If you are scanning the market for a used, top-quality, luxurious sedan that’s on par with the dependability of a Toyota but with the iconic Lexus style, the IS 250 can be an excellent option. Lexus has earned a well-deserved reputation for reliability and quality. Thanks to its taut proportions, high levels of technology, incredible powertrains, and luxury status, the Lexus IS 250 continues to wow its fans with its nearly unmatched performance, style, and comfort. So, continue your reading and learn more about what to look for when buying a used Lexus IS 250.
The Lexus IS 250 years to avoid include: 2006, 2007 and 2008. The best years for the Lexus IS250 include the 2010 to 2013 model years. Of these years, 2012 is the best year available based on our research and the experience of owners.
Keep reading, and I will share all of the details and what to look for if you want to know which Lexus IS 250 to buy and what to look for when shopping.
A brief history of the Lexus IS 250
The Lexus IS 250 is a meticulously crafted, top-quality luxury sedan manufactured since 2005. It is a head-turning vehicle that not only oozes class but also boasts a strong reputation for reliability and a powerful engine capable of handling those back twisty terrains. And when you take into account its overall comfort, top-notch interior materials as well as available all-wheel-drive, a used model is still a highly exciting choice.
The Lexus IS (XE20) is the 2nd generation of the Lexus IS line of executive compact sedans. Sold by Lexus since 2006, the line features numerous V6 gasoline-powered models, in two-door and four-door convertible design styles. The IS 250 made its debut for the 2005 model year and had fairly few significant alterations.
Powering the IS 250 is a potent 2.5 L V6 engine that produces that generates 204 HP and 185 pound-feet of torque. It’s worth mentioning that used models are only available in either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Also, the AWD model is only available in 6-speed automatic.
In 2008, the design of the IS 250 was refreshed, and both its steering wheel and suspension were updated for enhanced vehicle stability and control.
Potential used Lexus IS 250 buyers should note, however, that 2009 got received a revised suspension tuning, a two-tone interior option, and a slightly different grille. What’s more, it underwent a couple of tech-based upgrades, including enhanced Bluetooth, a hard-drive-inspired navigation system as well as a new iPod interface.
Some of the notable advantages of the 2009 Lexus IS 250 model year include a somewhat smooth ride, numerous high-tech features, a relatively quiet interior, and a sporty design. In terms of drawbacks, the model had mediocre headroom, tighter rear quarters, and not a particularly sporty engine.
Again, in 2010, the vehicle’s design was slightly updated and its interior was improved it was now referred to as the IS 250C, a hardtop convertible car. And while the vehicle was way much bulkier than a comparable sedan, its folding top at least impressed.
A manual was available in models featuring the 2.5 L V6. A 3.5 L V6 was also available as an option. Even though it wasn’t as sporty as its sedan cousin, the IS was commendably fast when fitted with the bigger engine.
What are some of the most common problems with the Lexus IS 250?
Like most models of Lexus, the IS 250 is fairly reliable and consistent and hasn’t experienced many significant issues. According to research, some of the most prevalent issues associated with the IS 250 include:
- Interior Accessory issues: This is arguably the most prevalent problem experienced by many early model years. However, even the most recent IS 250 models are plagued by this particular issue. The AC shutters and fails quite often. Also, the braking and the steering systems stick, jeopardizing the drivers’ safety.
- Poor fuel economy: Another negative aspect of the IS 250 is that users have to use premium fuel for the engine. And this means that the engine will knock if you apply any other fuel. And even after filling your tank with the premium fuel, you will only get around 500km on the engine, which is not economical at all.
- Melting dashboard issues: Usually, the dashboard gets serviced and maintained under a warranty. But this issue often pops up after the expiry of your warranty. When this problem occurs, the door panel as well as the dashboard melts, and the only solution is to replace the entire dashboard. This is a huge problem, bearing in mind that it can be both unsightly and exposes the safety systems and electronics. What’s more, the fumes emanating from the melting plastic can be potentially harmful!
- Malfunctioning infotainment system: This is a relatively minor issue that happens in just a few different individual model year vehicles. However, it has been proven that it’s more prevalent in the 2007 and 2008 model years. There are numerous issues that may occur, ranging from the touch screen failing to work properly to certain functions stopping to work. With that in mind, any symptoms of a potential infotainment system failure should be looked into as quickly as possible.
- Intermittent power steering: This is another potential issue experienced by the IS 250 Lexus models. This is a potentially dangerous issue because when your steering goes out at the wrong time, it can make it quite tough to keep your car under control, even if the problem only lasts a second.
What are the worst Lexus IS 250 model years?
Overall, there are numerous reasons to purchase a Lexus, IS 250, and even the model years to avoid are generally more reliable and consistent than most of the available alternatives. When looking to buy any used IS 250 Lexus model vehicle, as a general rule of thumb, look at the history of the car, whether it has experienced problems with its engine or any other common issues before. Overall, however, the Lexus IS 250 is reputable and reliable, but it does have a few model years that are best to avoid, including:
- 2006 model year: According to various consumer reports, 2006 IS 250 vehicles suffer from a lot of carbon buildup issues, which can easily result in fire incidences. What’s more, they are highly to go into limp mode after around 20,000 miles. The limp mode occurs because of the engine’s bad solenoid. The engine also produces a loud rattle during start-ups.
- 2007 model year: While there are multiple issues associated with the 2007 Lexus IS 250, the airbag issue is arguably the most common. The airbags don’t deploy on time, potentially due to a sensor failure. What’s more, the airbag lighting doesn’t go off even during normal conditions. What’s more, both the dashboard and the door panels are likely to melt into a thick substance, which can prove expensive to solve.
- 2008 Model year: Besides other problems, the 2008 model also exhibited the same airbag issue. It was also plagued by numerous engine problems, potentially triggered by carbon buildup. Sensory, as well as electrical defects, are also commonplace.
What are the best Lexus IS 250 model years?
It is widely accepted that the Lexus IS 250 models produced from 2010 to 2013 are highly reliable, with very few problems associated with them. These models are not only very dependable, but run very smoothly and quietly. Users will not miss having a lower Horsepower and smaller engine. They are durable enough to withstand rough weather such as icy storms and rains.
It’s also important to note that all these three model years boast superior material as well as interior quality. However, all of them suffer a fuel economy problem. In this regard, the 2011 model year has the worst fuel economy. What’s more, this particular model has relatively less room on the front seat area.
In general, though, 2012 is the highest quality overall. It not only boasts the best interior, but excellent fuel economy. The seats are snug and highly comfortable as well.
How reliable are Lexus 250 IS vehicles?
As already explained throughout the article, Lexus has a reputation for producing dependable, robust, and durable cars. And the IS 250 model advances this reputation with above-average dependability ratings. The Lexus is equally known for its nearly unmatched solid construction quality.
The reliability rating of the IS 250 Lexus is 4.0 out of 5.0, a statistic that ranks it higher than most luxury midsize vehicles. What’s more, it has an average repair cost of $480, which implies that it has relatively low ownership costs. And while repairs are fairly common, the chances of those problems becoming severe are very minimal. If well-maintained and cared for, your IS 250 can potentially last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles on average.
Does Lexus IS 250 hold its value?
Thanks to their superior quality materials and craftsmanship, Lexus cars are very reliable and will most certainly hold their resale value. The IS can be a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable, luxury vehicle capable of holding its value fairly well. The vehicle has a predicted five-year depreciation rate of around 30%.
Are Lexus IS 250 cars good on fuel economy?
Fuel efficiency isn’t IS 250’s strongest point, but it’s not what you’d call a gas-guzzler either. The early models were rated at 21 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined in two-wheel-drive format, while all-wheel-drive reduced those numbers to 20/26/22 mpg, respectively. The ratings changed a little over the years, but not significantly.
Basically, the IS 250 isn’t a car you’d buy because of its fuel economy ratings, but it’s also not a car you’d overlook because of them either. There are lots of more important attributes to consider here, so the fuel economy ratings are relatively inconsequential.
What is the cost of a used Lexus 250 IS?
Prices for a second-hand Lexus IS 250 vary between $5,000 and $35,000. Generally, the exact price you’ll pay for a used IS 250 will depend on its model year, its current condition in terms of maintenance, and the mileage covered!
There are lots of 2006/2007 model year Lexus IS 250s for sale on Autotrader, and they start from around $5,000 for any that are worth considering. That’s not cheap for a car of that age with anywhere between 150,000 and 250,000 miles, but it does indicate the quality of the Lexus.
If you’d like something newer, a 2015 Lexus IS 250 with anywhere from 75,000 miles to 125,000 miles on the odometer will set you back at least $16,500.
Should you buy a used Lexus IS 250?
There is no doubt that Lexus is a trusted and reputable brand in the automotive marketplace. And the IS 250 is its typical product, boasting numerous astounding features. But like any other device, the IS 250 model isn’t free from problems.
Carbon buildup, dashboard issues as well as engine and interior problems are more prevalent in some years than others. Thankfully, this article has provided you with a list of both the best and worst model years of the IS 250, so you can be able to make the most informed decision when buying one!
FAQs
What are the best years for the Lexus IS250? ›
Reliable Years Of The Lexus IS 250
In fact, pretty much every model other than 2007 and 2008 is a good option when it comes to the Lexus IS 250.
As a rule of thumb, we do advise against the 2006, 2007, and 2008 model years of some Lexus cars for various reasons. The 2007 Lexus ES 350 is one such car. The biggest problem with this luxury sedan was its dashboard and interior which just melted over time, leading to an ugly mess.
What is the best year for Lexus? ›Buy: 2010-2012 Lexus ES
The 2010-2012 Lexus ES model years have been the crowning achievement for Toyota's luxury segment, as they're some of the most reliable luxury sedans available in the used car market.
Any used Lexus should last you at least 200,000 miles before requiring extensive repairs. Lexus is the luxury brand of Toyota which is known for having some of the most reliable vehicles. Most Toyotas are expected to last 200,000–300,000 miles if we'll taken care of.
Are Lexus IS 250 expensive to maintain? ›Since Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota, maintenance and repairs are cheap, relatively speaking. RepairPal ranked Lexus in sixth place overall for its low ownership costs. Lexus owners spend about $551 per year on maintenance and repairs, though costs grow as vehicles age.
Why was Lexus IS 250 discontinued? ›Axed: Lexus IS sedan, RC coupe and CT hatch to be dropped from local line-up. Lexus has been forced to discontinue three popular models from its range due to new side impact crash test rules from November 2021.
How reliable are Lexus IS250? ›The Lexus IS250 Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 31 for luxury midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $487 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. While repairs are more common, these issues are less likely to be severe than with other cars.
Can a Lexus last 30 years? ›Lexuses have a lifespan of 250,000–300,000 miles, with proper care. The typical car has an expected life of 200,000 miles, which means you can potentially drive a Lexus 50% longer than the average car on the road.
Why did Lexus discontinue the is? ›The axe landed on the Lexus IS sedan in Australia late last year, after it fell foul of new side-impact crash test regulations – marking the departure of Lexus Australia's best-selling model from showrooms (for now), with 47,842 cars sold between its 1999 launch, and the end of January 2022.
What to look for when buying a used Lexus? ›- Arrange an Inspection. Before you fork out thousands of dollars on a used Lexus, be sure to first have it professionally inspected by a certified mechanic. ...
- Find a Good, Honest Seller. ...
- Consider Additional Ownership Costs. ...
- Research the Vehicle's Average Market Price.
Is a used Lexus a good buy? ›
One of the first reasons to purchase a used Lexus is because of its reputation. Lexus vehicles have a good reputation for lasting for a long time, being very reliable, and being safe. Another reason it would be a good idea to purchase a used Lexus is the price tag.
What is considered high mileage for a Lexus? ›What is considered high mileage for a used car depends on how long it took to rack up those miles. Generally, no more than 12,000 to 15,000 miles should be put on a car in a year's time. So, a used car that is four years old should have no more than 48,000 to 60,000 miles on it.
Can Lexus last 300000 miles? ›How long do Lexus cars last? With proper maintenance, a Lexus car last around 250,000-300,000 miles. So, it indicates that the car can easily last for around 17-20 years. The normal lifespan of a car is around 150,000-200,000 miles.
Can a Lexus last a million miles? ›The million-mile Lexus LS owned by auto journalist Matt Farah has finally lived up to its name, with the 1996 LS 400 reaching 1,000,000 miles this past week. Farah purchased the LS used for $1,500 USD with 897,000 miles on the odometer in 2014, with the plan to break the million-mile mark.
Why is Lexus oil change so expensive? ›Why is an oil change so expensive on Lexus? Lexus oil change costs are expensive due to specific oil and filters, the dealership experience, and skilled mechanics using leading equipment. Lexus cars feature superior quality parts and advanced technology requiring high maintenance.
Is a Lexus 250 better than a 350? ›The IS 250 is equipped with a 2.5L V6 engine capable of 203 horsepower. This is pretty powerful, but it's nothing compared to the 350, which has a 3.5L V6 engine that can produce 311 horsepower. If you're hoping for a more powerful vehicle, the 350 trim is definitely the one for you.
Is Lexus IS 250 good on gas? ›Lexus IS 250 fuel economy
Besides offering plenty of power for spirited driving, the 2.5-liter V6 in the Lexus IS 250 also achieves good fuel efficiency. The rear-wheel-drive IS 250 obtains an EPA-rated 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Lexus IS. Since the arrival of the IS 200 in 1999, the Lexus IS range has always combined traditional Lexus qualities in a smaller, more mechanically dynamic package aimed at younger customers. Fittingly, IS stands for Intelligent Sports.
What is a common issue with Lexus? ›What are the most common Lexus problems? The most common problems experienced by Lexus owners are oil leakage, melting dashboards and door panels, repeated illumination of the Check Engine light, PCM storage of certain codes, and airbag-related issues.
What is the Toyota equivalent of the Lexus IS 250? ›Toyota Camry. When we compare the Lexus IS 250 to the Toyota Camry, the Lexus IS 250 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Toyota Camry has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume.
Do Lexus IS250 have transmission problems? ›
Such problems aren't hard to spot. Lexus IS250 transmission problems can present themselves as shifting delays, jumping or grinding during acceleration, the car shaking on the road, or whistling noises or a burning smell coming from beneath the hood.
Does the Lexus IS250 have a timing belt or chain? ›If your car is a 2006 Lexus IS 250 ypur engine use timing chain.
How many miles is considered high mileage? ›What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.
What Lexus is 350 years to avoid? ›One of the biggest problems with the 2007 Lexus ES 350, and one of the main reasons 2007 is one of the Lexus ES 2007 years to avoid, is that the plastic on the dash can actively melt in the sun. That's a problem for a few reasons. For one thing, a melted dashboard is a cosmetic problem.
Is 140000 miles alot for a Lexus? ›Lexuses can last anywhere between 250,000 and 300,000 miles!
That being said, Lexus reports that, with proper care and a regular maintenance schedule, any Lexus should be able to rack up more than 200,000 miles before the transmission gives out.
Yes, the Lexus brand is owned by the Toyota Motor Corporation, which is headquartered in Japan. In many ways, however, the luxury vehicle brand operates independently from the Toyota Motor Corporation. Explore how Lexus came to be, and where the manufacturing of quality parts and vehicles takes place.
Do Lexus ever break down? ›The average Lexus visits a repair shop approximately 0.5 times a year for unscheduled repairs. This compares to 0.4 across all models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
What makes Lexus different than Toyota? ›Lexus's parent company is Toyota, and the brand exists to offer a line of more luxury vehicles compared with Toyota's more utilitarian offering. That means that Lexus and Toyota have a lot of similarities in design and construction, but that Lexus vehicles tend to have higher-end components and a more expensive design.
Do Lexus hold their resale value? ›Why do Lexus cars hold their value so well? It's simple – the quality. Lexus has an enviable reputation for excellence, both aesthetically and technologically. These are superb quality vehicles with years of research and development behind them.
What are the perks of owning a Lexus? ›- Hotel Partners. Lexus owners are offered exclusive benefits and experiences at hotels across the country. ...
- TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISTS. ...
- ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE* ...
- RETAIL PARTNERS. ...
- FOOD & WINE. ...
- LEXUS DRIVERS APP. ...
- WARRANTY & PROTECTION. ...
- SERVICE & MAINTENANCE.
What is the average age of a Lexus buyer? ›
The brand says its average buyer age is 53 years old, the exact same age as five years ago. Lexus' buyer loyalty is among the strongest in the industry at 60 percent.
Are Lexus better than Mercedes? ›Lexus and Mercedes-Benz are two of the most well-known brands for luxury cars. Nevertheless, Mercedes-Benz reliability can't be duplicated. On the whole, Mercedes-Benz models offer higher performance, unique interior features as standard, and greater efficiency than Lexus models.
What is the best thing about Lexus cars? ›Lexus proves that technologically-advanced luxury vehicles can also be very reliable. It comes in second overall in our most recent annual auto reliability brand rankings. Interiors are mostly well finished; the engines are smooth and fairly powerful; and hybrid models are very fuel efficient.
Is an old Lexus a good first car? ›If you're looking for quality and next-level reliability, a Lexus makes a great first car.
What is the number one selling Lexus? ›FAQs. What Is The #1 Selling Luxury Car In America? The Lexus RX SUV is the best-selling luxury car in America for 2022. Lexus sold 96,041 examples of the RX in 2022 including both gas and hybrid models.
Which Lexus has the smoothest ride? ›2017 Lexus LS
An available air suspension adds another layer of luxurious travel. That feature has two ride settings, and it's the car's “Comfort” mode, naturally, that provides the smoothest sailing for the Lexus brand's flagship.
The Lexus ES has an overall length of 195.9 inches, width of 73.4 inches, and height of 57.1 inches. The Lexus IS measures 185.4 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width, and 56.5 inches in height. While the width and height of the two models are very similar, the ES offers a longer exterior.
What is low miles for a Lexus? ›Check body condition, engine condition, interior condition, etc. Consider average mileage. Low mileage is considered to be roughly 10,000 miles per year or less.
How many miles can a Lexus go on a full tank? ›2022 ES Driving Range
The 2022 Lexus ES has a 445-mile max range with one tank of gas, giving drivers plenty of time at the wheel.
Still, mechanics typically use the phrase 'high mileage' when a car has 100,000 miles or more on the odometer.
How long do Lexus is 250 last? ›
Any used Lexus should last you at least 200,000 miles before requiring extensive repairs. Lexus is the luxury brand of Toyota which is known for having some of the most reliable vehicles. Most Toyotas are expected to last 200,000–300,000 miles if we'll taken care of.
What are the best years for the Lexus? ›Buy: 2010-2012 Lexus ES
The 2010-2012 Lexus ES model years have been the crowning achievement for Toyota's luxury segment, as they're some of the most reliable luxury sedans available in the used car market.
With that said, you're probably asking yourself, “Does Lexus require premium gas?” For most (but not all) of the Lexus lineup, the answer to that question is yes. Most Lexus models require you use at least 91 octane (premium) gasoline, while there are a few that can use 87 octane regular unleaded.
Can any car last 300 000 miles? ›Can a car last 300,000 miles? It's possible for some properly maintained, well-built cars to reach 300,000 miles. Typically, a conventional vehicle lasts for 200,000 miles. The average automobile age in the United States has increased over the past several decades.
What is the highest mileage car ever? ›The highest mileage car on record is Irv Gordon's 1966 Volvo P1800S, with over 3 million miles.
Is the Lexus IS250 engine reliable? ›Lexus IS250 Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Lexus IS250 Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 31 for luxury midsize cars.
What is the best year for the IS250 reddit? ›Aim for a 2009 onwards. 2009 is the revised model which brings a few minor changes (any 250 with indicators in the wing mirrors is a facelift) They also addressed the issue with carbon build up in the engines that was causing engine failure.
Do Lexus IS 250 have transmission problems? ›Such problems aren't hard to spot. Lexus IS250 transmission problems can present themselves as shifting delays, jumping or grinding during acceleration, the car shaking on the road, or whistling noises or a burning smell coming from beneath the hood.
How many miles will a Lexus engine last? ›With proper maintenance, a Lexus car last around 250,000-300,000 miles. So, it indicates that the car can easily last for around 17-20 years. The normal lifespan of a car is around 150,000-200,000 miles.
Is Lexus more reliable than Chevy? ›The most reliable vehicle in the survey was the Lexus GX SUV, which got a perfect score of 100. The Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, which share virtually all of their parts, tied for last…with two points.
What year Lexus IS 350 to avoid? ›
One of the biggest problems with the 2007 Lexus ES 350, and one of the main reasons 2007 is one of the Lexus ES 2007 years to avoid, is that the plastic on the dash can actively melt in the sun. That's a problem for a few reasons. For one thing, a melted dashboard is a cosmetic problem.
How many miles can a Lexus is250 go on a full tank? ›This gives it a maximum range of 516 miles. Lexus recommends IS 250 drivers to fill up their tank with 91 octane premium fuel, which can cause your trips to the gas station to be more expensive.
How fast can is250 go? ›Plus, Lexus makes fast cars—the Lexus IS 250 top speed is 140 mph. There probably won't be a reason for you to drive at this speed, but keep these high-speed safety tips in mind: Downshift after braking to spare the gearbox. Drive in a comfortable posture.
How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a Lexus IS250? ›The average cost for a Lexus IS250 Serpentine Belt Replacement is between $106 and $121. Labor costs are estimated between $58 and $73 while parts are priced between $48 and $48.
What happens if a timing belt breaks on a Lexus? ›If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stop running and will not restart until it is repaired.
How much does it cost to replace a timing chain on a Lexus? ›Labor costs are estimated between $2,022 and $2,551 while parts are priced between $288 and $295.