Nice video! Always good to let folks hear around what's common. These are all fairly common issues not nearly as isolated as some. In the end of the day, with regular maintenance & knowing some minor issues like this the IS honestly one of the top vehicles to own as far as lifetime cost / owner satisfaction. Personally I have had a few from 2007 to 2014, I have experienced carbon buildup (fixed both under TSIB), brake caliper lockup (that was a hefty cost cause the dealer made me feel it was my fault..) I honestly could not recommend a better car if overall the Lexus IS appeals strongly to you. With that said due to other brands being SOOO competitive in this category, the on board electronics, tech integration is far far behind Germans & lead my last purchase to be a new s5 Instead of the new is500 if anyone local LI NY needs/wants weathertech front mats, heatshield sunshade, oem cargo organize net for 2014+ I have them sitting to giveaway. Have a wonderful summer everyone!
If you happen to pick up an older IS 250 with under 100k miles it's good to proactive and use fuel injector cleaner regularly as it will delay or maybe even prevent that carbon build up issue from getting worse on a higher mileage IS 250.
Depending but flushing an engine can cause the particles that are already inside the engine to act as an abrasive agent and scrape and cut the seals inside
It wont help clean the carbon build up unless you do a top end cleaning treatment. Suck it in(seafoam or lucas injector cleaner , etc) through a vacume hose while running. The injectors only spray the pistons in this car. Thats y there is carbon issues. More efficient but not the best design
Anything close to 100k miles is too late, carbon build up can start being as issue soon as as 30-40k miles. Anything short of doing a head off walnut shell blasting won't get all of it.
Fuel won't help the 2.5 clean the valves at all, in fact that's the entire reason they carbon clog to begin with. Being direct injected to the cylinder, the fuel doesn't enter the intake manifold and even have a chance clean the valves. The oil recirculation system then sends exhaust gases into the intake and onto the valves also. A slight valve overlap allows a bit of fresh intake air help clean up the exhaust gases but only marginally. Using a high grade synthetic oil will get the some additives to clean up the valve train in a few OCI's, IF it isn't too bad. If not, walnut blast the intake once every years or so, intake cleaning sprays for GDI's or Seafoam are not a good choice in Lexus, as opposed to working very well in Mazda's and other GDI's. Use high temp ceramic brake lube on the slide pins, NOT NEVER SIEZE, very common with countless brands and models.
@@jackkkg7458 I test drove a 250 feeling certain I would buy it because on paper it had everything I wanted, but it was so damn boring I immediately test drove a Corvette, a Camaro, a WRX, and a GTI the very next day just to see what I could be missing out on. I'm glad I did not get the 250.
Good video! I had a '06 350 for 8 years before trading it in for a '16 350 FSport USB. I had 210K miles on the '06, it was 100% dealer-serviced, and it ran like new. I only gave it up, because I wanted more safety features like the BSM. I had a seized brake caliper once and was able to get Lexus to replace the dash and door panels before the replacement program ended. In reference to the alignment, you are correct, get the car aligned every 6 months and you will not have uneven wear issues. It's a Lexus, you have to pay to play. :-)
I have an is350 2007 everything is perfect just make sure to check your breaks, have your breaks bleed, change the oil every 3-5k miles and use useable kn filters to keep intake clean from debris. Only mechanical issue were from the hid headlights going out after every Rainey day because of cracks in the plastic housing. I got the vlands as replacement which takes years off the cars date some people confuse mines as a 2010+ model. And ofc the dashboard but you can easily get a new replacement for free from Lexus. Aside from that this car is super easy, super reliable, and above all super fun.
Thank you for this video! I was aware of the instrument cluster light issues but not the other stuff. Just about to pick up a 2010 is 350 in 2 days. Very excited
@@flukedracing7150 yep, it’s just under 120,000 miles which is quite low for a 2010. Interior and exterior are in excellent condition besides the two tiny spots of rust on the hood and driver rear door. Got a good deal on it so I’m willing to put in the at most 2k to fix that and repaint the door/hood.
@@flukedracing7150 that’s great to hear and impressive! Exactly why I wanted one. Typical Toyota reliability. I’m hoping the seller did the regular maintenance on time as he said he did. Definitely seems the car was cared for.
This helped me a lot when I bought my 350. I forgot to thank you! Love my car so far. It did have melting door panels, but I bought materials on ebay and followed the tutorial you linked. 👃
I will add if you go for the AWD model, be sure the car wasn't lowered before. The axles are sensitive to being lowered and the wear and tear rate increases greatly. My car was previously an NYC car, and being that some roads are in bad condition....the front axles connecting to the front differential leaked grease and had to be replaced.
@@the6demon151 my local shop charged me $1600 for both axles. On the more pricy side, but I live around an urban area on the east coast. I did it at an independent shop and not at a dealership.
Wow, I've never seen a car need an alignment every 6 months. If someone replaced the lower control arms, tie rods etc, wouldn't that fix that issue to where the alignment would last longer than a year?
The front timing chain cover gasket leaks on all IS, and some IS F. This issue extends to most toyotas that use the v6 out of the IS like the 4Runner. It's a silicone gasket, doesn't sound that bad right? Wrong, only way to change that gasket is to pull the motor so definitely check for that leak, because its a 2-3K repair job. From what I understand it "can be done" without pulling the motor, but there is less time/labor spent by pulling the motor.
Considering I’m looking for a daily performance car. This blows any German car out of the water in terms of reliability. And it basically has 4.10 gears it’s a dig machine which is what you should want from a daily because you aren’t tracking it so top end in my opinion does not matter
Yes stock for stock this will blow away German cars in terms of performance and reliability. I’ve beaten 335is on digs and highways pulls. I currently have 232k miles on my car and still going. If you are thinking of getting one go for it.
Great Video to watch. Thanks for all Info. I have 2013 IS250 and that is correct for the carbon buildup issues. I tried to call the dealership but they refused to do that thing to me, Any suggeation to whom I should call. Thanks
hi thank you for the video, i have a 2009 is 250 i have being trying to fix the ac and still no postive results. i have chnaged everything from the compressor to the condenser to the pipes and also the control panle for the ac. it only blows cool air and it is not that cold during the afternoon...nay recommendations?
Basically what he's saying about these "most common" issues is that these cars don't really have any issues. Sticky dash is the most common that I've seen and it wasn't anything severe.
Water pump... that’s an issue I had with mine when I bought it. 2008 Lexus IS 250 at 120k miles. Awful, the last guy never changed it. I was able to replace mine so she’s ok now.
@@flukedracing7150 How many miles on yours? Were the catalysts cutted off? How often you wash radiator? I just waiting is350 from Jpn and a bit concern of possible issues.
@@olegkhe sorry for the late reply. I currently have 232,000 miles on mine. My cats are still in. I did wreck it so swapped out the radiator it it’s still going strong
Evan Verdoorn well the carbon build up was only for the IS250. If you have the IS350 you don’t have to worry about anything. If the car is running fine you should be good. Maybe do a seafoam. You can also remove a spark plug and use a borescope camera and see how bad it is. It is also normal to have some carbon build up
@@nabilbrahim5881 I would suggest you to drive one...I’m a little heavy footed that’s why my mpg isnt too high. But you could check out an is250 they get better gas mileage but it has 104 hp less. I love my is350.
Hey man I’m looking to buy a Lexus IS 350 2011 and I wanted to know if these have the transmission issue where a check engine code woukd come on for p2757. Or was the issue resolved for 2011 year
How is the tire wear since the rear tires are larger than the front? Do you do side to side rotations or just leave them for the whole life of the tire?
Yes you would just leave them there for the whole life of the tire. The rear tires do tend to go faster than fronts. Especially if you have a heavy foot.
@@michaelrueckert8507 this car does have front alignment issues. People usually buy the LCA bushing from rr racing or figs and it usually fixes the alignment problem.
I mean all years are fine but if you can try to get a 2010 and up. They have wireless Bluetooth streaming. If you get the 2011 and up they have the led DRL and updated infotainment system.
So do you have the 250 or 350? Of you got that 350 it’s 306 on that base , or 351 on the 2GR-FSE that what I got , if it’s the 250 it’s 200-205hp it’s a dog but comfy
@@flukedracing7150 Thank you, I could not seem to get a clear answer on the timing chain issues. Is any other comments would be appreciated have a great day!
Fluked Racing that’s good to hear that did finish the car man really like the video. Really informative cause I’ve been looking at a isf since it’s one of my dream cars
@@flukedracing7150 well didn’t find it on that list but did find reference regarding the 250 being the only GDI in the IS FAMILY… keep up the good work young man….!
I know this problem affected many car makes. I know Toyota and Nissan had this issue. It was a synthetic material that they used at fist it was soft and they made it solid but over the years it would turn back to soft that’s why cars had t melting dashboard
Just scooped a 2013 IS 250 with only 34k miles on it. Luke riding a dream!!
How much you pay for it?
Nice video! Always good to let folks hear around what's common. These are all fairly common issues not nearly as isolated as some. In the end of the day, with regular maintenance & knowing some minor issues like this the IS honestly one of the top vehicles to own as far as lifetime cost / owner satisfaction. Personally I have had a few from 2007 to 2014, I have experienced carbon buildup (fixed both under TSIB), brake caliper lockup (that was a hefty cost cause the dealer made me feel it was my fault..) I honestly could not recommend a better car if overall the Lexus IS appeals strongly to you. With that said due to other brands being SOOO competitive in this category, the on board electronics, tech integration is far far behind Germans & lead my last purchase to be a new s5 Instead of the new is500 if anyone local LI NY needs/wants weathertech front mats, heatshield sunshade, oem cargo organize net for 2014+ I have them sitting to giveaway. Have a wonderful summer everyone!
If you happen to pick up an older IS 250 with under 100k miles it's good to proactive and use fuel injector cleaner regularly as it will delay or maybe even prevent that carbon build up issue from getting worse on a higher mileage IS 250.
Maybe even Seafoam, eh?
Depending but flushing an engine can cause the particles that are already inside the engine to act as an abrasive agent and scrape and cut the seals inside
It wont help clean the carbon build up unless you do a top end cleaning treatment. Suck it in(seafoam or lucas injector cleaner , etc) through a vacume hose while running. The injectors only spray the pistons in this car. Thats y there is carbon issues. More efficient but not the best design
Anything close to 100k miles is too late, carbon build up can start being as issue soon as as 30-40k miles. Anything short of doing a head off walnut shell blasting won't get all of it.
Fuel won't help the 2.5 clean the valves at all, in fact that's the entire reason they carbon clog to begin with. Being direct injected to the cylinder, the fuel doesn't enter the intake manifold and even have a chance clean the valves. The oil recirculation system then sends exhaust gases into the intake and onto the valves also. A slight valve overlap allows a bit of fresh intake air help clean up the exhaust gases but only marginally. Using a high grade synthetic oil will get the some additives to clean up the valve train in a few OCI's, IF it isn't too bad. If not, walnut blast the intake once every years or so, intake cleaning sprays for GDI's or Seafoam are not a good choice in Lexus, as opposed to working very well in Mazda's and other GDI's.
Use high temp ceramic brake lube on the slide pins, NOT NEVER SIEZE, very common with countless brands and models.
Good ass video dude I’m looking at an automatic 250 in the morning and this some good info
loui glad that it was able to help you !
Super video. dealt with some of these issues myself.
Keep up the good work
Come to nevada and Arizona if u think those places are hot u in for a show😭 ill still give u the thumbs up
Thanks for making this video! Quarantine has me shopping for Lexus’s a few times a week, haha. I’m thinking about getting an IS250 also.
250 is a chick car
@@Pube83 either way LGBTGIO can afford it. Go for it, this ain’t no Honda bissh.
@@TheAnonymous006 get a 350 trust me i have a 250 its way to slow
@@jackkkg7458 I test drove a 250 feeling certain I would buy it because on paper it had everything I wanted, but it was so damn boring I immediately test drove a Corvette, a Camaro, a WRX, and a GTI the very next day just to see what I could be missing out on. I'm glad I did not get the 250.
@@thecianinator yea its a great car for sure and drives really nice but its just so dam slow haha
Good video! I had a '06 350 for 8 years before trading it in for a '16 350 FSport USB. I had 210K miles on the '06, it was 100% dealer-serviced, and it ran like new. I only gave it up, because I wanted more safety features like the BSM. I had a seized brake caliper once and was able to get Lexus to replace the dash and door panels before the replacement program ended. In reference to the alignment, you are correct, get the car aligned every 6 months and you will not have uneven wear issues. It's a Lexus, you have to pay to play. :-)
Yes I love my Lexus I’m thinking of upgrading to an RCF during the summer
@@flukedracing7150 gsf?
I have an is350 2007 everything is perfect just make sure to check your breaks, have your breaks bleed, change the oil every 3-5k miles and use useable kn filters to keep intake clean from debris. Only mechanical issue were from the hid headlights going out after every Rainey day because of cracks in the plastic housing. I got the vlands as replacement which takes years off the cars date some people confuse mines as a 2010+ model. And ofc the dashboard but you can easily get a new replacement for free from Lexus. Aside from that this car is super easy, super reliable, and above all super fun.
What broke?
Great Video man !
Thank you for this video! I was aware of the instrument cluster light issues but not the other stuff. Just about to pick up a 2010 is 350 in 2 days. Very excited
Really!?! You won’t be disappointed!
@@flukedracing7150 yep, it’s just under 120,000 miles which is quite low for a 2010. Interior and exterior are in excellent condition besides the two tiny spots of rust on the hood and driver rear door. Got a good deal on it so I’m willing to put in the at most 2k to fix that and repaint the door/hood.
@@flukedracing7150 guess it’s more so average actually but either way I’m stoked.
@@Bdog0820 great! That’s good. These cars are bulletproof if you do your maintenance I’m currently at 232k Miles
@@flukedracing7150 that’s great to hear and impressive! Exactly why I wanted one. Typical Toyota reliability. I’m hoping the seller did the regular maintenance on time as he said he did. Definitely seems the car was cared for.
This helped me a lot when I bought my 350. I forgot to thank you! Love my car so far. It did have melting door panels, but I bought materials on ebay and followed the tutorial you linked. 👃
Another problem is the cv axel. I have a 2006 is250 awd. 204,000 miles
I have a check engine light and the code reads as knock sensor on my is250 awd. Is it challenging to replace the knock sensors?
I will add if you go for the AWD model, be sure the car wasn't lowered before. The axles are sensitive to being lowered and the wear and tear rate increases greatly. My car was previously an NYC car, and being that some roads are in bad condition....the front axles connecting to the front differential leaked grease and had to be replaced.
Curtis Yang good to know thank you for your input
Mine is too how much did you have to pay ?
@@the6demon151 my local shop charged me $1600 for both axles. On the more pricy side, but I live around an urban area on the east coast. I did it at an independent shop and not at a dealership.
relatively minor issues compared to its rivals, like mercedes with M272 engine. boy that engine is real piece of work.
Yeah they’re pretty bullet proof...I’m currently at 237k and she is still going strong hahah
I have a 2008 IS250 6-speed manual 125,000 MI it's flawless it's black with black interior Lexus dealer says ultra rare
I always assume all Lexus were Automatic, that's very rare!!
Wow, I've never seen a car need an alignment every 6 months. If someone replaced the lower control arms, tie rods etc, wouldn't that fix that issue to where the alignment would last longer than a year?
My radios sound dont work anymore, any idea what it could be,the amp looks rusty
The front timing chain cover gasket leaks on all IS, and some IS F. This issue extends to most toyotas that use the v6 out of the IS like the 4Runner. It's a silicone gasket, doesn't sound that bad right? Wrong, only way to change that gasket is to pull the motor so definitely check for that leak, because its a 2-3K repair job. From what I understand it "can be done" without pulling the motor, but there is less time/labor spent by pulling the motor.
Yes this is true. My car has this but the leak is minor. Personally I wouldn’t recommend changing is unless it’s a major leak
Considering I’m looking for a daily performance car. This blows any German car out of the water in terms of reliability. And it basically has 4.10 gears it’s a dig machine which is what you should want from a daily because you aren’t tracking it so top end in my opinion does not matter
Yes stock for stock this will blow away German cars in terms of performance and reliability. I’ve beaten 335is on digs and highways pulls. I currently have 232k miles on my car and still going. If you are thinking of getting one go for it.
Ya my rear caliper seized up and got a rebuilt one almost ruined my new rotors 😂😂
Oooh nooo!
Timing cover seep/leak
Great Video to watch. Thanks for all Info. I have 2013 IS250 and that is correct for the carbon buildup issues. I tried to call the dealership but they refused to do that thing to me, Any suggeation to whom I should call. Thanks
Do intake valve cleaner inside the throttlebody. . Crc intake and valve cleaner for gdi.drive it hard..keeps it clean enough
Your forgetting the touchscreen Navi always going out
That's more production date focused, not a general issue. Still fairly common for a broad date/VIN range though.
Im having an egg smell sometimes with my o6 is250 140k miles , any ideas what it could be
I have a 2007 Lexus IS250 my reverse lights are red are they broke ?
hi thank you for the video, i have a 2009 is 250 i have being trying to fix the ac and still no postive results. i have chnaged everything from the compressor to the condenser to the pipes and also the control panle for the ac. it only blows cool air and it is not that cold during the afternoon...nay recommendations?
Abolaji Akilo I honestly don’t know. There might be a small leak. Get it recharged.
This is why you tint all your windows including windshield to avoid the dashboard problem.
And then get pulled over everytime you pass a cop
@@__-kn3rh I haven't had any issues. I've had my windows tinted in my cars including windshield since 2012.
Basically what he's saying about these "most common" issues is that these cars don't really have any issues. Sticky dash is the most common that I've seen and it wasn't anything severe.
i would love a is350 but no ones selling any in my area
You just have to look everyday I’m sure some one will post one sooner or later!
Water pump... that’s an issue I had with mine when I bought it. 2008 Lexus IS 250 at 120k miles. Awful, the last guy never changed it. I was able to replace mine so she’s ok now.
How much did it cost you to repair?
What about compression loss in 5th cylinder of 3.5 engine? And dust inside of air intake? As I know it common problem for 3.0 engine.
I have never experienced that on my vehicle.
@@flukedracing7150 How many miles on yours? Were the catalysts cutted off? How often you wash radiator? I just waiting is350 from Jpn and a bit concern of possible issues.
@@olegkhe sorry for the late reply. I currently have 232,000 miles on mine. My cats are still in. I did wreck it so swapped out the radiator it it’s still going strong
DRIVE HARD!!!
How do you check for the carbon build up? I bought one with about 130k miles and I don't know if the previous owners ever really looked at it
Evan Verdoorn well the carbon build up was only for the IS250. If you have the IS350 you don’t have to worry about anything. If the car is running fine you should be good. Maybe do a seafoam. You can also remove a spark plug and use a borescope camera and see how bad it is. It is also normal to have some carbon build up
Drive it like you stole it don't baby it all the time it'll make build up worst
Drive it fast & you’ll be fine
I definitely love the is350 but the other only thing that is pulling me back is that it needs a premium gas
Yes it sucks that these gas prices went up. I’m getting 22mpg with city and highly
@@flukedracing7150 do still recommend this car for me ?
@@nabilbrahim5881 I would suggest you to drive one...I’m a little heavy footed that’s why my mpg isnt too high. But you could check out an is250 they get better gas mileage but it has 104 hp less. I love my is350.
@@flukedracing7150 i do love the reliability on the Lexus and the ride of it and definitely the 306 horsepower
@@nabilbrahim5881 yes they are bulletproof you can’t go wrong with them. Good luck with your car searching!
Alternator goes out at about 120k miles on is350
Yeah but that’s more wear an tear mines went out at 180k
Hey man I’m looking to buy a Lexus IS 350 2011 and I wanted to know if these have the transmission issue where a check engine code woukd come on for p2757. Or was the issue resolved for 2011 year
Definitely
@@oz_medias Definitely? What you mean? yes or no
How is the tire wear since the rear tires are larger than the front? Do you do side to side rotations or just leave them for the whole life of the tire?
Yes you would just leave them there for the whole life of the tire. The rear tires do tend to go faster than fronts. Especially if you have a heavy foot.
@@flukedracing7150 do the front tires wear unevenly since they don't get rotated?
@@michaelrueckert8507 this car does have front alignment issues. People usually buy the LCA bushing from rr racing or figs and it usually fixes the alignment problem.
Does the 08 IS350 (or IS250 for that matter), need valve adjustments?
I have 08 IS350 at 105K miles.. and I’m hearing the ticking noise.
I do not think they need valve adjustment. My motor is the same they do tend to tick. It’s usually the fuel injectors working.
What is the reasonable price , lo w. Mideuim, and high, with all the issues for 2010 convertible. Red.
I would say no more than 12k
very odd im getting this recommendation after looking at these vehicles on the internet??? on duck duck go!!!!!
Looking at 350s. What years would be the best?
I mean all years are fine but if you can try to get a 2010 and up. They have wireless Bluetooth streaming. If you get the 2011 and up they have the led DRL and updated infotainment system.
So do you have the 250 or 350? Of you got that 350 it’s 306 on that base , or 351 on the 2GR-FSE that what I got , if it’s the 250 it’s 200-205hp it’s a dog but comfy
I have the 350 it’s 306hp with the 2gr-fse. And the 250 make 200 something but it’s better on fuel
Do you know how much insurance cost ?
You have to call different insurance companies they have different quotes and it depends on you age and driving history. Hope it helped
Adjustable control arms will solve alignment issues
Do the is 250 and 350 have timing chain issues after 90k ??
Not that I know they are usually pretty good. I’m currently at 267k and I have no timing chain issues.
@@flukedracing7150 Thank you, I could not seem to get a clear answer on the timing chain issues. Is any other comments would be appreciated have a great day!
Omg my dashboard melted
been a while but hi did you finish the car
King Quiet I did finish. I posted the car complete in my other videos. But I didn’t really do a reveal. I’ll do something on instagram
Fluked Racing that’s good to hear that did finish the car man really like the video. Really informative cause I’ve been looking at a isf since it’s one of my dream cars
King Quiet don’t let your dreams be dreams get the isf...I want one too lol
What exhaust do you have
It’s an axel back exhaust. It’s made by Lexus. It was made before the f sport exhaust. It’s a little bit quieter than f sport exhaust
Is it worth buying a 2013 Lexus IS awd for $14,000 with 98,000 miles?
There are many factors to consider whether the price is reasonable or not. Which IS?
What years are we looking at here.
I have a 2015 and I have none of these problems. ... yet if they arise
These are mainly for 2006-2013.
@@flukedracing7150 ahhh i seee. So before the newer designs
I have a 2006 IS 250... Just 56,450 Mi.... How much is it worth?
Im not sure maybe browse craigslist and see how much private owners are asking. then go off that
i think the alignment is not truth i have a lexus is 250 and never have that issue.
Is the 350 also a GDI????
Yes it GDI and port injection. So you bet no carbon build up. The is250 is only GDI
I can’t seem to be able to find the is350 on the dual fuel delivery system list ….
@@flukedracing7150 well didn’t find it on that list but did find reference regarding the 250 being the only GDI in the IS FAMILY… keep up the good work young man….!
Melting dash...fuck that
CRANK! CRANK horsepower! Cool daily but it ain’t fast
Lexus ES 350 much better quality and less problems
::: Still a V-6?
@@dallimamma : ES 350 V-6 3.5 L same as IS 350
Front wheel drive tho
And way slower
@@fn..5778 : you are right but if I care for speed I choose Civic Type R or Lady Z
Why would they make a melting car? My 99 looks better than most of these newer is models.
I know this problem affected many car makes. I know Toyota and Nissan had this issue. It was a synthetic material that they used at fist it was soft and they made it solid but over the years it would turn back to soft that’s why cars had t melting dashboard
Bro these issues are pretty dumb 🙄
Ass dash affects all 2006 to 2012 lexus.