Thinking of getting something cheaper..

DEpointfive0

I've got a LOT of experience with them, I am a Toyota fanboy, BIG TIME... The major things you have to look for in the older IS300's is random maintenance, the engine is bullet proof, we all know that, but I'd still try to find something under 100k miles, if you're looking for a manual, make sure its a POST 2002 model, or else they did a swap (I don't trust people who do that, LOL) And most people beat on the manual, especially because it was hard to find...

Honestly with a car that old, your biggest things will be belts, plugs, pumps... Make sure the belts have been replaced recently, if it's under 100k miles it'll probably need a timing belt, which CAN be pricey, I'd change the spark plugs, and just have some spare cash in case the A/C dies on you, especially because you're in Phoenix...

Skorch

Thanks for the info! I'm most likely going to be getting an auto (sigh) as the manual versions are nearly impossible to find. Thankfully my buddy is a mechanic, so he can hook me up on maintenance for it. I'm in no hurry to get it immediately, but I'm already looking for some decent deals. What would you say is a good price to pay for one with a clean title and less than 100k miles?

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DEpointfive0

My rule of thumb is pay the KBB trade in value for a good condition if it's in amazing condition... And if the person really has ALL maintenance records, maybe more...
Figure for a 2005 with 75k miles, $10-11k?

If you can ask to have the car's compression tested, do it, again, I don't assume the engine will die, but if you're serious about buying it, $20-40 is worth the money more than any damn carfax... Also, if you don't know how to tell if a car has been painted or repaired, please look it up, or take a buddy with you... (If you're looking to buy a car from the Southern CA area, I'd be more than happy to give it a look over for you)

This isn't a smokin deal, but I'm just throwing it out there:

2002 Lexus IS 300, $12,870 - Cars.com