First Time Lexus Buyer

[RNicho]

Hello everyone I am new to this site / forum.

I have joined to try and get some decent advice regarding the purchase of a decent 2nd hand Lexus as i lose my company wheels in a years time.

I have never owned a Lexus and to be honest know very little about them.

I have perceived good reports about them and reliability etc, but thought you guys would be better than me trawling endless garage ads.

In terms of the info i am looking for its not rocket science stuff!

I think my budget will stretch to 7k so im not in the new car market but wont be doing many miles hence the loss of company wheels.

1. Are there any real turkeys to avoid in the range?

2. Are diesel engines ok

3. I like the sport cross but only seen a couple about - are costs / spares available?

4. Common issues to look out for ?

5. Insurance high on certain things?

6. Music / Media options?

7. Lexus dealers / specialists in Nott / Derbys?

Im in my 40's with clean licence so no issues hopefully !!

Any / all advice gratefully received.

thanks guys

R

[stuie]

Will try to answer them all based on the is series lol

1. Not really the only major problems are with the 220d but I suspect that will be out of your budget

2. As above the D's have problems but for a 7k budget you wont find one, if you can stay away it'l be a dog

3. The sportcrosses were rearer and thus finding scrapped ones for parts will be harder, dealers still fully support them though so serviceable parts shouldnt be an issue

4. Depending on the age the earlier IS cd players had jamming issues, other than that though most the range are pretty bomb proof nothing to worry about that arnt wear and tear issues ball joints, suspension clunking, that sort of thing

5. Insurance will of cause depend on what you go for but like for like the is200's are ceaper to insure than 320 bmws c200 mercs and a4 audis im paying about 500 a year and 26 with a prang my dads paying about 300 at 50+ and clean licence

6. The se and sports came with the premium audio pack which was fully amped with a 6 disk in dash changer unfortunately theres no ipod/phone support as standard athough for less than 150 a grom kit can be acquired which will give you full support

7. Theres lexus dealer in nottingham on the way into town just past notts uni on derby road shares with the toyota dealer, not sure about derby but in your address bar type lexus.co.uk/dealer ie lexus.co.uk/derby for details of dealers in your area

For your 7k you should be able to shop around and get a nice late se/sport is200 without any problems the later ones came with fill leather rather than half suede, check for a cambelt service its supposed to be 6 years / 60k so all 1st gen is's should have had at least one done now if not expect a 4 figure bill including service at a dealer poole quoted me 1100 quid for a full 60k service and mot last year, The sportscross will be harder to get hold of and can fetch more of a premium due to that and if you dont need and estate I really wouldnt bother the boot of the 200 easily fits 2 sets of golf clubs.

[andy m w]

Hello everyone I am new to this site / forum.

I have joined to try and get some decent advice regarding the purchase of a decent 2nd hand Lexus as i lose my company wheels in a years time.

I have never owned a Lexus and to be honest know very little about them.

I have perceived good reports about them and reliability etc, but thought you guys would be better than me trawling endless garage ads.

In terms of the info i am looking for its not rocket science stuff!

I think my budget will stretch to 7k so im not in the new car market but wont be doing many miles hence the loss of company wheels.

1. Are there any real turkeys to avoid in the range?

2. Are diesel engines ok

3. I like the sport cross but only seen a couple about - are costs / spares available?

4. Common issues to look out for ?

5. Insurance high on certain things?

6. Music / Media options?

7. Lexus dealers / specialists in Nott / Derbys?

Im in my 40's with clean licence so no issues hopefully !!

Any / all advice gratefully received.

thanks guys

R

good eye RE the sportcross :winky: i tried a IS 200 saloon but was lucky enough to find a 300 sportcross at crazy price & once driven the creamy 24v engine is a winner, insurance is less than our previous 5 series & the fuel is no way as bad as the online carpages lead you to believe , , try a few different ones out , there,s a Sx for sale on forum i think

[dave1]

Hello everyone I am new to this site / forum.

I think my budget will stretch to 7k so im not in the new car market but wont be doing many miles hence the loss of company wheels.

1. Are there any real turkeys to avoid in the range?

2. Are diesel engines ok

3. I like the sport cross but only seen a couple about - are costs / spares available?

4. Common issues to look out for ?

5. Insurance high on certain things?

6. Music / Media options?

7. Lexus dealers / specialists in Nott / Derbys?

Im in my 40's with clean licence so no issues hopefully !!

Any / all advice gratefully received.

thanks guys

R

If you don't do too many miles then fuel isn't such an issue. Go for a GS 430.

[RNicho]

Thanks guys ( particulary Stuie) - All advice welcome I wouldnt really get involved with anything without service history and the cam is a good reference for my checks.

I read somewhere there are some Lexus recalls for the IS200's and obviously depending on the year etc I'd like to understand those? is this info easily available and are the changes easy to spot / documentation provided to seller?