I am considering buying an IS 250 for my daughter as her first car. The one I'm looking at has 150k miles...I've heard they can last 250k miles and up if well maintained. What should I be on the lookout for when I go look at it other than the obvious? Do these cars have any severe problems at this mileage? What precautionary maintenance would you perform (like rear diff oil change), brake fluid flush, etc.?

 

I would stay away from the 250 due to the carbon build up issue. Spend a little more and get the 350 or a 200t

 

I had a 2014 250, and did not have any issues with carbon buildup in the 7years I owned it since new. Here's a thread that asks the question about carbon build up on the 3IS.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...014-is250.html

 

I owned a 2014 250 for 7 years, and it was a great car. It's all show, no go with the 250. She won't be winning any street races in that car. As far maintenance goes, you can go to the Lexus website and get the recommended services listed for the mileage as well as check the service history with Lexus. https://www.lexus.com/My-Lexus If you have the VIN, you can input it there and see the service history and get the recommended services.

 

The other thing to be aware of are the stereo and amplifier issues. I’d also suggest keeping away from a 250. Unfortunately the engine only has direct injection that eventually leads to carbon buildup on the valves. The 350 has both port and direct fuel injection, they don’t suffer from the carbon buildup on the valves.