Used Toyota Buying Guide ―I Want To Talk To You About Some Toyota Models And Lexus Models That I Would Avoid Buying in 2025 Reports a Toyota Master Mechanic

While Toyota and Lexus are known for their super reliability, some models are best avoided when buying used due to issues like excessive oil consumption, transmission problems, and/or high repair costs, according to a recent episode of the Car Care Nut YouTube channel.

Related article: All Cars Built In Japan Are Safe To Buy, And They're Reliable Long Term…Well, That Used To Be The Case, But Not Anymore, Admits Mechanic From Japan

Used Toyotas Are Popular, But Not Always a Good Choice

In an earlier article, the host of the Car Care Nut YouTube channel addressed whether the original owners should fix or not fix a used car so as not to risk "throwing good money after bad," as the old saying goes.

The flip side of this is that the used car shopper, in turn, is at risk of buying a used car that the original owner no longer wants because of existing or pending repairs the used car shopper is unaware of, but is cognizant that some repairs are typically expected whenever buying a used car; Which is all well and good when the vehicle is a Toyota―generally.

Related article: This Repair Fixes A Huge Issue With Lots Of Toyotas On The Road Today

As it turns out, despite what used car shoppers may believe, even Toyota and Lexus have models that second owners should not risk throwing good money after bad. Some models are hardly better than many other makes and models known to be lemons.

According to the host:

"I want to talk to you about some Toyota models and Lexus models that I would avoid buying in 2025. Folks, the car market is still up and down, and shoppers are relying on used cars to save from paying the overinflated prices of new cars. But I see some models in the shop that are just flat-out disasters where the entire model is a disaster. And then, some trims within really good models are just not a good idea to buy used."

That said, here is a summary of the Toyota and Lexus models he says that he would not recommend anyone buying used:

Toyota and Lexus Models to Avoid Used

1. Lexus IS250 Lexus IS 250 (2006-2014)― Possesses a weak 2.5L 4GR-FSE V6 engine prone to direct fuel injection-related carbon buildup and multiple oil leak problems that require lifting the engine to get to them. "I have never gotten more negative comments from viewers about the IS250 than when I said it is the worst one of the top worst Lexus models to buy," states the host, saying that this is the one model he could always count on to fall apart. If you see a used model being sold at an attractive low price― “Do not buy it,” warns the host.

2. Models with the 2AZ-FE 2.4L engine― While the 2AZ-FE engine is known as a good engine, there are varieties of the engine in different models and years when the low tension piston rings were used to help increase fuel efficiency. However, it also led to severe oil-burning problems for Toyota.

The models with this engine to watch out for include:

1. Toyota Camry 2007-2009
2. Toyota Camry Hybrid 2007-2011
3. Toyota Solara 2007-2008
4. Toyota Rav4 2006-2008
5. Corolla XRS 2.4L
6. Matrix XRS 2.4L
7. Scion xB 2005-2015
8. Scion tC 2007-200
9. Lexus HS-250h

If you find a model of the above, you must find out whether or not the piston ring issue was fixed during a repair campaign years ago to satisfy customers. Otherwise, the host states the repairs you will have to do will cost more than what you paid for this vehicle used.

3. Victims of the 10K Mile Change Interval (Toyota Rav4 and Toyota Camry)― "We have to total two or three cars sometimes every week or every two weeks because of this problem with the 2AR-FE engine, which is possibly one of the best engines made―but then they destroyed with a 10,000-mile oil change interval recommendation that folks follow blindly."

"Be very careful in today's world when buying a 2AR-FE because here's how this whole thing started: The first victim of the 10,000 M oil change was a 2009 to 2012 Toyota Rav4 and then the 2010 to 2011 Toyota Camry. I would have second thoughts about buying a four-cylinder model of these with 2AR-FEs because these were the first ones that got hit the most with every single common problem. First, it burns oil at a rapid rate because folks did the 10,000 Mi oil change, and then the VVTI gear starts rattling. And then because it runs low on oil when nobody checks their oil anymore, the balance shaft goes, and then the chain guide breaks, and then the chain goes."

The host notes that despite his previous recommendations of the 2012-2017 Camry and the 2013-2018 Rav4, these models also beginning to show signs of engine problems because recommended oil change intervals were too far apart.

Please do not buy any of these model years unless they come with a clear maintenance record showing oil changes done every 5,000 miles, advises the host.

4. The 5th Generation 4Runner in the Limited Model with X3S Suspension Trim― While the 5th generation 4Runner is the best generation for this model, you have to watch out for the used models that came with the X3S suspension that were prone to developing leaking problems that necessitated replacing not just one shock but the whole system due to what the host describes as "bad engineering." Expect a repair bill of at least $4,500. While replacing the shocks with another type is easily doable with a conversion, the bad news is that the OEM spring size, if used on another shock system type, will incur new problems, not the least of which is a significant drop in fuel mileage.

5. THIS Toyota V8 Engine― "The Toyota V8 UR series engines are a great engine―if you know what you're getting into if you buy the right one," warns the host, pointing a finger at the 2007-2013 models when Toyota did a change in the head gasket leading to a common head gasket failure problem that was not resolved until the 2014 model year. If you find one and are considering it, ensure it has a coolant change record of every 50,000 miles or 5 years. A chain tensioner rattle and a coolant leaking heat exchanger repair history can also be problematic, which could lead to engine damage requiring a $30,000 repair bill if you want to keep that vehicle.

6. THIS Single Year of the Toyota Highlander and Toyota Sienna― "2017 was a horrible year for the Toyota Highlander and Sienna," says the host, adding that the transmission used and a leaking engine were expensive pull-the-engine-up repair problems. His advice is to avoid not just the 2017 model but also the 2018 model, as the early ones off the production line may have had the same transmission installed until the newer transmission became available for the 2019 models.

7. The Cheap Luxury Lexus LS460― Regarding the Lexus, "cheap" and "luxury" do not belong in the same sentence. Models from 2013 and earlier are the ones you will pay 2-3 times the amount for repairs after you buy one, which initially looked like a good used car deal. It was…for the seller.

"Be very careful of cheap LS 460s―specifically 2007 and 2008 if they have been neglected and you bought it for cheap," warns the host.

8. THIS Toyota Tacoma― "There is one year in the Toyota Tacoma that still gives me nightmares today…the 2016 Toyota Tacoma," enough to raise his blood pressure, admits the host. Coolant and oil leak problems, cylinder head issues, vibration issues, discomfort in riding, etc., are problems that seem unending with this model year. While not every Tacoma owner may agree with this assessment, only those with these problems will you find them offered at a low price for just those reasons.

9. Lexus GX Models with Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) System― Do not buy a model that has ever had a KDSS warning light come on, warns the host. A leaking brake cylinder system is common and a very expensive problem to fix in these models. "… there's two cylinders front and back. If one of them Is leaking, we just spent a small fortune to replace it because you can't repair it. And here's where it snowballs: when you replace the front one and you go and try to brake the bleeders because they're seized and the block breaks, now there's a second fortune you have to spend. Whatever you do, do not buy a Lexus GX that was a great deal," warns the host.

10. THESE Land Cruisers― "Let's reiterate one thing very important: 80 Series Land Cruisers and older―even sometimes those bordering on the 100 series―these are becoming collector cars folks and Toyota knows that. Prices for parts for these cars to fix them properly are astronomical. Daily driving an 80 Series Land Cruiser is a very bad idea. If you're buying one to drive it daily, please reconsider because you're going to pay so much for this nice example, and then it's going to slowly bankrupt you folks," states the host in this used Toyota warning, pointing out that a common front knuckle repair in these models today runs close to $5,000.

"Here's a last piece of advice on Land Cruisers: On the older ones, you need to do some stuff for yourself. You can't just pay a shop to do everything because it'll never end. Certain things you have to do yourself with an Enthusiast collector-car―not as a good daily driver because they're simply too old and are not a good car to just hand to a shop and have them do everything because things are going to get out of control with the repairs."

For all of the details about the models summarized, here is the video posted below for your convenience:

Avoid Buying These Toyota and Lexus Models Used in 2025

For more about Toyota cars from this host, here is a recent article about "A Story That Breaks My Heart That a Very Good Toyota Rav4 Customer Had To Go Through."

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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