Looking to buy a used IS300h

[Aamij]

Hello All,

I am looking to buy a used IS300h (2015/16) - have been looking at Autotrader and Lexus dealerships. Buying it privately on Autotrader or from non-Lexus dealer can be challenging. Any advice from the Owners club members would be highly appreciated. 

Thank you.

[Spacewagon52]

Welcome to the Club!

Horses for courses! 

Buying from an independent dealer will be cheaper but the warranty, as opposed to a Lexus Dealership, will not be as good. Go with a car that has a full Lexus service history if you buy from an independent. Look at condition rather than mileage, provided it has full Lexus history. Buying from a Lexus dealer is the "safe" option but you will pay a premium for peace of mind. Also you can purchase an extended 2 year warranty (in addition to the first year warranty) provided you have it serviced at a Lexus dealer. Naturally you will pay a premium but you can get service plan that works out cheaper, which you pay monthly.

The age of car you are considering, I would go with a Lexus Dealer with the above benefits. You will know your outgoings from Day 1. They are very reliable cars but some repairs can be very expensive. It just depends if you are willing to take the financial risk yourself or have the comfort of a good warranty. A full Lexus service history is well worth the extra you will pay, even from an independent dealer, in my opinion.

Good luck with your search and please let us know how you get on.

 

[ColinBarber]

There really isn't anything common fault wise with the IS300h. So just look out for the normal things (tyres, brakes, bodywork etc.) and one that has been cared for, i.e. has not been run on the cheap, so look for Lexus history history and quality brand tyres. If you purchase privately then a vehicle that has a Lexus extended warranty (that is transferable to yourself) is an obvious advantage.

Purchasing from a Lexus dealer certainly minimises risk but you are going to pay probably £2k+ above a private sales.

[Aamij]

1 hour ago, Spacewagon52 said:

Welcome to the Club!

Horses for courses! 

Buying from an independent dealer will be cheaper but the warranty, as opposed to a Lexus Dealership, will not be as good. Go with a car that has a full Lexus service history if you buy from an independent. Look at condition rather than mileage, provided it has full Lexus history. Buying from a Lexus dealer is the "safe" option but you will pay a premium for peace of mind. Also you can purchase an extended 2 year warranty (in addition to the first year warranty) provided you have it serviced at a Lexus dealer. Naturally you will pay a premium but you can get service plan that works out cheaper, which you pay monthly.

The age of car you are considering, I would go with a Lexus Dealer with the above benefits. You will know your outgoings from Day 1. They are very reliable cars but some repairs can be very expensive. It just depends if you are willing to take the financial risk yourself or have the comfort of a good warranty. A full Lexus service history is well worth the extra you will pay, even from an independent dealer, in my opinion.

Good luck with your search and please let us know how you get on.

 

Thank you very much for your help and advice Colin and Spacewagon52. 

One follow up question, if I buy from a non-Lexus dealer or privately, assuming the seller cannot pass me their extended Lexus warranty, then can I still buy a Lexus extended warranty from the Lexus dealer after I buy the car? 

[ColinBarber]

20 minutes ago, Aamij said:

One follow up question, if I buy from a non-Lexus dealer or privately, assuming the seller cannot pass me their extended Lexus warranty, then can I still buy a Lexus extended warranty from the Lexus dealer after I buy the car? 

Private owners are able to transfer the warranty to a new owner, trade are not.

Yes you can take out a warranty from a dealer after you purchase, the only thing is if the vehicle is out of warranty cover then an inspection may need to be conducted to ensure there are no pre-existing faults before the new policy can be taken out. Some dealers may charge for this, others will waive the fee if they are  carrying out a servicing, or if it has full Lexus service history they may just do a quick check without charging. Worth speaking to your local dealer to confirm (service department not sales 😉 )