Looking at buying a Lexus IS250 SE-L

[J Henderson]

I personally prefer the colour combo of the Mesa Red one, but that blue car would appear to be in amazing condition. Barely used at all. It even still has the precautionary sticker on the stereo... 

[Guest rdb85]

31 minutes ago, J Henderson said:

I personally prefer the colour combo of the Mesa Red one, but that blue car would appear to be in amazing condition. Barely used at all. It even still has the precautionary sticker on the stereo... 

I do like the look of the red, with the cream. I have never seen that colour before, usually silver seems to be the main colour. I do like that blue one, it seems to have all of the extras and a sunroof. But the car is in amazing condition. I have done a background check using total car check and it barely run in,  each year. I think I may have a look at that one the weekend, as it seems too good to pass up. 

[Ken.K]

just my addition, mine is a CAT D and very good at 157k miles. if you can get one with the Mark Levinsion sound system and rear shades. never knew how useful those shades where now. i love my IS250 and would be sad to see it go soon. 

[bobmc]

I think the blue one is already spoken for ..

[KenMavor]

Owned an IS250 since August 26th 2017.  2007 model.  Does not have all the gadgets but it is still a very nice place to be.

Over that time the mpg has worked out at 36....town runs, long runs etc.  I reckon that is pretty good for a rear wheel, auto, 2.4 engine.

Getting tyres isn't a problem.  I reckon you could get 4 new tyres (depending on size) for about £350 all in.  Obviously depends on make.  One thing I would say is make sure that you have the BEST tyres available on the rear - get the best in the wet as the rear can be trigger happy even with the road damp and crap tyres on!

I would take out the Lexus warranty as well.  I had my exhaust hole in the usual place and luckily the 3 month garage warranty covered it.  Brake calipers are weak spots as others have said.  The auto gearbox is very good.  The engine, looked after, is bullet proof. 

The IS250 is a very, very good car.  Looked after it will do large mileages.  It can be run on a reasonable cost if you are happy to get a good independent garage to do the work.  Lexus are expensive obviously and parts can be expensive.

I would recommend keeping your powder dry and waiting for the right one to come up.  They do, and you've just got to be ready to go see it. 

Would maybe recommend getting a car check done as well.....I used clickmechanic and they steered me away from a few dogs without having to go see them myself.

 

 

[KenMavor]

https://www.bmcspecialistcars.co.uk/used-cars/lexus-is-250-2-5-se-l-4dr-berkeley-201802123650143

 

Was this the one in Bristol?  Pretty sure someone off here bought one from these guys.

[Guest rdb85]

45 minutes ago, bobmc said:

I think the blue one is already spoken for ..

No it’s not Bristol. I’ve reserved it to view on the weekend.

[Guest rdb85]

9 minutes ago, KenMavor said:

Owned an IS250 since August 26th 2017.  2007 model.  Does not have all the gadgets but it is still a very nice place to be.

Over that time the mpg has worked out at 36....town runs, long runs etc.  I reckon that is pretty good for a rear wheel, auto, 2.4 engine.

Getting tyres isn't a problem.  I reckon you could get 4 new tyres (depending on size) for about £350 all in.  Obviously depends on make.  One thing I would say is make sure that you have the BEST tyres available on the rear - get the best in the wet as the rear can be trigger happy even with the road damp and crap tyres on!

I would take out the Lexus warranty as well.  I had my exhaust hole in the usual place and luckily the 3 month garage warranty covered it.  Brake calipers are weak spots as others have said.  The auto gearbox is very good.  The engine, looked after, is bullet proof. 

The IS250 is a very, very good car.  Looked after it will do large mileages.  It can be run on a reasonable cost if you are happy to get a good independent garage to do the work.  Lexus are expensive obviously and parts can be expensive.

I would recommend keeping your powder dry and waiting for the right one to come up.  They do, and you've just got to be ready to go see it. 

Would maybe recommend getting a car check done as well.....I used clickmechanic and they steered me away from a few dogs without having to go see them myself.

 

 

That’s very useful advice. I will check that site out also. I’m no rush and I am willing to wait. I’m going to see that blue one on the weekend to get a feel for the car. 

[is200 Newbie]

7 hours ago, rdb85 said:

I do like the look of the red, with the cream. I have never seen that colour before, usually silver seems to be the main colour. I do like that blue one, it seems to have all of the extras and a sunroof. But the car is in amazing condition. I have done a background check using total car check and it barely run in,  each year. I think I may have a look at that one the weekend, as it seems too good to pass up. 

Apologies Rob - I have just bought that one. The Warrington one was my next choice. Theres a White F Sports out there which I believe has been part exchanged in Cheshire - seller pulled out of the sale for me as he wanted to PX it (was quite a nice car). Might be worth hanging on a bit to see if it comes up in any search on autotrader or eBay at some point?

[Guest rdb85]

12 minutes ago, is200 Newbie said:

Apologies Rob - I have just bought that one. The Warrington one was my next choice. Theres a White F Sports out there which I believe has been part exchanged in Cheshire - seller pulled out of the sale for me as he wanted to PX it (was quite a nice car). Might be worth hanging on a bit to see if it comes up in any search on autotrader or ebay at some point?

No worries did you go for the red one? Or the blue one? The one in Warrington looks nice. I will keep my eye out 

[is200 Newbie]

2 minutes ago, rdb85 said:

No worries did you go for the red one? Or the blue one? The one in Warrington looks nice. I will keep my eye out for that white f sport. 

I went with the Blue Crewe one - to be honest although its low mileage I think it will need a bit or "nursing" as its a bit too low for the age of the car but I have had one before so can look after it a bit. I was going for the Warrington one until I saw this one today. Don't be put off by the miles - also, don't be put off by the seat colour as you can easily swap these out if you keep an eye out on eBay for a good set of leathers for around 2/300£/ The only creative bit would be covering the plastics under the dash but worth while if the cars right in getting it coloured. There is an interior on eBay at the moment for £70 if that's the way you want to go or there are companies out there that will dye the leather (I know someone who can do it and may go down that route)

I needed one quite quick as mines been written off and I have a bust few months coming up so couldn't really wait for one I liked to come up but happy with the one I have just bought.

[Guest rdb85]

1 minute ago, is200 Newbie said:

I went with the Blue Crewe one - to be honest although its low mileage I think it will need a bit or "nursing" as its a bit too low for the age of the car but I have had one before so can look after it a bit. I was going for the Warrington one until I saw this one today. Don't be put off by the miles - also, don't be put off by the seat colour as you can easily swap these out if you keep an eye out on ebay for a good set of leathers for around 2/300£/ The only creative bit would be covering the plastics under the dash but worth while if the cars right in getting it coloured. There is an interior on ebay at the moment for £70 if that's the way you want to go or there are companies out there that will dye the leather (I know someone who can do it and may go down that route)

I needed one quite quick as mines been written off and I have a bust few months coming up so couldn't really wait for one I liked to come up but happy with the one I have just bought.

It’s lovely that Blue one. I was going to go down on the weekend to see it. I looked at the pictures today on my lunch and knew someone would snap it up. I may look at the Warrington one, even if I test drive it. Then I can get a feel for what they are like. I’ve got to sell my Mini then work out a loan with the bank.

Congratulations on buying the car it certainly is lovely. I will keep an eye on Autotrader, Gumtree, eBay and Motors, plus Pistonheads. It will be worth the wait.

[is200 Newbie]

5 minutes ago, rdb85 said:

It’s lovely that Blue one. I was going to go down on the weekend to see it. I looked at the pictures today on my lunch and knew someone would snap it up. I may look at the Warrington one, even if I test drive it. Then I can get a feel for what they are like. I’ve got to sell my Mini then work out a loan with the bank.

Congratulations on buying the car it certainly is lovely. I will keep an eye on Autotrader, Gumtree, eBay and Motors, plus Pistonheads. It will be worth the wait.

The owner did say he already had a few emails when I called him

 

Will let you know what its like ....

[Guest rdb85]

Seen some more today this would be the one: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201802193869413?advertising-location=at_cars&advertising-location=at_cars&transmission=Automatic&postcode=l259pq&model=IS 250&sort=distance&page=1&aggregatedTrim=SE-L&make=LEXUS&fuel-type=Petrol&onesearchad=Used

Then I’ve seen this but I think it’s a lot I’m not sure as it’s a grand over:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201802193869413?advertising-location=at_cars&advertising-location=at_cars&transmission=Automatic&postcode=l259pq&model=IS 250&sort=distance&page=1&aggregatedTrim=SE-L&make=LEXUS&fuel-type=Petrol&onesearchad=Used

[Guest rdb85]

Just now, is200 Newbie said:

The owner did say he already had a few emails when I called him

 

Will let you know what its like ....

Nice one mate. Hopefully it’s better in the flesh. Sure is immaculate.

[bobmc]

The main thing with the one at lexus Leicester is that it's main dealer. You'll be able to haggle to get a warranty which is well worth having. Its also the facelift version so auto folding wing mirrors with integrated direction indicators. If your budget will stretch to 9k that is. Also try to get them to update the satnav as part of the deal

 

 

[Guest rdb85]

1 minute ago, bobmc said:

The main thing with the one at lexus Leicester is that it's main dealer. You'll be able to haggle to get a warranty which is well worth having. Its also the facelift version so auto folding wing mirrors with integrated direction indicators. If your budget will stretch to 9k

 

That’s a good point actually. Suppose it’s not a bad price considering the age and mileage.

[Texas]

2 hours ago, KenMavor said:

https://www.bmcspecialistcars.co.uk/used-cars/lexus-is-250-2-5-se-l-4dr-berkeley-201802123650143

 

Was this the one in Bristol?  Pretty sure someone off here bought one from these guys.

T'was I, August last year I got my 250 from Here.

paul m.

[bobmc]

1 minute ago, rdb85 said:

That’s a good point actually. Suppose it’s not a bad price considering the age and mileage.

One point to consider on warranty is that you need to use lexus for servicing but you can use 'essential care' which is £165  minor / £345 major or £25 month for a service plan. 

[Guest rdb85]

10 hours ago, bobmc said:

One point to consider on warranty is that you need to use lexus for servicing but you can use 'essential care' which is £165  minor / £345 major or £25 month for a service plan. 

That is not bad, to be honest. I will be taking one of those out.

[bobmc]

One last heads up, the 60K service includes changing spark plugs and is big expense (£600+ at main dealer).

 

[Guest rdb85]

That's good to know, I will try and get one with low mileage. Or if its higher than that, I will ask if it's been done, and if there is proof it's been completed. 

[Texas]

Work done by Lexus should ( I say should because some have said their info is missing!) be available to view via the MyLexus portal on the Lexus website for your particular car.

paul m.

[Guest rdb85]

Thanks for that Paul, Autotrader alerted me to two new ones. One is 10k with only 17k on the clock, its well over my budget but looks lovely. The other is a blue one, that seems okay, but I will keep an eye on what else comes up.

[Texas]

I saw that 10k one....pushing their luck there, but that's dealers for you, keep it bookmarked it may come down!

paul m.