Hi scotty I'm thinking about buying a 2017 lexus is350 or 200t but wanted to know if they would last?
After dealing with small displacement honda turbo 4 and oil dilution, not a fan of any 4 cyl. turbo engines, don't care who make them. Tried and true normally aspirated V6, IS-350.
Short answer: Yes (to the IS350) but the jury is out on the IS200t.
See below pertaining to the IS350:
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/lexus-is-or-acura-tlx/#post-65681
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/should-i-buy-a-2014-lexus-is350/#post-43718
Regarding the Lexus IS200, realize it’s a fairly new turbocharged engine with 3 thermostats (more complexity) and won’t last as long as the naturally aspirated (and true and tried) 3.5L V6 engine in the IS350 - assuming you wanted to keep for a very long time and rack up the miles well past 100/150,000 miles. Definitely, go with the IS350; you get more power (albeit fuel economy is worse) but in the long run there’s fewer things to break and it already has a proven track record.
In terms of long-term reliability, the Lexus IS-350 is more proven. If it's performance is enough, then I would get that one before looking at the 200t, as it seems more complex and less proven. For short term ownership, get whichever one you like better. Remember to have a mechanic check it out before buying.
Lexus are good vehicles.