Hey guys, new to the forum and about to buy an IS 250...maybe. I have a couple questions. It's a 2008 with 90k miles. At 42k miles the Lexus dealership replaced the fuel pressure sensor gasket because it was leaking. At 23k miles there was an engine knock and they replaced bank 1 and bank 2 intake camshaft actuators. The engine also had some carbon build-up. How concerned should I be with these repairs? Would you consider them deal-breakers?

Thanks,
Michael

 

How do you know it had some carbon buildup? How does it idle?

 

Carbon build up is a known issue with the 250s.... There is a TSB from Lexus. Search IS250 carbon build up and you will see plenty.

 

yep... here is a link to the thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ld-up-csp.html

 

I would get IS350 instead.

 

Does this carbon problem make it an issue to the point where someone would rule out buying one? I believe the OP knows it is a problem, he's just trying to figure out if it is such a problem that he would be better off looking at a different IS or another make.

That may be an unanswerable question.

 

If you are somewhat concerned about the carbon build up, just get an IS350! The IS250 is perfect if you need a little better gas mileage and live in an area that has more slower moving traffic. (Just budget for maintenance once the car comes out of the extended warranty that covers carbon buildup.) The extra power of the IS350 makes for a much more fun car to drive.

For me the extra power and not having to worry about the carbon buildup made the IS350 a simple decision. Go and test drive both the 250 & 350.