Hi guys.

I'm hoping that I can get some help for a buddy that is looking at an '07 IS250 AWD. Obviously, I am somewhat familiar with the IS and have driven a 250 in the past. He's not concerned with performance, but looking for something a little more upscale that he can comfortably put his two kids in the back of.

What I'm more looking for is some info on maintenance, recalls, etc? Are there any prevailing issues with this particular model? What does your yearly maintenance typically run? Extended warranty necessary?

Car has 36K miles and is currently priced in the low $20's but my buddy knows the owner and figures he can pick it up for around $20K.

Any thoughts or comments about this car would be greatly appreciated.

 

How old are the kids? The backseats are a little cramped.

 

4 and 6 so they're still pretty little.

 

besides the carbon buildup issue the car is pretty bulletproof. Im pretty sure you heard of all the recalls, but they are free under warranty and none of them are really serious. Maintenance should be pretty similar to the IS-F minus tires haha.

 

I'm up in Canada so my maintenance costs are dramatically different than down there. He's in CO so was hoping to get a clearer picture of your costs.

Any comments on the price? Fair number? Good, bad, average?

 

The objective way to do this would be to look at the recommended maintenance and see how much that would cost. You could even call up the dealer and ask how much each of the intervals would be.

It'll be way too difficult to price out other things on a used car, since who know what a four year old car has been through.

 

For perspective I got my '07 IS350 CPO with 56k miles for $24. Given that, I think you should be able to get that particular car (since it's only a 250 and isn't CPO) for less than that.

Personally I would recommend the warranty. The peace of mind is hard to put a price on. And an '07 with 36k miles is a prime example of a car a dealer would love to CPO.

 

Thanks guys!

Good idea. I'll get him to do some of his own homework.

Hmmm....thanks!

20K miles and $4K is a fair distance away however. I agree with you on the warranty.

 

You're right! I mean, I don't think I've seen any car with a bullet hole in it. You've seen those '95 Honda Civics... example of what's not bulletproof