Teadrinker

Currently looking for a used AWD IS 250. In my area I have found two options, a 2008 and a 2012. Debating between the two, both have approximately 220,000 kms. The 2008 is CAD$6000 and the 2012 is CAD$10000. The 2008 is the cheaper of the two options but price is not the driving factor in the decision.

Which of the two cars is the better option in terms of build quality and specs? Any advise on what to check for either model year will be appreciated. Hoping to purchase a car that will last at least five years and will drive approximately 20,000 km each year.

Any advise will be appreciated. Thank you.

primavera

I would definitely get the later 2012. Older 250 seems to have carbon build up problem but so far they claim the 2011 and newer models are not affected. So if you insist get 2012 over 2008.
I've had my 2011 for the last 8 years and never had carbon issue. The secret to it is synthetic oil 0-W20 changed every 6K km and using top tier gas. I use solely Shell or Petro Canada 93 or 94 if available.
Take it on the highway once in a while and give it WOT.
With higher mileage you want to change the transmission fluid (forget the "sealed transmissions don't need to have fluid changed nonsense"). Plenty of YT videos and posts on this subject here on Clublexus.
Drain coolant and replace it with the fresh one, this will extend the life of your water pump.
2012 has updated front bumper, fog lights, front grill, speedometer gauge cluster, newer dashboard, steering wheel with Bluetooth, side mirrors etc.
It gets pretty poor gas mileage in the winter but you know what I enjoy every moment driving this solid built car.