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First Time Car Buyer – Advice Needed On Nigerian-used Lexus ES350 - Car Talk - Nairaland 22352z

First Time Car Buyer – Advice Needed On Nigerian-used Lexus ES350 (851 Views)

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Royalseed20(m): 9:55am On May 15
Hello Nairalanders,

I’m a first-time car buyer and I’m seriously considering going for a clean Nigerian-used Lexus ES350 - for my commuting to work on a daily basis and church and other outings around the city.

I’d really appreciate advice from car experts and experienced owners here. I’m particularly interested in:

1. What should my budget be for a clean Nigerian-used ES350 (model years 2007/2008–Full Option)?

2. What’s the average maintenance cost annually?

3. Fuel consumption for city driving – how much should I set aside for fueling averagely per month?

4. Any red flags or common issues I should watch out for when inspecting?

I’ve done a bit of research and I hear it’s reliable and comfortable, but I want to be sure I’m making the right decision.

Please share your experiences and advice.

Thanks in advance!
amSTARboy: 11:01am On May 15
Royalseed20:
Hello Nairalanders,

I’m a first-time car buyer and I’m seriously considering going for a clean Nigerian-used Lexus ES350 - for my commuting to work on a daily basis and church and other outings around the city.

I’d really appreciate advice from car experts and experienced owners here. I’m particularly interested in:

1. What should my budget be for a clean Nigerian-used ES350 (model years 2007/2008–Full Option)?

2. What’s the average maintenance cost annually?

3. Fuel consumption for city driving – how much should I set aside for fueling averagely per month?

4. Any red flags or common issues I should watch out for when inspecting?

I’ve done a bit of research and I hear it’s reliable and comfortable, but I want to be sure I’m making the right decision.

Please share your experiences and advice.

Thanks in advance!

Budget between 6.5M - 8M for a grade one Nigerian used.

Please bear in mind that the parts are really expensive. The fuel consumption is not too bad as long as the catalyst is still intact.

Would have suggested a Lexus IS250. It’s a back wheel drive and has a better fuel economy than the Lexus ES350. In fact it’s the Corolla of Lexus.
2cribz: 12:40pm On May 15
Is250 back axle..dey play
amSTARboy:


Budget between 6.5M - 8M for a grade one Nigerian used.

Please bear in mind that the parts are really expensive. The fuel consumption is not too bad as long as the catalyst is still intact.

Would have suggested a Lexus IS250. It’s a back wheel drive and has a better fuel economy than the Lexus ES350. In fact it’s the Corolla of Lexus.
Royalseed20(m): 3:24pm On May 15
Thank you for the information. What would be a reasonable budget for a 2007 Lexus IS250? Also, would you recommend it for a first-time car owner who isn’t used to sporty or performance-oriented vehicles, especially considering its speed?

amSTARboy:


Budget between 6.5M - 8M for a grade one Nigerian used.

Please bear in mind that the parts are really expensive. The fuel consumption is not too bad as long as the catalyst is still intact.

Would have suggested a Lexus IS250. It’s a back wheel drive and has a better fuel economy than the Lexus ES350. In fact it’s the Corolla of Lexus.
Carcourt: 1:29am On May 16
1. You can get a Nigerian used copy for 7-8.5m. The price will depend on location, physical and mechanical conditions of the car, etc.

2. The average maintain cost will vary according to the condition you bought it in. (You are not buying a tokunbo). But, I assure you, if you treat it right, you will enjoy it.

3. The car comes with a 3.5litre v6 engine. If fuel economy is important to you, do not buy this car. Officially, it offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. But, our bad fuel and other factors might reduce these numbers.

4. It is a very reliable ride. That is why it is very common. But, while buying it, take a technically sound mechanic with you. Emphasis on the technical. Do not buy a first production year model. The first production was in 2007. I would avoid it and go for 2009 and above. Use recommended fluids and watch out for the gear. Do not buy if the engine has been opened. While test driving, make sure you drive it for a long distance and max out the gear. Tell your mechanic to make sure that no error codes were cleared.


Bless up!!

3 Likes 1 Share

nnadychuks(m): 5:15am On May 16
Royalseed20:
Hello Nairalanders,

I’m a first-time car buyer and I’m seriously considering going for a clean Nigerian-used Lexus ES350 - for my commuting to work on a daily basis and church and other outings around the city.

I’d really appreciate advice from car experts and experienced owners here. I’m particularly interested in:

1. What should my budget be for a clean Nigerian-used ES350 (model years 2007/2008–Full Option)?

2. What’s the average maintenance cost annually?

3. Fuel consumption for city driving – how much should I set aside for fueling averagely per month?

4. Any red flags or common issues I should watch out for when inspecting?

I’ve done a bit of research and I hear it’s reliable and comfortable, but I want to be sure I’m making the right decision.

Please share your experiences and advice.

Thanks in advance!
Mr… na 9ja u Dey o. Low cars is a no no in 9ja roads. If u can’t afford rx350 get a 9ja used rx330, highlander(08-012) or venza. These are the most durable that I know for Nigerian used for something close to ur budget. Trust me u won’t enjoy any low cars

2 Likes

Dwarfgod: 8:59am On May 16
Just do you pre purchase inspection very well, nah mostly boys car be that, they do all sort of rubbish. Raisng the shock, upgrading with china lights, Removing thermostat etc. Those things make me puke embarassed

1 Like

Michael547(m): 10:21am On May 20
Royalseed20:
Hello Nairalanders,

I’m a first-time car buyer and I’m seriously considering going for a clean Nigerian-used Lexus ES350 - for my commuting to work on a daily basis and church and other outings around the city.

I’d really appreciate advice from car experts and experienced owners here. I’m particularly interested in:

1. What should my budget be for a clean Nigerian-used ES350 (model years 2007/2008–Full Option)?

2. What’s the average maintenance cost annually?

3. Fuel consumption for city driving – how much should I set aside for fueling averagely per month?

4. Any red flags or common issues I should watch out for when inspecting?

I’ve done a bit of research and I hear it’s reliable and comfortable, but I want to be sure I’m making the right decision.

Please share your experiences and advice.

Thanks in advance!
I do professional computerised Pre-purchase inspection service. You can reach me on 08167469103.
Nnaemiemax: 5:51pm On May 21
Royalseed20:
Hello Nairalanders,

I’m a first-time car buyer and I’m seriously considering going for a clean Nigerian-used Lexus ES350 - for my commuting to work on a daily basis and church and other outings around the city.

I’d really appreciate advice from car experts and experienced owners here. I’m particularly interested in:

1. What should my budget be for a clean Nigerian-used ES350 (model years 2007/2008–Full Option)?

2. What’s the average maintenance cost annually?

3. Fuel consumption for city driving – how much should I set aside for fueling averagely per month?

4. Any red flags or common issues I should watch out for when inspecting?

I’ve done a bit of research and I hear it’s reliable and comfortable, but I want to be sure I’m making the right decision.

Please share your experiences and advice.

Thanks in advance!

ES350 is a solid ride - highly recommended.
Just confirm the Catalysts are intact and you should be fine. I wouldn't recommend is250 though.
JajaAuto: 6:41pm On May 21
As a first time car owner, I will advise you go for a Hyundai Sonata.. for all round luxury,function and fuel efficiency. It's a 4 plug engine, it will save you lot of fuel compare to Es 350 with it's 6plug 2GR engine and also the parts are cheap.
alphabbey1(m): 4:32am On May 22
amSTARboy:


Budget between 6.5M - 8M for a grade one Nigerian used.

Please bear in mind that the parts are really expensive. The fuel consumption is not too bad as long as the catalyst is still intact.

Would have suggested a Lexus IS250. It’s a back wheel drive and has a better fuel economy than the Lexus ES350. In fact it’s the Corolla of Lexus.
IS 250 is nothing compared to ES350 please. Its bad choice to leave Es350 and go for that advanced Micra.

2 Likes

alphabbey1(m): 4:36am On May 22
Royalseed20:
Hello Nairalanders,

I’m a first-time car buyer and I’m seriously considering going for a clean Nigerian-used Lexus ES350 - for my commuting to work on a daily basis and church and other outings around the city.

I’d really appreciate advice from car experts and experienced owners here. I’m particularly interested in:

1. What should my budget be for a clean Nigerian-used ES350 (model years 2007/2008–Full Option)?

2. What’s the average maintenance cost annually?

3. Fuel consumption for city driving – how much should I set aside for fueling averagely per month?

4. Any red flags or common issues I should watch out for when inspecting?

I’ve done a bit of research and I hear it’s reliable and comfortable, but I want to be sure I’m making the right decision.

Please share your experiences and advice.

Thanks in advance!

Watch out for the AC ( air condition). Take this advice very very important. And this is not just about ES350, most people sell there cars when the AC system start giving them issue.

You won't really know the AC have issue until maybe after 1 month You will realise compressor is leaking.
amSTARboy: 7:03am On May 22
alphabbey1:

IS 250 is nothing compared to ES350 please. Its bad choice to leave Es350 and go for that advanced Micra.

Ogbeni you know nothing about cars….
The only thing Es350 is better than IS250 is just that it has more space.

In of performance and fuel economy, Is250 beats it hands down.
Dtruthspeaker: 7:13pm On May 22
Es350 on a daily basis to work?

Hope you do not work in any of the major traffic cities like Lagos?
alphabbey1(m): 2:12pm On May 24
amSTARboy:


Ogbeni you know nothing about cars….
The only thing Es350 is better than IS250 is just that it has more space.

In of performance and fuel economy, Is250 beats it hands down.
Before giving people advice, kindly make your research first. I repeat, ES 350 is in no way comparable to that Advanced Micra.

1 Like

Unrated900(m): 9:07pm On Jun 02
Advanced Micra lol
Funny person




quote author=alphabbey1 post=135459829]
IS 250 is nothing compared to ES350 please. Its bad choice to leave Es350 and go for that advanced Micra. [/quote]

1 Like

Kasdat5(m): 6:00am On Jun 03
nnadychuks:

Mr… na 9ja u Dey o. Low cars is a no no in 9ja roads. If u can’t afford rx350 get a 9ja used rx330, highlander(08-012) or venza. These are the most durable that I know for Nigerian used for something close to ur budget. Trust me u won’t enjoy any low cars
I don’t understand your write up @ all . So we shouldn’t ride or buy a salon vehicle in Nigerian or what do you mean ?

1 Like

space9880: 7:34am On Jun 03
amSTARboy:


Ogbeni you know nothing about cars….
The only thing Es350 is better than IS250 is just that it has more space.

In of performance and fuel economy, Is250 beats it hands down.
IS250 is not even close to ES350, ES350 is better in every way. Slow car with 204HP V6 engine, that car is supposed to be a 4 cylinder vehicle. OP if you know what is good for you avoid IS250, that car is not a performance car at all no mind those Lexus boys and the car dey use electric steering self water go disturb you well well, it is even too low and not good for Naija roads, when you’re driving smoke from outside will enter inside the car and almost choke you to dearth. Just go for the ES350 it is solid and reliable but make sure the gearbox is 100% okay before you buy.
highoctane: 12:24pm On Jun 03
I came in Late.
Better get yourself Lexus Rx 350
Rough roads friendly.
Saves you from front bumper tear.
It got more prestige, than the salon.
If you don't have money to maintain a car better not buy one.
For example, if an engine oil recommended for your car is 0w 40 Mobil brand sales at 73 to 78k 5 litres.
Make u no so urself.

1 Like

dru23(m): 12:32pm On Jun 03
highoctane:
I came in Late.
Better get yourself Lexus Rx 350
Rough roads friendly.
Saves you from front bumper tear.
It got more prestige, than the salon.
If you don't have money to maintain a car better not buy one.
For example, if an engine oil recommended for your car is 0w 40 Mobil brand sales at 73 to 78k 5 litres.
Make u no so urself.


0w20 not 0w40
highoctane: 1:27pm On Jun 03
dru23:



0w20 not 0w40
What is this there is 0w 20 and also 0w40 which I bought from Mobil accredited sales outlet in Port Harcourt

nnadychuks(m): 2:29pm On Jun 03
Kasdat5:

I don’t understand your write up @ all . So we shouldn’t ride or buy a salon vehicle in Nigerian or what do you mean ?
If your daily routine is scheduled for good roads only you can get a sedan or saloon but most Nigerian roads are bad, hence the need for suvs
Kasdat5(m): 3:01pm On Jun 03
nnadychuks:

If your daily routine is scheduled for good roads only you can get a sedan or saloon but most Nigerian roads are bad, hence the need for suvs


Lol , do you know we have more sedan vehicles than suv , even in flooded areas & areas with bad road . You statement no make sense rara .

2 Likes

amSTARboy: 3:21pm On Jun 03
space9880:
IS250 is not even close to ES350, ES350 is better in every way. Slow car with 204HP V6 engine, that car is supposed to be a 4 cylinder vehicle. OP if you know what is good for you avoid IS250, that car is not a performance car at all no mind those Lexus boys and the car dey use electric steering self water go disturb you well well, it is even too low and not good for Naija roads, when you’re driving smoke from outside will enter inside the car and almost choke you to dearth. Just go for the ES350 it is solid and reliable but make sure the gearbox is 100% okay before you buy.


I said what I said with my full chest. You can’t compare a front wheel drive with a back wheel drive. It’s just like comparing E class or 5 series with ES350. The only thing the Es 350 is better than IS 250 is space. If you want performance then IS 350 would give it to you. Fuel economy is superb in the IS 250.


NB: I have driven both cars extensively
dru23(m): 11:53pm On Jun 03
highoctane:

What is this there is 0w 20 and also 0w40 which I bought from Mobil accredited sales outlet in Port Harcourt




https://nairaland.macsoftware.info/8402868/mobil-1-now-available#135046237

0w20 is recommended. 0w40 is formulated for European cars. I will only 0w40 if there is oil shorten or for high mileage cars 0w20 high mileage

2cribz: 12:05am On Jun 04
U have a point bro,i regret selling my rear wheel drive car a year ago,i could tell the difference between a back axle and fwd. Back axle rocks.anyday,any time. The next rear wheel drive im targetting na infiniti at least make i see wetin 320hp be like. I got fed up of my 245hp car,i wanted more power.
amSTARboy:



I said what I said with my full chest. You can’t compare a front wheel drive with a back wheel drive. It’s just like comparing E class or 5 series with ES350. The only thing the Es 350 is better than IS 250 is space. If you want performance then IS 350 would give it to you. Fuel economy is superb in the IS 250.


NB: I have driven both cars extensively
space9880: 7:16am On Jun 04
amSTARboy:



I said what I said with my full chest. You can’t compare a front wheel drive with a back wheel drive. It’s just like comparing E class or 5 series with ES350. The only thing the Es 350 is better than IS 250 is space. If you want performance then IS 350 would give it to you. Fuel economy is superb in the IS 250.


NB: I have driven both cars extensively
of you say IS350 I’ll agree with you but not IS250. The handling in IS250 is very good and sporty compared to the ES350 which is more comfort oriented. It gives you that sports vibes but it is just vibes nothing more
nnadychuks(m): 11:06am On Jun 04
Kasdat5:


Lol , do you know we have more sedan vehicles than suv , even in flooded areas & areas with bad road . You statement no make sense rara .
Ok
If u get money buy anything u like…
Kasdat5(m): 11:26am On Jun 04
nnadychuks:

Ok
If u get money buy anything u like…

No be you go tell me wetin to use my money buy .

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