What is your impression on the IS500 scheduled for release later this year? Will the naturally aspirated V8 last decades? Are all the electronic bells and whistles problematic for maintenance costs?
The powertrain can last, but the electronics not.
That V8 is true and tried and essentially traces back (slight evolution) of the V8 found in the IS F in 2007. Also, that same engine is used in the GS F (2016) and a tuned version in the LC500 (2018) - and has been bulletproof. The same goes with the 8-speed AT in that vehicle - true and tried. This generation of IS dates back to model year 2014 and the electronics are not anything new - if anything people accuse Lexus of being slow to adopt new technology and latest and greatest gimmicks, but it’s for the best IMO as it improves their reliability. I wouldn’t hesitate to get that vehicle for the long term. More than anything if you daily it and put lots of mileage on it, in addition to your insurance, you will pay a lot for maintenance and repairs (when it eventually needs it like replacing starter and knock sensors can easily cost several thousand dollars due to their location and requiring intake manifold to be taken off, plus lack of room to work in there.). So I would not make it my daily driver. Some have also reported inner tire wear on the IS that even an alignment will not fix (and not sure of Lexus ever fixed it on the latest and greatest IS) - not sure how prevalent that issue is but it can get annoying to replace tires often. But in terms of electronics, the only Lexus I would be weary to own is the LS500 (full size luxury sedan) - that truly has bells and whistles and has had some reliability issues. But the IS and discontinued GS have been pretty solid. When it comes to electronics Toyota/Lexus rank near the top - at least compared to every other automaker.
