Hello everyone, my first post!

I am strongly considering a pre-owned Third Gen IS F Sport. 2014-2016, maybe 2017 (if I find a good deal). I love the car's styling and like the brand for its famous reliability. I would like to get a unit with the lowest miles possible. I have been researching the past weeks but I know there are things that only owners know and I would like to know the do's and don'ts.

My first impression is getting the IS250F for the smooth V6, following the logic that the turbo IS200T could be less reliable but I read it is noticeable slower. I am sure there are threads about that.

But getting a pre-owned unit, what should I watch out for? Is it worth it? Is there a "best" year?

Thanks!

There are issues which come up occasionally with the Navigation/Infotainment system and always its a 2014. If i were in your boat right now, I would aim 2015+. Although sold my 14 with ZERO issues at 108k miles.
The feedback seems to be the 200t is more fun to drive than the 250. I only have experience with 250 and personally I owned a 350 which was a must have for me. Not enough fuel savings to justify 100hp less in the 250.

otherwise..like any car as long as it was maintained well every trim on the 3IS is bullet proof, cant go wrong. There are a couple of things that come up about the 200t but nothing that will break the bank.

IS turbo noticeably slower than 350, but noticeably faster than 250. If I were you, i'd get the 350 if speed matters. If speed doesn't matter, get the turbo.

As said, avoid 2014.

My 16 turbo was great, except the water pump was replaced under warranty at 25k miles due to a leak.

also any 3IS you buy will eat tires and brakes quickly--particularly if you're using summer tires and high friction pads and drive the car how it was meant to be driven.

Yeah, I could get a 2014 but I do prefer a newer year....

Hands down I would get the 350 but it's pricier. So if a 350, it would be a 2014/2015...

On paper, the 200t is better, just a little concerned of driving experience and reliability....

Note taken. Yeah, I am hearing that the turbo is more fun to drive...

I did tons on research prior to purchasing and the 200t checked all the boxes. Reliability is a non-factor, this is the base powertrain in many Lexus IS/NX/UX/RX and has very little issues. As stated the 350 is faster and the 200t is noticeably faster than the 250. The 200t has nice torque down low thanks to the turbo. I purchased mine for DD duty an coming from BMW M cars, I have yet "need" more power on a daily basis w/ the 200t.

IMO I'd look for the 2017+ since it has the upgraded in infotainment (much larger/dual screen) and standard Lexus Safety+ safety features.

Thanks! Very good feedback, specially the last piece of info

BTW, what is DD duyt?

I believe he meant Daily Driver Duty.

I would split the difference and aim for a 2016 IS300.
This would avoid the 2014 model issues and the turbo.
It would get you into the 3.5L V6 without having to buy a 350.

I would second this, as long as fuel economy is not a priority. That was definitely the weak point of my IS 300 AWD.

Thanks for clearing that out.

Right, you just make me remember about the 300. I believe there is a weaker V6 260ish HP version... How was your AWD experience?

Should have mentioned the 300 comes RWD or AWD with the V6 for 2016.

Talk about decisions! >.< Alright, it will depend of what is available for me but the 300 RWD sounds like the sweet spot. Better V6 than Turbo and better than AWD mileage.

You can also get an ECU tune from RR Racing that takes it from 260 crank (detuned from the 306hp the 350 makes) to 10hp more than a stock 350 for around $600.

Nice! Would it need supporting mods for that and send the car's ECU?