2026-09-15
Lexus IS 250/300h/350 Used Car Buying Guide Malaysia 2025
Key pre-purchase checks: IS 250 — test for VSC warning light, smell the ATF (dark/burnt = neglected), ask about carbon cleaning history at 80k+ km. IS 300h — request a hybrid battery health SOC report; check inverter coolant colour (should be blue/clear, not brown). All IS — knock test rear suspension for lower arm bushing wear.
Lexus IS Buying Guide Malaysia
- IS 250 (2GR-FSE): avoid early units with carbon buildup — walnut blast history matters; prefer 2014+ facelift
- IS 300h: most reliable IS — Atkinson hybrid with no timing belt, fewer mechanical failure points
- Check: service history continuity, HV battery health (300h), accident history report, tyre wear evenness
- Test drive: listen for drivetrain vibration above 80 km/h — suspension bushings wear silently