I own 2 Lexus vehicles: My wife's GS350 - Great car and I love everything about it except maybe that giant grill. But I can't see that while driving it!! My second Lexus purchase was a 2008 GX470. I have been almost as happy with it but it has a few more features/characteristics but I don't care for (full sized truck MPG and that awful touch screen that is requires too many touches). I need something similar to the GX for an 18ft boat that I like to drag to the water occasionally, but the MPG is why I am considering adding another car.

Pretty close to me, there is a 2008 IS F-sport with a manual trans and NOT AWD(a positive for me). I have not seen the car in person but it looks pretty good in the pics. The biggest concern it that it has a salvage title. The seats seem to be holding up well (better than my GX).

So let me know what you do and don't like about your IS250 (F-sport or not)?

This one has 170K miles on it and I am likely to add to that very quickly. I drive a lot for work! The MPG is also moderately important but, compared to the GX, almost everything will be a major improvement.

 

A pre-purchase inspection is a must. Since its a salvage title you need someone that really knows the car to identify any abnormalities. I'd suggest a Lexus dealer or at least a Lexus specialist at a JDM garage.

Get the VIN, then add the car to your garage at lexus drivers. Depending on the state they may or may not have the car's maintenance available because of the salvage. Also that year is subject to the "sticky dash" syndrome so look at the FAQs for the car here on the forums.

I really like my 2008 IS250 MT and it would be perfect if the manual transmission wasn't smooth as gravel shifting. It just takes getting use to.

GL!

 

The IS250 F-sport model wasn't added to the Lexus lineup until the 2011 model year. So while the 2008 you are looking at may have some F-sport accessories, performance parts or badging that was added by a previous owner, it rolled off the assembly line as a different trim level.

Was the salvage title due to collision damage? Flood damage? Personally I would be extremely leery of purchasing a car with a salvage title, but your tolerance for risk may be higher than mine. In any case, due diligence is warranted.

If you haven't already, you may want to check out the 2IS buyers guide in the FAQ thread (stickied to the top of this forum) for some more things to watch out for.

 

According to the VIN, this is a 2007. I drove it today and it seemed to drive pretty good, not as smooth as my '08 GX and nowhere near my wife's '16 GS, but acceptable. My guess is that the salvage title is the result of a driver's front collision. The quarter-panel fit is not perfect.

I am not writing it off just yet but I am going to keep looking. Will look again at the buyers guide now that I have driven it.

 

All depends on price and your goal.

This would be a 5-7K car in Canada.

Better ones are out there, just be patient and look in all dark corners.