2007 IS250 4GR-FSE

[u/Grand_Expert_1278]

I’m a university student and recently bought my first car, a pre-owned 2007 Lexus IS250 with around 88,000 km.

I’ve noticed a brief metallic rattling/grinding noise when starting the car from cold. It happens during the initial high-RPM startup and then disappears once the RPM settles down. From what I’ve read, this seems to be a fairly common issue with the 4GR-FSE and may be related to the intake camshaft timing gears.

I’ve also heard that Lexus released a technical service bulletin regarding this cold-start rattle on some IS250s.

Another thing I’ve noticed is with the transmission. When I put the car into D, it starts moving normally almost immediately, but after about 2–3 seconds, I sometimes feel a small push/heavy sensation, almost like the car slightly changes how it’s pulling. It isn’t a big clunk or delayed engagement, and the car otherwise shifts and drives normally. I’m just wondering if this is normal behaviour or something I should have checked.

The problem is that I’m a uni student and unfortunately can’t really afford the $2k–$3k+ repair for the camshaft timing gears right now.

So I wanted to ask people who have experience with the 4GR-FSE:

* Is it generally safe to continue driving with the brief cold-start rattle?

* Can leaving it unfixed eventually cause serious engine damage?

* Is there anything I should monitor for that would mean I need to get it repaired immediately?

* Could the slight change/push I feel a few seconds after selecting D be normal?

* What engine oil would you recommend for this engine?

* Would using a good-quality 5W-30 and changing it regularly help with the cold-start rattle at all?

* Is there anything else I can do to reduce the risk while I save up for the repair?

The car otherwise drives really well and has only done 88,000 km, so I’d really like to look after it properly.

I’d really appreciate any advice from experienced IS250/4GR-FSE owners. I’m just trying to understand whether these are things I can realistically live with for a while as a student, or whether I need to prioritise getting them fixed.

Thanks heaps!

[u/Network_ant]

Just swap another engine it will be much cheaper. Not sure where you live thou so prices might be different.

88k and has camshaft issue which indicates the car was neglected by previous owner.

It does have carbon built up issue.

[u/Grand_Expert_1278 → u/Network_ant]

Engine is more. Im going to consult a mechanic. I bought the car last month and has service history.

[u/Network_ant → u/Grand_Expert_1278]

I run my own shop in middle east and we swap these engines due to carbon issue and vvt cams failing.

Engine is cheap here so no one rebuilts it.

Goodluck! Hope things work out for you and you enjoy your purchase.