Lexus IS Problems

That’s a difficult call to make. The car has done quite a few kilometres and is in the twilight of its life. If it’s been properly serviced all its life to date and you continue to service it well you should be able to keep on top of any issues that crop up. But at the same you should anticipate that problems might occur more often now, and that will involve more expense. Looking forward you need to decide if you want to gamble on it giving little or no trouble, or get out of it. If you are not sure about it get out of it now.

The trade-in valuations generally don't take options into account, that's consider covered by the range that goes along with the valuation. The trade-in guide on your car is $28,000-$31,500. You should also remember that it's a guide only, and there's no reason why you shouldn't negotiate a better price, and to shop around to get the best price you can. You are better off buying a higher model with everything fitted to it than a lesser model and then optioning it up. It will always be the lesser model, no matter what's fitted to it.

If you don’t want a convertible, which rules out the MX-5 as my easy first pick, then the 86 is the car for driving enjoyment on a reasonable budget. But don’t overlook its Subaru twin, the BRZ, which is my choice of the two. Both get The Tick, having shared our Car of the Year award.

The Benz is so far ahead of the Lexus that it's not even a contest. The C-Class gets The Tick and is also one of the favourites for our Car of the Year award. I wouldn't bother with the C250 unless it has some standard features you like, because the C200 is a brilliant car.