I had the is 250 brand new in 2010. I'm telling you these cars have well enough power. Only had it for a two year lease, I can imagine it's still running along smoothly to this day. I've had Mercs, BMW, Audi, porsche, Volkswagon. Out of all these I recommend the Lexus for reliability and comfort.
I’m a bit confused about the comments from different reviewers that there’s not enough oomph with this car. I own a Merc GLE43 AMG 3.0L V6. I’m considering buying an IS250 (2010) as a second car for $11,000. In a sense, I’m not really looking for a full-on performance car because I have that in the Merc. The IS will be for work and everyday run around, which I’m hoping is not going disappoint. My only doubt is that i will be driving the IS predominantly on the highway @ 110km/h speed limit. I hope it can handle that basic need? On paper, my guess was that a 2.5L V6 with 204hp should be able to handle my basic Highway need??
Thank you for the advice. I currently have a 2015 lexus is250 base model sedan with 52,522 miles. My question is should I rent a car when I go out of town or should I drive my baby??
I got my IS250 for my 17th birthday, and it is amazing!! Interior is beautiful and the performance is great, and I’ve had absolutely zero problems with it. Definitely recommend a Lexus to anyone looking for a good looking, reliable, and reasonably priced car
@@toms_garage dang thats a good deal. yeah Ive seen a few with 170k miles or 140k mils or something for the same price but I just don't know if it's worth it
@@_suraz sometimes the engine and vsc light would go on because my oxygen sensors need replacing I think but that hasn’t happened in a while, other than that I had to replace my tires and spark plugs recently but the car is driving amazingly. Very comfortable and so many features
I am switching from the E46 to the IS250 just before the usual repairs hit me, and I already spent a load on repairs, 4th of the cars value. I will be freed soon
My 09 Lexus IS250 is approaching 180k and it runs and drives like new. No issues whatsoever. Do the regular maintenance (oil/belts) and this car will take care of you. Quality car and very well built.
That’s great to hear as I only picked up my Lexus is250 from the dealership yesterday. Maybe ‘used’ but with incredibly low mileage for its age I’m looking forward to many years hassle free motoring ☺️
Mine has 215000miles 2006model standard shift. No carbon issues yet but I always use top tier fuel and full synthetic oil change every 5000 miles. Car has had no major issues. Love it
Bought my cousin's IS250 off her a week ago for $6K, and I must say, for my first car I couldn't be happier. As of this writing, it has just a little over 92,000 kilometers on it and has virtually no rust (which is impressive for a car that spent its whole life in the arctic wasteland we call Canada.) From my time spent driving it so far, the car is very smooth in just about everything it does. Between the ride quality, handling, cornering, and power delivery, the whole car feels very calm and composed, but it's still got a decent amount of kick when you put your foot down. I'd definitely recommend buying one of these for a first car if you've got the money.
A used Lexus IS 250 from 2006 to 2010 is a great car with plenty enough power for me. The gear shift paddles are really worthwhile having as they give a greater degree of control over your rpm at any given speed, where the auto might tend to lug a little before changing down. Have found the cost of ownership to be much lower than Audi, Mercedes or BMW - servicing or repair of these is ridiculously expensive. The Euro luxury sport sedan cars from 2002 on are trash now and not worth having, most are driving around with a xmas tree of alert lights glowing on the instrument panel. A Lexus is just way superior in terms of ride, reliability and cost of ownership. A late model Mustang or Corvette would be my alternate choice, if I wanted to change.
Had a 2006 IS250 Auto from new, now with 145,000 miles, and it has been brilliant - still feels like a new car to drive! If buying used check for wheel corrosion, paint bubbling on aluminium bonnet and seized rear brake callipers. DIY servicing is also relatively straight forward, spark plug change takes a bit longer due to the plastic intake manifold needing to be removed to access 3 of the plugs but still doable. The 6 speed auto is best option, very smooth, better mpg than manual and lower VED tax band :) The original Bridgestone tyres were very noisy, changing to Dunlop Sport Maxx RTs transformed the car on the motorway, lowering noise and improving steering. It really is a very quiet car and has sufficient power once you realise that the Lexus throttle is set-up to provide a smooth and refined drive. More spirited driving needs the sport mode to be selected and the throttle to be pushed considerably further, although the car's forte is giving you a refined and serene driving experience with decently accurate steering and a good level of body control. The VVTi issue mentioned - on my car since about 50,000 miles there is very occasionally a start-up top-end rattle from the engine that disappears within 2-3 seconds. The engine has been near faultless other than needing a litre of oil between 10,000 mile changes and benefitting from a TerraClean decarbonisation at 120,000 miles. The GDI engine can suffer from some carbon build-up on the inlet side that causes the engine to stumble when the car comes to a stop, so a clean helps. Even at the relatively high mileage I'm regularly seeing 34 mpg urban and 39+ mpg on the motorway. In my experience the IS250 really is a car you can keep and enjoy driving for many years and miles with low costs and great reliability.
You've had a consistent rattle on startup and had been present for the last 100k miles without any other adverse effects? I'm asking as I bought one not too long ago and I have same thing. Worried the engine could fail from that eventually but can't find any instances of that happening. Other than that drives great.
Lexus means reliability!!!! Bmw, Mercedes, and Audi are money pits. Why do people act like you are racing every car you come across WTF. I have one and I'm not a fast and furious guy. It's more than enough very solid car. If you want to race get a bmw if you have money to spend.
It's all about upholding an image of status and flexing wealth. I live in a big and crowded city and I lol at the moms that drive a fucking AMG or BMW M car to pick up their kids from school and then hit the mall.
Had my 2011 IS 250 for 8 months now and not had any issues with it whatsoever. Lovely to drive, feels like luxury for the price and has aged really well. Recommend to anyone thinking of purchasing 🤝
Pretty good review that sums up a real hidden gem of a car lexus owners quietly smile each time they drive there car and for good reason to people only know after they have drove one and see that even tho there not the best at every aspect the package put together is something quite special
I'm considering getting one of these as a runaround car, though I think I'd rather get a manual, as from everything I've heard the auto emphasises the lack of power. The 4GR V6 is distantly related to the 1GR in my Hilux, so I'm sure somebody out there makes a supercharger for it :)
Thanks for the info! I have this car. The motor sounds like it just left the lot! This car will last forever. Mine is a bit stripped down but I love it! Negatives are; you need to be a bit small to fit in it. If you are over 200lbs and tall, this may not fit your body. This car still has some get up and go, you just need to press the pedal. Used cars of this model are inexpensive and you are getting a stylish, fun, loaded, luxury vehicle.
This is why i love the Lexus brand. Total reliability coming from Audi which i had a few issues with, all diesel. Great review and your right about the old IS200 been sportier. I would have one in my collection if i could find a clean example. One thing i will mention in your video about not having the 3.5 V6 available in the Uk is that its available in the GS 450h. its truly an underrated car and when it was launched it beat the 911 of the mark to 100mph. I owned the 450h for 5 years and absolutely loved it. Flying machine and recommend you buy one. I replaced it with a newer GS recently and love it. It has the newer 2.5 V6 but only 20 quid tax compared to the 3.5 which was nearly 300.
I love watching your vids!keep them coming!i own a lexus is250 2006 with 288k kilometers on it,besides the normal maintenance my car never let me down,still drives perfect and always goes through mot flawless!best car ever made imho
I have a 2010 is250 with Matt black wheels, limo tints, shark fin and the f sport trim. I have done over 50,000 miles without any issues. Now on 107,000 miles and it is still running like clockwork. Looks a little dated but aged well. Still get nice comments about it. Wouldn’t have another brand of car purely for reliability reasons.
High Peak Autos so true.. my personal opinion is that a lot of people are brainwashed into buying German luxury cars but from my experiences, they can be over engineered and like any other car they can fail, and repairs can be pricey. All I have had to do is maintain my Lexus with usual wear and tear. Keeping mine until it gives up, which I’m expecting will be a long time from now! Also love the £100 Lexus video! Got some great content ;)
Thank you! From my experience, a lot of used cars are unreliable. I've had one issue with a Lexus, but only one. If I compare that to issues Ive had with German and British cars, the Lexus shines.
Shaun Reppion all I want is a Japanese Car now still got my Audi 😪 blackstar4000.wordpress.com/2017/03/20/audi-oil-chain-pump-failure-resulting-in-engine-death-twice-audi-a4-tfsi-2-0t-b7-model-issues-since-2015-to-2017/
I personally really like these cars, i bought my dad one an is250, he hated it at first, then i cant get him out of it, he looks for reasons to get on the car and drive. I will add that it is more reliable than most bmws and mercedes here in the US. Since I am not much of a race car driver myself these cars are more than enough
I agree. The first time you drive it you'll be underwhelmed, but when you get used to it, you'll start to like it. Its a quality car and very pleasant to live with and drive
Quality review, truthfully though I'm a big power guy, the IS series is great I have the 1st GEN IS model and love that inline 2JZ engine. If I were to purchase another IS model though truthfully I'd pull the trigger on a IS-F. IT'S THE 250/350 with a beast ASS V8, if your gonna go for it do it big in my opinion.
One thing i love about this car is all the mod that you can make to it such has exterior and engine perform is a great car if it is toyota has to be good 👍👌
Bought a 2014 lexus is is250 and had it for a around a year and 3 months and it has been AMAZING no problems nothing. Only expenses are maintenance. I always recommend this car to anyone who wants a reliable car
Hi I've got an IS250 in excellent condition 07. Regular service and just done transmission fluid change. Does your one shift down to 1st when less than 10mph. It's annoying driving over bumps. Let me know please.
@@ozhoneybadger Hi mate sorry I've only seen your message just now. Is yours a manual or Auto and how was the car behaving before the gearbox fluid change? I do know with the auto gearboxes they say its lifetime fluid but if it does get changed you need to be very careful with how its done, drain little bits at a time and refill as draining it all could lead to the transmission getting damaged! Mine seems to behave nicely and seemingly gears correctly, it was a used buy at 136k miles and gearbox is silky smooth
Always liked the look of these. Though I would need to go diesel because of work miles. But IL be sticking with my Mazda 3 sport for a good few years yet hopefully.
My lexus has done 110k never had an issue with it, now it only gets driven occasionally as I prefer my E Class, but reliability wise the Lexus is way up there in comparison.
Lexus 2is is a solid car for daily and easy on the pockets! Although it’s not fast it has a nice sporty look. It’s not really a tuner car but there are a few companies like R&R Racing with fun options for mild tuning.
I just test drove one 2006 is250. Very pleasantly surprised by the steering, suspension and brakes. I expected something mor e vague and soft, but his car handles spot on. The steering seems to have quite direct steering ratio, it feels more direct than the 3 series BMW. And the drivetrain...well - silky smooth, as you can expect from a 6 cylinder Lexus.
@@dz4163 Yes, a couple of weeks after I test-drove it. :) Nice car, no problems so far. But you get used to the feeling and it is not as impressive as the first time.
I still have my IS200 2004 from new and although it’s now my second car only issue I had was a coil pack go on me. As you say service each year and they are brilliant. Many cars have come and gone in nearly 18 years but my Lexus will be with me always
Hi I've got an IS250 in excellent condition 07. Regular service and just done transmission fluid change. Does your one shift down to 1st when less than 10mph. It's annoying driving over bumps. Let me know please.
I had a second hand one in Hong Kong for 3 years (IS350), the thing was bomb-proof. Comfy, nippy, nice handling. Gutted I had to sell it when I moved to the UK.
great vid, but u should really mention the gdi carbon buildup problem on the valves. :) I think that was the biggest problem with those cars if u dont install an oil catchcan. This is my dream car btw, well would be is it was made and sold in the eu. with the 3.5litre + MT, but sadly it was not made at all... So probably I will get a MT 250.
Balázs Menlauer Hi, I didn’t know that was a common issue. I’ve had lots of IS250’s and never had that issue. They’re great cars, the 3.5 would be perfect but we don’t get them in Europe 😔
I think some countries have better fuel and that could help. Im in US and have a 2006 is250 with 215000miles and no carbon issues yet. I do only use top tier fuel and full synthetic oil change every 5000 miles.
thank you for this coverage i am 65 and had so many crap cars about to buy a 2010/11 lexus is 250 with paddle shift and sub 70 k mileage got service history
I have a 06 is250 6 speed with 249k miles. Running like a champ! Most reliable car I've ever had. Slow af in my opinion compared to my previous 10 BMW 535 and 06 Audi s4. ..but she does the job commuting from Jersey to philly. Would definitely buy another Lexus
Just bought a 55 plate manual 250 on 86k Miles it drives brilliantly, looks cool and has a custom centre section exhaust, so when driving normal is still nice and quiet but when you give it a rev it sounds awesome. Coming from a modified civic typeR it does feel slow but I'm not really bottherd I just fancy a well built comfty cruiser for a while
@@nintendokings yes, owned it a year did around 7k miles and other than a exhaust gasket (which just came down to bad fitting by a previous owner) it only needed servicing. It was a pleasure to own. Only reason I got rid was because I changed my job and needed something with better mpg as I'm now doing a lot more miles.
I commented on one of your other videos about the Audi TT. I ve recently picked up a 2010 IS250 F Sport to replace my daily driver based on this review. Could have bought something faster, but wanted a change from Audis and something different then the usual BMWs you see every where. The V6 sounds great, you dont see many of them, fast enough to have fun when you're not stuck at 40mph in traffic, and as you say, its effortless and feels premium. Got all the toys and really looks the part with the subtle extra body kit and 18 inch wheels. Perfect daily to cruise around in. Cheers!
@@HighPeakAutos its lovely. Certainly feels like more car than I paid. My one and only gripe is,, even just 50bhp more and it would have been spot on. Shame we didnt get the 350 in the UK. But, very smooth and effortless.
@@HighPeakAutos Yep. 250 would be on point I think. But, having said that, it still gets up and goes fast enough for a daily. Plus the rarity, comfort, style and toys made me happy to avoid a faster BMW or Audi that all had more compromises for the same money,,, plus extra reliability.
Beautiful car i don’t know why people are so afraid mog I prefer a car with average of 30 mpg on the motorway than a car of 60 mpg that will break every month 😂
I bought this car because of u. Very good car..... only single flaw is for giants, my right knee hurts a bit, would have been great if the rear seat would go back more...... had a more comfortable sitting position in my previous e46
Amazing cars. Cannot be a better all round saloon for this time period. In terms of RWD, sensible economy, a decent turn of speed (for Euro roads anyway, in the US I would buy a 350), reliability, interior, refined drivetrain, good over rough roads but tight enough suspension to be fun on back roads. Competitors may beat it in particular areas (BMW handling, Merc prestige) but not as a package!
Nice one mate!I was really dreaming to buy BMW 3 series-e90 or F30...After reading about hundreds of issues,that could happend to me aswell,I simply stopped thinking of BMW... Now day by day seriously thinking about IS Xe20 or Xe30...We will see... Thanks for the genuine video about your car...really enjoyed...and Im closer now to IS series on my driveway! Cheers!
Before i bought an IS250 i called my mehanic who is also a friend,i asked him about the car and he said i know nothing and you know what that means right haha he never had to service an issue on this car,went to buy it staight away,bought an 2006 SE-L model,car is just perfect
Nice Video the last generation 2012 with the body kit and bucket style seats was artwork from Lexus. I drive a t27 Tourer Avensis which is the IS..if only they put the 2.5 unit into the Toyota and market it as a sport variant, would have sold in droves as there was the optional Team Toyota Body kit and exhaust for the Avensis from the showroom.
I got a 2006 is250 awd I bought it clean with 140,000 miles, 2 years later (winter car) got 160,000 miles and it still drives like a brand new car, my buddy drove it and cant believe it. So smooth. Only thing I did so far was put in a new battery and a remanufactured alternator. Easy peasy. Love the car could only imagine what the new is300 f sport is like
I really want this lexus either the older or this model in automatic, only issues I have is I'm young and insurance is very high for me on such a car, but love the these older lexuses also with the spec I would love to own one.
I have had my 06 Lexus IS250 since 2018, and it's been a pleasure to drive. Comfortable, good cruiser, and typical Lexus/Toyota reliability. PS, I think Rick Astley will want a lawsuit against that intro music
Hi I've got an IS250 in excellent condition 07. Regular service and just done transmission fluid change. Does your one shift down to 1st when less than 10mph. It's annoying driving over bumps. Let me know please.
Just bought one of these. 2008 with 111k miles. I am astounded as how smooth and refined it is after all these years and miles. There isn't a single rattle from the interior, or noise from Suspension. Best of all the engine is a real gem and is as smooth as butter. Mpg isn't bad either, i am averaging 35mpg with a 50/50 mix of motorway and town driving. Its the complete opposite of a thrilling drive, but not much can match it for refinement.
@@Therollingpanda i paid 3k for it. Its as good now as it was then. Its exactly the same. Ive since put 2 new tyres and brake pads on it. If you find one that has been serviced every 10k, i'm 99% certain it will be a great car
Great review, thanks, really enjoy all your vids. I watched this when you uploaded it and I am now an owner of an 2011 IS250. She's been half way to the moon but not a sound rattle or squeak when driving. Never an advisory on an MOT expect tyre wear. The interior feels brand new, but obviously dated but everything works perfectly and feels like new. The build quality on these cars is exemplary. I am really enjoying the car and, whilst it's not quick, I don't find it slow using the power button! Just wafts along in great comfort. I hope it's as reliable as its reputation proceeds. Do you think an extended Lexus Warranty is worth the money at £800 for 24 months cover?
I bought one of these last November. A few days later someone pranged it and I had a 3 series as a courtesy car while the IS was repaired. Yes the 3 series is a drivers car, but for the everyday, hands down the IS250 is a better car! The optional mark levinson stereo is fantastic, and get an SE-L model with all the toys!
Nice review! I own an 09 IS250 AWD Spot on with all the review!! Engine does sound good for a V6 204hp when you hit the gas! In cool temperature with KN Air Filter, she goes and sounds good!! I abuse my 250 and barely maintain it...94K miles and still pulls hard and drives like new...few cosmetic imperfection for a 10 year old car...but I’m driving and keeping this thing till it catches on fire LOL!!! So funny, my car is 10 years old and still gets compliment everytime I was and detail it....IS250 is more than enough capable as a daily driver...I’ve got Atleast 100-150K mikes more to go before I decide to let her go...another 7-10 years??!!
My mum has one of these and I used to have an Alfa 159. The comparison of quality was actually hilarious! Although, so was the driving experience. If only one could have the IS250 with the Alfa's gearbox, brakes and steering :(.
My current and previous five cars have all been Jaguars. I have tried all the German alternatives and found them to be lacking in something. The only car I have driven that I considered was a Lexus GS350h, a stunning car. Only problem is the mechanic I have gone to for years will not touch hybrids or ev's.
Far more reliable than the BMW, Merc or Audi. C class interior feels cheap and poorly built in comparison to any rivals. I have a 2010 in Pearl white coming this week :)
18 months into ownership and I have only serviced my Lexus and changed discs and pads! Very happy so far. BMW three series handles better around the corners but I enjoy the Lexus more.
I did 35 mpg on average over 15000 miles on a 2007 model with 110000 miles on the clock you can get 42 mpg with 70 mph cruising on the motorway only failure was the battery which had to be renewed.
39-42mpg is what I get from my "still reliable" c4 coupé 1.6 petrol at 70mph🤣🤣🤣 due to reving at 3500rpm!!? So that's great from big heavy lump tbh👍 Defo getting this over e90 or a4 or c class...
