Buddiiee

Ok, thus far I've read about four issues that seems to plague this platform; carbon build-up, oil leaks, sticky dashes & air bags... Are my findings correct? And are there any other known issues that are not an "if", but "when" deal? Bearings? Ring lands? Transmission durability issues? etc etc. I've searched for a thread like this before but turned up nothing. Did I miss anything?
I'm just wanting to know exactly what I'm talking about before I start walking into dealers and buying up Lexuses & inheriting everyone else's 5000 dollar problems. I found out about too many problems after I bought my last car & it was a big headache. I'd like to know where to check myself before throwing down the cash. Thanks guys.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Well, most of these problems were eliminated from the later model vehicles. The carbon build up issue should be much reduced with the new pistons/rings, the sticky dash shouldn't be an issue with 2011 on. Air bags are probably an issue with all of the vehicles. Transmission isn't a known weakness of these cars.

Buddiiee

Oh that's good lol. Whew! I did start to see the 2011 model year being the line of demarcation for a lot of this stuff. Has that been your findings as well?

VTsuckah

iTrader: (1)

All model years depending upon where you live tend to have issues with rear brake calipers seizing, but that's a relatively cheap and easy DIY in my opinion.

Also of note is that the carbon build up issue only affects IS250s, not 350s.

Buddiiee

Oh yea I read about that as well. Well thanks for all the great replies so far guys. I really appreciate it. Much different than the Subaru boards.

Rezno

iTrader: (1)

If you want to avoid the carbon buildup 350 is the way to go (you also want to get the 350 because the extra 100hp is worth every penny, it gets the same mpg, and it doesn't run the 1/4 mile in over 15 seconds). There are various recalls on older model (and some newer) 2IS cars such as the airbag and melting dashboard and panels. There is the common dash rattle problem and the GPS screen dying, which are the two most common problems. The best advice I have for wanting to avoid problems altogether is try buying a car that is relatively late in the life cycle of the car (in this case a 2011 or above). Most of the things that tended to break or other recalls have been solved. They also tend to have less miles, which means a higher chance of everything functioning correctly. That and they changed some of the ECU tuning and some features in the car that you might like more than an older model car.

Buddiiee

I see. Yea, that's what I was hoping for with the later models. As for the stereo that will probably get changed out day one, and the dash rattles? Well that annoys the heck out of me so I may be ripping that apart to see what I can do lol. We shall see. Thanks again.