is this lexus a good buy?

[WoNdErWhAtSnExT]

is this lexus a good buy?
i need a car under 10 grand and i love the lexus is300, do you think this may be a good buy? wasnt sure considering the new tranny etc, but...the car is listed for $9,800...below is an excerpt from the listing...

2001 lexus is 300..the car has 94650 miles..i just have competed 90000 mile service ..new water pump ,,new timing belt..new spark plug..new oil transmission..still had receipt for it..the car also has DVD player.the reason im selling the car is because i need the bigger car for my business..so please called me if u have any questions....thank you

 

[king k]

The price sounds reasonable between 8K - 9K for this mileage range but gotta becareful to make sure it's not a salvage title or any damage without reporting as salvage. Do a quick check under the hood and trunk to see if you notice anything abnormal such as all the "made in japan' warning labels are gone from the hood (something may have happened and replaced the engine or the hood itself, etc), check the spares tire kit see if they were original 'lexus", lexus labels on each door hinge and so on, something obvious to find out. Other than that should be ok to try to negotiate the price again down to may be 8500 the max I would pay. I just sold mine 2002 IS with GPS for 5500 with 150K and now driving a IS350, no major issue or problem giving me by the time I sold it...good luck...

 

[Chris H]

I've had a 2004 IS 300 and while it was a good car, you need to really look to see if the car fits into your lifestyle. Why? The car is on the smallish side and the inside feels small too. If you need trunk space to take your things around, I would re-consider this buy. Please don't get me wrong, Lexus builds really good, reliable cars and the 90k, doesn't really alarm me. The first thing that comes to my mind is why this particular car? Do you know the owner? Do you have all the service history? I like the fact that the major service was done already, but was it done by Lexus? The car will go another 100k or more depending on its history.

In this $10,000 price range, you have other choices. If you can find one that the owner has all service records and has it serviced using "only Lexus factory parts". Has you considered a GS3 300? It will not feel so small and it has the sportiness that you are likely looking for. However, the same service history applies.

$10,000 for a entry level Lexus that is 8 or 9 years old (depending on the year it was built)? I would only go for this if you really like the car and you can have it inspected by Lexus. If not, I would look for something newer or something with all the records.

After owning a few cars, including 4 Lexus, I've learned a few things. Even learning the hard, painfully expensive lesson. Hwy, I'm just trying to help you in not making an expensive mistake.

Be a careful buyer.

I hope this helps.