Tempted by this any thoughts is250 auto

[Scouselexus]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201811052151058?postcode=l360sl&radius=1500&aggregatedTrim=SE-L&sort=sponsored&make=LEXUS&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&model=IS 250&advertising-location=at_cars&page=4

looking for an is250, any input be appreciated, tempted by it. Thought run it past more knowledgeable people. Can’t be any worse than my is220d lol.

[kellogsj]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201811052151058?postcode=l360sl&radius=1500&aggregatedTrim=SE-L&sort=sponsored&make=LEXUS&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&model=IS 250&advertising-location=at_cars&page=4
looking for an is250, any input be appreciated, tempted by it. Thought run it past more knowledgeable people. Can’t be any worse than my is220d lol.

I’ve only ever owned 2 250’s. A brilliant, reliable and smooth car. I’m in Liverpool myself. I’d recommend one definitely.


Sent from my Iphone using Tapatalk

[normski2]

You won't go far wrong by having a good read of this

The 250 auto is just a splendid car in every department.

I had a 220d and was very unlucky at first but fortunate afterwards to have one that achieved very good mpg. 

The mpg with the 250 auto is very close or even better than I have seen other 220d drivers quoting. Typically 27-31 around town and 36 -40 on a decent run.

The only caveat is...it all depends on how any vehicle is driven.

[Texas]

The IS250 is the best car I have ever had ( now aged 55 so had a few!) that sure looks like a good example, nice Black interior ( only colour to have in my opinion, looks classy for longer!) that one also has the stupid expensive option extra Moonroof as Lexus call it. The only option it does not have is ACC and that is like Unicorn poo to find anyway! The pedal/covers are not standard for a SE-L but it IS an SE-L as it was the only model to have wood trim ( and it is real wood, supplied by Yamaha the Piano manufacturers!) and it is marked on the drivers door jamb "IS 250 SE L"

looks like a lotta car for the money and the mileage should not be a concern if you can check any maintaince history to confirm spark plug change at 60,000 ( or six years). As all servicing was ( allegedly!) carried out by Lexus you can view everything they have ever done on their "MyLexus" portal. Someone recently commented on the lack of past paperwork/invoices for work done when buying a 250 compared to other cars they have bought, simple reason is it wasn't missing, the car is so reliable and hardly anything needs repairing!

better go and stand in front of it to see if photos add up, but better still get out in it! You won't be dis appointed.

in the above buyers guide it mentions the boot lid slamming down like a Guillotine very un-Lexus like but it is an easy fix and unless already seen to then most cars this age will suffer.

paul m.

[WetMyBeak]

8 hours ago, Scouselexus said:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201811052151058?postcode=l360sl&radius=1500&aggregatedTrim=SE-L&sort=sponsored&make=LEXUS&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&model=IS 250&advertising-location=at_cars&page=4

looking for an is250, any input be appreciated, tempted by it. Thought run it past more knowledgeable people. Can’t be any worse than my is220d lol.

Mine is up for sale on there currently. I’m in Warrington. Grey SE-I 100k. Really good car, 2009 58 plate

[WetMyBeak]

36 minutes ago, WetMyBeak said:

Mine is up for sale on there currently. I’m in Warrington. Grey SE-I 100k. Really good car, 2009 58 plate

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201811262763743?advertising-location=at_cars&price-to=5000&postcode=wa52at&model=IS 250&page=1&radius=5&make=LEXUS&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used

[dazed]

It looks like a good example. Feels a little pricey, but perhaps the dealer's expecting you to haggle it down a bit. However, without seeing the state of the tyres, brakes, exhaust etc. it's hard to put an accurate price on it.

Assuming the service history checks out ok, the main thing that would probably concern me about a car of that age would be state of the exhaust and the shock absorbers. Also, see if there's any record of the water pump being replaced. They often typically failed after about 60-70k on the early examples.

But don't let me put you off - my current IS250 is now on 120k miles and still going strong without a single problem so far (I've had it since 5k miles). I've never even had to top the oil up between services - and I check the dipstick every couple of weeks (I don't wait for the light to come on).

[is200 Newbie]

16 hours ago, Scouselexus said:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201811052151058?postcode=l360sl&radius=1500&aggregatedTrim=SE-L&sort=sponsored&make=LEXUS&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&model=IS 250&advertising-location=at_cars&page=4

looking for an is250, any input be appreciated, tempted by it. Thought run it past more knowledgeable people. Can’t be any worse than my is220d lol.

Looks quite clean - same spec as mine, colour, sunroof and age.

Price is a bit steep for the miles it has done but I guess this will depend on the condition of the car - best to, like has been mentioned above, stand in front of it and see what you think. Age related marks I am guessing will be the biggest issue and a bit of wear to the front seats as you would expect.

The sunroof is a nice addition and they are very hard to find.

Definitely room for bringing the price down - exhaust / check around the water pump for a white crust / check the condition of the oil - all thinks you would expect to be ok as it has the service history to back it up.

It has, throughout its life, had a hard time with tyre wear and the windscreen has been replaced - a couple of areas to check.

[Scouselexus]

Thanx for all the replies much appreciated. I did check the mot history on govt site did notice windscreen changed, but concerned may be non Lexus and issues with wipers, photochromic mirror etc. Also seems to have had trouble with tyres in its life. Still a tidy is250 and has all I’m looking for in one. Just don’t want to waste my time getting up to there and finding a dog. Be good to get some £££££ off too.

[The-Acre]

I can't help thinking that a dealer who puts up that many photos is pretty confident they've got a good car for sale there!

[Phil H]

Be aware £500 tax.

[KenMavor]

Have one of these a 2007 model, slightly lower miles....got it for £4200 with a years warranty.

This has more toys than mine.

Superb car.  Smooth, easy to drive, has a bit of go when needed.  Get all 4 brake calipers checked by the garage, the exhaust needs a good check as well but it looks in very good condition.

Looks well looked after too which is always a good point.  Over a year I have averaged 37mpg over all sorts of journeys....long, short, town, motorway.  Never had a problem.  Had exhaust replaced in first three months under warranty...could have been £3k from Lexus but got a stainless steel car back done for £700 which the garage paid for.  Have also had one rear brake caliper replaced in the year but they are known problems....caliper was £75 and had them replace all the slider pins etc at the same time.

Joy to drive, not expensive to own and maintain.  Suggest trying to get a years iron clad warranty so any problems are fixed but I suspect the old adage that a Lexus never goes wrong is most probably correct.

 

 

 

[Texas]

10 hours ago, Phil H said:

Be aware £500 tax.

The Manual version maybe but not the auto.

[Linas.P]

Yes that is incorrect, Auto is now £305 if I am not mistaken, went up from £295 (bas.....).

As for the car look clean, but pricey - nearly £5000 for very early model (2006) and average mileage. I have seen car with much lower miles and cheaper.

[Phil H]

Yes , The manual. Lexus tried to sell me one. Very surprised that auto emissions are lower than manual tho.

[PCM]

Due for a Service?

[Slucky]

On 12/4/2018 at 9:58 AM, Texas said:

The IS250 is the best car I have ever had ( now aged 55 so had a few!) that sure looks like a good example, nice Black interior ( only colour to have in my opinion, looks classy for longer!) that one also has the stupid expensive option extra Moonroof as Lexus call it. The only option it does not have is ACC and that is like Unicorn poo to find anyway! The pedal/covers are not standard for a SE-L but it IS an SE-L as it was the only model to have wood trim ( and it is real wood, supplied by Yamaha the Piano manufacturers!) and it is marked on the drivers door jamb "IS 250 SE L"

looks like a lotta car for the money and the mileage should not be a concern if you can check any maintaince history to confirm spark plug change at 60,000 ( or six years). As all servicing was ( allegedly!) carried out by Lexus you can view everything they have ever done on their "MyLexus" portal. Someone recently commented on the lack of past paperwork/invoices for work done when buying a 250 compared to other cars they have bought, simple reason is it wasn't missing, the car is so reliable and hardly anything needs repairing!

better go and stand in front of it to see if photos add up, but better still get out in it! You won't be dis appointed.

in the above buyers guide it mentions the boot lid slamming down like a Guillotine very un-Lexus like but it is an easy fix and unless already seen to then most cars this age will suffer.

paul m.

Yes i agree. I have mine in shimmering red and love it. You mention ACC  - can i ask what that is ?

[Slucky]

I think i figured what it stands for. Its the collision control. Has a little button on the steering wheel to indicate radar.

[normski2]

ACC  ... Adaptive Cruise Control

Us old school fellas tend to often read it as ACCessories point on the ignition barrel ... ie relating to turning the key to different points before the actual igntion of the engine.

[Texas]

Yes, ACC is the Active or Adaptive Cruise Control which can be identified (if fitted) by a extra 'Distrance' button on the right side of the steering wheel and by the 'smooth' front grill mounted Lexus 'L' badge which houses the forward facing millimetre radar unit.

 

Paul m

[Shackattack]

Hi all

 

Sorry to hijack the thread but I'm a long time lurker, first time poster. 

Had my eyes on an is250 se-L for quite a while now, not found a spec I've liked up in the North West with the mark levinson system however I came across this one on eBay. 

Seems good value for the money, all the relevant paperwork and servicing. Plus the chap says he's had the exhaust system done lowered it slightly and replaced the brakes fairly recently. 

Things which need doing are a wheel refurbishment (which I understand is quite common) and there are small areas of rust dotted around? Anyone know what this could be / how easily rectified it is? There's one one the roof and one on the bonnet 

Also, I'd need to check but if the spark plugs haven't been done then that would be an immediate need,

Here's the link and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F192772248115

 

[Vlady]

1 hour ago, Shackattack said:

Hi all

 

Sorry to hijack the thread but I'm a long time lurker, first time poster. 

Had my eyes on an is250 se-L for quite a while now, not found a spec I've liked up in the North West with the mark levinson system however I came across this one on ebay. 

Seems good value for the money, all the relevant paperwork and servicing. Plus the chap says he's had the exhaust system done lowered it slightly and replaced the brakes fairly recently. 

Things which need doing are a wheel refurbishment (which I understand is quite common) and there are small areas of rust dotted around? Anyone know what this could be / how easily rectified it is? There's one one the roof and one on the bonnet 

Also, I'd need to check but if the spark plugs haven't been done then that would be an immediate need,

Here's the link and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F192772248115

 

Hi James,

These wheels do suit the car! Looks nice.

As a seller I would clean the car first, wipe the dust off before taking pictures for an advert, just looks like he/she doesn't care, this is only my opinion.

[steveledzep]

As Vlad says, I'd have put the vacuum around before photographing the interior.  MOT history is excellent, mot'd to 25th May.  Not sure why the suspension has been lowered, boy racer ??  Definitely worth a look at the price.

[Shackattack]

Cheers guys, much appreciate.

I did think that, and I've had a good communication from the seller.

Car is up for sale due to needing a work vehicle for long miles. I did wonder why it hadn't been cleaned.

I've asked him about the performance mods (I'm always sceptical of the boy racer side too! :))

In his words....

Exhaust

Reason for exhaust was the original exhaust had holes beyond repair by the lamba sensor and the rear quarter including one of the back boxes. A full Lexus replacement would have been 2k so went to an exhaust specialist who cut out the length by the lamba centre and replaced. Then replaced entire rear quarter and I specified not overly loud. That was at a cost of £700.

Suspension

Spacers are purely aesthetic as it gives it a more purposeful stance. I changed suspension as again I wanted it slightly lower but also because it's eibach progressive springs they are a better ride quality. I did alot of research before pulling the trigger. Again that was close to £500 and all done this year.

It does have some rust bubbles, he's sent me pictures, nothing looks too serious but I didn't realise a car of this age could rust?

Would your standard mobile repair man be able to sort these out (pictures attached).]

Also, It could just be the light and the photo in the dark but the bodywork doesn't look great surrounding the rust spots. 

Thanks

[johnatg]

The spots are all on the bonnet, yes? If so, they aren't rust - the bonnet is aluminium. These are probably basically stone chips are are pretty easily repaired, either diy (you probably won't get them perfect) or by a chip specialist, who should.

Aluminium doesn't rust but it can show a bit of corrosion - it can be removed and if properly cleaned off won't continue to spread as iron rust usually does.