duchung95

I am shopping for a used car. I got an offer from my mechanic for his 2006 IS350 at 102k miles at $9500. He got spark plug replace and good maintain. My concern is that it is 11 years old model. I am stuck between this and a newer model Camry (but I like the luxury features from Lexus). What do you think? Is the cost to maintain the Lexus expensive?

Fizzboy7

The newer Camry will last you longer and be less of a maintenance hassle over time. The Lexus is also reliable, but things naturally happen with age. So look at it that way. If you drive a lot, I'd start off with the lower-mileage, newer car (Camry).

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

Do you need a backseat? IS doesn't offer much in that department

Toys4RJill

New Camry all the way. Buying this used IS is not a good move​.

davyjordi

i agree with jill. when you buy an 11 year old car, no matter how great that car is, things will start to go wrong. it is, after all, a machine.

best of luck!

Johnhav430

The wiser choice is the Camry. Now, I did the opposite. I bought a used LS430 (2006), and at the time, which was last Oct., I could have bought a 2014, not 2014.5, certified pre-owned Camry for the same price. I bought the LS. I am 100% positive I have derived more pleasure being a big shot driving the big flagship, than I would have buying an ordinary Camry. But I would openly admit, that conventional wisdom says to buy the newer car--for pete's sake, it was certified pre owned from Toyota. But boring nonetheless.

One thing I always mention, to fight the big price tag of Lexus dealers' service, I try to DIY, and then I have a Japanese indie who will install my provided parts. This sort of caps the open-ended nature of going to the dealership, usually works out to about 50% on many jobs...not all....

Johnhav430

true, and some things are somewhat cost prohibitive to fix....like the rear sunshade on a LS430, or a auto dim sideview mirror glass whose gel doesn't dim properly anymore, these are age things...me I don't want to spend $140 discount times 2, when the vinyl peels off of a drip rail, but others on the 3rd gen forum say they wouldn't hesitate..

mk416

Buy Camry if you need the everyday practicality.
Buy IS if you have cash to support the repairs and upkeeps. This is no longer a sensible everyday car but a hobby one.

davyjordi

You can go on the Lexus website and input the VIN to see what has been done at Lexus dealerships, TSBs included.

I don't have the link because I'm in mobile and I'm a lazy baby but I'm sure another member will step in and provide it for you. If not I'll provide you with the link later today.

duchung95

Thanks guys for all the inputs. I will go with newer Camry.

davyjordi

you made the prudent, wise choice. best of luck to you!

Johnhav430

With the Camry, don't be afraid to drive a hard bargain, my coworker just got a 2014.5. They let him take it for a day so he showed me at work--we went over it with a fine-toothed comb to see if we could spot overspray, etc., but actually not sure if that's allowed with a CPO. He already got a good price, but unfortunately had a trade that doesn't run, so they offered $500. He said make it $1,500 and we have a deal. Nope. Went to dealer #2, they gave him $2000 for the trade, same car, same price, same mileage (35,xxx). Dealer #1 called said ok we'll do $1500. Just remember they seem to always pull $1000+ out of their hats in a couple of days....

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

the 'practical' or 'wise' choice may not be the right one though, especially if you actually enjoy driving or want something more fun. a 'newer camry' is likely to be as interesting to drive as a piece of plain toast.

JDR76

I seem to be the lone dissenter but I would go IS. More fun.

Gojirra99

You guys are making recommendations without knowing how much "newer" is the camry ?