Trade it in for a kia and they will be all over it without hesitation and you get a new cheap car with a 6yr/50k mileage and 10yr/100k powertrain but again its a kia but if times are hard who gives a rats ***.....

 

if you're living paycheck-to-paycheck, what exactly are you going to sell it and buy? it has to be something plebeian, a for-the-masses type of small commuter and/or family car. kia rio status.

 

I would sell it.

 

Who cares if its a kia for the poster above? Really, have you seen the new Kia product. Have you driven them? There is a reason why Honda and Toyota are struggling against Kia and Hyundai. 5 Years ago, both brand were a joke, everyone would laugh and say its no comparison. Fast forward to 2012 and all those people are hiding away... Kia and Hyundai make a damn good product as of late. I will admit.. the Kia sedan is very appealing for the price tag. Sure it isnt a Lexus ES class... but hey... what ya expect for $25K less?

So OP.. trade up for a Kia or Hyundai and be safe with the long warranty since money is an issue as far as repairs go.

 

Honestly a $20k-$25k Kia/Hyundai (or hell, even a $~15k used Kia/Hyundai) should be out of the OP's budget.

It's been recommended (various "How much car can you afford?" sites) that to be able to afford a Lexus IS you should have an AGI of around $100k/year minimum, and probably a little bit higher ($125k-$140k/year) if you live in a high cost of living area like California or New York.

 

Called corporate. Have to take it to Lexus to have code read. May bite the bullet and go. Numbers of having an agi are bull. I could live in a box but drive a Porsche. Money didn't used to be an issue. However, I've fallen on hard times. I'm also beyond well budgeted on my money but that doesn't account for this. I hate when people flex their agi though so please refrain. Lexus repairs are about the same cost for other cars, like newer Subaru or my old Mazda. It's just when odd stuff like this happens that it is expensive.

I really do appreciate everyones opinion and help. Shows a great sense of community. Ps, I've lined up a newer Subaru as a back up. Price tag is 15k.

 

Maybe if you are talking about the IS-F? Most IS owners I know don't make anywhere close to 100k a year....

 

i would probably sell it, history does repeat itself esp with cars

 

Well I'm mostly referring to this "How much can you afford?" guide (and others similar to it) -

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09...u_afford/2.htm

(They actually use the Lexus IS as the prototypical example of the kind of car one can buy at the $100k/year level)

To be fair, I think there's obviously a strong assumption that one buy or lease said vehicle brand new.

Annual Income: $30,000
Mortgage/Rent: Up to $8,400
Car: Toyota Yaris, $12,205
Dining Out: $1,575
Entertainment: $1,200
Clothing: $1,125
Travel: $900
IRA: $4,500
Health/Car Insurance: $4,100
Federal Income Tax: Married: $3,665 / Single: $4,083

Annual Income: $50,000
Mortgage/Rent: Up to $14,000
Car: Honda Civic DX, $16,105
Dining Out: $2,520
Entertainment: $1,920
Clothing: $1,800
Travel: $1,500
IRA: $7,500
Health/Car Insurance: $4,100
Federal Income Tax: Married: $6,665 / Single: $8,688


Annual Income: $75,000
Mortgage/Rent: Up to $21,000
Car: Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 S, $26,390
Dining Out: $3,300
Entertainment: $2,580
Clothing: $2,280
Travel: $3,000
IRA: $11,250
Health/Car Insurance: $4,100
Federal Income Tax: Married: $11,125 / Single: $14,938

Annual Income: $100,000
Mortgage/Rent: Up to $28,000
Car: Lexus IS, $31,155
Dining Out: $3,600
Entertainment: $3,000
Clothing: $2,325
Travel: $4,000
IRA: $15,000
Public College: $6,585
Health/Car Insurance: $4,100
Federal Income Tax: Married: $17,375 / Single: $21,720

Annual Income: $125,000
Mortgage/Rent: Up to $35,000
Car: Lincoln MKS, $38,490
Dining Out: $4,560
Entertainment: $3,800
Clothing: $2,945
Travel: $5,000
IRA: $18,750
Public College: $6,585
Health/Car Insurance: $4,300
Federal Income Tax: Married: $23,625 / Single: $28,720

Annual Income: $150,000
Mortgage/Rent: Up to $42,000
Car: Mercedes Benz CLK 350 Coupe, $48,100
Dining Out: $5,280
Entertainment: $4,400
Clothing: $3,410
Travel: $6,000
IRA: $22,500
Private High School: $17,145
Health/Car Insurance: $4,500
Federal Income Tax: Married: $30,264 / Single: $35,720


Annual Income: $300,000
Mortgage/Rent: Up to $84,000
Car: BMW M6 Coupe, $102,100
Dining Out: $7,200
Entertainment: $6,800
Clothing: $5,000
Travel: $12,000
IRA: $30,000
Private University: $25,143
Health/Car/Life Insurance: $5,200
Federal Income Tax: Married: $76,821 / Single: $84,143


Annual Income: $500,000
Mortgage/Rent: Up to $140,000
Car: Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, $140,700
Dining Out: $10,800
Entertainment: $10,200
Clothing: $7,500
Travel: $20,000
IRA: $50,000
Private University: $43,950
Health/Car/Life Insurance: $6,000
Federal Income Tax: Married: $145,362 / Single: $152,684


Annual Income: $1,000,000
Mortgage/Rent: Up to $280,000
Car: Lamborghini Murcielago, $354,000
Dining Out: $21,600
Entertainment: $20,400
Clothing: $15,000
Travel: $40,000
IRA: $100,000
Private University: $43,950
Health/Car/Life Insurance: $7,500
Federal Income Tax: Married: $320,362 / Single: $327,684


Annual Income: $2,000,000
Mortgage/Rent: Up to $560,000
Car: Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, $495,000
Dining Out: $43,200
Entertainment: $40,800
Clothing: $30,000
Travel: $80,000
IRA: $200,000
Private University: $43,950
Health/Car/Life Insurance: $10,000
Federal Income Tax: Married: $670,362 / Single: $677,684

 

Keep the car! You can't afford to sell it!

1: Tires go on craigslist and look for a decent used set. At times you will find people selling New take offs

2: Rear shocks, is this the same mechanic that told you about the air bag? Bounce on the rear and bounce on another IS250's rear and see if theres a difference. I'm at 115K miles and my shocks are all good! Worst cast Find someone selling a used set of low mileage shocks 50-$100 bucks. Another $60-70 to install.

3: Airbag light, see how it works out with the dealer. Hopefully they solve it for free! If not take it to another mechanic, it could just be a dirty connection on the sensor. When they scanned it did they tell you which sensor was at fault? If you know which sensor, personally I would try to fix it myself. By discounting the battery first, then I would locate the sensor unplug it and inspect it it may just need some electrical cleaner. If you cant fix it, leave the airbag light on, the airbag system will still work so long as the impact doesnt hit that sensor.

 

Don't mess with kias u will regret it!! Go to the dealer like killais250 said, I had the same issue with the computer on my sequoia, I spoke to the service manager that it was a common problem that Toyota had being over looking and they did the job for half price.

 

I would go to the dealer and see if they can take care of the airbag light issue. If not, I dont see a problem with selling it and getting a hyundai or kia. A 100K mile warranty is very appealing

 

Those who say i wouldn't drive a KIA or Hyundai over a IS. Let me ask, WHY NOT? Sure quality isn't on point but both KIA and Hyundai are very appealing vehicles with great warranties. Let's not be biased to our own cars and world( i have a 02' gs300, 07' is250 and a 99 rx300). I am loyal to Lexus but will admit both KIA and Hyundai are great appealing products.

 

Sell it.....

 

Which story Kia story u want to hear, I'll start with my cousin 2 days ago took his Kia to get the timing belt done which they told him it was due at 60000 miles they broke some bolt in his car then told him it will cost him an extra 150 to fix it. Awesome warranty, what exactly they cover since he had the car he is paying for stuff when he takes it when has a problem. I just think when u brake stuff while fixing a car u should b responsible!!