Lexus IS250

[rdb85]

I am looking to upgrade my car, currently I have a Mini, but I am looking for a 4 door. So I have seen Lexus IS250. I dont do enough mileage for a Diesel. I do about 6000 a year. I have £3500 to spend.

So I have some questions on this model, which spec would be the one to go for? Any know issues, points to check etc?

[rdb85]

Z28DUNC said:

Rear calipers always seize, the slide pins needs regularly greasing. Other than that I'd say stick to an auto. We had the manual box and it needed a new clutch by 75k. Oh and the gears within the 6 cd player go and you can't get yor cd's out!

Thanks for that. I am still on the hunt for a nice SE-L model. I may check out the 300 and see what the difference in cost is. I really like them, as I am after a reliable car.

[rdb85]

Super Slo Mo said:

Something to bear in mind is that you can’t get pattern replacement exhausts for them so if they blow through your options are Lexus genuine (c£1700 I believe), or get a custom one made.
Certain other parts like struts are expensive too. They don’t fail often though, but it was a couple of things I factored into my last car purchase (didn’t get the Lexus in the end).

Thanks for that. I will be sure to check the car over.

[rdb85]

craigjm said:

automatic, petrol. 2.5 SE-L with the Nav and Levinson pack. Dont expect a rocket ship or amazing handling (although they dont embarrass themselves)

That the model I am trying to find. There a few on Autotrader and eBay. But I need to sell my Mini first.

[rdb85]

I may go and look at this over the weekend. I have £8k to spend. It’s the nicest one I can find on AT with black leather.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[rdb85]

Z28DUNC said:

i thought you only have 3.5k to spend? I think £6k for that sort of mileage is expensive personally. Any reason you are looking for a IS specifically? For £8k you could get a really nice GS.

Initially I did only have £3500. But I have decided that in order to get something that is nice and reliable, I would need to spend a little more. So I looked into finance and I can pay it off over 2 years which is okay with me. But if I can get something for less then that is even better.

No specific reason, I initially wanted something Japanese that was £3500, that was reliable, someone mentioned Lexus, Now there are IS that are around that price, but they have over 100k on them, so didnt want to take the risk really.

I do like the GS but I think they maybe a little too big, as I want something that is bigger than my Mini , but easy to park etc. But if you want to recommend anything else, that would be great.

[rdb85]

Z28DUNC said:

i thought you only have 3.5k to spend? I think £6k for that sort of mileage is expensive personally. Any reason you are looking for a IS specifically? For £8k you could get a really nice GS.

Do you mean £6k for that car is expensive or, do you mean to spend £6k and only do that mileage is expensive?

[rdb85]

These:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[rdb85]

kurt535 said:

fancy an IS300 Sportcross with far less on the clock??

Possibly any pictures?

[rdb85]

craigjm said:

OP you need to go and drive a few things and try them out. The IS250 you link is quite a different car to the IS300 sport cross and both are different again to the GS. It’s not comparing apples with apples.

The sport cross will be the most sporty drive (although a useless estate) the IS250 the most refined and rounded package and the GS300 feels much bigger than the IS and underpowered in the non-hybrid 300. All IMO of course having driven all three before I get stoned to death

I think I am best with an IS250. Its hard finding one with black leather, not really a fan of cream.

[rdb85]

Z28DUNC said:

I think £6k for a car of that age and mileage is a bit steep. I'm sure there must be better mileage/priced cars out there.

I know this has the wrong colour leather but this is more like it... https://www.gumtree.com/p/lexus/2006-lexus-is-is25...

Edited by Z28DUNC on Thursday 1st February 11:09

That looks quite nice, I have seen the same colour and cream leather on AT with 49k for £7750. Some of them seem a lot. But that black one only has one owner which is good. But that one on Gumtree is an SE. Ideally I am after an SE-L

Edited by rdb85 on Thursday 1st February 13:17

Edited by rdb85 on Thursday 1st February 13:58

[rdb85]

craigjm said:

Don’t buy an SE you want an SEL with navigation and Levinson pack. There are loads around be picky.

There is, some SEL ones I’ve seen don’t have the nav which I think could of been an extra. I’ve seen this one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[rdb85]

craigjm said:

I said right at the top it’s needs to be an SEL with navigation and Levinson pack (known as the media pack in Lexus speak)

Sorry must of missed that. What do you reckon on the silver and black ones?

[rdb85]

craigjm said:

Black one might be a tad overpriced. The silver one looks good. If you’re not in a rush though you will find one with a decent mileage and the media pack.

I’m in no rush as ideally want to sell my Mini, rather than get nothing for it as a part ex.

[rdb85]

KillianB4 said:

Come to Ireland if you want a cheap one, plenty 250s about. Great cars made worthless by our criminally high road tax and most have small miles. I had 2 previous model IS200s and loved them, mate of mine had an immaculate IS250 as well. Theres a tidy looking grey 07 IS250 Sport for sale near me with 83,000 miles on the clock for €2,950 (£2,500) with new tyres and just serviced. Bring to UK and you can get money back from the revenue commissioners here as a nice bonus!

Not sure about that to be honest.

[rdb85]

I’m going to look at some Lexus IS. That black one he has put the price up. So I may look at that silver one as he’s dropped that to £7250.

[rdb85]

So I have decided to get rid of my Mini, it needs a new steering rack which is almost the same amount of money including labour as what the car is worth.I have found one which I really like, I am planning to go and see it next week.