flektone

iTrader: (1)

Going to take a look at a 2012 IS 350 and just wondering if there any particular issues I should be looking out for in this model year? Low miles and clean carfax with service up to date. Im not a risk taker and my main concern is the car is several hours away. It would not be possible to take the car back if any issues came up that maybe this particular dealer was hiding. They do give a warrenty on the car but being so far away it would not do me any good. Just would like some input from you guys

liazon

iTrader: (1)

there are no major issues to look out for in a clean carfax, low mileage, up to date maintenance 2012 IS350.
Replacement of the airbag should have already taken place by now and the sticky dash was remedied by '12 and the carbon buildup didn't affect the 350.
A good test drive will tell you most of what you want to know....brakes, suspension, performance.
I will say the tires are staggered a decent set will run you 1k.
Buying from an individual is always preferred as you can get a sense of how the car has been taken car of. People buy the 350 over the 250 because they are sporty drivers...the question is, do they also spend the time/money to take care of the car they are driving hard?

It's an all around great car as long as you don't need to put ppl in the back seats regularly. Quiet, comfortable, peppy and fun when you want it to be, and around 20mpg in city. Lot's of bells and whistles w/o the overkill

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

Just don't make the assumption that a clean carfax means nothing ever happened to it. At owners discretion cars can have bumpers, doors, complete paint jobs. Especially if their rates are already high.

I picked up a 2013 last August and just now received the airbag recall. So there is that.

Before buying get it inside under florescent lights and paint defects will be more obvious that direct sun. While inside get it on a lift and look the outside over from the bottom. Then look the bottom over for signs of damage, scrapes, leaks, repairs etc....

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

there are some technical service bulletins (TSB) that are still open on the car which can be seen by a VIN number run at the dealership.
to me it's worth checking to see if they are taken care of, especially the safety recalls.