scruthirds

Hello all. I am looking to soon purchase an IS250, however I do not know what is a rule of thumb is when it comes to mileage for these models. With that being said, what do you guys think is a perfect mileage to get? Also what's the most miles you have seen on these models? I know it all depends on how well it was taken care of before, but just want to know what other parts play besides maintenance that can get mileage even higher. Thanks in advance.

XSV

iTrader: (1)

depends on the year, but anywhere from 20-30k for me is still new

scruthirds

i probably should've mentioned this, but I'm meaning like 80-100k .

bbaugher47

The 350s have less issues than the 250. Look into the carbon build up issues with that engine. Maintenance records would be more important than mileage in my opinion. A car with low miles could still be neglected and be an inferior purchase to a higher mileage , properly maintained vehicle. I think 10-15k is normal yearly mileage?

scruthirds

isn't carbon build up in both of those engines though? Or was it the 250 and 300? I've been looking at 350 as well but my spending max is 6k-7k at the moment. What issues do the 350s face?

ed21x

350s don't have the carbon buildup problem like the 250s. personally i would get one past the 60k mark because the 60k service requires spark plug changes and would be more expensive. also around there is when/if the waterpump fails, or in the very least, you still have 10k miles on the powertrain warranty in case it fails soon. 60k is also when most cars just started their second set of brand new tires, rotors, and break pads, so you can make sure that those are new. it's always nice when all the wear and tear items have been recently replaced.

petersu33

I bought my 250 last year with 106k miles on it. it had some rough idle so I Seafoam the hell out of it (4 cans during 1 year), installed a oil catch can, clean the throttle body then it runs fine. Now at 115k, changed rear calipers due to the seizing problem and the rotors. Nothing major, knock on wood... I had the same budget with you btw, if you can't find a 350, make sure it idles smoothly.

scruthirds

I’m thinking of a 350 now, however it’s is350 with 140k or more miles vs IS250 with 100k-120k miles. So would you still prefer a IS250 with lower miles or sacrifice miles for IS350?

scruthirds

im starting to lean more towards IS350 but for my budget it’s an IS350 with 140k miles or more vs IS250 with 100-120k miles or more. With that being said, what would you do?

bbaugher47

There will be 350s in your budget. Just research the car before you buy it to prevent yourself from buying a big smelly turd.

scruthirds

as as long as car has been taken care of, will the mileage be a problem? Also what are some maintenance issues that usually have to be done, like engine flush, etc.? Thanks for your help btw, much appreciated.

petersu33

I would suggest a 350 since there's extra 100+hp without carbon buildup issue. But it doesn't mean that it won't have other problem since you're going after a high mileage car. Make sure you do a pre-purchase inspection if the owner is OK with it. No matter which one you get, be picky and check all the maintenance history. They are reliable but the repair cost won't be as cheap as a corolla.

bbaugher47

I noticed that you’re in Florida. Founf this on Tampabay Craigslist. One owner, dealer serviced. Heres a pic:

DPer4mance

I bought my IS250 auto with 179.000km (112K miles) and did 13.000km (8K miles) since I bought it. The car has been running great and looks and feels like new. I haven't had a single issue with it yet.

A friend of mine is a mechanic at Lexus and works on these car's on a daily basis. TAccording to him the 2nd Gen IS is a very well built car and serious issue's are rare (except with the EU-only Diesel).

If you are looking for a car with about 100-140K miles on it I would suggest going for an Automatic or check if the clutch has been replaced in case you go manual.

scruthirds

is 180k miles considered ok on the engine? I don’t plan to get hard on the pedal but it’s fun from time to time. I’m trying my best to get one that’ll last awhile, just mileage worries me since I’ve never owned a car with that many miles. You think it’ll be good to last?