dammsam

hey guys, I'm new to the forum and I'm desperately trying to purchase one.
couple of things first.
a gray 2009 is250 awd 25k miles for 21k base with heated seats
is this deal too good? its at a dealer.
i read the buyers guide and the lexus site to see the maintenance done on the car keeps failing.

also, there are several factors preventing me from purchasing the car.
1. it doesnt have the greatest mpg. anybody with way above estimated mpg? throw down some real life numbers.
2. which leads to my next point...a civic hahaa
its reliable, comes with warranty, and should last a while.
i know lexus is reliable and all, but no guarantee. Might purchase extended warranty with 2009 model, the warranty would be out real soon.

save $2000, take a step down to civic, save on gas, with assurance of warranty?
or take a risk of possibly spending more money down the line for maintenance, gas, and be proud haha.

is the lexus worth the tight pockets?
what do you guys think?

dammsam

lexus service history...kudos
what a wonderful thing!
so it looks like oil changes, 27 point inspection, and this.

9LG REPL PEDAL PAD, REFLASH, AWFM
REMOVE CABIN AIR FILACUUM BLOWER MOTOR ASSEMBLY REMOVING ALL PARTICLES & DEBRIS
TOUCH UP DONE BY B&Z AUTO SERVICES
REPAIR AS PER ERICS WINDSHIELD
BLA TIGHTEN FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR GASKET - IS/GS
REPLACED AIR FILTER A/C FILTER AND WIPER INSERTS TAPPED OFF
REPLACED 4 TIRES MOUNTED AND BALANCED
4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIAL
REPLACED REAR BRAKE PADS
DETAIL BY AUTO LOOK.
RECALL NOT DONE YET MISC
REPAIR AS PER MAGIC WHEEL REPAIR
REPAIR AS PER MASTER WORKS 1 LTD

can somebody explain this stuff? lol
recall not done gets me a bit worried

nitrotang

iTrader: (2)

You can always bring the car to a dealer after buying it to have the recalls done for free. Nothing to worry about.

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

Mpg is all on how you drive it. If you do all highway you can get 400+miles on a full tank. Lesser in the city.

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

service doesn't look that bad. All looks done. Do the recall when you get it. Recalls are free. Look at maintenance, insurance, and MPG. The 250 is better on gas than a 350 but 100HP less. The IS uses a timing chain vs. the Civic a timing belt that needs to be replaced. I think the insurance is the difference. We can teach you how to save money on service! Not much needed. Welcome to Club Lexus!

ghwanee

The price sounds pretty good. From the information you gave, kbb price is $30k. Well at the same time no one really pays kbb price. I'm going to guess it's not certified? I bought at 08 is250 awd with luxury package with 28k miles for $26k. I personally love the car and I get average 28~31 mpg high way and about 24mpg city.

I personally love lexus and I don't think honda civic is at the level that could be competed with a lexus. If you drive a IS and a Civic, you'll feel the difference. I personally appreciate the luxury I get from lexus. I recommend you go test drive both and see what you'll like in the long run.

TxPhantom

Civic and Lexus are not in the same class... However, for the money, you get ALOT of bang for your buck with the Civic...

As far as comfort, Lexus all the way - its SWEET

Loving my SC430... and got 21 MPH city on my 1st tank of gas

dammsam

thanks guys!
how big would the difference in insurance be?
too bad it doesnt have ml sound on that (
and what could that recall be?

calvin2376

iTrader: (2)

As far as Civic vs. Lexus, they're extremely different. Only you can determine if you value the luxury and sportiness the IS provides enough to offset the price difference. Simply test driving both (go to a local Carmax to test drive them back-to-back) should answer your question.

No one can answer your insurance question on here, because insurance quotes are based on hundreds of factors. Just go to a few insurance sites (Geico.com, Allstate.com) and get quotes. First time around, do your quote with a 2009 IS250 AWD. Then write down the price. Then go back and edit the quote, changing the car to a Civic, then see how it changes.

Another option to consider is Certified Pre-Owned, which comes with a 3 year (or up to 100k mile) near-comprehensive warranty. It will add a bit to the car's price, but it adds a lot of peace of mind as well. If I were you, I would consider looking at a car that's a model year older or one with higher mileage that's Certified but at the same price.

carlos3366

sounds too good to be true - maybe is not certified.

nyis250

iTrader: (1)

I bought my 2007 RWD Manual in 2010 (3 yr old car) with 22,XXX miles for $21k in Long Island. Even though the car was not CPO and the rims were curbed, I didn't mind because it was also my bargaining chip to knock down a few benjamins. As of now, the car is still in great condition, no mechanical works other than the usual maintenance.

I was in the same situation in 2007 as well. Civic vs Lexus IS , but the luxury and refinement of the IS has me sold. Definitely consider this one at that price

IS2FIFTY

iTrader: (5)

I think this is a pretty good deal, you should definitely get it !

RDIS250AWD

iTrader: (7)

Thats a very good deal

98023IS250

Don't take this wrong. If you are worried about gas/mileage, then it will freak you out when you own the car and have thoughts of Lexus doing repairs on the car....

Shop harder and find a good/loaded Civic SI.

Noeh

iTrader: (3)

Coming from a 8th gen civic I can tell you this:

Civic:
1. ~30% cheaper on gas (better mpg + regular gas)
2. feels roomier (more room for the rear seats)
3. enough hp for your daily commute in traffic
4. cheaper insurance (mine went up from 25% with the IS)
5. cheaper maintenance

Lexus:
1. rides super smooth and quiet
2. did I mention how quiet is it compared to a civic?
3. way better stock speakers
4. I'm loving the heater seats
5. I've loving the extra HP
6. on my last ski trip, AWD made a HUGE difference in the snow/ice and hills
7. lexus dealership service is awesome, they are super accommodating and gives you free car washes, loaners and other perks.

The civic is a nice reliable car, but the IS is that and much more. When I first tried out the IS, I immediately noticed the difference in build and quality. Doing 90 on a IS feels like 40 on a civic. The upgrade was well worth the $$ for me