Potentially a new Lexus owner

[DaveWebDesigner]

Hi

I am looking to replace my woefully unreliable Saab with a Toyota Avensis or Lexus IS 250.

My head is telling me to go for the Avensis, my dad had a Carina II then an original Avensis both were so well made and reliable, but with modern cars, I'm not sure that is still the case.

My heart is saying Lexus, rear wheel drive, more power etc.

Lexus wise, I'm looking at around 59 - 61 registered cars with automatic box,  around 50k miles.  Are there any particular things to check on these cars, or is it general things to check?

Can you get parts cheaper than from Lexus dealers themselves?  The parts cost is the only thing scaring me really.   Is there somewhere online I can see what servicing needs doing at what age/mileage?

Thanks!

Dave

[bobmc]

The IS250 doesn't really suffer from any major problems. There is an extensive post on the forum regarding things to look out for - 

 

The short version is - not a lot. As far as ownership is concerned, have a read here 

 

 

Generic service parts (brakes,filters, etc) are generally available through general motor factors at reasonable prices as is the water pump). However, shock absorbers are Lexus only and not cheap, but do seem to last pretty well.  Also, exhaust parts are expensive from a main dealer and there is limited availability from 3rd party suppliers but the exhaust is not a common issue. The spark plugs can be expensive to replace (lots of disassembly to get to them - hence high labour charges) and are due at around 60K miles.

The Mark Levinson audio is excellent but the standard audio system is not too bad either. The SATNAV is just about adequate but I think from 2009 on, the system was updated via a flash drive and I think this is dealer only and not cheap. Rear leg room is also very limited

HTH