ellsmirip2

Hi, I'm currently looking at an IS250. It has 109,000 miles for $10,400. I've done some research already and I'm still concerned about the carbon issue. I read the thread "IS250 Carbon Build Up - What works? What doesn't?"

According to that thread there are 4 preventive measures to take.

1. Install a catch can
2. Clean the carbon occasionally (sea foam and Lexus service cleaning)
3. Apply cleaning agent to the intake valve
4. Italian cleanup (High Revs for 10-20 mins)

What are your experiences? Do you agree with this statement made by DanielK below? Any other advice?

" Carbon build up is due to poor quality fuels, poor filtration of EGRed fuel residuals and poor ring and valve guide film seal in the engine. Keeping them down is very easy and simple. However, once a deposit forms, good luck, they just continue to grow. Unless you use Ethanol or cleaning agents."

Thank you

Aspect

walnut blasting approximately every 60k miles although I did mine at 120k kms and install a catch can. So basically 1-2 rinse and repeat until either the car dies or you get rid of it

Torii

seems pricey...what does blue book say its worth? anyways carbon build up least of worries....rings/seals start running risk of going bad after 10 years imo.

5gears-IS

iTrader: (5)

I wont bother with the 250 if I was you unless you need AWD? Even if you do need AWD I recommend the 350 instead which is also available with AWD on the later model years.

Rezno

iTrader: (1)

$10,400 for almost 110k miles is a bit steep. You could probably get a 350 with about the same miles for the same price. It is a lot faster, has no carbon buildup, and gets very very similar fuel efficiency. The other question too is how long do you plan to have the car for?