Leogon13

Hey guys I am knew on this forum and I am trying to get some info on Lexus is250 aw I want to know if it's a good car good gas maileage and if there is any big Mechanical problems I should look for I am trying to get my wife am 08 is250 aw I am trying to spend 25k to a lil less then 30k how many miles should a car like that have pls. Let me know thanks

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

Welcome to CL. Overall it's a great car with minimal maintenance. The biggest problem of the 250 only and not the 350 is carbon build up in the motor. There are small rattling issues in some cars, gas pedal recall (Toyota's big recall) wasn't a big deal really, there's the trunk release from inside the trunk that's a bit newer problem with a recall (not a big deal personally). There have been some with problems with their aux jack to plug in an iPod.

You can have anywhere from 45-75K mikes on these cars. There's an owner with over 200K and see tal wit 120K plus.

Overall I'd buy the car again and like it. Not too much leg room in the rear. There are different packages that may raise the dollar value and navigation adds more also. Good luck on your search and you could always come back here and give us a link to a car you find so we can look at it.

Tarrant64

You need to make sure you both drive the AWD model if you're considering it. Know that in the drivers seat there's a bump/hump that intrudes on the right leg. I have the '11 IS350 awd, it's there an noticeable. If you get in a RWD IS and then an AWD you will notice the difference. You'll want to make sure you can adjust the seat to a point where this can be comfortable for a longer ride period.

Otherwise, great car. Carbon build-up mentioned often with the 250, but I don't have any personal experience dealing with it myself.

GoGiantsNJ

Sffd103 is the carbon build up on the 250 on the earlier years 2006 or so,or is it still an issue on the new ones. I just bought a new 2012 IS-250 AWD for my Wife. I use Shell 93 octane.Do you think Shell 93 could lessen that build up?

Thanks.

Leogon13

So do u think I should get the 350is and what time of gas do these cars use. Is it Premium

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

The 350 has 100HP more and larger front brake calipers. No carbon build up issue. Uses a bit more fuel and they both take super unleaded gasoline. Most people on here are happy with theirs 350 as far as the motor goes. A few bummed out that it's not offered in a manual transmission.

tex2670

I get 20-21 mpg. If your wife is anything like mine, get her a new Accord EX with the 4 cylinder engine, and she'll be happy as a clam. My wife does not enjoy the stiffer ride of a sports sedan (YMMV..or YWMV...)

Joshohoho

I bought my 2007 IS250 RWD used. this is also my first car I bought with my own money. I haven't had any issues that are common with the IS250, I got really lucky previous owner took care of it.

My tips to you when buying
-for the pricing, bought my car sept 2012, $22K 2007 IS250 RWD 69000 miles.
- test drove it twice.
1. smelled the car (i dont like cigarette smells in a car), left it on idle while visually checking it. maxed the A/C on. check electricals and all buttons. drove it around lightly. then looked at other dealers.
2. Came back to the same dealer cause it had the best deal for mileage, color and condition. drove it around more and revved it harder. BOUGHT IT THE SAME DAY.

GoGiantsNJ

Welcome from another rookie on this forum. Have you considered a certified ES-350?
Some of the years models runs on 87 octane. It will be smoother,more sedate.
If you want sportier than the IS is definitely what you should get. Check Lexus dealers websites for certified models. it may cost a bit more,but at least you get the warranty with it.

Good luck.