Hey guys,

I've been a Toyota/Lexus guy for a long time. My dad has owned Toyota's most of his life and has had no problems with them. Great cars.

I'm just curious is to if they're any common issues with these cars? I mean every car has it's own problems.

Lately I've been looking into the 2nd Gen IS's because I've noticed it's highly possible of me finding one for below $20k.

Thanks in advance, John

 

In general, 2IS has been very reliable.

There a some people who experience "carbon build-up" issues for mainly the IS250 folks.

For the navigation, I heard some people also had issues with it.

I haven't had any issues with my car since day 1 of purchasing it. I don't have navigation...

Here's the latest "Quality" survey by JP Power

http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoram...165902281.html

Survey included user's opinion on how intuitive controls,etc ... not fair for reliability. If it were pure reliability.... Lexus would rank #1 like last year's survey.

Lexus > Toyota (basically same company, but Toyota put more emphasis on Lexus... there's a reason why it costs more.

 

Very reliable.

Anything common issues for our cars has been recalled, including the carbon build up shadowman mentioned.

The only 2 things I could think of is the water pump seems to need to be replaced around 60k and in very few owners (including myself) had a powersteering ecu failure, which if you are not under warranty is quite expensive to replace.

If high mileage isn't much of an issue to you, you can find a IS350 for right under 20k (if power is a concern to you), otherwise it should be easy to find a good condition 2IS for under 20k. Good luck and Welcome!

 

I have a 2009 is250 (no mods except for interior lighting) and the thing is SUPER reliable. In the 4 years that I've owned it the only problem I've had was the carbon build-up and a flat tire because of a huge @$$ pothole in the ground which I couldn't avoid.

If you're looking for reliability and luxury in one car this is definitely the one to go with hands down.

 

It's an awesome car overall. Super easy and cheap to maintain ( if you learn from us). If you find one, it'll be great. The 350 has 100 more HP!

 

Get a later year IS for the best reliability possible. Every year problems are smoothed out over last years model.

 

I would agree with everyone here. I bought my 08 IS350 new and it has been very reliable every sence. The only 2 things that I have had to do is replace the front winshield trim (very commen) and my car chargers don't work so well. Other than that it has been perfect. That is including about 1200 very hard track miles on the car.

 

50k miles and counting. Have a rattling behind the navigation, the ac smells from time to time. Other than those minor things, I love my car! BTW it is a 2009 IS350.

 

Bought mine new in June 2010 and I have 78k miles on it.

I had my FIRST problem last month: both rear axles leaking. $1900 parts + 6hrs labor at Lexus was gonna be like $2600.

I got Lexus to Goodwill the parts and I just paid for the labor. Actually, the SA screwed up on my 2nd quote and only charged me $415 labor....lol

So....I've put almost 80k on mine in 3 years and until that problem^^^, I haven't had one issue.

Great car. I'd highly recommend one for a DD>

 

Third owner IS350 '06 w/ 60k miles now. Common problems previous owner had :

*A/C drainage blockage causing moisture to accumulate in the floor boards. Lexus replaced the carpet for free.
*Water pump leak. Lexus replaced it @ 27k miles for free.

Now on to the TSIBs and recalls :

*Fuel pipe recall. Free fix.
*Steering recall. Free fix.
*Brake boot recall. Free fix.
*Valve spring recall. Free fix.
*Fuel pressure sensor. Free fix.
*Brake master cylinder cup. Free fix.
*Cam rattle/knock; dealership acknowledged issue, but couldn't duplicate...no repair.
*Wiper arm nut recall. Free fix.
*Emergency trunk release arm. Free fix.

 

Got mine new back in 08 and now at 33k with no issues. Love this car and I'm definitely keeping it until it dies!

 

Thanks everyone for all the replies. Nothing I have read here will turn me away. It seems these cars have quite a few recalls though. Then again my 2000 Accord V6 has many recalls, one being the transmission. But I have 150k miles on the original transmission and it shifts perfect.

As far as the carbon build-up issue. Where is it typically?

 

^The carbon build-up is on the piston tops and the valves, all due to a poor design. The 350 doesn't seem to have such issues, due to having port injection AND direct injection, whereas the 250 only has direct injection. The ONLY known fix is NEW, redesigned pistons and a cleaning of the valves.

Just get a 350 and forego any of that carbon build-up crap!

 

Or get an IS250 that's after mid year 2010. They came off the line with the engine changes for the carbon build up issue.

 

I've taken my 2007 IS250 RWD from 8 miles to just under 135,000. No carbon build up yet but I drive it every day. Dead battery stranded me once but a quick call to Lexus Roadside Assistance and I was jumped and on my way in 20 minutes.