Considering a IS what do I need to look for?

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Nov 15, 2015 | 10:45 PM

Lukas99GS

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From: MN

Considering a IS what do I need to look for?

Hey guys, I've been a member over on the GS forum for a few years, I'm selling my 99 GS with 226k (never had any issue with the car) recently I was test driving cars and brought my friend along, he ended up financing an 09 IS250 with 94k and I must say I'm impressed with the car, I was looking at 3GS but I've seen a couple 07 IS350s both with about 100k, great condition, what is the value for them these days and what should I look for with the 350? I take care of my cars and I would want it to last to 200k with minimal issues like my previous Lexus. Thanks

Nov 16, 2015 | 06:09 AM

Bichon

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From: NJ

Have you seen our 2IS buyers guide, linked from the FAQ sticky at the top of the forum? https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...e-threads.html

Nov 16, 2015 | 06:23 AM

Lukas99GS

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From: MN

Awesome thank you, I'm more concerned for my friend, as I've told him how reliable Lexus are and it seems like everyone complains of the carbon build up, his has no issues and idles smooth at 94k, it should also still be under warranty for the next three years, now if it were to happen on his car and Lexus took care of it, how long does it usually last until it comes back? Is there anything that can be done for him to prevent it? I just don't want him to get a negative view on Lexus because of buying the one car that has an engine design flaw.

Nov 16, 2015 | 02:46 PM

IS3504life

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From: Alberta

Buy it, USE the power it offers and carbon build up won't be an issue. They are a fun classy car that need to be driven!

Nov 16, 2015 | 04:03 PM

Byprodrive

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From: CA

Buy a IS350, the 350 engine doesn't have the carbon build up problem like the 250's.
Ideally buy it in SoCA since the mild dry climate is very easy on cars. (zero corrosion)

Here's a good example: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lex...ml#post9255581

Nov 16, 2015 | 05:08 PM

Zmon

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From: Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byprodrive

Really anything south of the snow/rust belt is fine. The cars I had up in the Chicago area ended up being rust buckets after the winters from the salt no matter what I did (garaged, washes every day after being in the salty roads, etc). On the other hand, here in humid/hot Louisiana, no rust whatsoever on any of my past or current cars..

I'd recommend a 350 over a 250 for obvious reasons, though I doubt your buddy will have any major issues with the car if the carbon doesn't build up. Depending on year, and with 100k on the odo, you're probably looking at 13-16 depending on options for a 350.

Last edited by Zmon; Nov 16, 2015 at 05:11 PM.

Nov 16, 2015 | 06:34 PM

Lukas99GS

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From: MN

I haven't seen many high mileage IS in general, are there many people with 150-200k? I saw the one thread of the guy with. 250k on his is250 but overall do they hold up well past 100k if you maintain them?