Hello forum,

I'm looking for a first manual car, and considering the IS 250 because I like how it looks. However, I've read that the flywheel is heavy and the engine is prone to carbon buildup. Should I stay away from this car? I found a listing for a used '08 with around 108k miles for ~$6000. The only issue is it needs a wheel alignment and has some damage on the rear quarter. It's not too bad but any ideas on how much it would cost to have everything fixed up? Thanks for the help.

 

You can send a picture to a few body shop you know and ask them for a price range (they won't quote exact $ without looking at the car). I'm pretty sure it won't be cheap ($1K+) since the damage is on the bumper and rear quarter panel. You can ask the owner if the carbon build up work has been done (Lexus has been pretty good at rebuilding engine for this issue under extended warranty). My 2007 IS250 clutch needed to be replaced after 120K miles with the cost of about $1,200 at a very reputable independent shop using OEM parts. I would plan for that if this owner never replaced the clutch. Also, check the dash board and door panels. They are prone to "chunking" and chipping due to defective plastic (my 2007 had dash and door panels replaced under their extended warranty so it's like a brand new car now).

 

I have similar damage to the quarter and they quoted over $1k because they have to paint door to bumper to blend.

 

if i remember correctly, in theory, the heavy flywheel is a good thing for daily driving, more mass keeps the flywheel spinning. a lighter flywheel with less mass would your RPM's to drop a lot more quickly

 

I test drove a manual IS back in 2008........ what a dog of a transmission! Admittedly, I'd driven BMW manuals for 20 years but still. I ended up with an automatic and never regretted it.

 

I would spend the money towards an IS350 its going to be automatic yes but its a fun car with 100 more HP vs the IS250. Manual tranny is an overated thing. You will adjust quickly...I did