BrownPride

Hello everybody,

I am about ready to pull the trigger on a 2012 IS250 with 21,000 miles. Car looked clean and drove fine when I went to see it, and it's CARFAX report is clean. However, as we all know, CARFAX cannot always completely be trusted. The car only has 15 months of original manufacturer's warranty on it.

On the one hand, I know that Toyota/Lexus make solid cars that are very reliable. However, I am also scared to get a lemon. Again, the car only has 21,000 miles and according to CARFAX it is good and has had all routine maintenance performed. Should i go for it?

The car is being sold by an Infiniti dealer. Please respond quickly as I am headed to the dealership within the next hour....

pattatted4

CARFAX can be trusted for title issues...as for accidents...well... check all the door panels for VIN tags, as well as under the hood and trunk. All Toyota/Lexus models have VIN tags that will show if they have been replaced. No tag, not OEM. Verify the VIN number matches all the way around too... Look for over spray, feel edges for it, edges of the hood, edges of the doors, look for it inside the door jambs. Look at the tires, hows the wear? Check the fluids. Ask for the previous owners info and contact them, they or may not be found easy, but it might make you feel better if you can talk to them. If it was traded in to the Infiniti dealer, ask the dealer to give the person who traded in your number, and see if they will call you. There are millions of ways to check a car. If you have a mechanic you trust offer to buy it on the condition that he checks it out first. Hope this helps...

BrownPride

Thanks for your input. The car was actually a personal lease in the mid-Atlantic region then was sold at an auction and purchased by this Infiniti dealer on the West Coast (where I live).

This is the first time I'm buying a used car which is why I'm a bit worried and unsure what to do. Thanks again.

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

With 21K I wouldn't worry about the car mechanically so much. The only thing I would worry about is it being in an accident. Being sold at an auction raises a red flag for me, why? Look to see if all the paint looks clean and there isn't any orange peel or over spray. Good luck.

MWIS350

With that kind of money I would get 2011 IS350 AWD.

BrownPride

There just weren't many 350s in my market. Any 2011 model regardless of the engine was almost non-existent.

BrownPride

I ended up getting the car. I checked everything pretty thoroughly and was able to see all the documentation for maintenance performed. The car is a beauty and I like it so far. I'm a long-time BMW guy so obviously this thing's driving dynamics and even things like quality of the buttons and switches don't even compare, but I was looking for a reliable car that will do me well for the next 6-10 years, so the Lexus fit the bill.

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

There are a lot of past BMW owners here. They say the biggest thing is not having to get repairs made. Some have said that this car doesn't handle as well so a set of F Sport sway bars will help if that's something you might be interested in upgrading. Post pics when you can. Welcome to CL.

BrownPride

That's definitely something I will look into. I'll post pics in the Rollcall thread when I get the chance, thanks.

RyanUppal

Congrats on the purchase!

Calilex34

Always check carfax and get a local shop to check it out

andper10

Agreed, definitely get the F-Sport sway bar set; it helps a lot. The 2011+ model year ISF steering swap is another very noticeable upgrade that stiffens up the steering feel and improves the traction control but it is pricy...may or may not be worth it on an IS250. And if you develop excessive front inner tire wear check out the Figs #2 Lower Control Arm Ploy bushing in bracket to make the front tires last longer.

Enjoy your new ride!

Calilex34

I kinda wish you were into a Is350 because im trying to sell mine on the west coast haha. Good choice by making the switch over to lexus because I wanted a bimmer when I first made my purchase into lexus.