I'm going to buy my first car and I have two options so far. One is a silver 2006 is350 that has 116k miles with 19" rims and it's pretty much stock, and the other one is a white 2009 is250 (assume have around the same millage) with headers, exhaust, pop and bangs tune, black rims (i think 19"), spoilers and so. I'll prefer a white or black color but since the silver is a is350 I'm considering it. I'm not looking for a lot of power but not sure if that 250 would be enough. I don't live in the USA but any advice or help is appreciated

2006 is350

2009 is250

 

Both older cars that will require maintenance. If higher insurance is no issue and you have money set aside for repairs, take unmolested 350.

 

Agreed -- better to go with a stock car.

 

Thank you for the advice. Insurance is not a problem, in my country the car only qualifies for the basic but I can add extras to that insurance. The dealer claim the car is in excelent conditions so if that’s the case I think I’ll start with changing the headlights to the 2011 IS or vlands, paint the rims black and add a trunk spoiler.

 

All great stuff but be sure to set aside funds for all fluid changes -- differential, transmission, brake fluid, engine oil, coolant

 

Don't forget the spark plugs.......crazy expensive!

I gave my credit card to my son and told him to buy spark plugs original Lexus spark plugs for both our cars.....I assumed he was gonna buy the plugs online because he buys everything else online.....but he ended up going to the Lexus dealership to buy them. 12 spark plugs.......$300 (USD).

 

FYI RockAuto sells legit Denso spark plugs.

 

Yea that’s for sure, first thing it’s an oil change. I’m also taking a mechanic with me so he can check the actual conditions of the car. Thank for the advice

 

IS350 right? You will appreciate the HP. Good luck.

 

Keep waiting and looking around. You'll find better cars.

 

Yea I'm bumping into some mishaps that are making mehave to wait more, in the mean time I'll keep looking around.

 

What kind of mishaps? Inspection turning up issues?

The word on the street is that people will only be able to afford sub 5K cars in tax time and the better 10K cars that require financing or full payment will be discounted.

I would look for an IS250 or IS350 with under 75,000 miles on it and that is less than 12-13 years old. No mods, no big accidents, no stories from sellers.

This will save you peace of mind down the line, which is what buying Toyota is all about IMO. Otherwise you'd be looking at Infiniti G35/G37, right?

 

Just money related mishaps, somebody owe me some. Nothing regard inspection issues.

 

You did read up on direct injection engines (DI), needing the intake walnut blasted (IS250) while the 350 has both DI and PI (port injection).

If sold on the 350, the later models received updated valve springs, pistons and rings. The later for oil consumption issues.

I like my 350 a lot, sadly it's nearly 10yrs old already.

 

Yup, casually yesterday I saw a video on youtube in regards of that, made me prefer more the is350. In the past while I was thinking on either the is250 or is350 if the 250 was the choice one of the first "upgrades" was going to be an oil catchcan. Thank you for the advice.