So long story short I need a new engine for my 2012 IS350, I was just wondering if anyone had any useful tips for sourcing used engines as I'm at a loss. I have a local mechanic who is willing to work on it but finding a replacement will be the hardest part, if worse comes to worse I'll bring it to a dealership but just want to see what my options are.

Thanks in advance.

 

Have you checked ebay for used motors? I'm guessing around $1k-1.5k for the motor.

 

I have not, that's a good idea.

Thanks.

 

Probably a stupid question but is the engine different for the AWD & RWD models?

 

Yes, the oil pans are completely different to accommodate the AWD front diff and axle shaft going through the pan.

Personally, I'd try to find a JDM engine, as they seem to all be off-lease engines with <60k miles on them, and they generally don't get stored outside like USDM engines do in parts puller yards. I'd pull all the harnesses off the JDM engine, pull your bad engine out, and plug your factory everything into the JDM mill. Just use the hard parts and sensors; I've found some oddball harness differences between USDM and JDM pinouts that'd I'd rather not troubleshoot.

 

OP - what happened to the current engine? Rare these die needing a replacement.

 

Thanks, just looking around for a USDM one is hard enough not sure how I'd even track down a JDM one. Have you done the swap yourself?

On the side note someone mentioned to me that the GS350's have the same engine? Would these work in the IS as well?

 

Yes, the differences between the GS and IS versions of the 2GR-FSE engine are cosmetic, so a GS engine would work.

I'm operating primarily with ebay junkyards as my point of reference. I usually will search the engine type and various ways to identify it (like JDM), and then sort by nearest, hoping to get lucky and have the best condition one within a short drive of me so I don't have to pay freight. Else you have to pay to ship it to a terminal, and if you don't have a dock/lift/crane to unload it, you'll need to pay a private company with lift gate service. The listings with free shipping are only true if you can pick it up at the freight terminal, or are shipping to a place that can unload the ~400lb pallet.

I haven't swapped any IS engines, yet.

 

I'm here for the long story. These engines are pretty reliable, what happened? Are you sure you need a new engine?

 

JDM, USDM, AWD or RWD will all work without too much trouble. There are some small differences between them of course depending on the model, year, or country it comes from. Use as many original components as you need to and you'll be on your way.

Jeff

 

Search www.car-part.com for used engine from a wrecker. You can probably pick one up between $1-2k plus shipping. Or you can check some local yards for an engine. Don't be afraid to check some USA Wreckers. They can ship to you for a few of hundred $$$.

 

On ebay.ca, I found two 2013+ AWD IS350 motors and one 2007 IS350 motor.

Good luck!

 

Inquiring minds still want to know what happened to the one OP has.....

 

Thanks for the replies everyone, much appreciated. It's been awful going without a car and even harder to get it looked at since it doesn't run.

I'm not really an expert on cars in general (I just like to drive em) so I have to based it was what I was told. So I was driving home at night, suddenly couldn't accelerate anymore - thought I blew a tire but then the CEL & battery light came on. I pulled over, turned off the car and checked my tires which looked fine, tried to start up the car again, it would crank but wouldn't start - now I'm thinking it's the starter or alternator? Ended up getting it towed to a mechanic friend who thought it might be the alternator as well based on what I told him but thought it was weird that it crapped out while mid-drive. So he goes in, pulls the spark plugs and the tip of the plugs were completely gone, further inspects and tells me the third cylinder is done and will likely need a new motor. I've been engine shopping as a precaution but want to get it looked at by Lexus or another mechanic just for verification before I commit.

 

Would the 2013+ motors work in pre-2013 models? I believe they're the same engines but they're never listed as cross-compatible.

Also been seeing the 2012 models listed as "Thru 11/11 and Thru 12/11" wondering what the difference is? Not really getting anything from google.