Owned my 2011 6MT IS250 for almost four years. Put about 40,000 km on it (got it used at 87,000 km). Some misconceptions to be cleared up:

-Carbon build up destroys these engines. I have seen older IS250's with 200,000 km on the road. People get walnut blasting or the engine are good for 200,000-400,000 km before problems appear. Can find MANY older/high mileage IS250s for sale used. They are survivors.

-The manual transmission is crap: I've driven a 2010 and 2011 6MT and shifting is crisp and smooth. It does NOT feel like a truck transmission and even others have commented that they liked the feel. So something must have been improved from early years?

-It's a slow car: Not as nimble as a lighter car but can definitely do OK on the highway and in other situations. The IS350 is def faster, better acceleration and even more grip with AWD versions but I prefer my car.

-Rich person's car: Used versions go back to 2006 and are available for like $2000-$4000 for decent runners. We're now in poor man's luxury option turf except these cars don't brick like BMW or Audi.

Anywhere I read stories about 2IS, it's 90% hate and people recommending against buying them. I think its fair to be aware of a car's issues but in MY personal experience, the people giving advice (incl CarCareNut's Toyota channel) don't actually have enough experience with these cars. There are def drawbacks to the platform and engine, like cramped space and carbon build up. But I don't know what people are expecting for a car that had a MSRP at or slightly above an Acura CSX (Japanese spec Honda Civic).

 

i have an 07 250, never did the walnut blast treatment ever...has over 223,000 miles and still going strong - i'm a believer (on borrowed time? perhaps ).

also the VVTi rattle cold startup was a thing, but i had it, changed the oil to a different brand (not viscosity/weight) and it's nearly nonexistent!

 

What oil were you using and what oil do you use now?

 

was using pennzoil platinum 5w30 every 7500, and now valvoline extended protection 5w30 every 5000 miles. i want to try valvoline restore and protect next but it's not as easy to find as EP.

i also started driving the car harder, where it sees redline at least 2x per oil change, knowing it was babied most of it's life. italian tune up!

 

I have over 270K miles on my 2007 IS250 manual and this is the best car I have owned.

The manual option makes the car special given how rare it is and I do not have any problem with the RA62 transmission.

The carbon buildup issue is inevitable with a direct injection only engine. I do get check engine light from time to time because of the carbon buildup issue but it is expected at my mileage (have not done the chemical cleaning or walnut blasting) so I am not complaining.
The next milestone would be to hit 300K miles.

 

Another one I thought of: Lexus parts are expensive. Yes, if buying from dealer but lots of aftermarket parts that are good quality and cheap. I replaced three brake calipers with a Chinese type and they work fine. Also with so many wrecked/mechanically totalled cars, used parts are easy to get.