Hi guys,

I'm looking to pickup an IS300 or IS350, and debating how far back to go. Trying to identify if any major issues were fixed from the first model year (2014) to later years, or what other minor changes lexus made between those years. It's hard to find details.

Issues I've heard about: leaking water pumps at higher mileage. Not sure if this was resolved anywhere. Also, not sure if the 8spd in the RWD version of the IS350 had any shifting issues similar to those found in the highlander/etc through 2017. (6spd for the AWD model doesn't have any known issues I don't think?)

Assuming IS350:

2014 = first US model year, usually a bad idea to buy 1MY cars right? Any issues here? I've only heard about a dashboard material that scratches.
2015 = might have gridlines added to the backup camera and the soft dash materials fixed?
2016 = IS300 first model year. Seems like virtually no changes from 2015 for the IS350
2017 = probably more than I want to spend (thinking $20-25k max)
2018 = I know they changed to the 2GR-FKS vs the 2GR-FSE here, but also this will be more than I want to spend

I found this commentary on a website, but it's mostly related to the F-series which I wouldn't get:

2015 Lexus IS Cosmetic Changes:
- LED Fog Lamps << this would be nice to have
- More use of Piano Black trim on door switches and instrument panel
- New Stratus Gray replaces Light Gray

IS 2015 Equipment Changes:
- Heated and ventilated seats now standard on all F trims. I own an IS with this feature. Do not miss it. It is one of the best parts of the car on both hot and cold days.
- New Heated steering wheel added to AWD F-Sport models. If at all possible get a heated steering wheel. I have tested this on BMWs, and it is fantastic.
- Back-up camera now has grid lines. Sounds silly, but they really do help. << kinda nice I guess
- Lexus Enform Remote now available. << i don't even know what this is, probably don't care

I'm really more concerned with any reliability fixes that may have been made between 2014 and 2016. Seems like 2015 might be the sweet spot but I'm not sure what kind of fixes might have been introduced.

 

IMO try to find a 2016 IS300 with Mark Levinson. It's a rare package but worth the $$ as they only put ML in the 2017+ IS350.

Also the 2016 IS300 can be easily flashed by the RR Racing tune

 

The IS350 8 speed is a completely different tranny than the highlander as that one is FwD derived. It's also used in much higher hp applications such as the RCf so it's a little over engineered for the IS350

 

One concern I have about the IS300 flash.... can the 6spd transmission handle the additional power? I know the engine is the same so no worries there, but the IS350 tends to have the RWD 8spd.

Actually, I guess the IS350 AWD variant also uses the 6spd.

 

Mine's has been holding up perfectly fine for 2 years now.

 

Yes, as you stated the AWD version uses the same 6 speed, so reliability should be comparable. Just do it.

 

I would go for at least the 2015 just for the ventilated seats. I had those in my 2IS but none of the 2014 F-Sport do. I wish it did being in Texas, but that is also why I got the light color leather instead of black this time.

The 2014 does have the lines on the back-up camera. They just don't move when you turn the steering wheel. It really makes no difference to me as I don't use the back-up camera to line up a parking spot. I just use my mirrors for that and glance at the camera to make sure nothing is behind me that I can't see or don't want to bump into.
I am not sure about Canada, but in the States the ML audio is available in all year models.

 

2014s seem to be the worst reliability wise (relative, not absolute) electronics gremlins, amp failures, headlight failures, DRL failures, ac failures)

2015 and up also got better interior trim (more premium brushed metal finish radio/hvac panel)

2017 saw structural enhancement for safety and GS front suspension.

2018 got even more structural enhancement for safety (first attempt for MY17 was a botch) and standard safety avoidance tech (rather than optional for 2017)

2017+ also gained about 90 lbs.