Need Help on Finding a Good Deal
#16
Lead Lap
iTrader: (2)
http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home
Set up an account and then enter the VIN numbers under "Service history".
#17
Driver School Candidate
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MI
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Thanks for the replies so far everyone.
I have decided to purchase a 2006 Lexus IS250 AWD fully loaded with 82k miles. It was serviced at the dealership every 5k miles with synthetic oil, and he said there has been no signs of the carbon build up issue. Also, he has changed the spark plugs and breaks recently.
I'll be test driving the car this weekend. Any thing I should be looking for in particular? From the pictures I've seen, the body is in great condition and everything seems to be working fine.
What issues should I be looking out for between 80k - 140k miles? I want to be as preventative as possible, since this will be the only car I own and I don't want to constantly be at the shop. Thanks for all the help so far.
I have decided to purchase a 2006 Lexus IS250 AWD fully loaded with 82k miles. It was serviced at the dealership every 5k miles with synthetic oil, and he said there has been no signs of the carbon build up issue. Also, he has changed the spark plugs and breaks recently.
I'll be test driving the car this weekend. Any thing I should be looking for in particular? From the pictures I've seen, the body is in great condition and everything seems to be working fine.
What issues should I be looking out for between 80k - 140k miles? I want to be as preventative as possible, since this will be the only car I own and I don't want to constantly be at the shop. Thanks for all the help so far.
#18
Racer
iTrader: (5)
Check tread wear on all of the tires for signs of abnormal wear; This is caused by premature wearing of the bushings on a specific suspension component. I can't remember exactly which at the moment.
Check the engine block for any dried or leaking coolant. The coolant, if OEM, is pink, and will be visibly noticeable if it has dried on the engine block. If you see leaking coolant, get the dealership to replace the water pump, as it can be a costly job now that it is out of the powertrain warranty. Alternatively, Serifiyah has posted a DIY if you want to attempt the water pump replacement yourself. You stand to save a lot of money this way, though I've never tried it myself.
Check the roof for small dents. For some reason the IS seems to develop at least one dent in the roof, usually around the sunroof.
Check the dash for any imperfections that may have been caused from a dash material recall/TSB. This is usually a problem only in the hotter climates. If it does, use 303 Aerospace Protectant to prevent any future damage.
You can use all of these instances for leverage when negotiating the price of the car.
I would also suggest looking at a 07 instead of an 06. This is only because it is easier to disable the traction control on the 07+ models (hold the traction control button down for 4-5 seconds while at a complete stop). On the 06 models, you have to perform a "pedal dance" which can be seen on YouTube.
Good luck with your search!
Check the engine block for any dried or leaking coolant. The coolant, if OEM, is pink, and will be visibly noticeable if it has dried on the engine block. If you see leaking coolant, get the dealership to replace the water pump, as it can be a costly job now that it is out of the powertrain warranty. Alternatively, Serifiyah has posted a DIY if you want to attempt the water pump replacement yourself. You stand to save a lot of money this way, though I've never tried it myself.
Check the roof for small dents. For some reason the IS seems to develop at least one dent in the roof, usually around the sunroof.
Check the dash for any imperfections that may have been caused from a dash material recall/TSB. This is usually a problem only in the hotter climates. If it does, use 303 Aerospace Protectant to prevent any future damage.
You can use all of these instances for leverage when negotiating the price of the car.
I would also suggest looking at a 07 instead of an 06. This is only because it is easier to disable the traction control on the 07+ models (hold the traction control button down for 4-5 seconds while at a complete stop). On the 06 models, you have to perform a "pedal dance" which can be seen on YouTube.
Good luck with your search!
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