ZNorman

Hi everyone! I get my license next week and I'm trying figure out what car I want. I've done extensive research on everything from a Toyota FJ Cruiser to a Saab 9-3. I came across the IS based on a recommendation from a friend who has one but I want to know what you all think. I'm looking at 2006-2007 IS250 AWD models with 90,000-100,000 miles. My dad has a 2008 Toyota Tacoma with the 1GR-FE approaching 300,000 miles and with no problems. Will the IS be as trouble free? What are the common failure points of the IS250? Will it cost less to maintain than a similar 2006 BMW 325xi? My parents are paying for most of my car and all of the maintenance/repairs.
Please let me know your thoughts!
-Zach

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Will it be as trouble free as a Tacoma? I doubt it. Will it be cheaper than a 328, almost definitely. Carbon buildup, leaking water pumps, and frozen navigation screens are the most common isssues, but most have been fixed under warranty already. For the most part though, they are very good cars

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Also people will suggest the IS350, realistically you don't need it. The IS250 is fast enough for a first car, will be cheaper to insure, and will be AWD versus rwd. Also cheaper and easier to find. While they dint have carbon issues, they are not free from issues.

UniSlayEX

I would just confirm that the above mentioned has been addressed. Other than that, stick to the regular maintenance schedule and it should be smooth sailing.

Zynthe

iTrader: (5)

be weary of burning oil on the IS250.

Also to prevent carbon build up I suggest getting an oil catch can to slow down the process.

ZNorman

Thanks for all of the replies! When looking at a used car, how would I go about checking for oil burning and carbon buildup issues?

Zynthe

iTrader: (5)

When idling check to see if the tach meter goes up and down. if it does you might have carbon build up issue

5gears-IS

iTrader: (5)

Why bother with a 250??? 350 has no carbon build up issues, that to me is great piece of mind knowing it will never surface with that. You will miss the AWD IF you live in any snow states but that is where everything else ends.... 306hp vs 204hp is a no brainer.

Take my word get the IS350!

ZNorman

Where I live I need AWD and my dad won't let me get a 350 because it is way too fast and insurance would be a lot more money.

ZNorman

Awesome! Thanks

SwedeMetal

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=85251&endYear=2017&showcaseOwnerId=55955187&startYear=1981&firstRecord=0&searchRadius=0&listingId=423653482&Log=0

ZNorman

Nice, but does it have the carbon buildup problems like the 250?

LP817

iTrader: (1)

I wish my parents helped pay for any of my cars. Anyways it's a good first car. Just as everyone else said just keep up with the TSBs and regular maintenance and the 250 will run smooth. I personally chose the is350 because no engine issues and im confident with my driving to handle it in Chicago's winters. Driving the 250 felt like I was driving a civic again (speed wise). The AWD and MT option is nice but it wasnt enough to sway me into getting a 250.

5gears-IS

iTrader: (5)

IS350 is also made AWD think 2012 was the first year available awd. They look the same your dad will never know

Zmon

iTrader: (2)

2011 is the first year of the AWD IS350.

On the small note of insurance, IMO, they really aren't that expensive to insure. I came from a 07 Camry with the 4cyl instead of the 6, and I actually had a premium decrease coming into my 350 which surprised me. I'm still under 25, so I'm still getting robbed here regardless. It really all depends on your area, and it's driver history. I believe some people have gotten insurance quotes on this forum that are less than the 250, or just slightly over a 250's quote ($10+ a month) for a 350.

IMO, the 250 is plenty for a first car. I'd stay away from the earlier years though. The carbon build up service bulletin was a 9 years/unlimited miles and the 06-07's have passed that mark, so if any 250 you're looking at hasn't had it done, well, oh well. If you buy from a Lexus dealer, and it happens to have never had the bulletin done, you could probably talk them into doing it for you if they want the sale. Besides that, it's a fine car. Drive it a little hard occasionally to keep carbon build up away (which, you getting your license, I'm sure you'll be doing that anyways). Some people have also installed an oil catch can to keep it at bay as well.

They're cheap cars to maintain otherwise. Maybe a water pump or alternator needs to be replaced, but nothing major really goes bad on these cars. If the 250's tires wear anything like a 350s, I'd probably stay away from those with the optional 18" rims. Tires WILL cost more with the 18s, I just got robbed about a $1000 for some Michelins which I'm sure I'll eat through in 15k miles like I did the last pair of tires I had, which is another downside to the 18s since you don't have much choice in the treadwear department because of the fairly aggressive tire sizes. Can't rotate them either. Getting ready to be robbed another $1000 for my RX350.