Hey ya'll,

I'm new here, so before I start asking stupid questions go ahead and roast me all you want! Been around the Honda scene a few years back, took a break been wrenching on Harleys. But its time I want a Lexus. I know that the best place to get real honest info is from Lexus enthusiasts so im hoping you all can do just that for me. Buying a 2017-2018 IS. Want AWD. Now point here is my question. Obviously the v6 makes more power, but hows the reliability compared to the 4 cylinder turbo? Whats the problems you see on those years to watch for? 200T? 300? 350? What's the route to go? Probably should add. Im going to daily drive this. Wheels, tires, suspension, minor bolt ons. Im not looking for a race car (I have 2 wheels for that). Just something reliable, nice and enjoyable to drive.


Throw some pros/cons and advice my way id appreciate it.

 

The AWD only comes in the V6; one with the 3.5 and one with basically a detuned 3.5 aka 300 AWD

3.5 has been around for ages so it's a tank of an engine

 

Welcome to the forum!
If you want AWD then the 4cyl. turbo is out as it only comes RWD.
The 300 and 350 AWD are basically the same from a powertrain perspective. If you can, obviously get the 350 AWD.
Reliability is next to godliness with the 3.5L V6...the engine family is going on 16 years almost now.

Aside from specific options, the 300 and 350 are the same car, except the missing 50hp from the detuned 300. There's tunes from RR Racing available to free those locked up ponies.
Since you're looking at the first refresh in the 3IS lifespan (2017 - 2020), you would be getting a solid car that's basically problem free.

 

The 300 AWD is a great buy in that you're getting the same engine from the 350 at a discount. Fuel efficiency is pretty much the primary downside of it. You get the engine and thus its gas consumption, but not the full power.

I loved my 300 AWD - the engine and transmission are a good combination. Best of luck with your shopping.

 

pretty sure i've seen a post or two about the engines with the turbo having their components replaced under warranty.. would def not recommend the turbo engine period.. v6 tried and true.. as someone stated above, IS300 with the same displacement as the IS350.. you could use a tune and get it to the same HP (or more) than the 350.. IS300 your best bet

 

Welcome to the community! To add as well, the V6 is tried and true, used across the whole Toyota lineup, so you shouldn’t worry there for the AWD. The only real issues that you can actually find it seems is the infotainment systems, but this may have been corrected as I’ve not seen any newer models with these issues. If your going to daily and change suspension I’d opt for the 300awd with the RR Racing tune to unlock the extra HP to match the 350 power. The 350 has AVS, many speak highly of this suspension, but if your going to install coils, it won’t benefit and just be an added cost you’re not using. I do recommend an F-Sport as all the bolt on exterior components you’ll find are geared to that model across the lineup. Main issue you’re going to see that will stick out with most is the tire wear. It’s debatable on who has what, some have front and others have rear, but it’s the biggest issue I’ve seen. You can find all kinds of information on wheel size and specs in the wheel and tire section. Use it, very helpful in selecting a set to clear your calipers and set flush. You’ll find there is quite a few of knowledgeable people on here, so if there’s a issue you might have, there is someone likely here that could get ya through it. As far as roasting, it doesn’t happen like the Honda forums, I can remember trolling back when I had my Accord some of the slams😂, not that you won’t get a one liner here or there, this forum doesn’t seem that harsh. Lol I daily my 300awd with 55k since 2017, and it’s been pretty nice. I have the tune and other minor add ons, couldn’t be happier. Hope this helps out and that you pull the trigger on a new IS model.

 

Nothing to do with the engine itself, just the turbo vacuum valve regulator and the little hose to it. Nothing serious, but the I4 Turbo is definitely not tried and tested long term yet so there's that. I've had no issues with my I4 Turbo IS besides the TSB I mentioned. No regrets so far.

 

get the 350

 

Thanks guys! Good info for sure! Sounds like I'm on the right track with the 300! I appreciate the input and stoked to be around the community!

 

The turbo in particular might be particularly vulnerable to carbon deposits. I saw a post where two random, unrelated Lexus 4 engines turbos failed under warranty, both for valve stem seal deposits. Both roughly 60k miles.

Something to consider if you're looking for "Set it and forget it" reliability

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...ls-look-3.html

If you scroll down, you'll see where the poster didn't want to say what happened... then I guessed.. and he more or less "confirmed" my suspicions.