I have a 2006 IS250 and it made it to 225,000 miles with just using sea foam for the carbon build up issue. I just now decided to take the intake off and really get down in there and clean the top of the valves with carb cleaner and a long brush, just make sure the valves you are cleaning are closed and then vacuum the sludge out....it cleaned up super nice and after running it awhile and then putting new spark plugs in it, it runs like new! I’ll install a catch can to slow down the carbon build up as well but don’t be scared of the carbon build up you can nurse this car to all the way past 300,000 miles and not spend that much.
Bobby Tran I put the sea foam right in through the throttle body but I saw some people putting it through the intake where the brake booster vacuum hose connects. Not sure what way is best.
Hey, did using Sea Foam help reduce the carbon buildup significantly? I remember you mentioned having to clean it manually afterward, so I was wondering if there was still a lot of buildup left. Sorry if I’m overthinking this-I’m really close to buying an IS250, and carbon buildup is the only thing holding me back!
I bought mine 4 months ago and I think it has a carbon build up problem for sure. If I redline it, it starts to generate awfull smell. It also has a headlight problem where one of them randomly shuts down in the middle of the drive.
sammu the smell when you floor it doesn’t always mean carbon buildup! It could mean your cats are going bad as well. But I’ve heard that smell is normal for Toyota/Lexus
Air Jon nice! Yeah I really wanted something that was AWD and didn’t really like how the 4th Gen TLs looked so I went with the Lexus! And my family has only owned Toyota/Lexus
Bro you’re scaring me I just bought an 07 250awd and having that weird feel in the trans doesn’t want to shift out 3rd until I speed up. Then it’s shifts hard. Bought it with 130k don’t know what to do.
Hey! That's interesting. I would probably get it checked, these aren't really known for transmission failure but it could be a possibility. What does it do in manual mode? Does it do it if the car is warm or cold?
Ethan Crouch seafoam wouldn’t have anything to do with the transmission though. It’s possible the previous owner drove aggressively and the computer/trans adjusted to that? Reset ECU taking the negative terminal off the battery for a couple minutes!
I have 300k miles on my 06 and it runs amazing. Just red line and keep up with maintenance and also your AMP WILL go bad. Thats the only problem ive had with the car. Ive replaced the starter and alternator once, and normal things like sparkplugs.
Good to know! I thought the amp issues were with the first couple model years? Either way my car is garaged so who knows if I'll ever see the amp go bad hahaha. Thanks for the tips!
Bobby Tran honestly ive seen the problem persist from 06-12, my amp is from a 2010 😭 i heard theirs a hole or someplace from the bottom of where the amp sits and water gets in through there
I have a standard is250 with 212k miles. I have had no carbon issues but I always use top tier fuel and synthetic oil change every 5000miles. I also have a fuel system cleaning done every other oil change for $20 at walmart. They put a bottle in the tank and run a can with hoses under the hood. Supposed to clean the entire fuel system out. Its made by penzoil they used to use gumout. What is this amp you speak of? You mean audio amplifier or alternator?
VapeKing Just so you know, a direct injection engine like this 2.5 will not see any improvement regarding the carbon buildup in the ports with a fuel system cleaning. Injectors don’t spray over the valve like a port injected motor.
I have an IS250 2009 and regarding the carbon build up, it defintely is a problem as you reach around 70 k miles. However I just got the official dealer to decarbonise it with their foam product and the car drives perfectly well after. Can defintely tell the difference before and after. I think these days they recommend using the foam cleaning every service. It's about 120 AUD or 85 USD which in the whole grand scheme of things is not a huge amount to maintain the vehicle.
@@bobbytran8733 im in tbe gold coast in australia. I only bought the car back in April this year Ive been using mostly BP 98 and sometimes 95 a few times and nothing less. The prev owner only had lexus services for 9 years so im pretty sure they've been looking after it well. Oil changes im just doing them when it needs servicing which is due in December. Never needed to top up the oil when i checked. They tend to use 10w30 here because of the warmer climate.
Very interesting! I think next time I head to the dealer I'll ask them about the foam cleaning service. I wonder if they know about it here in the States. Thanks for the heads up, I'm at 40k now so it's racking up quick!
Hows your 250 been so far? I have my eyes on an 06 is250 wit 94k miles. for 7.7k and it drives way better than models ive drivien wit 118k miles. Im just scared to buy becuase of the carbon build up issue.
Hey! Where are you located? I've heard the IS250's outside of the U.S. don't have carbon buildup because their fuel is higher quality than ours. If you're in the U.S. are there any service records? As long as the car has had frequent oil changes with synthetic oil and the previous person always used Top Tier high octane fuel than you're fine! My car has been perfect, it's at 44K miles now and just had the rear brake pads replaced, other than that, no issues!
Hey! Where are you located? I've heard the IS250's outside of the U.S. don't have carbon buildup because their fuel is higher quality than ours. If you're in the U.S. are there any service records? As long as the car has had frequent oil changes with synthetic oil and the previous person always used Top Tier high octane fuel than you're fine! My car has been perfect, it's at 44K miles now and just had the rear brake pads replaced, other than that, no issues!
Bobby Tran Im in the U.S. and it does have a pretty clean carfax. Theres a lot of vids of people using Seafoam on their engines so using that on might help
@@jerryl10000 Yeah I've heard that helps too! Good tip, if you go to the lexus website you can put in the VIN there and see more service records! Did you end up getting it?
Bobby Tran Yup, bought it last week and got the seller down to 7k flat! Been liking it so far, its just a bit slower than my last ride (infiniti m35x) but other than that car is super smooth!
Yo I’m looking into a 2007 Lexus IS 250 Manual. I’m lowkey scared since I been hearing about the carbon build up. And I gotta fix the 3rd gear from grinding and pop “sometimes only” he said. I’m getting a good ass deal though. 8k to 5k “cause he really need the money “
Hey! Personally, if you're concerned... I would take a pass. Although 250 manual's are rare, there will always be more out there! I wouldn't worry too much about carbon buildup as long as you redline it once in a while, use top tier branded premium fuel, and maybe even seafoam. Just my two cents, an RR Racing supercharged manual IS250 would be awesome though... haha.
I hate when they removed e brake and put on under next to the brake pedal. But damn,small space from passenger seats,carbon build up and expensive tires. Geez. I would have buy that Lexus if they did not remove handbrake from near gear shift and give more space from passenger seats.
BugsBunny007 it is annoying they did that, but a lot of the same competitors have electronic hand brakes which aren’t any better than our foot pedal. The IS also wasn’t meant for passenger space! I think the Lexus GS might be better fit for you, no carbon buildup on the GS350, larger than the IS, and still a RWD platform. Check it out!
@@bobbytran8733 I did researching the GS350 but dimension is huge. Long length. Geez, it would be hard for me to park GS350 at parallel parking. Hahaha
BugsBunny007 I don’t know what to tell you man haha. The IS is a compact luxury sedan and any competitor in its class will also he just as small.... maybe look at Acura TSXs or TLXs? But even then, that’s entering GS size territory. It’s not that much bigger in length.
Cesar Augusto Palacios been great! What year are you looking for and miles? I would recommend you check for Carbon Buildup at a trusted mechanic and make sure brakes aren’t seized. Other than that, it’s been great!
I have not yet, but I've heard good things about it on the forums. Wouldn't hurt to have one! I might do an install video on one when I get the chance. Right now I'm just flooring it once in a while, premium top tier fuel and full synthetic frequent oil changes. Do you have an IS250 as well?
I have a 2006 IS250 and it made it to 225,000 miles with just using sea foam for the carbon build up issue. I just now decided to take the intake off and really get down in there and clean the top of the valves with carb cleaner and a long brush, just make sure the valves you are cleaning are closed and then vacuum the sludge out....it cleaned up super nice and after running it awhile and then putting new spark plugs in it, it runs like new! I’ll install a catch can to slow down the carbon build up as well but don’t be scared of the carbon build up you can nurse this car to all the way past 300,000 miles and not spend that much.
Logan Kelly thanks for the heads up! When you seafoam, do you do it through the air intake after the MAF sensor?
Bobby Tran I put the sea foam right in through the throttle body but I saw some people putting it through the intake where the brake booster vacuum hose connects. Not sure what way is best.
Hey, did using Sea Foam help reduce the carbon buildup significantly? I remember you mentioned having to clean it manually afterward, so I was wondering if there was still a lot of buildup left. Sorry if I’m overthinking this-I’m really close to buying an IS250, and carbon buildup is the only thing holding me back!
I bought mine 4 months ago and I think it has a carbon build up problem for sure. If I redline it, it starts to generate awfull smell. It also has a headlight problem where one of them randomly shuts down in the middle of the drive.
sammu the smell when you floor it doesn’t always mean carbon buildup! It could mean your cats are going bad as well. But I’ve heard that smell is normal for Toyota/Lexus
sammu headlights intermittently going on and off is most likely a bad ballast!
i'm also getting that smell when i floor my 250, did you find out what was your issue?
@@Alexio.-
Nope. I'm scared to go to the mechanics. But due to quarantine (not driving too much), I had to redline it a lot. And it smelled terrible.
@@Alexio.- It's normal with Toyota/Lexus vehicles! Just the catalytic converter burning. Doesn't really affect anything!
sorry i don’t know much about cars .. what does red lining mean??
When you floor it and rpm goes to the red line with is about 7-8 rpm
When you step on the gas pedal and the RPM goes to where it's "red" on the tachometer!
Hi, I also own 2007 Lexus is250 AWD. I would like to share thoughts with u.
What's up! How're you liking it?
Does your car smell like rotten eggs when you accelerate it?
Is it okay for me? I’m 6’2
Air Jon great question! Best bet is to test drive it honestly. Some people say it’s too small for them and some people say they fit fine!
@@bobbytran8733 when with the TL instead :P
Air Jon nice! I was between the TL, IS, and G37! You go third gen for the TL? How’re you liking it?
I really like it. Lots of space! It was a tough decision to choose between is250 and TL
Air Jon nice! Yeah I really wanted something that was AWD and didn’t really like how the 4th Gen TLs looked so I went with the Lexus! And my family has only owned Toyota/Lexus
Bro you’re scaring me I just bought an 07 250awd and having that weird feel in the trans doesn’t want to shift out 3rd until I speed up. Then it’s shifts hard. Bought it with 130k don’t know what to do.
Hey! That's interesting. I would probably get it checked, these aren't really known for transmission failure but it could be a possibility. What does it do in manual mode? Does it do it if the car is warm or cold?
Bobby Tran warm, and seems to be less aggressive shifting when in manual mode. Got the trans fluid changed wasn’t dirty.
Im probably going to try the seafoam method soon.
Ethan Crouch seafoam wouldn’t have anything to do with the transmission though. It’s possible the previous owner drove aggressively and the computer/trans adjusted to that? Reset ECU taking the negative terminal off the battery for a couple minutes!
I get the acceleration jerk and funky smell on hard acceleration. Havent done rear diff fluid so ill be adding trans fluid change as well
I have 300k miles on my 06 and it runs amazing. Just red line and keep up with maintenance and also your AMP WILL go bad. Thats the only problem ive had with the car. Ive replaced the starter and alternator once, and normal things like sparkplugs.
Good to know! I thought the amp issues were with the first couple model years? Either way my car is garaged so who knows if I'll ever see the amp go bad hahaha. Thanks for the tips!
Bobby Tran honestly ive seen the problem persist from 06-12, my amp is from a 2010 😭 i heard theirs a hole or someplace from the bottom of where the amp sits and water gets in through there
@@RACKO1 That sounds terrible... I've heard it might also be from the sun roof drains becoming clogged? Don't know how true that is though.
I have a standard is250 with 212k miles. I have had no carbon issues but I always use top tier fuel and synthetic oil change every 5000miles. I also have a fuel system cleaning done every other oil change for $20 at walmart. They put a bottle in the tank and run a can with hoses under the hood. Supposed to clean the entire fuel system out. Its made by penzoil they used to use gumout. What is this amp you speak of? You mean audio amplifier or alternator?
VapeKing Just so you know, a direct injection engine like this 2.5 will not see any improvement regarding the carbon buildup in the ports with a fuel system cleaning. Injectors don’t spray over the valve like a port injected motor.
I have an IS250 2009 and regarding the carbon build up, it defintely is a problem as you reach around 70 k miles. However I just got the official dealer to decarbonise it with their foam product and the car drives perfectly well after. Can defintely tell the difference before and after. I think these days they recommend using the foam cleaning every service. It's about 120 AUD or 85 USD which in the whole grand scheme of things is not a huge amount to maintain the vehicle.
Where are you located? And did you use Top Tier Fuels and regular oil changes all the time?
@@bobbytran8733 im in tbe gold coast in australia. I only bought the car back in April this year Ive been using mostly BP 98 and sometimes 95 a few times and nothing less. The prev owner only had lexus services for 9 years so im pretty sure they've been looking after it well. Oil changes im just doing them when it needs servicing which is due in December. Never needed to top up the oil when i checked. They tend to use 10w30 here because of the warmer climate.
Very interesting! I think next time I head to the dealer I'll ask them about the foam cleaning service. I wonder if they know about it here in the States. Thanks for the heads up, I'm at 40k now so it's racking up quick!
Hows your 250 been so far? I have my eyes on an 06 is250 wit 94k miles. for 7.7k and it drives way better than models ive drivien wit 118k miles. Im just scared to buy becuase of the carbon build up issue.
Hey! Where are you located? I've heard the IS250's outside of the U.S. don't have carbon buildup because their fuel is higher quality than ours. If you're in the U.S. are there any service records? As long as the car has had frequent oil changes with synthetic oil and the previous person always used Top Tier high octane fuel than you're fine! My car has been perfect, it's at 44K miles now and just had the rear brake pads replaced, other than that, no issues!
Hey! Where are you located? I've heard the IS250's outside of the U.S. don't have carbon buildup because their fuel is higher quality than ours. If you're in the U.S. are there any service records? As long as the car has had frequent oil changes with synthetic oil and the previous person always used Top Tier high octane fuel than you're fine! My car has been perfect, it's at 44K miles now and just had the rear brake pads replaced, other than that, no issues!
Bobby Tran Im in the U.S. and it does have a pretty clean carfax. Theres a lot of vids of people using Seafoam on their engines so using that on might help
@@jerryl10000 Yeah I've heard that helps too! Good tip, if you go to the lexus website you can put in the VIN there and see more service records! Did you end up getting it?
Bobby Tran Yup, bought it last week and got the seller down to 7k flat! Been liking it so far, its just a bit slower than my last ride (infiniti m35x) but other than that car is super smooth!
Yo I’m looking into a 2007 Lexus IS 250 Manual. I’m lowkey scared since I been hearing about the carbon build up. And I gotta fix the 3rd gear from grinding and pop “sometimes only” he said. I’m getting a good ass deal though. 8k to 5k “cause he really need the money “
Hey! Personally, if you're concerned... I would take a pass. Although 250 manual's are rare, there will always be more out there! I wouldn't worry too much about carbon buildup as long as you redline it once in a while, use top tier branded premium fuel, and maybe even seafoam. Just my two cents, an RR Racing supercharged manual IS250 would be awesome though... haha.
Bobby Tran thanks for replying
@@slaughterevil8142 no problem! Did you end up getting it?
Bobby Tran yeah I did, also turns out the guy is giving me problems. He didn’t give me the title....
Sir, Do you know Marathi Language?
Bobby Tran.......Ive heard walnut blasting removes the carbon buildup on direct injections.
troot1967 definitely true! I’ve been thinking of getting it done at 60k miles now!
It’s just tough because not a lot of places specialize in walnut blasting a Lexus, they’re usually for German cars!
I hate when they removed e brake and put on under next to the brake pedal. But damn,small space from passenger seats,carbon build up and expensive tires. Geez. I would have buy that Lexus if they did not remove handbrake from near gear shift and give more space from passenger seats.
BugsBunny007 it is annoying they did that, but a lot of the same competitors have electronic hand brakes which aren’t any better than our foot pedal. The IS also wasn’t meant for passenger space! I think the Lexus GS might be better fit for you, no carbon buildup on the GS350, larger than the IS, and still a RWD platform. Check it out!
@@bobbytran8733 I did researching the GS350 but dimension is huge. Long length. Geez, it would be hard for me to park GS350 at parallel parking. Hahaha
BugsBunny007 I don’t know what to tell you man haha. The IS is a compact luxury sedan and any competitor in its class will also he just as small.... maybe look at Acura TSXs or TLXs? But even then, that’s entering GS size territory. It’s not that much bigger in length.
@@bobbytran8733 it's good. I found the right one for me. Haha Infiniti G37 with small trunk. Lexus and Infiniti are beautiful.
BugsBunny007 I almost forgot about the INFINITI’s! That’s a good one. Enjoy it man!
Looking to buy an is250 for a daily. How’s it been treating ya?
Cesar Augusto Palacios been great! What year are you looking for and miles? I would recommend you check for Carbon Buildup at a trusted mechanic and make sure brakes aren’t seized. Other than that, it’s been great!
Your car stills good?
So far so good, what questions do you have about it? I'm probably going to make an update video soon now that I've owned it for almost 6 months
Bobby Tran have you installed an oil catch can on it I hear that alot of people did that but I want to know if it actually works
I have not yet, but I've heard good things about it on the forums. Wouldn't hurt to have one! I might do an install video on one when I get the chance. Right now I'm just flooring it once in a while, premium top tier fuel and full synthetic frequent oil changes. Do you have an IS250 as well?