rbrttran

Hi everyone!

As you can see, I'm a new member and I am so excited to hopefully get one of my dream cars growing up. I am looking at a 2005 IS300 with the LSD option installed. The car has a clean title and is listed for $11,000. My family is a firm believer in Toyota products and in fact my first car was a Toyota Camry and my mom currently drives a 2011 RX350, both have been extremely reliable. I know the 2JZ in the IS300 is overbuilt but my question is, what should I look out for? I've heard of valve-covers leaking oil and I know dash's can be warped sometimes, but are there any specific things I can look out for and should look out for when I go and look at the car?

I am hoping that everything checks out and that this becomes my second car! Thank you everyone ahead of time for the input

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

its an 05, i wouldn't be too concerned about oil leaks its still too early for those especially with 60k. make sure to find out about regular oil changes at least every 5k. Id also drain and refill the transmission fluid if it hasn't been done already. And inspect for accident damage/ body work.

rbrttran

On the AutoCheck report it says Registration Event/Renewal a bunch of times and Emissions testing it has passed a bunch of times, but I don't really see anything about oil changes. Is there a way to check this specifically?

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex.../history?logIn

run the vin and if its been serviced at lexus, you'll see whats been done.
Otherwise, if its sold by an owner not a private dealer, they might have service records. You can always take the car to a mechanic to give it a quick once over before you commit to purchasing it. I had a buyer do that this past summer when we sold our 2000 Avalon. Good luck!

rbrttran

I've tried that and all that comes up is "Please enter valid vin for this vehicle" and it's through a private dealership, I've never bought a car before, what do I tell them? Can I borrow the car and take it to my mechanic? Thanks again for all the help!

rich1068

Timing belt should have been done. Look for the sticker somewhere in the engine bay. Other than that with a car of that age and mileage I'd just be looking at the service handbook and giving it a visual once over. Don't forget underneath. Go with your gut feeling. These are strong cars and abuse or neglect will show even to the inexperienced (like me!). I picked up an '02 with 54k miles a couple of months ago and it's astonishingly well screwed together compared to the German and Swedish motors I've previously owned.

Completely different market (UK and US) but that does seem a lot of money too. $11k is currently about £8.5k There's got to be some wriggle room there surely? I picked mine up from a main Lexus dealer with 1 year's Lexus warranty, serviced, new tyres, MOT and 1 year's Lexus breakdown for £5k and that's top money over here.

rbrttran

So there is normally a sticker that says when the timing belt was done? What am I specifically looking for underneath the car? Oil leaks? And yes KBB value is around $9200 to $10500 so I am hoping they will work with me. The car is old but I know can be extremely reliable.

rich1068

If there isn't some indication in the service handbook there should be a sticker at least. Mine's here



If you don't see any evidence that it's been done then there's a negotiating tool right there.

And yes, under the car I'd just be looking to see it's nice and dry. As someone else suggested check for Lexus service history. The seller should be more than happy to provide all this information.

rbrttran

Just thought I would update everyone! The car ended up selling even though I was in between negotiations with the dealer. Currently I am looking at an 04 IS300 with 137,000 miles but clean title for $4900. And possibly an 94 SC300 with 80,000 miles for the same price. Wish me luck everyone!

Vitveet

Sucks! When you find good deals, can't take forever with the negotiating. Finding one with that few miles is rare and I believe it was worth ever bit of $10-$11k (as long as the title was clean and not salvaged, etc).
good luck with your search! I've had my 02 for 11 years now and has been SUPER reliable and a joy to drive! Still smile every time I take it out for a spin!

V.

rbrttran

Tomorrow I am going to be looking at a 2004 Sport Design IS300! It has 137,000 miles but looks really clean and clean title! Besides the timing belt, at that mileage, is there anything specific you guys recommend me to look for? Thanks in advance... again!

is300forev

I'm selling mine if you're interested. It's been a Florida owned vehicle its entire life. Perfectly maintained. Garage kept. Basically, it's the nicest IS300 you'll find today: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/1ge...l#post10068967