Wondered if some of the more motor savvy people on here could offer a bit of advice.
I'm looking at getting a new motor in Jan/Feb '24 and have got it down to one (with a few other options).
Budget is around £5k but will stretch to £6k if need be.
I've always drove vans and cheap sheds but I've reached a point in life where I'd like a bit of comfort.
The number one criteria is reliability, followed by being cheapish and easy to maintain.
I don't do that many miles nowadays, around 8-10k a year. Majority of those being A and B roads.
I'm not too fussed about blistering performance, 0-60 under 10 seconds is rapid to what I'm used to, and I'm easily impressed by comfort levels when compared to Berlingo's, Caddys, transporters etc.
I'm not looking for any German makes as I'm a stickler for things staying in my head after hearing horror stories about cars. Grandad was an avid BMW fan but his last 7 series cost him a fortune and put him off beemers for life. Same with Audi's, my brothers had a nightmare with his previous S3. In the same vein, I'll never own another Hyundai after my iload packed up in the south of France after being at the dealers for 2 months due to a faulty compressor and no available parts.
So, my first choice is a Lexus IS250 SE-L. I've always fancied a Lexus and after having a good read up at the weekend the IS250 seems to tick all the boxes in my price range.
Just wondered if anyone had any other suggestions, or tips on what to look for with the Lexus. Mazda 6 or a Volvo S60 seem decent alternatives albeit not the same luxury as the Lexus.
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A 5-6 grand Lexus is probably going to be a good few years old so obviously a service history wallet would be a requirement (for myself).
Japanese reliability is always mostly good but consumables and wear out items may need addressing on an older vehicle.
I've never seen seen bad things about the is250 apart from them being quite thirsty better second hand bet than any German equivalents
I have a 250 sSE-i from 2010. Hit 90k yesterday 😊
It's my 4th IS250 and they are imho fantastic. They have minor issues but if well looked after they are pretty sturdy.
Best points are the ride, lack of road noise, the leather is real high quality hide, and they are better screwed together than the newer ones according to my Lexus dealer.
Worst points are thirst around town (22ish, 37ish on motorway run) and the navigation stuff just feels it's age compared to more modern cars. That said it all works well and even modern touch screens are crap in general.
Spec changes vary because you could option things on many models so I would open up to other models.
Mine is the SE-i so has nav, reverse camera, motorised, heated and cooled seats and auto lights.
I previously had an SE-L it added 18's which to me made the ride worse, memory seats, electric steering column and Mark Levinson audio. I can't recall any other extras.
I still think they are a handsome car inside and out, and people who drive Mercs are just sa-a-ad 😜
PM me if you want more info
I think its a solid choice. If buying privately just check everything as costs can quicly add up if you find you need pads, discs, tyres soon after purchase.
Personally i wouldnt discount german after a few tales as all makes will have someone who has had a nighmare. The 7 series is a big, heavy, complicated and very expensive car so running into big bills in one of those is almost certain at some point and wouldnt put me off a 3 series for example.
If available. Maybe check out a Toyota Camry. Reviews are close to the Lexus and you could get a better year over the Lexus brand name
I think supply chain issues though are still keeping used car prices up
My humble advice is to remember the price of whatever car you want to buy when it was new.
Then consider that maintenance costs associated were mainly commensurate.
Now Lexus have an excellent reputation but that doesn't make them an exception to the rule.
Once you accept that, you're fine. There are German makes that will be in the same bracket regarding costs, and less soporific to drive. You're also more likely to find a non AD brand specialist. This would probably be my first move, finding who's available locally for the car you want. You can even go and have a chat to see how busy they are, and their rates.
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
In that price bracket (and therefore age), the Lexus IS250 is actually a good choice IMHO.
It's petrol for a starter and the IS model was meant to be a 3-series rival, so parts and servicing aren't too expensive. Only downside is that it is a bit thirsty but the overall running costs, including insurance, should be relatively low. Plus you're probably more likely to find an unmolested "one careful owner" type example.
Assuming under 10 years, then I believe you can get an extended warranty if you get it serviced by the main dealer. Remember them advertising this last year and seemed like a great deal, but not seen how this has actually played out for people
Yes I think you are right. The same with Toyota too. This is attracting me to Toyotas and Lexus for our new car.Originally Posted by mtagrant
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I recently picked up a Lexus NX and the 10 years can be extended to 15 years, as long as you continue servicing with Lexus.
Also, you can service your Lexus at Toyota and pay Toyota pricing.
With regard to the posts above (and certainly no disrespect to the OP) for a £5k budget, you're looking at 2007-2010 ish models, so we'll outside any Lexus warranty.
I had an IS250 for awhile and it was great, only sold it as I needed a slightly bigger boot. Kind of wish I still had it. If the service history is strong then I think it is as safe a bet as any older car can be to be honest.
Watch for seized brake callipers, spark plugs are quite a big job I think.
To be honest I thought the MPG was acceptable for such a lovely V6. I could get perilously close to 40MPG on a run with a light foot.
For the price I would also consider a Honda Accord, probably less likely to throw up a big bill than a Lexus but still a lot of the comfort and niceties. 2L or 2.4L i-VTEC petrol in EX trim would be my choice.
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Last edited by watchstudent; 21st November 2023 at 22:22.
Thanks for all the input. Got quite a bit to go on but thinking the Lexus seems a solid choice.
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