I'm thinking of getting a 2010-2012 Lexus IS convertible as a daily driver (either the 250 or the 350).

​​​Is thereathere specific about those cars that I should be on the look out for to make sure I get a good one?

Reliability and relatively low maintenance costs are important to me. I heard that many of the parts for this car are the same as Camry parts, is that true?

Are there any hugely expensive fixes thattthat are common respective models?

If I want another 100k miles of use, about how many miles do you think I can buy it with?

 

I got my 2010 IS350 C in February. Can't comment on the % of Camry parts, but I do know that Lexus reputation for reliability is well earned. I've read that if the top switches go bad they're expensive to fix but don't know if that's a common problem. My top works fine so far. As does everything else on the car. Here's my buying experience - understand that I already had a customer relationship with the Tampa Lexus dealer, bought my wife's 2017 RX350 there new. They are Autonation.

Knew I wanted a hardtop convertible. Drove a 2015 IS250 C at Tampa Lexus. Red exterior / black interior. Nice but a bit underpowered and I really wanted a light interior in a convertible. They wanted too much for it so I passed, but I liked it a lot. Drove a few other cars and decided for sure I preferred the Lexus IS C. So I started shopping Autonation online.

Spotted a 2010 IS350 C red/white for sale at the Autonation Lexus dealer in West Palm Beach. It had 69,000 miles, all maintenance up-to-date, complete records, clean car. Brand new tires / alignment / brakes. Price was just about 1/2 what the Tampa guys asked for the IS250 C. Called WPB Lexus and confirmed the car was not already sold.

So I figured that since the Lexus was for sale at the Lexus dealership, it was probably ok. Definitely not to their advantage to offer a junk Lexus, even a 10-year-old one, at their own place. Also figured I'd get that same sort of reasoning from my local Lexus dealer, so I ponied up $500 and had Autonation ship it to Tampa Lexus so I could close the deal with my local guys. That way I got two Lexus dealers to look it over and give the OK. They did, and I got a 4 month/4000 mile warranty.

The only maintenance things I've done to the car are all because I wanted to, not because the car was broken. Changed the spark plugs, air filter and had the trans fluid flushed and replaced. I fully expect it to be good for at least 100,000 more miles, with regular maintenance. Couldn't be more pleased with the way things have worked out so far.

 

I am also interested in the Lexus IS350C. Would probably just drive it from spring to fall and store it for the winter (I live in NH). Would like to find one with the F packages and the luxury package.

Any recommendations on what to look for, what maintenance to check on or what must have features to look for would be most appreciated.

 

I've never heard about the Camry connection before and kinda doubt that claim.

You won't find one with both the Luxury package AND the F-sport package together.. You could not order both.. it was one or the other.. I tried. However, you can put on the F-sport equipment on your own.. I went with the Lux package thinking that maybe i'd get the F-sport equipment put on later (it never happened.. LOL).

If the folding top mechanism fails (and it prolly will sooner or later), if you're handy, you can diagnose the issue and potentially fix it by yourself.. Usually it's a microswitch issue and Lexus doesn't seem to sell just the switches.. They're always attached to another part of the mechanism, be it the package tray or whatever.

The Lexus V6's are pretty reliable and when well maintained, will last for hundreds of thousands of miles.. It's a Toyota, after all.. But get one with the lowest mileage you can.. Look in retirement areas: Phoenix, Tucson, Palm Springs, Florida, etc. A lot of these cars were sold to older folks who don't drive them daily. 350 is so much more fun to drive than the 250. Nice HP increase!

 

Lindseyxo - hi there. A used IS-C is a wonderful choice. You have great engineering as well as a convertible that feels solid and weighted on the road. Here in the UK only the 250 was marketed and I find it quick enough given speed limits in our two countries. Only around 300 were sold in the UK.

The advice you have been given by TomDac is spot on - I couldn't have put it better myself. There is a potential issue with the complex roof mechanism which I am told is due to failure of a microswitch - a small Panasonic electrical part costing a couple of dollars. This is part of a printed-circuit board for which Lexus charge around $ 2,000. Although I have no first-hand experience I believe that the offending part can be replaced on the board and the non-standard actuator transferred over - this would not be the Lexus repair shop's solution so you would need someone with diagnostic and soldering skills.

Do not let this put you off. Be prepared to travel to find the right car for you. Darefugee mentioned the light interior which I have on my 2010/19,000 mile model which make the car look even more luxurious.

I have never regretted buying my IS-C nor any of the other Lexus I have bought. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the info. I'll be looking and will check back in when I find an is 350C.