I’m in the market of buying a 2007 IS250. Is there any issues that I need to look out for (oil leaks, powertrain issues, etc)? I’m looking at one with 161k miles, with great service records from a Lexus dealer.

 

Biggest potential problem would probably be the dreaded carbon buildup on intake & exhaust valves as a result of how direct fuel injection works on this car. There are several threads on this board that cover it.

My IS250 has 135K miles and it hasn't yet struck. But, from time to time, I do get a bit of a lumpy idle that goes away once the car is warmed up.

The 'cure' is an upper engine cleaning of the valves. Some mechanics and some dealers blow walnut shells at the valves to clean them. Some have reported a cost of about $800. I have just asked for quotes on this upper engine cleaning from my dealer and my local mechanic. I'll report them once I receive them.

 

My local mechanic does not do this type of work, the upper engine cleaning. Still awaiting my dealer service department quote.

 

A couple of things we looked out for when purchasing our '08 IS250 w/152k last year.

Dash and door panels - while the warranty enhancement is still going on for the ISF this has run out for the 2IS in general. I checked the vehicle history at Lexusdrivers.com and made sure ours were replaced prior to purchase.

Carbon buildup - not a big deal but something to look out for. Our 20yr old has put on 12k in the last year and the car drives just fine. I threw a can of Seafoam in the tank the first week we got the car and it's been fine. Something to keep an eye on if she starts running rough.

Overall it's been a great car, we're a Lexus family so we kind of know the brand. Keep in mind it's not without problems...the fuel pump went out the first week we had the car. However it was a $100 fix (used part) and took all of 30 min. More recently we've put on front tires but that's to be expected. Too bad we can't rotate them like I can on my GS.

 

I used Lexus drivers website too, they serviced this car in the dealer since day 1, and dash and door panels are new. I think it should be a solid car, yes?

 

I would think so, especially now that you know the dash and door panels have been replaced. That's a huge win. That and an extensive service history usually means a good buy to me.