LexFather

2005 Lexus IS300 4-DR. w/SAB Standard Safety Features
• 4-Wheel ABS • Traction Control
• Daytime Running Lights • Child Seat Lower Anchorage
• Adjustable Upper Belt - Front • Pretensioner
• Energy Management Feature • Rear Center Lap/Shoulder Belt
• Side Airbag - Front • Head Airbag - Front
• Rear Seat Head Restraint • Dynamic Head Restraint
• Trunk Release

It got 5 stars for side front and rear and rollover protection.
Problems are rare. 2001 had a CD player that would eat CDs.
Engine An occasional problem on this vehicle is the failure of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor. Problems in the MAF Sensor may cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. The cost to replace the MAF Sensor is estimated at $139.95 for parts and $26 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

92 SC400

It's a good car IMO. I had two friends in high school who got brand new ones when they got a license. Funny thing though, both of them got tired of the car relatively quick for some reason.

eyezack87

iTrader: (4)

Lol, I like his comment on the ES. I'd get him a 2nd gen ES300 and give it to him saying that if he drives this, everyone will think hes old and try to pass him but its his job to put them in his place (is good enough to keep up). Also, tell him cops wont look for him too . All speaking from personal experience of course

Hartawan

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like hes a good kid, but I think he likes to show off? Good thing is that the IS300 is not TOO powerful. And not ALL 16 year olds get into accidents. Go for it

Inabj2

The car is a dog in stock trim, and has reasonable safety standards.

I don't see the issue. I wouldn't get the car on his name. But rather parents name. And let him work to fully earn his car. If he decides to mod it, id make it so its completely coming from his limited earnings.

...

After reading the last post....

give him the following. Tools, a manual, and a shell of a vehicle. Or better yet a bus pass....

tuan92129

But is it nessesary to get an is 300 for a first car? When he can drive a corolla or camry and save a TON of money..again it all comes to how much $$ you have to spend and if you think he deserves it.
For me, I'd rather drive a camry than have to give up valuable time to go work 16 hours/week just to pay for insurance b/c in the end, its all about going to a good college, getting a well paying job, and buying your own Lexus.

Inabj2

You really have to force the thing to get it to power slide. There are family sedans that have considerable more power then this vehicle. Any car can kill him. Unless were talking about tempting powerful vehicle. At this point I don't see having the IS300 any more dangerous then having a corrolla.

Lil4X

A $15K sports/luxury car - as a gift for a 16 y/o? That, IMHO, is a bit much. Whatever the relative merits of the IS, the message giving him such an expensive toy sends is probably not what you want. We all had cars we "wanted" at 16, but most of us learned that we had to live in the real world. He might be better off with a lesser vehicle in which he can share the responsibility.

He's willing to work for the insurance, have him work and save his money toward his own car. Certainly, the family can help out, but tie that level of "help" to some realistic expectations of grades and other responsibilities. There are plenty of decent first cars out there for half or a third of that figure that would be safe and reliable - and not a total embarrassment to be seen in. More important, something like this would allow him to be a part of the purchase.

biggie27

if u are worried about the IS being too much of a sports car for him, and it looks like he was intrested in the RX why not see of there are any used RX's in that price range, maybe u can change his mindset from that boy racing mindset into that pimpin SUV mindset :P, or maybe an FJ cruiser u might find a used one in that price range, maybe alittle more but it is a nice new truck thats not fast and looks pretty cool and safe, or look into the infinity FX35 Im pretty sure a 16 year old would love that

miniround

it was in the top 2 most expensive to insure a few months ago when that list lurked around here. I don't remember if it was #1 or #2, but it was up there! ha ha

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

Does he NEED an IS when he's only 16?

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

For 15k, I would look into an 07 Scion TC.. Dealers need to make room for the 08's, so now is a good time. Insurance for a new Scion should be less than that of used Lexus IS300 since the Lexus falls under the category of "premium" vehicle. If you need 4 doors, then look into a Mazda 3.

MSMLexIS

I know a 16 you with an IS300 its a good first car.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

i learned to drive on a camry that was older than me and i was happy til i found my LS

biggie27

maybe a nice rx8 Im sure u could get one for a good price