'06 IS 250, Can't make a decision.. NEED SOME HELP!
03-23-13, 06:30 PM
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'06 IS 250, Can't make a decision.. NEED SOME HELP!
Hey guys/gals,
I cant make a decision on an '06 Lexus IS 250.
Mileage: 92,000
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Accident: Rear damage, NO structural damage
The Audi/Porsche dealership got it as a trade-in in December. Records show that they had the recall on the pistons done in January. All other recalls have been completed. They also replaced the water pump while they had the engine open.
They had it initally listed in January for $16,000. I went in during a sale they had going on when it was $15,000. I now have them down to $12,500 !!
They had all the repairs done at one of two lexus dealerships. I contacted the head mechanic who did the work, he remembered the car and said they have done hundreds of these, are excellent at what they do, and have had no issues since. Okay, great.
I took i in to get inspected, and the mechanic there said there is absolutely nothing wrong with this car. Paid $120 for a 31 point inspection. They looked at the rear for structural damage, and nothing. He said he would take it if it were him. Can i trust that?
So what am I missing here? It seems as though this deal is to good to be true? There is only minimal cosmetic damage (scratches) that have been pretty much buffed out by the detail shop there.
Also things to consider.. have there been any other issues with these cars other than recalls? Any problems post-piston/engine fix? More than anything, what do you think about this deal? The rest of the market is showing 16,000+ for this mileage.
I cant make a decision on an '06 Lexus IS 250.
Mileage: 92,000
Navigation
Accident: Rear damage, NO structural damage
The Audi/Porsche dealership got it as a trade-in in December. Records show that they had the recall on the pistons done in January. All other recalls have been completed. They also replaced the water pump while they had the engine open.
They had it initally listed in January for $16,000. I went in during a sale they had going on when it was $15,000. I now have them down to $12,500 !!
They had all the repairs done at one of two lexus dealerships. I contacted the head mechanic who did the work, he remembered the car and said they have done hundreds of these, are excellent at what they do, and have had no issues since. Okay, great.
I took i in to get inspected, and the mechanic there said there is absolutely nothing wrong with this car. Paid $120 for a 31 point inspection. They looked at the rear for structural damage, and nothing. He said he would take it if it were him. Can i trust that?
So what am I missing here? It seems as though this deal is to good to be true? There is only minimal cosmetic damage (scratches) that have been pretty much buffed out by the detail shop there.
Also things to consider.. have there been any other issues with these cars other than recalls? Any problems post-piston/engine fix? More than anything, what do you think about this deal? The rest of the market is showing 16,000+ for this mileage.
03-23-13, 07:17 PM
#3
That's a pretty cheap price. The carbon build up was the biggest problem with some of te 250's but since the motor was replaced and water pimp done you should be fine. Spark plugs should have been changed at 60K along with brake fluid. If you feel the rear damage isn't major and it has been inspected I think you should be ok. There are some members here with 140K plus and even one at 200K I believe.
03-23-13, 07:20 PM
#4
Sounds like a good deal to me ...I worked at a car dealership for a few years and when they discount the car that much its usually an aged unit that they want to get rid of...Most of the time people will walk when they see a "dirty carfax"..If youre happy with the car and price I would go for it..Talk to youre insurance first however
03-23-13, 08:21 PM
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I say you should take it out for a test drive and see if it drives alright. Check for abnormal noises and any major paint flaws from the repair. If you don't mind getting dirty you should look down under the carriage to check for any structural damages despite them reporting there is none.
03-23-13, 08:32 PM
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Oh, I drove it alright! It was no doubt smooth. Major paint flaws? well, there was definitely no rust, there is a few scratches on the driver, passenger side and the trunk. However, the detailer was buffing them out as I was there, I even watched him as he showed me how he does it. I did not check the undercarriage, even despite the mechanics appraisal. I should do that anyways however and will keep that in mind if I do plan on getting it.
Other than a slight pull to the right on the highway, the alignment checked out at the shop. I then drove it again and realized I probably was on a slope when i was on the highway, because it didnt pull.
Other than a slight pull to the right on the highway, the alignment checked out at the shop. I then drove it again and realized I probably was on a slope when i was on the highway, because it didnt pull.
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03-24-13, 07:47 AM
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Okay, what if I told you I am a student in grad school with very limited access to money and my only other option was a car in low 2000's or high 1990's with 140,000+ miles for around $5-6,000. Then what would you say?
I have the 12,500 for this car. I only have that for this car though, because I have been wanting one for so long and its about time I get a decent car, even though its got "freaking high" mileage, which i do not agree with. If i dont get this car, I am not going to settle for another car at 12,500 that I dont like, so I would be forced to get another clunker that might last me a year or 2 until i graduate and get a job.
I have the 12,500 for this car. I only have that for this car though, because I have been wanting one for so long and its about time I get a decent car, even though its got "freaking high" mileage, which i do not agree with. If i dont get this car, I am not going to settle for another car at 12,500 that I dont like, so I would be forced to get another clunker that might last me a year or 2 until i graduate and get a job.
03-24-13, 07:58 AM
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92,000 is not that high for a Lexus! We all know these cars are reliable and if everything checks out then I would get it. 12,500 for a lexus is not bad at all, even if it's just an 06. Good luck!
03-24-13, 08:56 AM
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Okay, what if I told you I am a student in grad school with very limited access to money and my only other option was a car in low 2000's or high 1990's with 140,000+ miles for around $5-6,000. Then what would you say?
I have the 12,500 for this car. I only have that for this car though, because I have been wanting one for so long and its about time I get a decent car, even though its got "freaking high" mileage, which i do not agree with. If i dont get this car, I am not going to settle for another car at 12,500 that I dont like, so I would be forced to get another clunker that might last me a year or 2 until i graduate and get a job.
I have the 12,500 for this car. I only have that for this car though, because I have been wanting one for so long and its about time I get a decent car, even though its got "freaking high" mileage, which i do not agree with. If i dont get this car, I am not going to settle for another car at 12,500 that I dont like, so I would be forced to get another clunker that might last me a year or 2 until i graduate and get a job.
If the car is in good condition and well taken care of I don't see why not??
03-24-13, 09:02 AM
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I'm at 95K on my 350. at 90K its just getting broken in. Its a Lexus/Toyota after all. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me depending on the severity of the damage that had to be repaired.
03-24-13, 09:23 AM
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I appreciate your responses! It's a tough decision for a student with no income, as I am sure you know p0lo.
I took the damage on the carfax very seriously. I made sure the mechanic check the undercarriage and framework of the rear frame. The carfax report states that the driver back up into a parked vehicle in a parking lot. The fact that the mechanic reported no structural damage, the carfax report also says no structural damage, then I assume it was very minor and required maybe a rear bumper replacement. Still, Icould not visualize any alignment issues at the bumper site, and alignment issues while driving. It really only concerns me because of the low profilish tires for these vehicles. I understand the tires wear thin at around 15-20,000 miles which is below average from my understanding. Alignment issues would obviously reduce that number significantly... leaving me wonder, am i going to have to replace these tires every year or so? and if so, can i get middle of the road bridgestones or average tires for less than $120/tire when they need to be replaced. The dealership just put brand new pirelli tires at the tune of ~$900 with no wear at all. I would hesitate alot to drop that much on a new set of wheels when the time comes.
I took the damage on the carfax very seriously. I made sure the mechanic check the undercarriage and framework of the rear frame. The carfax report states that the driver back up into a parked vehicle in a parking lot. The fact that the mechanic reported no structural damage, the carfax report also says no structural damage, then I assume it was very minor and required maybe a rear bumper replacement. Still, Icould not visualize any alignment issues at the bumper site, and alignment issues while driving. It really only concerns me because of the low profilish tires for these vehicles. I understand the tires wear thin at around 15-20,000 miles which is below average from my understanding. Alignment issues would obviously reduce that number significantly... leaving me wonder, am i going to have to replace these tires every year or so? and if so, can i get middle of the road bridgestones or average tires for less than $120/tire when they need to be replaced. The dealership just put brand new pirelli tires at the tune of ~$900 with no wear at all. I would hesitate alot to drop that much on a new set of wheels when the time comes.
03-24-13, 10:52 AM
#15
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I appreciate your responses! It's a tough decision for a student with no income, as I am sure you know p0lo.
I took the damage on the carfax very seriously. I made sure the mechanic check the undercarriage and framework of the rear frame. The carfax report states that the driver back up into a parked vehicle in a parking lot. The fact that the mechanic reported no structural damage, the carfax report also says no structural damage, then I assume it was very minor and required maybe a rear bumper replacement. Still, Icould not visualize any alignment issues at the bumper site, and alignment issues while driving. It really only concerns me because of the low profilish tires for these vehicles. I understand the tires wear thin at around 15-20,000 miles which is below average from my understanding. Alignment issues would obviously reduce that number significantly... leaving me wonder, am i going to have to replace these tires every year or so? and if so, can i get middle of the road bridgestones or average tires for less than $120/tire when they need to be replaced. The dealership just put brand new pirelli tires at the tune of ~$900 with no wear at all. I would hesitate alot to drop that much on a new set of wheels when the time comes.
I took the damage on the carfax very seriously. I made sure the mechanic check the undercarriage and framework of the rear frame. The carfax report states that the driver back up into a parked vehicle in a parking lot. The fact that the mechanic reported no structural damage, the carfax report also says no structural damage, then I assume it was very minor and required maybe a rear bumper replacement. Still, Icould not visualize any alignment issues at the bumper site, and alignment issues while driving. It really only concerns me because of the low profilish tires for these vehicles. I understand the tires wear thin at around 15-20,000 miles which is below average from my understanding. Alignment issues would obviously reduce that number significantly... leaving me wonder, am i going to have to replace these tires every year or so? and if so, can i get middle of the road bridgestones or average tires for less than $120/tire when they need to be replaced. The dealership just put brand new pirelli tires at the tune of ~$900 with no wear at all. I would hesitate alot to drop that much on a new set of wheels when the time comes.