I am new to CL and thinking about picking up a is250 awd but unsure because of the carbon issues that I've been reading on here. I've always wanted the is300 but when I saw the is250, I fell in love with it. I am at a stand still and want others opinion or advices on it as far as making the jump for it. I live in MN and need a awd vehicle . I currently have a rx330 which I share with my wife. I just want to know will it be worth the headaches that might come along with it?

 

get an IS350 AWD. It doesn't have the carbon issue like the IS250. I have an 07 IS250 RWD, 73k miles and haven't had the carbon issue.

 

I also have a 08 is250 rwd and I have not had that problem either

 

same with mines, i haven't had any issues with it yet( crosses fingers), but like you said if you need a awd vehicle for where you live, you should get the awd, like the above posters said, there hasn't been any issues with the awd yet

 

Correction. There is no carbon issue with IS350 RWD or AWD. just IS250

 

Thanks for the input, I believe is350 comes awd in the 2011...kind of out of my price range. I also don't like how the front bumper looks. I will keep searching and hope I'm as lucky.

 

Go with the IS350, you will be happy with it, trust me.

 

IS350 and toss on some winter tires

 

I agree with what others have said, try and find a 350 instead and you won't regret it.

Good luck on your search for an IS.

 

Get a 350 with snow tires and you should be fine

 

Carbon build up issue is covered for 9 years/unlimited miles on most 06-10 IS250's, just FYI if you are really worried about it. I personally have had the carbon build up issue (And the replacement pistons) and still am absolutely in love with my 250. I test drove the 350 as well before buying it, I did like the quickness, but opted for a little more gas mileage, cheaper insurance and cheaper buying cost overall with the IS250. I drive it back and forth to work only really, don't need the extra 100hp for that here in SoCal!

 

If 350 is out of you price range, you can get 250 since Lexus is covering repair on that for 9 years -- just don't get a 2006. And it doesn't seem that all the 250s have it -- someone should start a poll ...

 

There's already a thread with a poll of IS250 owners who have/haven't had the Carbon Build up issue.

 

Here is the link to the poll of who had or hasn't got the carbon build up issue.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ldup-poll.html