Buying a used Lexus IS (XE20) - 2005-2013, Buying advice with Common Issues

differentcarreview.com/
Buying a used Lexus IS XE20 - produced from 2005 to 2013
What is the best engine, which gearbox should you choose, what are the common problems with these cars? How powerful and how reliable are the engines? Watch the video and you will get answers to all these questions!
What to look for when buying a used second generation Lexus IS XE20 advice / guide
used Lexus IS XE20 / GSE2 review
used Lexus IS saloon / sedan
used Lexus IS F saloon / sedan
used Lexus IS C convertible
But if you have more questions, you can write them into comments!
Lexus IS 250, Lexus IS 300, Lexus IS 350, IS F, Lexus IS 200d, Lexus IS 220d
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[@differentcarreview-dcr]

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[@SwirlingDragonMist]

Lexus ES 300h please :)

[@manuvns]

Lexus IS 250 2015 issues list please

[@rondhole]

@@manuvns Lexus and toyota replace melting dashboard for free even after 10 years or more. Diesel engines are made by BMW, not as reliable as Gasoline Toyota made engines

[@joshuadoliveiro]

Listen man, thanks so much for making these reviews. Such a huge step in transparency and help for those of us who realistically want to own our used dream cars.

[@DashCamSerbia]

+1

[@MRincognito007]

That's one hell of a accent

[@q0w1e2r3t4y5]

hovevur

[@algebra358]

@@q0w1e2r3t4y5lmao!

[@jarrodemond4885]

Sounds like fsp Russian

[@VinnyVinnii]

Excellent useful video.keep them coming please.Thanks

[@stevenchew9662]

very helpful! great review.

[@hwd71]

Thanks DCR, great review and very informative.

[@lionelramsal7354]

Many thanks for the advices 👍

[@urbansoundscapes7734]

Great car, have had 2006 2.5V6 Automatic model since new, and now have 135,000 miles with no major issues - still a tight, quiet and enjoyable car to drive. Carbon build up is not such an issue in the UK because the fuel is generally better, a Terra Clean at 100k stopped the occasional misfire. Rear brake callipers do need to be serviced regularly and you need to change the brake fluid as with all cars at the specified intervals to stop the pistons seizing. One point I would add is that oil consumption on the 2.5 V6 earlier cars can be quite high due to issues with the piston oil control rings. The engine on my car has continued to run fine and if anything oil consumption since 100k had reduced. Overall it had been a dream car to own compared to the 2 German cars we had previously that had constant niggles, one ending up with a major engine failure - they had nowhere the longevity that the Lexus has shown. The Lexus is also relatively straight forward to service yourself, the exception being the spark plugs that require removal of the plastic intake manifold - but not too difficult if you are a more experienced DIY mechanic.

[@gaffnaldo1]

Brilliant anecdotes..... Thanks mate

[@curtssallee9807]

Thank you sir I'm a bimmer owner e46...very much interested in this car.

[@blitzchaserjzx100]

I had is250 auto all extras not as much a bulb failed on car while owning it. Now have the is300h very happy with it

[@michaelidowu9786]

Thanks

[@alb6804]

Great video, Thanks

[@natsudragneel188]

Excellent video

[@jerco4ever]

i own a lexus is250 2007, and i can say this review is really accurate. Sometimes you can get rid of the VVT rattle by adding some oil to the engine. The premature wear of the camshaft adjusters is very real, you can find small metal shavings in the filter during oil change, so make sure your oil is topped off just in case :)

[@jarek928]

Very good! I hope to see the Lexus GS!

[@nightwingtqftcc]

you're back!!

[@curtssallee9807]

Thank you sir

[@Soulie81]

This guy sounds like the hydraulic press channel guy.

[@luisrosales9349]

I love the second gen 350. Kicks the VQ engines ass. The only bad thing about it is the lack of an aftermarket

[@ahmadmohamad6384]

Wow amazing video, really impressed

[@boyzstuff1234]

Nice review! Keep it up - love your accent

[@they_call_me_don9899]

I'm trying to buy a 2014 IS 350 id love to see a review of that year

[@zacksalvatore9443]

Finally! Great vid, let’s see a Lexus GS300 or a 2002-2006 Lexus es300-330

[@zacksalvatore9443]

Btw I have a 2002 es300 so I’m biased and I love it.

[@joshuabarreto9329]

Best car review

[@goodkill1]

I have a 2012 is250 awd. I bought it for $14,700(USD). Biggest issues I've had is the rear calipers look as if they've been replaced upside down, tire wear is another issue. Because of suspension geometry they typically have 1-1.5 degrees of camber and some toe which causes inside tire tread wear. A couple of camber plates and possibly replacing control arm bushing with aftermarket parts will fix the issue. Other than that at 103k miles she purrs like a kitten, accelerates smoothly with fine shifting. The only thing that does not function is my cigarette lighter, oh well it has a 12v port in the center console.

[@Tony-wm5cn]

Have you tried the fuses ?

[@nitinsoni137]

Nice video. Plz make video about jaguar xf. Xj 2010 2011

[@czealtamahawk1228]

He's done it...

[@petersu33]

Great video! Do you know why only 2007 model has noisy dashboard? I thought 06~08 should have the same interior.

[@ryan7585]

FYI ALL --- The suspension on the IS250 is very finely tuned, and very sensitive to changes in things like uneven tire wear and misalignment. Watch out for tramlining/steering wander on highly worn tires, etc. Can usually be resolved with an alignment job, steering system reset, and bigger tires (I changed to 245/40/15 in the front with good results)

[@lobsterwhisperer7932]

Australian cars are tuned for very harsh roads..problem doesn't exist in those.

[@harley-vq4qh]

I bought IS 220d, 175 HP, 2010 plate, in October last year, 75k miles, paid £4k, from south London trader ... previous owners replaced: gasket, passenger airbag (HPI clear), timing belt and water pump - all service stamps from Lexus. Only issues I had was: DPF blocked - repaired by mobile DPF cleaning company (cost £300 - trader paid for it). After cleaning found DPF sensor fault (sensor cost £785 plus labour at Lexus garage), but been advised to keep driving a few months and adding DPF cleaner fluid to the tank after filling up, done that and after 10 weeks problem solved itself. Car was using mainly in London by previous owners, but this type of diesel engines are not design to be used only in the town/city - this is what caused DPF issue. I'm using the car mainly for driving on motorways and everything works brillant. MPG usage is also great on the motorways (about 60). Another issue - car oversteer (especialy when coming off the roundabound), apart from obvious reason which is rear axle drive, I've changed the tyres for premium quality tyres (Michelin) plus tracking done and all problems solved. So far so good 👍🏻 Love this car ... has a small boot and no rear wiper which is a shame but you can't have everything. Fully loaded - satellite navigation, leather interior ... overall I'm very happy from the purchase, quality car 👍🏻👍🏻

[@andywillis9701]

you, sir, are a hero. i paid an advance on my own is220d, in 2 weeks i ll pick it up for a total of 2800€ it has some issues and i estimate a 1400€ will be needed and some blood, sweat and tears. All Lexus owners shat in the is220d which made me doubt my decision so much but with your comment and the fact our engine comes from the fucking Rav4, i think i actually made the right choice. (instead of getting a Golf for example) 😂 so thank you!

[@RobVee.]

I had a 2007 Lexus IS220d, it lost coolant at around 198.000km, had a broken headgasket and cracked cylinder head. And just before that the EGR was clogged. Such a damn shame, great build quality beside the engine. Very comfortable and nice to drive, pretty fast too... Had to get rid of it. It was great while it lasted

[@BluefanNL]

Did the head gasket give problem before or only at 198k?

[@tommydshelby5311]

I'm looking to by a 2009 is220d with 190,000 miles it has full lexus service history it seems in great condition and only 3 owners. What problems do I need to look out for? He wants £1600 for the car.

[@KingEire]

@@tommydshelby5311 Did you buy it and if so any issues. I'm think about grabbing a 2008 with 205,000km or a Mondeo with around 250,000km

[@tommydshelby5311]

@@KingEire yes bro I bought it. It was a great car, the only problems were a water leak that I fixed and the fuel filter needed changing. Apart from that it was perfect I'd buy another one tomorrow, I needed some cash so sold her in the end and got a 1litre to save money on fuel.

[@daniellozan350]

well japanese dont know how to make diesel engines... all japanese good engines are petrol.

[@elaxel1469]

you accent is cool

[@adodoes8770]

there's a 2008 lexus IS 220d sport for sale near me for just over 6k €. It has 175k kms, but the seller says the engine and the cylinder head were renewed at a toyota dealership. The car also has a downpipe, DPF delete, a tune and Eibach springs, the seller claims it makes about 220-230hp. It has a lot of equipment and i'm sure it's a dream to drive, looks really good too. Should i go for it? Another question, how many rpm does a 220d sport manual have in 6th gear at 130km/h?

[@nightpz]

I got my IS220d 10years old and 160k km. The engine was already overhauled due to head gasket problem. The EGR and DPF had been removed also, and one injector was replaced. Since then I drove it for almost three years and 60k km. and I have replaced only the coolant expansion tank. Of course all fluids are changed regularly. Another weak point is dirty MAF sensor, which makes the car very low on power. Especially when using panel sport filter. But just cleaning it with contact cleaner is enough for gaining all the power back :)

[@sirlincs7861]

replace that engine with a V8

[@lifejourney7529]

I hope u do review for lexus es 300 hybrid. 2016

[@sylphyli6019]

Life Journey That car wasn't available in the European market

[@NA0533]

ISF is known for a very expensive coolant leak. And 6-speed transmission sometimes fails prematurely around 150k miles

[@chidoriz585]

Please make Review on Used Honda prelude

[@sanchez_1999]

chidori z I had the 5th generation I just lost it but it’s a great car

[@nylaxd1223]

Thanks man....have about 7 cars on a list of possible choices to buy and this is one..maybe 2009- 2011 used ( of course) IS 250 or IS 350...GREAT INFO..IM JUST RESEARCHING MY OPTIONS

[@FORTUNESHOTITALL]

I want to buy this Lexus but I am. Considering cost if ownership, insurance & fuel cost compared to Toyota.

[@rossgoodwin2700]

Anyone owned an is220d with over 150k kms? Currently looking to purchase either a 2009/10 is220d or bmw e92 320d 2009 coupe, both cars have their issues but i recon the lexus would be the more durable rwd car 🤔 ( looking to keep for 2/3 years)

[@saghirhussain4429]

I have lexus IS 220d 2009 with 141000 mile.

[@mckav2358]

Wish i'd watched this review first recently purchased 07 is250 man = 2.5ltre, manual trans, dash

[@manlaibaatarganzorigt9049]

How is your car?

[@karimsadouni4758]

Nice car. Don't forget . If car broke down. Cast big 1

[@tinashenyamutsamba446]

can we have reviews on the subaru

[@eleuterioramalho6897]

well i have buyed one with 174000 kms, so help me god. is a nice car, a gentleman car, heavy, very luxurious inside, with very good suspension. we can see, that there is a similar architecthure as audi, the aluminium arm..... the fear is about the possible head gasket trouble. too many electronics. hope there is reliably

[@chinnychin0135]

My left ear enjoyed a lot of the video

[@tommydshelby5311]

I'm looking to by a 2009 is220d with 190,000 miles it has full lexus service history it seems in great condition and only 3 owners. What problems do I need to look out for? He wants £1600 for the car.

[@SidhuMadara]

Tommy D Shelby Lexus Is220d nice to drive and comfortable. Common problem Is220d blue white smoke 💨 and egr valve. Replacing the egr valve not a good deal because this engine build a lot carbon.Only one ☝️ solution blank the egr dpf and fifth injector goodbye to smoke 💨. Good luck

[@narneesify]

Why are the rim and tire sizes different in the IS250?

[@Lsutton04_]

Rigante Wallace not really different unless you are talking about the is250 awd model which they do come with smaller rims since they are awd

[@UzairQasim94]

Very informative. Now i know that i shouldn't buy the IS model below 2010

[@goodkill1]

Pick up the 2010+ is350, they have is dual(direct and port) injection so you don't have to worry about carbon buildup on the intake valves. The 2008 and lower is250s did get better gas mileage from my experience.

[@federicolrobinson]

I would get the 350 too

[@blazzz13]

I bought an IS220d in August last year with 90000miles on the clock, 08 plate (UK). The bad: - EGR valve went. New is anywhere between £160-£300. Bought refurbished part on Ebay for £50 and its been running smoothly since. - Rear brakes were seized and there was alot of corrosion on the brake lines- unfortunately this was the biggest bill so far as I ended up just redoing the entire system including callipers, handbrake and drums- £800 incl labour. These were new parts. - Not the most spacious car it has to be said- rear leg room is limited and the boot is okay ish - Turbo lag even on takeoff which can make nipping out of junctions tricky - Gearing is ridiculous. You never need 6th gear on British roads The good: - Heated and cooled seats - Rear camera and mark and levinson stereo is awesome - Comfy seats. I did a road trip to London, Newcastle and I had no pains whatsoever - Smooth drive and sound insulation is brilliant even at high speeds - Aged well compared to cars of its generation. An 08 C class looks older for example- in my opinion anyway Look around for parts to save on bills, this car shares alot of parts with the Toyota Avensis. Overall descent car, but the engine lets it down. Do not buy if you are on a shoestring budget.

[@gaffnaldo1]

I've got an 08 250. I can Concur to your review. I think my rear callipers are on the way out, I know it's common. I do think the car has aged well Very cheap to buy, i got mines in December 2019 for under 3 grand. The issue with the gearing is that it's too long. A remap may enable you to find torque lower down in order to use 6th

[@chidoriz585]

here in europe we only have used available for sale the is250 so im confused, are you saying that is250 is not reliable?!? i dont think carbon build up is an issue cause we have cleaner gas in europe compared to america

[@thomasheart1337]

Correct, how ever lexus themselves say you should only run this car with E5. Running on E10 or E15 could damage the engine.

[@Jiphee]

Overall I have found my 2006 is250 pretty good but there is occasionally a petrol smell that enters the cabin if I start from cold and I have my windows down, and sometimes problems with the fuel pump as well, but those are more rare

[@joumasewaffles]

The rubber lining on the trunk is usually worn, it's the exhaust gasses that enters the cabin.

[@rostahang1341]

mine 2008 smell gasoline too sad

[@elnino1240]

I agree!

[@lindsaydaniels998]

The voice of Dracula

[@caiusmuciusscaevola]

Besign Bluetooth 4.1 Car Kit Hands-Free Talking & Music Streaming, Wireless Audio Receiver (BK01 Black with Car Charger and Noise Isolator) (New) adds Bluetooth to earlier models for under $30 - From Amazon

[@bhamlin3]

If out of warranty, how much to replace dashboard and door panels?

[@michaelking4578]

Too much.

[@Jerry-sy8rd]

Recall is on demand and may still apply.

[@nkaloyanov]

I'm looking to buy a used IS220d. I know they aren't the most reliable cars on the planet (it's a D-Cat motor) but how BAD it is?

[@look25]

Did you buy one?

[@PabloHassan68]

it's not so bad. i had one from 180k km and now it has 205k km, besides oil change and cleaning AGR valve nothing bad

[@harley-vq4qh]

Don't buy diesel if you drive mainly in the town or short distances (less than 20 minutes driving) - you'll start having common issues with DPF, EGR valve, gasket. Diesel works good if you drive mainly on motorways .

[@IYAPOJONES]

What should I look for on 2012 IS 250 with 124k miles on it?

[@larkt6693]

Everything 😉

[@IAMWAXX]

Carbon build up

[@timheasman2984]

Affordable luxury

[@Lanpenn]

0:03 Libertarian?

[@eliashenricsson16]

If you treat the 2.2l 177hk diesel engine right and dont over rev it then its way more reliable than any petrol engine ever. I bought one new and it has 40k km and i have never replaced or even touched the engine. The reason why some of them fail is because the people driving are bad drivers and dont know how to drive a diesel. So they shift at like 3000rpm when trying to accelerate but you should shift at 1500-2000 rpm

[@ga3104]

Svea Sloth Hi. The info deffinetely helped me. Thanks!

[@bertalanlovasz7512]

This makes no sense..1500-2000 rpm? Why not get and and push it. Its a terrible engine, everyone knows that ( i have lexus , and i love them..) But there is a reason they dont make diesels anymore..

[@danieliussipovic4704]

40k km is nothing.. Diesels actually love higher rmps, not that you should floor it all the time, but from time to time it's okay and better that driving 1.5-2k all the time.. Driving like that for longer time period may mean you'll have turbo problems. Not to mention lugging

[@saghirhussain4429]

have to change after 2000rpm .otherwise car won't move!

[@scourgeofbloodclan3986]

There was a reason why Toyota stopped putting diesels in Lexus, Toyota now are good at making petrol engines.

[@Daniel-ti3pv]

This or GS430 MK2..?

[@automotivetv9861]

Is350

[@chrispineda3749]

They got a diesel?

[@Jerry-sy8rd]

Chris Pineda In Europe...

[@itzAndyBeezy]

There's an IS220?

[@gaffnaldo1]

Yes diesel. Petrol versions are quite rare

[@lauralalonde1705]

2nd generation is from 2006-2013

[@seebassark-illa4860]

The lexus IS-F was made model years 2008-2014.. not 2007

[@seebassark-illa4860]

5:05 also ISF has 416HP not 423!

[@Akazii98]

ScoobyRumble Motorsports 416 for americans and 423 for europeans

[@cszmotorspreston9758]

Brother is good videos. But how long you drove example this IS Lexus? Because some people has no experience with this problems at all. So you scared the people who wanna buy( Example me) I would lexus beacuse i trust in Japanise.Anyway you helping a lot thanks.

[@scourgeofbloodclan3986]

No car is without its issues, so just investigate the issues and research them. I would recommend you stay clear from the IS220d, it's a huge headache.

[@aleksandar9873]

@@scourgeofbloodclan3986 sucks to hear that. I was going for IS220d since it's the only one in my country for sale. I'm going to wait a little bit or get something else.

[@scourgeofbloodclan3986]

@@aleksandar9873 Try to aim for the petrol version; the IS250

[@aleksandar9873]

@@scourgeofbloodclan3986 I hope I will find one

[@mikecarlantone916]

One. One friend from Sesame Street, plus one friend from Sesame Street, equals two friends from Sesame Street! Ah, ah, ah, ah!

[@ngarci8040]

I was under the impression that you never change transmission fluids....!?!

[@larkthomas3371]

I just purchased. 2010. a IS250 .. with 49K... I'm now worried...😨😨😨😨😨..

[@BarrowX]

You can gas it up to redline now and then to prevent carbon buildup.

[@numbskull5613]

How has it been running for you ? thinking of buying one

[@fashizzle04]

Gwynbleidd how do you prevent the carbon build up?

[@9485881]

U got a ways to go before the carbon build issue will really affect your car, I had to take it to the shop for that around 160000 miles

[@numbskull5613]

@@9485881 im looking to buy a 2007 or 2008 250 with 179k miles should I be worried ?? what should I check for ?

[@carlug03]

you only talk about problems all kind of car have, this car run fast low consumption reliable better than any american car .

[@matn7743]

He is helping potential buyers look out for possible problems with older cars. He is doing a great job.

[@michaelking4578]

It is a different kind of car review you see.

[@dedclownsRfunny]

This is the kind of thing I want to know before buying a nearly 10-year old car.

[@daniellozan350]

well there is no perfect car all have defects so... he is just telling them

[@shadowlife1]

First

[@tatasusuh8955]

Several recalls...i thought this should be better than Audi and BMW...

[@staniley884]

Yout english is sickkkk 😂😂😂😂😂

[@seanharrison7009]

It's a bag of shit, I bought one and had nothing but problems and faults. Piece of shit car.

[@skylinegtsrock]

Can you tell me what problems you had? I'm buying one tomorrow.

[@seanharrison7009]

@@skylinegtsrock fuel injector went and the car drive in limp mode and I spent loads of money on it and then eventually scrapped it and got hardly anything for it. Don't buy it.

[@skylinegtsrock]

@@seanharrison7009 any major repairs carried out? I can deal with an injector needing replaced.

[@seanharrison7009]

@@skylinegtsrock dpf problems and smoke always coming out and egr problems as well. Mine was always messing up and I'm and out of garages. The dpf made the car stink of fumes inside. Was a nightmare car and even lexus mechanic said it was shit lol.

[@skylinegtsrock]

@@seanharrison7009 looks like I'll be getting a dpf and egr removal and delete and remap.

[@ivan23caravantes44]

My idiot friend gonna buy one hahahahaha, this is junk at it's best.

[@michaelking4578]

Yes, pure junk just like every other Lexus. I suggest you get a Yugo.

[@unpossible11]

Yet it will out live any Mercedes,BMW,or any other manufacturer. GTFO

[@nautnadrofire]

unpossible11 ...Haahaa! FACTS!

[@GryzzliBear]

2006-2013 was the 2nd generation IS.