with these cars

P/s: got another 06 is350 last week with 78k miles. I think I'm a is350 *****. Lol