Hello

[cqdx]

Hello all, 

New to L.O.C.. I am eyeing IS250 2010-2012 and a week ago I started to gather information online. Having lived around the world for more than a decade I owned number of BMW, Mercedes and Toyota vehicles. I got tired of German cars build quality and made a decision to part with my BMW at the beginning of this year. I noticed there are quite a few IS250 Advance y. 2010-2012 on Auto Trader.  It seems there is no much of a difference between the SE-L and Advance, but I am still not familiar with all trim spec in the UK.

I came across these interesting cars and would appreciate your thoughts on trim/equipment, general appearance  and price.

https://tinyurl.com/yy3a8fnc

https://tinyurl.com/y4uxdssy

https://tinyurl.com/y5prqjdl

Thank you very much,
Nick

[Andrew250]

Hi Nick,

I just purchased a 2011 IS250 Advance and I am really happy with the car so far. It has all the gadgets I need - Heated electric adjustable leather seats, auto dimming headlights, rain sensitive wipers etc.

Lexus wrote a small blog about the advance linked here. 

https://blog.lexus.co.uk/catching-up-with-the-new-lexus-is-advance-sports-saloon/

US brochure although I think as cars made in Japan pretty similar specs as UK ( I think ) https://www.lexus.com/documents/brochures/2011/2011-Lexus-IS-Brochure.pdf

 & check this Honest John write up regarding models and specs. https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/lexus/is-2005/good#item9

The advance does not have; memory seats, auto folding mirrors or cooled seats at the higher model range nor a sun roof. It also has a more standard sound system and not the fabled Mark Levinson system (I find the sound system to be good but I am not an audiophile) . F sport got different suspension and exhaust and sportier trim.  I am not sure what else is missing I am sure somebody will be along to advise you.

I paid less than what you have listed but I went much higher mileage with a full service history as the engines are known to be very reliable. The cars can suffer from some issues well documented a thread in the IS250 forum - well worth a read prior to viewing and a test drive. I think all three look good, I would choose one with a good service history and not necessarily lower mileage but well cared for. 

 

 

[cqdx]

Hi Andrew,

Thank you for your warm welcome, I am glad to be part of this forum. 

That is a ton of great information; will certainly have a read tonight. My wish list would be 40-60k milage, y. 2010-2012 and no sunroof. Of course, I will have to consider everything on offer as obviously I am not buying a new car. I am quite surprised these little cars hold their price. 

BTW, does the side mirror auto tilt when in reverse?

[J Henderson]

Welcome Nick,

The auto-tilt mirrors are only found on cars that have memory seats and I don't think that's something that was available on the Advance trim level.

Advance is a nice model to be looking for though. Strong standard equipment like Andrew mentioned, plus has the newer F-Sport style front bumper. Some great exterior/interior colour combos available on them too.

Good luck with your search. Note that around 2012, the Advance also came with a few more changes like 18" wheels and the newer style Xenon headlights with DRLs incorporated.

[cqdx]

Hi John,

Thank you for the info. I went through your thread and enjoyed reading about upgrades/mods to your car. 

I think 2011/12 give most for one's buck so will keep on searching. 

 

 

[Spacewagon52]

48 minutes ago, cqdx said:

Hi John,

Thank you for the info. I went through your thread and enjoyed reading about upgrades/mods to your car. 

I think 2011/12 give most for one's buck so will keep on searching. 

 

 

Keep us posted Nick if you source one to purchase - like to know your thoughts on driving one.

[Spacewagon52]

20 hours ago, cqdx said:

Hello all, 

New to L.O.C.. I am eyeing IS250 2010-2012 and a week ago I started to gather information online. Having lived around the world for more than a decade I owned number of BMW, Mercedes and Toyota vehicles. I got tired of German cars build quality and made a decision to part with my BMW at the beginning of this year. I noticed there are quite a few IS250 Advance y. 2010-2012 on Auto Trader.  It seems there is no much of a difference between the SE-L and Advance, but I am still not familiar with all trim spec in the UK.

I came across these interesting cars and would appreciate your thoughts on trim/equipment, general appearance  and price.

https://tinyurl.com/yy3a8fnc

https://tinyurl.com/y4uxdssy

https://tinyurl.com/y5prqjdl

Thank you very much,
Nick

Agree - all three look good - I like MK61 LFX - though not looked at MOT history - worth checking all these cars with MOT check

[cqdx]

On 10/25/2020 at 12:28 PM, Spacewagon52 said:

Keep us posted Nick if you source one to purchase - like to know your thoughts on driving one.

Will certainly do David. Thank you.

[cqdx]

Hello again guys,

Just an update on my search. I am considering these two cars now:

https://tinyurl.com/y6nzpnct     2008 SE-L    64,000 miles    Spark plugs are done, and rims have been refurbished in the meantime. 

https://tinyurl.com/y4hsu7xz   2011 Advance 37,000 miles

As you can see there is a considerable difference in price and milage. After reading the forum I am in doubt whether to purchase a newer, low milage car or to get an older car but with somewhat better trim. I plan to keep the car for 2-3 years max. 

Your comments are more than welcome.

Thanks,

Nick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Spacewagon52]

If you can spare the time look at both. I would concentrate on service history (How many Lexus services?) condition inside and out. Younger and lower mileage does not necessarily equate to better condition. I like the lower mileage one but the other could be a better buy!

[J Henderson]

Quite a dilemma as both appear to be very nice examples.

My take - I would view the SE-L first. I prefer the look of the Advance, especially that two-tone interior which looks unmarked, but there's no denying the extra features & equipment on the SE-L, plus the price difference. I think it would feel like a better VFM purchase to me, personally.

The only thing the newer car has, which I think I would miss, is the ability to stream music via Bluetooth.

[Beamish]

 

The rims shown on the SE-L are standard 17" and not the optional 18" Hoshi as they claim in their description.

[cqdx]

Good morning,

Here is an update on the SE-L:

1st. owner  _ 2008- 2015 serviced by Lexus. (Gearbox oil/filter changed by Lexus.)

2nd. owner _ 2016 - 2020 serviced by an independent garage. There are no invoices for servicing, only stamps in the service book. I don't know if that is normal in the UK, but I would expect to see invoices with detailed description of the parts used and work done.

Also, there are no invoices (proof) that the spark plugs have been changed ?!?

If purchased, the dealer offers  1 year warranty.

Checked MOT, and 2016 inspection is missing. I suppose that means the car was parked /not in use for 1 year.

 

[cqdx]

Still looking for the right car. It seems to be difficult to find a seller/dealer that can provide full and complete service history. 

I wanted to ask if anyone has experience dealing with: Woodson Cars Ltd, 78-80 Liverpool Road, Cadishead, Manchester, Greater Manchester M44 5AF

They have 2 cars in stock and promised to give me more details on Monday. 

Will keep you updated.

[cqdx]

The search is over .... I bought SE-L from the above link. Will post some photos this weekend. 

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

 

[steve2006]

Welcome to the LOC and now Lexus ownership 😀

[Spacewagon52]

Photos are always welcome - congratulations!

 

You went to Manchester to buy it?