Thinking of Getting a used IS250

[napstr007]

1 hour ago, Mr Vlad said:

Looks a very good car. Advertised correctly as a SE I. As for the exhaust look on ebay. There's a very good rear section for a very good price.

 

16 hours ago, scudney said:

To be honest it is to be expected of an 11 year old car

The body work and Everything was good. I noticed that the panel gaps or edges near the bonnet and fender area were a little off but I guess that is expected. I took pics however. 

The deal breaker was when I took a look under the car rear. Take a look at it for yourself, maybe you guys would have some feedback. 

https://freeimage.host/i/2c46hJ
https://freeimage.host/i/2c4gmg
https://freeimage.host/i/2c44Ia
https://freeimage.host/i/2c4UkF
https://freeimage.host/i/2c4L1p
https://freeimage.host/i/2c4t2I
https://freeimage.host/i/2c4QrN
https://freeimage.host/i/2c4sBR
https://freeimage.host/i/2c4bkX
https://freeimage.host/i/2c4mpn

Regards. 

 

[Texas]

The 250 exhaust was mild steel from the factory as opposed to stainless steel,admittedly very heavy gauge and this accounts for the very quite nature of the car, a SS system would allow a lot more noise to escape as it would be made with a far thinner gauge material, That exhaust looks very much in the same condition as mine and unless its actually leaking anywhere then it should not be a worry, yes it will go eventually because it will rust and the favourite site is near the crutch of the 'Y' section, but it may just look a lot worst than you think.

Also could be a possible bargaining point!

[napstr007]

4 minutes ago, Texas said:

The 250 exhaust was mild steel from the factory as opposed to stainless steel,admittedly very heavy gauge and this accounts for the very quite nature of the car, a SS system would allow a lot more noise to escape as it would be made with a far thinner gauge material, That exhaust looks very much in the same condition as mine and unless its actually leaking anywhere then it should not be a worry, yes it will go eventually because it will rust and the favourite site is near the crutch of the 'Y' section, but it may just look a lot worst than you think.

Also could be a possible bargaining point!

Thanks for that. I am basing my buying decision on it. 

How much would it cost to replace the exhaust if needed at some point. 

[Mr Vlad]

£165 on eBay. Almost gone but thats been stated before on eBay. I believe once he runs out of stock then more will be made .https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112521866538

 

[napstr007]

2 minutes ago, Mr Vlad said:

£165 on ebay. Almost gone but thats been stated before on ebay. I believe once he runs out of stock then more will be made .https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112521866538

 

So maybe another £200 for labour? 

[Mr Vlad]

I'd say to do the job yourself as its easy enough. If not yourself then ring round garages for quotes.

[napstr007]

Also there was black soot on my fingers and a little bit oily when I tested the exhaust. Hmm... 

[Mr Vlad]

Yes. One photo to me shows a poor quality repair. Picture 4 i think. This exhaust needs changing. 

[napstr007]

48 minutes ago, Mr Vlad said:

Yes. One photo to me shows a poor quality repair. Picture 4 i think. This exhaust needs changing. 

Thanks for helping me out. Given this situation would, how much would you shell out for this car realistically? 

[Spacewagon52]

The car is from Northern Ireland (Black one) apart from the steering issue mentioned - but that was back at 35,000 - the MOT history looks fine. It seems a good price but I would want 12 months MOT not four months?

Just my opinion. You will need to factor in the exhaust at some point in the future. If you like the colour go for it. That age of car - I have just bought same vintage - will have some issues that will need to be attended to. If it is under your max budget then you have a little money besides to sort any annoying issues that might pop up.

[Mr Vlad]

Hi Jonny. They're asking £6200? I'd offer 5750 stating the issues with the car. Oh the panel gaps look ok. Theyre just like the gaps on my 2007 is250. Good luck pal in your purchase. If you have any doubts tho then don't despair. There will always be other is250's that turn up.

[napstr007]

On 9/27/2020 at 6:17 PM, Mr Vlad said:

Hi Jonny. They're asking £6200? I'd offer 5750 stating the issues with the car. Oh the panel gaps look ok. Theyre just like the gaps on my 2007 is250. Good luck pal in your purchase. If you have any doubts tho then don't despair. There will always be other is250's that turn up.

 

On 9/27/2020 at 5:49 PM, Spacewagon52 said:

The car is from Northern Ireland (Black one) apart from the steering issue mentioned - but that was back at 35,000 - the MOT history looks fine. It seems a good price but I would want 12 months MOT not four months?

Just my opinion. You will need to factor in the exhaust at some point in the future. If you like the colour go for it. That age of car - I have just bought same vintage - will have some issues that will need to be attended to. If it is under your max budget then you have a little money besides to sort any annoying issues that might pop up.

Finally got a late 2005 IS250 SE with 65000 miles on it, paid just over 3500 for it. The body and Interior were in really nice condition and No advisories on MOT throughout its life. Seems to have been a Loaner/Demo car (at least that's the story the seller said). 

Drives smooth on the highway. When I reverse, the brakes make noise, and in really slow maneuvering, when i apply brakes slowly while turning left, the steering runs to that side, I think its the sticky brakes, will get it done on the next service as the rear rotors have anyway developed a lip. 

Just observed a very odd thing. I drove it down after buying it for about 200KM and then once I was back home at the garage I stopped and put it into reverse and all the lights on the dash lit up like an Xmas tree. Everything was still running and all... Stopped the car and started it back up and it was normal again. (????) Did not happen again till now, but will keep an eye out. 

[Texas]

Get all the brake calliper slide pins cleaned up and greased ASAP as a first action after getting a new to you IS250 ( as this job is not in any Lexus service schedule) and redo it every year as a minimum. While in there you can check level of meat on pads and clean everything else up, quite a satisfying job if you are not rushed!

[napstr007]

39 minutes ago, Texas said:

Get all the brake calliper slide pins cleaned up and greased ASAP as a first action after getting a new to you IS250 ( as this job is not in any Lexus service schedule) and redo it every year as a minimum. While in there you can check level of meat on pads and clean everything else up, quite a satisfying job if you are not rushed!

Yes, thanks for the tip. I will contact a independent service guy near me and get it done soon.