1fastmk6

Hey guys so some background. Im thinking about getting a 2007 is350. I just came out of a 2011 vw gti lease and was thinking about trying something a little different. I might just do another 2014 gti lease if this plan falls apart, but Id just like some of your insights. Ive been reading a few days on the lexus forums and it seems the main issues are/were:

-timing chain cover leak (seems it only pertains to early builds 06 models) correct me if im wrong.
-recall for the start up rattle noise (camshaft gear rattle)
-navigation screen not working (not too concerned about this).

If you guys could add any other common issues or for the 2007 model year thatd be great.

I found these 2 is350s recently on the internet. Both grey with black interior.

Car #1: 2007 is350, 42k miles, sellers asking 21.5k for it. Has nav, and luxury package. Has all maintenance and history. 1 owner, clean carfax no accidents.

Car #2 2007 is350, 53k miles. dealer is willing to let it go for 20k. Has all maintenance history too. clean carfax, 1 owner. Doesnt have nav, and doesnt appear to have luxury package. has ventilated seats, but no memory function. Do all is350s have bi-xenons standard?

So I'm just asking if these cars are fairly reliable or if i should stay away? Ive always heard that lexus was a very reliable brand and didn't have too many issues. Plus the is350s performance is pretty impressive considering its a naturally aspirated 3.5 v6.

The only pro to leasing another gti is the warranty and not having to worry about maintenance, but it would be nice to try something different.

Any advice/insight would be appreciated.

idoke1

iTrader: (5)

Not all is350 comes with bi-xenon. I can give you an input from my experience. I too have an 07 is350 with 140k miles. I have yet to encounter the freeze screen navi or water pump issue. I did encounter the rattle but it was a hit and miss. I notice the rattle when oil change is due. But as soon as I changed the oil, it never came back. How's the vw going? I used to own an 06 vw gli and that engine cost me every penny to maintained.

1fastmk6

I had a 2011 dsg gti. I put 36k miles on it throughout the lease. Under warranty the waterpump and fuel injector were replaced lol. How long have you had your is350 for? How many of those 140k miles did you put on it?

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

The is350 pretty reliable but just like any car it's no bullet proof. You can run the vin to see if the recalls where done. Water issue Its a know thing but a hit or miss. I put 87k on my 08 and so far no cam issue but I still did the recall for the free gas haha. No water pump issue either. I'd go for the luxury package.

jdmSW20

iTrader: (12)

i co sign both of these. no car is bullet proof and all have an issue somewhere down the line but the 350 is pretty stout. i have almost 177k on the clock of my 350 and i havent had the frozen navi issue or water pump issue either.

now the rattle i did have but the recall fixed that

idoke1

iTrader: (5)

Mines was a 6 speed. I sold my gli after replacing the camshaft with about 58k miles. After that costly repair, i made my decision to sell it. But in regards, I bought my is350 with 40k miles. So about 100k miles so far and running strong

1fastmk6

Thanks guys and good points. Every car has it's own set of issues. Its just crazy when i think about paying 20k for a 7 year old car when I could purchase a new mk6 gti for 21.5k (sticker is 27.2k, but since the new model is coming out they're heavily discounting leftovers 14s). Obviously the is350 is in a whole other league and isnt even comparable.

1fastmk6

So is the timing chain cover leak only on early year model 2006s? Or does it affect 2007s as well?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

My '06 IS350 has had just about all of the recalls or TSIBs performed on it (water pump, new carpet from clogged drain, valve spring, cam rattle, etc etc), and have I had to pay for any of them? Nope. The only thing (besides general maintenance stuff) is the NAV unit without completely. Luckily I found a local unit for cheap to replace it.

Anyhow, what I'm trying to say is that even with all of these "problems" would I sell my car at this point? Hell no! It is hands-down the best car I've ever owned!