pdpablo

Well it was a really tough decision, i was going back and forth on it, but decided against buying it. When it comes down to it, it came down to the issue with the carbon buildup on the IS250's. The car doesnt have any rough idle issues right now from what i understand, but it probably would at some point. Given the 9 year window for CSP is only a year away for this car, i felt it was too much of a risk if that 9 year window went by and i start experiencing issues after the fact. From what i understand even if you experience the rough idle, but the computer does not store the misfire codes, and the dealer can't repeat it, they wont perform the work for it. Thats a huge expense to swallow if it was not going to be covered by Lexus after the 9 year window. I hope i made the right decision :-\ I guess ill have to look into a used 350 or something else. My question is why does it only affect the 2006-2010 MY? I mean 2011-2013 Gen II have the same engine 2.5L, as does the Gen III 2014 MY. Maybe too new still? Isn't this carbon buildup issue eventually going to hit them as well?

Does it matter that it's a sibling? I read on the DMV website that use tax is exempt except for siblings who are not minors. we are both in our 20s. I guess the only other way would be for him to put it as a gift and i pay him in cash later? How did you do it and what was the relationship between you and family member?

Now that I've read about these carbon buildup issues that's pretty much affecting a majority of the IS250 owners, that got me thinking about buying the car lol. Broke down my thought process. Pros: -Decent price($17k, about as low as they will go. trust me i've tried) -Avoid having to pay Use Tax(~$1500 savings). Would need to pay tax if i buy from another private party -Low miles(~45k) -Know how the car has been driven and treated -Toyota/Lexus reliability for the most part. Cons: - Been told that the rear tires need replacement(still has original rear tires, at min $500-600 job for new tires) -The obvious: Higher maintenance cost, higher gas costs. i am going to keep my current car(98 civic) as well as it won't hit me as much(gas) since i wont be driving it daily. if i do get it, ill probably end up taking it to my local mechanic to see if theres any maintenance to be done(water pump, spark plugs, etc.). Previous maintenance on the car doesn't show these replacements being done but seems these parts will need to be replaced eventually. - Carbon Buildup issue. Been reading the different forums on this issue and the headaches that some owners have had to go through. This car was bought new at the end of '06 so the CSP 9 year window has about a year and half left. I havent driven the car that many times so i didnt really notice any rough idle/hesitation issues but im sure the issue will creep up at some point. That got me thinking..what if nothing happens until after the 9 year window, what if i do get the issue but the computer in the car doesnt record the misfire or dealer can't repeat the misfire codes and hence it wont get approved by Lexus Corp.?

I put in the VIN # for the car but I could not find what recalls have not been completed. I checked the service history and it looks like thats where all the recall info is(whats been completed), as it matches what recalls have issued for Lexus IS250 2nd gen. It looks like the only recall that has not been done is inoperative wiper recall. Do I need the actual documentation to take the car in for the recall? ive only driven the car a few times recently but didnt notice anything. Of course if i end up buying it, ill have to look out for signs. How does the Carbon buildup CSP work? If i notice the issue and i take it to a Lexus dealer with the notice, do I have to pay out of pocket or is it covered under the CSP?

How about the carbon buildup? I've been reading the Lexus forums and that seems to be a common issue with this generation IS(IS250 from what i read). How would I be able to tell if the car has the issue? What type of maintenance/service have you done on your car besides the pads? And roughly how much was the cost and labor & do you do it at the dealer/your own mechanic/yourself? BTW nice IS. Are those 19" you have on there?

Yea that was my concern. Its low miles but its 7 years old so parts may start wearing. I'd have to check what maintenance has been done so far. How much have you guys typically paid for maintenance work such as brake pads, tires, belt/hoses, water pump? I have a 98 Civic so the maintenance has been relatively cheap. Def will be paying more with Lexus. The exterior is smoky granite with black interior.

Hi all. I'm a newbie. I don't own a Lexus yet but considering buying a used 2007 Lexus IS250 off a family member. They are asking for $17k. The car has about 45k miles, low miles for a 7 year old car. The car was bought new and is still in pretty good shape. The car has't been abused and has been garaged most of the time he's had it and has gone through regular maintenance. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles and is not fully loaded. It does have wood trim, heated seats, HID's, 18" stock rims. Otherwise it's pretty much base. As far as buying it off him vs someone else via private party, i know how the car has been driven and i could potentially avoid the 'Use Tax'(essentially the same rate as the sales tax) when transferring the title in my name since it can exchanged as a gift at DMV between family. is $17K a fair price? Too much? Would love to get some thoughts and opinions. Being that it's a 7 year old car, are there any major maintenance or parts i should be weary about due to the age?