Looking for an IS250

[HoofHearted]

I’m new to the forum so apologies if this isn’t allowed but after a wasted 300 mile round trip today to view what turned out to be a shanner I’m wondering if anybody is selling or knows someone selling an IS250.

 

In Glasgow but prepared to travel a fair distance for the right car.

[eleveneleven]

Hey Graeme,  I Don't know of anyone but I will (and I'm sure other members will too) keep an eye out for you 

We're going to need more meat on the bone... 

What's your budget? 

What model would you prefer? (SR, SE, Advance, SE-i, SE-L, F-sport, etc) Any features that you must have? 

Any colour, age or gearbox preference? (bare in mind that IS250's made before 2008 can't take E10 fuel and a manual gearbox is slightly more expensive to tax) 

[Tam Templeton]

Thinking of selling my is 250 , manual .58 plate . very good condition for year .+ near you.give me your details .

[HoofHearted]

3 hours ago, eleveneleven said:

Hey Graeme,  I Don't know of anyone but I will (and I'm sure other members will too) keep an eye out for you 

We're going to need more meat on the bone... 

What's your budget? 

What model would you prefer? (SR, SE, Advance, SE-i, SE-L, F-sport, etc) Any features that you must have? 

Any colour, age or gearbox preference? (bare in mind that IS250's made before 2008 can't take E10 fuel and a manual gearbox is slightly more expensive to tax) 

What are manuals like in terms of reliability? 
 

was just making sure such a post was allowed first I’ll post what I’m looking for down below. Thanks for the help guys

[HoofHearted]

Budget of 5.5k 

 

ideally looking for an auto but id consider a manual. 
 

colours I’d consider any. Prefer red, black or blue but as I say it wouldn’t be a deal breaker.

 

would also consider any spec, my budget means I can’t be too choosy unfortunately but that’s the life of a student. 
 

Newer the better but would still take a pre 2008 model. 
 

again in terms of features I wouldn’t be overly arsey. Only exception is the interior, would prefer a full leather black interior but would consider part leather etc.

just really wouldn’t want a cream interior.

[eleveneleven]

I've not heard anything bad about the manuals.

Cant see anything in your area on AutoTrader or the others, looks like you'll have to do some travelling...

On the plus side you'll be able to get an SE-L (top spec) with the budget you have. As always do your checks and have a good read of the What to look out for - Lexus IS250 thread. Keep an eye on the buyers and sellers corner here too, I believe there's a 250 on there now which looks tidy, have no idea where it is though..

[scudney]

A point worth bearing in mind is that the early manual IS250's fall into the higher road tax bracket(£500+),while most of the later ones were  automatics with  slightly lower road tax(£300 +)

[HoofHearted]

1 hour ago, eleveneleven said:

I've not heard anything bad about the manuals.

Cant see anything in your area on AutoTrader or the others, looks like you'll have to do some travelling...

On the plus side you'll be able to get an SE-L (top spec) with the budget you have. As always do your checks and have a good read of the What to look out for - Lexus IS250 thread. Keep an eye on the buyers and sellers corner here too, I believe there's a 250 on there now which looks tidy, have no idea where it is though..

Had seen people say to stick with automatics. Maybe do some more reading on the manuals then.

 

there’s absolutely nothing up here sadly. So so many in London and the surrounding areas but that’s too far for me to go for what could end up as another wasted journey like going to Middlesbrough yesterday. 

[eleveneleven]

I saw the car I'm guessing you went to look at on Autotrader (silver 08 plate??) 

Looked ok from the pics too. The things some dealers try and get away with eh 🤦‍♂️

Did the dealer mention it had been in an accident? 

 

[wharfhouse]

Have you been to a Lexus dealer - there are quite a few around the country at Lexus dealers for sale and usually any local dealer can get a car moved from another dealer if you are seriously interested. You'd also get a full one year warranty too. Have a look at the Lexus website for used cars and you can see what's out there around the country. 

[HoofHearted]

3 hours ago, eleveneleven said:

I saw the car I'm guessing you went to look at on Autotrader (silver 08 plate??) 

Looked ok from the pics too. The things some dealers try and get away with eh 🤦‍♂️

Did the dealer mention it had been in an accident? 

 

The very same. Gutted doesn’t cut it. Fell in love though, absolutely desperate for a Lexus now. 
 

I didn’t even bother asking for a test drive either, zero mention of it having been in a smash. 

[HoofHearted]

1 hour ago, wharfhouse said:

Have you been to a Lexus dealer - there are quite a few around the country at Lexus dealers for sale and usually any local dealer can get a car moved from another dealer if you are seriously interested. You'd also get a full one year warranty too. Have a look at the Lexus website for used cars and you can see what's out there around the country. 

I had a look on the website mate. I’m on a pretty modest budget so I’ll be unlikely to get anything from them sadly. Might pop in to speak to somebody anyway though. There’s one in Sidcup Lexus but it’s out with my budget and there’s no pics.

appreciate the advice I’ll keep an eye on the Lexus website.

[Texas]

I highly recommend having a drive in both the manual and auto version before buying a 250, for me it was a no brainier to have the almost trouble free motoring of the Lexus auto box instead of having to ‘stir’ gears in what is a very refined car.

[HoofHearted]

8 minutes ago, Texas said:

I highly recommend having a drive in both the manual and auto version before buying a 250, for me it was a no brainier to have the almost trouble free motoring of the Lexus auto box instead of having to ‘stir’ gears in what is a very refined car.

That’s why the auto appeals. Never had one before but it just seems like a car that’ll sound as smooth as it looks. 
 

part of me is thinking they’re hard to come by and I can’t be too fussy but I’d prefer an auto 100%

[PeteTP]

Having had the auto box IS 250, with a heart’n’ahalf, I’d endorse those that have recommended it. Choice of one IMO.

PeteTP

[Texas]

3 hours ago, HoofHearted said:

That’s why the auto appeals. Never had one before but it just seems like a car that’ll sound as smooth as it looks. 
 

part of me is thinking they’re hard to come by and I can’t be too fussy but I’d prefer an auto 100%

This was my fist auto car in 40 years and it is the best car I’ve ever owned ( and I have had new cars back in the 80’s) 

I don’t think you should struggle to get a good auto version, as the auto was a more popular version than the manual. And I do feel that owners of these cars ( and Lexus in general) tend to be more careful/responsible motorist and look after them so don’t be disheartened by the poor example ( there is always an exception to the rule) that you recently stood in front of ( been there-done that and soon after got to purchase my ideal motor!)

[HoofHearted]

12 hours ago, Texas said:

This was my fist auto car in 40 years and it is the best car I’ve ever owned ( and I have had new cars back in the 80’s) 

I don’t think you should struggle to get a good auto version, as the auto was a more popular version than the manual. And I do feel that owners of these cars ( and Lexus in general) tend to be more careful/responsible motorist and look after them so don’t be disheartened by the poor example ( there is always an exception to the rule) that you recently stood in front of ( been there-done that and soon after got to purchase my ideal motor!)

Heard nothing but good things. Appreciate I’m on a specialist forum but hearing from people like yourself who have been driving for a while and rate as it amongst the best car they’ve ever owned keep me motivated to keep searching and not just settle for a bmw/merc money pit. 

[HoofHearted]

Heading to Oldham tomorrow to view one. Hoping it's not another disappointment and long journey home. 

[Texas]

🤞

[Mr Vlad]

If you're going to Super One Traders be very very careful. I got my car from him during the time there was a 6 month extension on MOT'S. The car you are going to see is Silver 58 plate yes? It's MOT runs out on the 22nd of THIS month. 

My car was in a similar MOT position but I fell into the trap of glazed eyes. 

DONT buy that car without it having a FULL 12 month MOT.

Oh I had to buy and get fitted 2 new rear shock absorbers and he wasn't interested one bit.

You have been warned and in time hopefully. 

[Razor61]

12 hours ago, HoofHearted said:

Heading to Oldham tomorrow to view one. Hoping it's not another disappointment and long journey home. 

If the one in Oldham isn’t suitable then there is an SE-L for sale in Cheadle which is not far from Oldham. Private seller and it looks pretty good, beige leather though.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112220743701

[eleveneleven]

The Oldham lot have used that generic background for the car pics, from personal experience that's never a good sign, so like Mr Vlad said, be cautious. 

One in Cheadle looks good. Mods have been added though by the sounds of it so do your checks. 

Good Luck. 

 

[markeyszoo]

16 minutes ago, eleveneleven said:

The Oldham lot have used that generic background for the car pics, from personal experience that's never a good sign, so like Mr Vlad said, be cautious. 

One in Cheadle looks good. Mods have been added though by the sounds of it so do your checks. 

Good Luck. 

 

What is the story with the guys from Oldham? They seem to specialise in IS250's and always have a couple in hand. I got mine there and after sorting a few minor problems myself it is a joy! They must have leads in the Lexus system?

[Mr Vlad]

So you got yours from there Marky and you at your own cost had to sort out a few minor problems. That's ok But the car I got was in its 5th month of extended MOT due to covid etc. I was blind to that, my stupidly. Booked mine in with Lexus Stockport for a service and MOT but they phoned me and said they'd Not MOT it as they'd have to fail it for a weeping/leaking shock absorber. I phoned the seller numerous times before I got through and his response was that he wasn't interested and wouldn't cover the costs or even partially cover them. So my car cost me a further near £600. What else has it cost me? £200 to get rid of as many of the thousands of scratches on it. Other than that fuel and the cost of a service plan. Overall my car is brilliant after I sorted it. 

[HoofHearted]

5 hours ago, Mr Vlad said:

If you're going to Super One Traders be very very careful. I got my car from him during the time there was a 6 month extension on MOT'S. The car you are going to see is Silver 58 plate yes? It's MOT runs out on the 22nd of THIS month. 

My car was in a similar MOT position but I fell into the trap of glazed eyes. 

DONT buy that car without it having a FULL 12 month MOT.

Oh I had to buy and get fitted 2 new rear shock absorbers and he wasn't interested one bit.

You have been warned and in time hopefully. 

He said he’d be putting it through an MOT but I’m not filled with confidence reading that. Think that’s a bullet dodged mate thank you for the heads up had rearranged to go Tuesday but I won’t be now.