Whats up forum!
I'm new here, created this account to learn myself a thing or two.

Long story sort, Im in the market for a car and my wife has a strong brand affinity to Lexus. Its what she wants.
So... what say the forum on the best year and model used for $15k-$20k?
For example, would a later model clean IS be better than an earlier model ES, is a 300 worth it over 250 etc.

A bit about me/us: Living in South Florida (Miami). Not really commuting (WFH), just need it for errands and weekend trips.
I can pay cash, but if I get a good rate on a loan, why not...
I've only owned *one* other car before: a '90's era Civic while in college (Im from NYC originally, hence no car).
If Im not the first person to ask these questions, please feel free to link me to similar threads.

I've put off car ownership off long enough, so its time for me to pull the trigger.
Thanks all!
Chris

BTW, you can find me in the R6-forum.net and triumph675.net with the same user name.

 

If you want a sedan - get a GS350 from 2013-2020 in your budget.
Great car with well made interior.

 

Welcome to CL as a new poster.

In order to give you the best advice, we might need a little more info on just what your specific vehicle needs are. But, given your Miami address, I'm assuming that snow/ice or slick roads is not going to be an issue...so that means that Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel-Drive, or All-Wheel-Drive is probably not going to matter.

I'd avoid an ES300 (or any other Toyota/Lexus product with that 3.0L V6) unless it has carefully-documented records on service and oil-changes. That engine was not forgiving of oil-neglect.....and could sludge/gel and cause major engine damage. If you want an ES, look at a 330 or 350.

Many feel that the RX and its versatility is an ideal all-around vehicle for everyday use...its huge sales-figures attest to that.

IS models are good sport-sedans, and fine if you are carrying two adults in the front seat, but tend to have very cramped back seats.......consider the back seats for kids, small adults, or a package-shelf.

RNM GS3 is also correct about older GS models...they are all mostly reliable and a safe buy, except those with the aforementioned 3.0L V6 and the Third-Generation 2006-2011 models with AWD, which Consumer Reports said to avoid.

And, keep in mind that with any Lexus old enough to be in your price-range, it could (?) be approaching the time when things like rubber hoses, weatherstripping, seals/gaskets, and other age-sensitive parts will be worn/cracked and need replacing.

In all honesty, though, this is probably not the best time to be hunting for a vehicle......the very tight market has also driven up the prices of used vehicles as well as new ones. It is a classic Sellers' Market....and we've had a lot of talk about that lately in Car Chat threads.

 

Welcome to the Club and I live right in your neighborhood so to speak and had to go down this road twice in just he past 2 years as my last CT got totaled (not my fault, but hey things happen).

Unlike when I got my 2016 CT200h 2 years ago, I had to spend a bit more to get my 2017 CT200h due to inflation.

I did look at vehicles in that price range within the last month and just above that amount and am not sure you are going to find too much in the 2015+ region on prices unless you get something very high mileage. I even took another look just now and it reminded much of my search for my CT that took place also in the last month.

Given what you mentioned above, I would lean more on getting as new an IS as possible over an ES (which will be an older vehicle, likely pre 2015) and take something if possible under 100K miles and that seems more likely given the prices I saw for our market here.

Do not worry about AWD here in Miami, that was something I worried about offroad in Mexico and that was great in my now departed 1999 RX300.

 

I am a two-time IS owner now. I had a 2016 IS 300 F Sport AWD and now have a 2021 IS 350 F Sport RWD. I think it's a great car if you don't need a lot of interior space and value a good blend of performance and comfort over outright speed. Something like a late-model 328i or 330i from BMW will be every bit as quick as an IS 350 and get better fuel mileage, but the IS will have a little better build quality on the inside and, for me, at least, a bit more of a sporty seating position and personality. However, like mmarshall mentioned, it's not as roomy. If you like your car to feel "fitted" the IS will be great.

I've driven a few other Lexus cars like the RX, ES, and NX. All of those cars will be a little more comfortable than the IS in terms of ride quality, but I think the IS has the most supportive seats. If you want the quietest ride, maybe take a look at ES or RX. The NX isn't as quiet but may be a little easier to live with compared to an IS due to NX's seating height and overall more relaxed nature.

There's also the GS, as mentioned, which I think is a nice blend of having more space than the IS but more sportiness than the ES. You will pay a little more though.

Best of luck.

 

for those that always ask me for car advice, and they are not really car people, i tend to recommend them the safer more conservative FWD vehicles...like the accord, camry, rav4, and for your case i recommend an ES350 or RX350.

if your wife cares for driving dynamics, you can explore RWD platforms like the GS and IS lines. it really all depends on your wife's needs and preferences and there are many options under lexus to meet any of those needs.

 

I'll add a vote for the ES350. We purchased a 2013 ES300h for my wife after riding with friends in their 2011 ES350 to their son's college graduation about 100 miles away. Very comfortable, felt luxurious with lots of wood and leather, plenty of room in the back seat, plus Toyota/Lexus reliability. And actually, the 2013 (first year of new, at the time, generation) we bought did not feel as luxurious as the 2011 we were in (the 2019 she has now feels more luxurious than the 2013). A 2011 or 2012 should easily fit into the low end of your budget, and possibly up to a 2015. Of course older cars won't have blind spot monitor and other more current safety features.

 

exactly. The GS is a much better looking car and bigger than the ES.

 

The GS is a smaller car for all intent and purposes. The ES is longer and has more interior space for back passengers. 40inch rear leg room without a Center hump compared to the GS of 36.8 inches.

Yes the GS exterior is more proportioned but suffers interior space wise

 

One thing again that I want to touch on that some of you may not be aware, car prices are 'extremely' high in Miami where the poster and I live, much like our current real estate prices. Some of the models like the ES and GS are way out of that price range mentioned unless you go over 100K+ miles.

 

Thread revival!
Sorry to have been gone for a bit.
my bonus was (finally) approved so I got some cash to spend on this.

YES! South Florida prices are ridiculous right now. After doing weeks of research My sub $20k dreams are out the door.

Question to the group: Would I be a fool for spending $30k on a 2015/16 is350 f sport rwd with ~100k miles? I’m feeling a bit of pain with these prices 😭

 

Seems high. Autonation in Clearwater has a 2016 IS350 with 43k miles for $31,989. Not sure if this one has all the features of the vehicle you are looking at

 

Why not spend 30k and get the best Lexus you can: an LS. The IS I'm sure is nice but with the LS it's much quieter, smoother, and luxurious with tons more room. I'm partial myself to older models but you'd probably like a 2010-2012 LS460. I would check those out if I were you.

That or like someone else mentioned, an RX is a great choice if you're into those. I'd rather check out a GX personally but the RX gets better gas mileage and probably doesn't need as much in maintenance, but I could be wrong.

Best bet is to go check some car lots, drive various models, and see what you like best. Paying attention to these message boards is okay for initial ideas, but you won't solve the problem of what you want just by hanging out on this forum. Go check out some vehicles and let us know what you like.

 

LS drives like a boat. Not all people like to drive a land yacht.

 

Have you driven one? If you have, you like it, and you need a car now, go for it. However, drive the GS and ES as well, so you have something to compare it with. My wife found the IS way too cramped. Otherwise, if you have time, wait. Prices will come back down eventually.