Lexus IS 250 C buyers remorse

[89911]

My neighbor has the 250 and I found in very tight for anyone approaching 6' and 200 lbs. You are right about Lexus. I was looking at the new IS and it just didn't do it for me. Great cars, no doubt, but your making the right choice if your looking for more driver experience.

[JavaBrewer]

When shopping for a DD for the wife the IS250/350 was high on the list until we realized how tight the fit was inside. Great looking and quality both inside and out but the front space was limited and the back seats more so. Our search moved on to the CTS and concluded with a 2011 G37 which is == quality to the Lexus but offered a more spacious sporty feel. Engine is nice too

In all honesty I would have a really hard time losing the $$ and switching cars. I definitely would not go back to the dealer and instead sell it privately. Research what they are selling for locally and take $1500 off that. Should go quick - the IS is a darn popular car.

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

When shopping for a DD for the wife the IS250/350 was high on the list until we realized how tight the fit was inside. Great looking and quality both inside and out but the front space was limited and the back seats more so. Our search moved on to the CTS and concluded with a 2011 G37 which is == quality to the Lexus but offered a more spacious sporty feel. Engine is nice too

In all honesty I would have a really hard time losing the $$ and switching cars. I definitely would not go back to the dealer and instead sell it privately. Research what they are selling for locally and take $1500 off that. Should go quick - the IS is a darn popular car.

Yep.

The dealer if you trade is going to blow your head off on the new car, they won't negotiate since they got you over the barrel.

it's a used car you bought, so the depreciation sting isnt going to be as bad as if you put 400 miles on a NEW car.

Sell it privately, then buy what you wish.

[kaisen]

I really wonder if some of you really read original posts.

He lives is CT

He bought a rear drive CONVERTIBLE in September

So, no it's not like CA where you'd just sell it yourself. If he trades it he gets 100% credit for the sales tax he just paid. If he sells it private party he loses 100% of the tax he just paid. Since a 2011 Lexus IS250C is somewhere in the $32-35K range and CT sales tax is 6.35%, this represents $2000-2250. In other words, if trading in to the dealership got you $30K, you'd have to sell it yourself for $32K just to break even with the trade in offer.

For all of you that keep talking about your experiences (or your buddy's) IS350 or IS-F.....those are not convertibles. Very different car. Very different market.

Try selling a rear-drive convertible with temps (and leaves) falling. It's like wearing white after Labor Day.....no one buys convertibles this late in the season without it being dirt cheap.

Expensive mistake. It's happened to all of us. Nostatic several times.

[Bumper]

Thanks again to all. I am meeting with the salesman and sales manager tomorrow to talk turkey. They promised me that they would be fair as they are most concerned with my satisfaction. Well we shall see. I will update everyone on this saga tomorrow!

[Steve Carlton]

Well, that's good news. Sounds like CT is a state that just charges tax on the "boot," the difference between a trade-in allowance and the selling price of the "new" car. That means you don't have to get the dealer to unwind the original sale to get your sales tax back and you can trade it into any dealer. If, like you said, the dealer is concerned about your satisfaction, they should work with you and not try to rip your head off. Just be aware of the merits of the next deal. Good luck!

[saxen]

you should have considered the is350c- it has more hp then the twin turbo 335i bmw without needing turbos to get it there.

I drive a is350 coupe for a daily- I also put around 35K miles a year on it (in sales) the car has been great! 0 issues, with over 300hp its quick enough to have fun but soft enough to be comfortable. I looked at m3's and s4's but the maintenance on a yearly basis with my miles was insane. the car is a bit lacking in total fun compared to the Porsche but its a good day to day compromise.

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by kaisen

I really wonder if some of you really read original posts.

He lives is CT

He bought a rear drive CONVERTIBLE in September

So, no it's not like CA where you'd just sell it yourself. If he trades it he gets 100% credit for the sales tax he just paid. If he sells it private party he loses 100% of the tax he just paid. Since a 2011 Lexus IS250C is somewhere in the $32-35K range and CT sales tax is 6.35%, this represents $2000-2250. In other words, if trading in to the dealership got you $30K, you'd have to sell it yourself for $32K just to break even with the trade in offer.

For all of you that keep talking about your experiences (or your buddy's) IS350 or IS-F.....those are not convertibles. Very different car. Very different market.

Try selling a rear-drive convertible with temps (and leaves) falling. It's like wearing white after Labor Day.....no one buys convertibles this late in the season without it being dirt cheap.

Expensive mistake. It's happened to all of us. Nostatic several times.

Like you said, why would the dealer take it back --in September? There's no incentive for them to play ball.

rjp

[aigel]

It is a metal roof convertible.

But I have to admit, reading the review would have saved you the hassle. Several times they mention the uninspiring ride. Interesting however, in the end: "but the optional F Sport dealer accessory parts may be able to add some spice to the mix."

2011 Lexus IS 250 C

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