Lexis Is Buying Help Needed

[Bingo123]

Hello guys,

i am a new meber of the site and looking to buy a IS 220d or IS250, around 2007/08 as its in my budget.

Browsing through various ads at Autotrader but have got confused(specially between IS220d and IS250), so please help out with the queries :

1. Which one is more reliable IS220d or IS250?

2. Would it be OK to buy something that has run around 50-60k?

3. The service interval is 10k kms?

4. I am expecting 1 service a year costing 300-400, is that realistic?

5. Any particular things to look out for while viewing?

My monthly running is around 1000-1200 kms, mostly city and ocassional motorway run and have not owned a lexus before so need you inputs.

Many thanks in advance.

[bobbyc]

Hi Sandeep

I have tried to answer your questions below based on my knowledge, so really just IMO.

1. Which one is more reliable IS220d or IS250?

- I think it is generally accepted that the IS250 is the more reliable of the two. The IS220d has better mpg figures being a diesel, however it has a list of known problems and any one of these could cost a lot of money to fix. With you not doing huge miles IMO the IS250 would be better and you would get approx 24 mpg around town and this can rise to 38 mpg on a decent run on the motorway. The things to bear in mind with the IS250 is that the road tax for the manual is £470 per year but approx £270 for the automatic. I have the manual and am very happy with it, however the reviews of the automatic are also excellent and there is more of them about

2. Would it be OK to buy something that has run around 50-60k?

Regardless of the model you chose ensure it has the full lexus service history and don't be afraid to call the lexus branch who did the work to get additional information. These are excellent cars, however that they do need to be maintained in order to run well. If it has a FLSH then 50 - 60k is no issue at all. Bear in mind that there is a "large" service due at 60k and this can cost about £600, so if any cars you view are around this figure ensure this service has been done.

3. The service interval is 10k kms?

Yes 10k miles or every 12 months

4. I am expecting 1 service a year costing 300-400, is that realistic?

This should be fine "most" years, but if any of the large services are due you could pay more than this.

5. Any particular things to look out for while viewing?

Can't really comment on the 220d, however on the 250 ensure that the engine runs smooth and there is no jumping of the revs in idle. These have been known to have issues with carbon build up, although this is mostly in the US. The car should be very smooth and quiet in any gear, so listen for rattles or unusually noises. Ensure all the electrics work on every instrument (windows, fans, a/c). And then just the usually stuff you would look for on any car. These are very well build and generally trouble free, however they can be expensive to fix so getting an idea of how well looked after it has been is important.

The IS250 is also tuned to run of premium petrol so factor this into your thinking if you are looking to buy on.

[Bingo123]

Thanks a lot BobbyC, i am also more inclined towards IS250, considering my low usage and after reading few of the threads here in the forum, it looks like its gonna be 250 not 220d for me.

quite a difference between the road tax for auto and manual. thanks for letting me know.

[bluenose1940]

I have owned both models and the 220d was a truly lovely car. I only got rid of it because of the low annual mileage that I now do and low mileage and diesel apparently don't go together well.

The IS250 is in my opinion a far better car but of course it will not give you the mpg returns of the diesel.