westside01

Whats up everybody?Im new to the site. I'm looking to purchase a used IS. The car looks really sleek and i've been wanting to get one to replace my current ride. I've searched online through craigslist, dealerships and came across quite a few IS250's that may fit my price range. Most of them are 2006 or 2007, and a few 2008's which ive come across. i've also been reading up on the site about the whole carbon build up issue with the 250's specifically MY 2006-2010. I understand that Lexus is aware of the issue and has Customer Service Program(CSP) out there right now with 9 yr/Unlimited miles. My question is am i wasting my time looking at these 06-08 250's due to this problem? For those of you who have experienced the issue, does it make the car undriveable? i saw a 07 IS250 with 70k miles on CL for about $16k. I know theres still some time before that 9 year expires but is it worth it to even consider getting the early model year 250's? The last thing i want to happen is for the issue to pop up after the CSP expires. Im assuming that i dont have any issue for the first year or two with the car and then the issue happens. I can imagine it must be a pricey fix. Is it something a independent mechanic could fix to remove the carbon buildup or anything i could do as a preventative maintenance so it doesnt build up if were to get a one of those MY 250's? Should i take the chance on the 250's or just not worth it?
Would appreciate some insight and recommendations.

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

Have you compare price for is350 around your area? Maybe for 2 grand more why not go with the 350 for peace of mind. I myself have a 350 yet to have much repair done beside recalls and TSB stuff. My GF drive the 250 we got brand new in 08. It has 95k and we're yet to get any carbon issues.

NYKnick101

carbon issues can be avoided with the right preventative maintenance and Lexus has been nothing but great when it comes to dealing with the isue. Whether you get a 250 or 350, I think you will be completely happy. My car has had the carbon issue CSP done and i recently got my oil tested and carbon deposits are at a minimum for Port/Direct Injected engines almost at 100k so I can see this car lasting me a LONG TIME!

westside01

I also looked at the IS350's. There's a few but they're high mileage(over 100K) or have mods on them. The clean ones are over $20k. Im on budget of about $17k so it might be out of my price range. Good to hear that guys have not had any carbon issues. Did you guys get the letter?

NYKnick101

If you buy it used, you wont get a letter unless it was purchased from the dealership. If your budget is around 17, I would begin to look for some low mileage selling private party. Buying from dealerships will always be around 20+

westside01

What type of PM have you done or are doing? My friend's friend is selling his 07 IS250 with 60k miles for $17k. He bought new at the end of 06. i had a chance to test drive and didnt notice any rough idle/engine misfire issue. I asked him about it too and he said hes had no issues with the car, just been doing regular maintenance. It's a clean ride, normal wear and tear for a car of that age. My only concern is if i get the misfire issues after CSP expires. How much would it cost me to repair? I'm sure Lexus won't cover the cost after expiration. Guess im thinking long term for maintenance/expenses since ill be keeping the car for a while.

NYKnick101

I pretty much do a full inspection of my car about once a month, take off all the wheels and inspect brakes, axles, boots, suspension components etc. Engine wise every 3 months, I clean the MAF sensor, throtle body, inspect spark plugs gap, Inspect for leaks or wear items, a can of seafoam (or fuel injector cleaner of your choice) in a full tank of gas every 6 months. Ive been doing to all my vehicles so it becomes second nature to me. I've yet to have a car fail on me let alone my IS that is now at 96k running like its brand new. And its a 9 year warranty so you have until 2016 on an 07 in case anything happens. By that time, im sure you will know your car inside/out by then

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

Never got a letter and never had an issues so i hope it stays that way. Unless you open up you range to travel to find a better deal.