Hi guys,

Not sure where to post this, so I'll just leave it in the General section.

I've been hunting for a Lexus for quite some time, doing research on models that have caught my interest. So far, I have the 3 contenders:

LEXUS LS430 (Any year model)
LEXUS LS400 (1998-2000)
LEXUS IS250 (2006-2009)

My budget is around $9,000 to $13,000 AUD

I really like the old-school looks from the LS's. The IS250 reminds me of my old car, ACCORD Euro CU2, in terms of body-shape, which is a strong reason as to why it's on the list.
There's just something about driving an old-school Luxury barge with a V8. If I was to get the LS430, I'd leave the whole thing stock on the exterior/interior. I dig the look too much, stock wheels and all. Possibly do some exhaust work to get the V8 growl. With the LS400, change the wheels and tail-lights and that's it, exhaust work as well. IS250, I'd honestly be happy with this thing stock. With these options comes one restraint, I prefer the color to be Black (Onyx). I've come from Silver cars and they are just bland after some time. No offence, it's a nice safe color, but to me I think it is way too dull over time.

The IS250 is the easiest to find for sale in AUSTRALIA, the other two is doable but I have never seen a black colorway for the LS400/430 listed up on car trade sites here. This calls for me to import one from JAPAN, where there is heaps of them laying around. An issue which could brew to disaster due to various reasons, I'd rather see the car in person. Another thing I have to keep in mind is the maintenance/ownership costs of these things. The closest Lexus dealership is 2 hours away from me, so I guess that's out of the phase? There's a Toyota dealership up the road and other independent mechanics in the town.

Honestly, it's the prestige of owning a Lexus. I've been a fan of the brand for ages now and I'm always turning my head every-time I see a Lexus in person, no matter which model it is. I've saved up some funds and currently don't have a vehicle, so I'm looking to make this purchase sooner than usual.

What do you guys think? It's a bit late, so let me know if I've left out anything important

Patrick

 

All I can say is for the first time I bought a used car in 2016, and an 11 y.o. one at that with 81k. 2006 LS430. At the time it was in the $14's (sounds nuts but some were on carmax for $17 and at some dealers for $19). To illustrate, at the time, 2014 Camrys with 35k miles (as many as you want) were available for the same price. 2 1/2 y.o. Camry, 11 y.o. LS, same price, I chose the LS.

In the almost 2 1/2 yrs. and 34k miles, only one thing has malfunctioned--two left front corner park distance sensors. They cost $13 ea. on eBay.

Granted the LS430 is a boring car to drive, and has poor handling. But from my experience and that of others, appears to be bulletproof for reliability. And there is some novelty in driving a flagship that seems to need no repairs, and cheap to DIY.

I hear good things about the LS400, but the 430 imho is more modern. I don't know anything about the IS250 but just the number 250 turns me off lol

 

Agreed, the LS430 looks more modern. I actually prefer the shape of the LS400 just slightly, but there's just something about the LS430, has that aura about it. Yeah, I might even push the budget and look at the IS350 F Sport from around the same years. Has more performance and a better title.

 

Mate I was keen as on a 430, and had never driven one before in my life! haha. I just knew it would be a great car, and sure enough I love mine now. The LS line is great, and I would consider adding a 98-00 LS400 to my stable as well, as I love the way the chassis looks. I think you'd be happier with an LS over any IS.

 

I think with the IS 250, you have to be aware it's by far the lowest-powered of the three cars you've listed. However, I have a coworker with one that has over 150,000 miles and is still their daily. It looks pretty decent aside from a few scratches after all those miles, too. So if you're not interested too much in acceleration, it's probably a good choice. edit: Just be on the lookout for carbon buildup, as the engine in the IS 250 uses direct injection exclusively. Some Lexus engines use both port injection and direct injection, preventing the issue, but the 250's 2.5-liter six-cylinder is not one of them.

That being said, I'd personally gravitate towards the LS 430 - there's something pleasing about driving a big V8 powered sedan. I think I'd rather drive it to work every day over the IS.

Granted my daily is currently an IS, but the 3rd-gen IS is arguably a bit more livable than the 2nd-gen.