lexus1229

Hi everyone, I've been shopping around for a Lexus recently, and I have my mind set on purchasing a IS 250 AWD model through Carmax(including their MaxCare warranty). However, my question to you Lexus experts here who have driven these cars is the following: "Are there significant differences between a 07 IS 250 AWD version vs the 08-12 versions of the same model???" For example, at Carmax, I've seen a 2007 IS 250 AWD with 24,000 miles going for around $17,000 (fits my price range, no accidents reported). I have also seen 2011/2012 versions of the same model with 50,000 miles going for about $22,000. Would the extra $5,000 dollars +extra 25,000 miles be worth it??? Please consider I would purchase the MaxCare warranty and the price of the warranty would be more expensive for the newer Lexuses? My budget is around 25,000 with everything included.

Thanks in advance, gentlemen.

Aspect

Owner of an 07 IS250 AWD here and or 5k extra I'd definitely go with the newer models. I'd go with the newest model you can afford. The new headlights, tail lights, and front bumper design(F-Sport) would easily be worth it to me. Also, the newer 2011-2012 models have some measure to prevent carbon buildup that plagued earlier models, but I personally have yet to run into any signs of it. Else I assume quite a few people will say to ignore the IS250 completely and to find an IS350 for the extra money.

jjc250

07 250 AWD owner here,too. First I would suggest to look for a 350 instead but here are the differences. 11/12 250's have a smaller chance of carbon build-up on their engines compare to 07/08. This is a very common issue on early 250's. Secondly, most significant changes are cosmetic. 08 and 07 are basically the same. 09+ has different bumper design, integrated turn signal indicator on side mirrors, different taillight design, different wheel designs and color. Some 11/12 250's also come with new headlights which consists of LED DRL depending on the option. If you don't want a 350 then I'd consider getting a 11/12 250.

bfnk786

My budget is around 17K and I'm having a similar problem, can't really find anything at CarMax though, I really like that MaxCare warranty. I'm a beginner so I'm really trying to get an IS 250, I don't really care about speed or throttle so I don't think I need a 350. I mostly find only 07s and some 10s. There's a couple of grand difference. I see an 07 IS 350 that's going for almost 18K, and then a 10 IS 250 for 18K as well. What would you go for? I'm assuming Lexuses barely break down, that's why I haven't thought about warranty, do you think that will be a problem OP?

bangdangvn

You can always find some pretty solid deals in our classifieds here IMO

bbaugher47

I personally prefer a lower mileage older car over a newer one with higher miles. But like it was mentioned above , the newer IS250s have some changes done to help prevent the carbon build up. I found a 2012 gs350 fsport with 122,000 miles that I was considering a few weeks ago. But someone has been driving the **** out of that car and turned me off. My 2007 is has 45k now so I felt that the lower miles on my car trumped the newer lower mileage ( and larger) GS350. So I guess my point is this: just because its newer doesnt mean that it's better.

bfnk786

Yeah I was going to get a Lexus from a dealership but they used the IS 250 as a loaner car so the reported mileage on their website and the actual mileage varied by almost a thousand. The car was beautiful though, trying to convince myself that the air bag issue won't be a problem for too long

lexus1229

Is the carbon buildup on the earlier models(07-10) a major issue that would be a concern even with the MaxCare warranty(covers everything expect usual maintenance) for 5 years???

lexus1229

If you are a beginner like I am/going with CarMax, I'd stick with getting the MaxCare warranty. The only issue is that with a 17k price range, you won't get a 350 with decent mileage(50K?) at CarMax.

lexus1229

Would any Lexus owners like to add their opinion to this topic? I'm hopefully planning on keeping this car for 6 years.

Koolsport

If you have a 25k budget, yes I am one that would say look for an used IS350, if you're going to keep it for 6 years, it would be 6 yrs of fun and reliability.

Aspect

I can't say as if I've yet to run into the problem. I'm just saying that it is a prevalent problem with the IS250 and other cars with only direct injection. I make sure to go WOT every/every other day to keep it at bay. Some people have gotten it and some haven't and I can't say if you'll experience it in 5 years or not to make it worth your maxcare warranty