£5-6k Mid to large interesting but reliable
Discussion
Just sold my 2015 Mondeo for only £1k less than I bought it for over 3 years ago and looking to use half of the proceeds on something as described. I’d talked myself into an E90/91 325i or 330i but the N53 engine reliability at high miles has made me look elsewhere.
Next one must be petrol as I don’t do mileage for a diesel and at least 4 doors with a decent enough boot to get 3/4 of us on the odd trip to Wales from Yorkshire. I’d love an auto but will consider a manual if interesting enough. Top end is £6k and not scared of high mileage if looked after or CAT’s as I could get a vehicle inspection if necessary.
At present new shortlist is possibly an IS250, Focus ST or maybe an Insignia. Am I on the right path or is there anything I’m missing ? Any experience or links to look at more than welcome.
Cheers.
Next one must be petrol as I don’t do mileage for a diesel and at least 4 doors with a decent enough boot to get 3/4 of us on the odd trip to Wales from Yorkshire. I’d love an auto but will consider a manual if interesting enough. Top end is £6k and not scared of high mileage if looked after or CAT’s as I could get a vehicle inspection if necessary.
At present new shortlist is possibly an IS250, Focus ST or maybe an Insignia. Am I on the right path or is there anything I’m missing ? Any experience or links to look at more than welcome.
Cheers.
We have an IS250 and had a GS300.
Both brilliant.
I have had loads of BMW and Mercedes over the years, as well as classics and 2 seater sports cars, but Lexus stand out as reliable and simply good at what they are designed to do.
IS250 one of, if not the most, reliable used cats you can get. GS300 no different in those terms but bigger.
Both brilliant.
I have had loads of BMW and Mercedes over the years, as well as classics and 2 seater sports cars, but Lexus stand out as reliable and simply good at what they are designed to do.
IS250 one of, if not the most, reliable used cats you can get. GS300 no different in those terms but bigger.
Here's a GS300 at £360 a year tax
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210291...
IS250
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302023...
More Jap stuff
Honda Accord 2.4 i-VTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302214...
Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Spec B Sport Tourer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212262...
Mazda 6 2.5 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302154...
A hat-trick of Swedes
Saab 9-3 2.8T Aero Sportwagon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302043...
If you want more space, a 9-5 2.3HOT Aero Sportwagon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302224...
Volvo S60 R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301113...
Germans
BMW 325i SE E90
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301093...
BMW 540i E39
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208128...
Mercedes E500
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205195...
And finally, something even more left field from the USA - A Cadillac Seville STS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205185...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210291...
IS250
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302023...
More Jap stuff
Honda Accord 2.4 i-VTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302214...
Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Spec B Sport Tourer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212262...
Mazda 6 2.5 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302154...
A hat-trick of Swedes
Saab 9-3 2.8T Aero Sportwagon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302043...
If you want more space, a 9-5 2.3HOT Aero Sportwagon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302224...
Volvo S60 R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301113...
Germans
BMW 325i SE E90
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301093...
BMW 540i E39
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208128...
Mercedes E500
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205195...
And finally, something even more left field from the USA - A Cadillac Seville STS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205185...
I've got an IS250 There's no fun to be had driving it, but for something that'll waft you from A to B in near silence without any worry of it breaking (if looked after) I cant think of anything better! Plenty of toys as standard too, even more if you get the SE-L. Downsides - It's tiny in the back, the rear leg room is terrible which affects the drivers seat position (not great for long journeys) boot is small, rear seats don't fold, suspension is on the firm side.
GS 300 is a good shout too, similar package to the IS but bigger with lighter steering & softer suspension. Downsides are it's slightly more thirstier and there's a few more potential (small) niggles to deal with like the TPMS, Air con and a few small but common electrical faults. Still pretty much bulletproof though.
Any IS/GS pre 2008 requires E5 fuel but id run E5 regardless as they drive soo much better with it.
I was tempted to get a A BMW 325i it's a much better balance between comfort and fun but well cared for ones seem to be hard to find these days.
GH450H - awesome car, smooth as silk but an absolute rocket ship when you need it to be. You wont get a later model one in your budget though which you'll need if you want the Lexus warranty on the hybrid battery and the boot is small as the hybrid battery eats up a lot of space. I'd avoid
A Mk 8 Accord 2.4 would also be a great option. It's not quite as refined as the 250 but it's probably the better overall car, it's bigger, great cruiser, more fun to drive and equally as reliable as the Lexus. - not many on the market though...
GS 300 is a good shout too, similar package to the IS but bigger with lighter steering & softer suspension. Downsides are it's slightly more thirstier and there's a few more potential (small) niggles to deal with like the TPMS, Air con and a few small but common electrical faults. Still pretty much bulletproof though.
Any IS/GS pre 2008 requires E5 fuel but id run E5 regardless as they drive soo much better with it.
I was tempted to get a A BMW 325i it's a much better balance between comfort and fun but well cared for ones seem to be hard to find these days.
GH450H - awesome car, smooth as silk but an absolute rocket ship when you need it to be. You wont get a later model one in your budget though which you'll need if you want the Lexus warranty on the hybrid battery and the boot is small as the hybrid battery eats up a lot of space. I'd avoid
A Mk 8 Accord 2.4 would also be a great option. It's not quite as refined as the 250 but it's probably the better overall car, it's bigger, great cruiser, more fun to drive and equally as reliable as the Lexus. - not many on the market though...
Edited by eleveneleven on Monday 27th February 10:30
Got quite excited about that Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Spec B but then looked at the MOT History and thought better of it.
The Lexus IS look good and GS even better so would like to hear about any experiences in terms of what to look out for and servicing costs. I'd probably be looking at local specialist if I can find one around West Yorks.
The Lexus IS look good and GS even better so would like to hear about any experiences in terms of what to look out for and servicing costs. I'd probably be looking at local specialist if I can find one around West Yorks.
With the IS Lexus charge £360 ish for a minor service and £450 for a Major. It'll need a new set of spark plugs if it's over 100k miles and hasn't been done already, £600+ at Lexus. If you can live without the Lexus stamp in your service book you'll be able to get it serviced cheaper if you go to an independent or Toyota/Lexus specialist just make sure they use quality parts.
The GS will obviously be more expensive but probably not that far off the IS...
Lexus will offer you a years warranty for around £700 if the car has been looked after and you ask nicely (not sure of the cost for the GS) If the car is less than 10 years old or has done less than 100k miles you'll get a years warranty each time you get it serviced through them.
Things to look out for when buying.
IS
- Make sure the engine starts at the first press of the button if it doesn't, could be a sign of impending alternator or battery failure.
- Auto box should shuffle through the gears smoothly once warmed up, no clunks when engaging gears.
- Check oil level - high mileage ones are known to burn oil at a crazy rate.
- Make sure the dash board isn't sticky. Dash is known to melt in hot climates. Not a common issue here as we don't get much sun but it does happen.
- Keep some money back and get a gearbox drain & fill (if it hasn't already been done) auto box issues are rare but expensive to fix so prevention is better than cure. Lexus claim the gearbox oil lasts for the life of the car...it doesn't. Get Lexus to do it they charge around £160 and you'll know it's been done properly
- Get your Calipers checked. The caliper slide pins are known to seize particularly at the rear (common issue) will need a new calipers if that happens. I have my slide pins greased once per year. (Lexus doesn't acknowledge the fault so wont do it unless you ask.
- Alloy wheel corrosion, a problem on all Old Lexus's. Don't be surprised to see alloys in terrible condition, keep £300 or so back for a refurb or use it to negotiate the asking price.
- Check all electrics - electrics on these are generally solid but there's a few issues with the electric rear Blind (SE-L model only) sticking and the cooled seats not working properly. Also make sure the sound system works, particularly the versions with the Mark Levinson Stereo. The amplifier location is in the boot in an area that gathers moisture and kills the amp. Finding a used replacement ML amp is a pain (I've had to replace mine)
- Carbon build up, only a problem on high mileage cars that haven't been properly cared for. Car once warm should idle smoothly (around 700rpm) if the rev needle is bouncing or idle is rough it could be an sign. Use premium fuel (Tesco momentum will do), change oil every 6 to 10k miles religiously, run some injector cleaner every now and then and give it a good blast every so often to slow down carbon build up. A wall nut blast is definitely worth considering if it's a high mileage car.
- Check Exhaust - If its on its way out a new one (only available from Lexus) will set you back around £2.5k. There are plenty of companies that do custom stainless steel alternatives for much cheaper though. (Tony banks based in Leeds is a good option)
GS - never owned one but driven a handful. A few things I was told to look for when I was shopping for one.
- Check all electrics work, I looked at 5 and 3 of them had a faulty boot release, 2 had memory seats that didn't work properly (probably just needed a reset) there's faulty power folding mirror issues, faulty sun roof operation etc. Make sure the electric steering rack automatically moves towards you when car starts and moves back to it's original position when engine is switched off.
- Check the air con is working and blows hot air - Air con condenser is known to fail and it's quite an expensive fix.
- TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) another common fault and can be a pain to rectify if not going through Lexus as the new sensors need to be correctly coded.
- Check for Rust particularly on the bonnet and arches
- Stiff rear doors. A few I looked at had very stiff rear doors which I was told is another common fault, a quick DIY job can put this right, not a big issue but it's there and again you could use it to negotiate.
- Shock Absorbers - the GS is a heavy car and these are expensive to replace so make sure they have some life left in them.
- Exhaust, same story with the IS its an expensive fix if it's on its way out but custom cheaper stainless steel options available.
With both cars...
- Both engines are chain driven so no belts to worry about.
- Running and Maintenance costs will be more on the GS. Both engines are thirsty but not bad for what they are. I get around 28 mpg overall from the IS driving it like my grandad (300ish miles from a full tank) mid 30's on a motorway run is possible at 70ish with Cruise Control on.
- Both have plenty of toys particularly the SE-L versions, make sure they all work.
- Avoid any with warning lights on the dash (CHECK VSC) it could indicate any number of issues that could be potentially expensive to put right.
- Don't be afraid of high mile examples of both if they've been properly looked after
- You'll be looking at at 15+ year old car with that budget, bare that in mind and keep some money aside for things that might need replacing especially if you're going for the GS
The GS will obviously be more expensive but probably not that far off the IS...
Lexus will offer you a years warranty for around £700 if the car has been looked after and you ask nicely (not sure of the cost for the GS) If the car is less than 10 years old or has done less than 100k miles you'll get a years warranty each time you get it serviced through them.
Things to look out for when buying.
IS
- Make sure the engine starts at the first press of the button if it doesn't, could be a sign of impending alternator or battery failure.
- Auto box should shuffle through the gears smoothly once warmed up, no clunks when engaging gears.
- Check oil level - high mileage ones are known to burn oil at a crazy rate.
- Make sure the dash board isn't sticky. Dash is known to melt in hot climates. Not a common issue here as we don't get much sun but it does happen.
- Keep some money back and get a gearbox drain & fill (if it hasn't already been done) auto box issues are rare but expensive to fix so prevention is better than cure. Lexus claim the gearbox oil lasts for the life of the car...it doesn't. Get Lexus to do it they charge around £160 and you'll know it's been done properly
- Get your Calipers checked. The caliper slide pins are known to seize particularly at the rear (common issue) will need a new calipers if that happens. I have my slide pins greased once per year. (Lexus doesn't acknowledge the fault so wont do it unless you ask.
- Alloy wheel corrosion, a problem on all Old Lexus's. Don't be surprised to see alloys in terrible condition, keep £300 or so back for a refurb or use it to negotiate the asking price.
- Check all electrics - electrics on these are generally solid but there's a few issues with the electric rear Blind (SE-L model only) sticking and the cooled seats not working properly. Also make sure the sound system works, particularly the versions with the Mark Levinson Stereo. The amplifier location is in the boot in an area that gathers moisture and kills the amp. Finding a used replacement ML amp is a pain (I've had to replace mine)
- Carbon build up, only a problem on high mileage cars that haven't been properly cared for. Car once warm should idle smoothly (around 700rpm) if the rev needle is bouncing or idle is rough it could be an sign. Use premium fuel (Tesco momentum will do), change oil every 6 to 10k miles religiously, run some injector cleaner every now and then and give it a good blast every so often to slow down carbon build up. A wall nut blast is definitely worth considering if it's a high mileage car.
- Check Exhaust - If its on its way out a new one (only available from Lexus) will set you back around £2.5k. There are plenty of companies that do custom stainless steel alternatives for much cheaper though. (Tony banks based in Leeds is a good option)
GS - never owned one but driven a handful. A few things I was told to look for when I was shopping for one.
- Check all electrics work, I looked at 5 and 3 of them had a faulty boot release, 2 had memory seats that didn't work properly (probably just needed a reset) there's faulty power folding mirror issues, faulty sun roof operation etc. Make sure the electric steering rack automatically moves towards you when car starts and moves back to it's original position when engine is switched off.
- Check the air con is working and blows hot air - Air con condenser is known to fail and it's quite an expensive fix.
- TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) another common fault and can be a pain to rectify if not going through Lexus as the new sensors need to be correctly coded.
- Check for Rust particularly on the bonnet and arches
- Stiff rear doors. A few I looked at had very stiff rear doors which I was told is another common fault, a quick DIY job can put this right, not a big issue but it's there and again you could use it to negotiate.
- Shock Absorbers - the GS is a heavy car and these are expensive to replace so make sure they have some life left in them.
- Exhaust, same story with the IS its an expensive fix if it's on its way out but custom cheaper stainless steel options available.
With both cars...
- Both engines are chain driven so no belts to worry about.
- Running and Maintenance costs will be more on the GS. Both engines are thirsty but not bad for what they are. I get around 28 mpg overall from the IS driving it like my grandad (300ish miles from a full tank) mid 30's on a motorway run is possible at 70ish with Cruise Control on.
- Both have plenty of toys particularly the SE-L versions, make sure they all work.
- Avoid any with warning lights on the dash (CHECK VSC) it could indicate any number of issues that could be potentially expensive to put right.
- Don't be afraid of high mile examples of both if they've been properly looked after
- You'll be looking at at 15+ year old car with that budget, bare that in mind and keep some money aside for things that might need replacing especially if you're going for the GS
Edited by eleveneleven on Monday 27th February 12:39
I did consider one of these but was told the 2.4 isn't worth the extra fuel consumption of the 2.0 like it is with the 2.4 Accord. Mazda's aren't known to age well either rust can be an issue with these.
The Mk8 2.4 Accord I drove was very nice! Almost on par with the IS250 it handled much better, not quite as refined and the 5 speed auto box isn't as slick as the Lexus 6 speed, but still a silent cruiser and much more practical. (bigger boot, more comfortable inside, rear seats that fold down, slightly cheaper to run etc)
A Honda Legend might be worth a look if you like the Idea of a GS. (£600 road tax though)
The Mk8 2.4 Accord I drove was very nice! Almost on par with the IS250 it handled much better, not quite as refined and the 5 speed auto box isn't as slick as the Lexus 6 speed, but still a silent cruiser and much more practical. (bigger boot, more comfortable inside, rear seats that fold down, slightly cheaper to run etc)
A Honda Legend might be worth a look if you like the Idea of a GS. (£600 road tax though)
Edited by eleveneleven on Monday 27th February 12:51
Obee72 said:
Got quite excited about that Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Spec B but then looked at the MOT History and thought better of it.
The Lexus IS look good and GS even better so would like to hear about any experiences in terms of what to look out for and servicing costs. I'd probably be looking at local specialist if I can find one around West Yorks.
I had a 130i then a manual Legacy 3.0 R Spec B Estate, then another 130i. Legacy is very underrated.The Lexus IS look good and GS even better so would like to hear about any experiences in terms of what to look out for and servicing costs. I'd probably be looking at local specialist if I can find one around West Yorks.
It has light but very precise steering, a slick six-speed manual with particularly short gearing, a super-smooth and incredible sounding engine, and revs beautifully but is light on torque, has uncomfortable seats (for me at least) and has crappy speakers. In several ways a decent one with relatively fresh suspension will drive better than a mediocre 130i.
Decent ones still exist. Here’s my old one, which I sold at 87k miles in May 2020 for £2,900:
I started out wanting to go back to the 130i but even in 5 door guise it’s just too small. I think I’m going to hold out for the right 325i or 330i Touring unless I can find a nice, non corroded, Legacy.
I think the comments about the rear of the IS being too small are ruling it out as the rear seats will be used regularly and just can’t make my mind up on the GS.
I think the comments about the rear of the IS being too small are ruling it out as the rear seats will be used regularly and just can’t make my mind up on the GS.
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